It has hosted two Ryder Cups, the Walker and Curtis Cups, the men's and women's British Amateurs, the Women's British Open and, on eight occasions, the Open Championship, and indeed is second only to the Old Course at St Andrews when it comes to the numbers of Opens played on it's highly renowned 7173-yard par-70 links course which includes the standard four par-three short holes, but only two long par five holes.

COURSE HISTORY:

The club, is a private institution with the usual facilities such as a spike bar, a practice range, locker rooms and a pro shop, but offers tee times to visitors in certain months of the year.

It was founded in 1889, but the current layout was created in 1922 by the renowned course architect Fred Hawtree in partnership with one of the members of the 'great triumvirate' of professionals of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, JH Taylor; a man who himself won The Open five times.

At the time, designs for links courses tended to call on golfers to play up and over the sand dunes, which, while interesting, often lead to the creation of blind shots.

At Birkdale, however, this approach was rejected in favour of a routing which allowed the holes to follow the valleys running between the dunes.

This helped make for generally flatter lies on the fairways, giving rise to the course's great reputation for being fair and contributing strongly to its great popularity among professionals.

It's layout also creates an impression of seclusion, with many holes being routed in such a way that you see no other hole except the one that you are playing.

This leaves the dunes free from where the galleries can enjoy some of the best vantage points available at any of the courses which have hosted The Open.

The club's first Open Championship was originally scheduled to be played at the course as early as 1940, but the outbreak of the Second World War meant that the championship was not held that year and it was nor until 1954 that the Open was to pay it's first visit to this corner of North West England. Since then, however, it has proved a superb and extremely popular venue.

Best Hole: The 18th is renowned as one of the world's finest finishing holes, its well bunkered green set against an unusual white clubhouse. A long par 4, it requires two strong hits and cool head on the green.

HOLE-BY-HOLE TOUR:

To take the hole-by-hole tour of Royal Birkdale, please Click Here

ROYAL BIRKDALE OPEN WINNERS:

1954 - Peter Thomson: The Australian legend won the first of his five Open titles her in this year.

1961 - Arnold Palmer: The American's charisma wowed British crowds as he won his first Open title.

1965 - Peter Thomson: He won his second at Royal Birkdale and his 5th overall.

1971 - Lee Trevino: Won his first Open from little-known Taiwanese player Lu Liang-Huan, who, affectionately known as 'Mr Lu' got within a stroke of what would have been an amazing victory.

1976 - Johnny Miller: The controversial US TV analyst defeated an unknown Spanish teenager called Severiano Ballesteros.

1983 - Tom Watson: The American wins his fifth Open, his eighth major title in nine seasons.

1991 - Ian Baker-Finch produces a blistering streak of birdies in his final round to ease himself to victory.

1998 - Mark O'Meara: Following his Masters triumph, O'Meara wins his second major in the space of three months. A 17-year-old amateur, Justin Rose, finished 4th.

VISITORS INFORMATION:

On it's official club website, Royal Birkdale makes a point of assuring visitors that they will be made very welcome. The Managing Secretary, Mike Gilyeat and his staff should be contacted for general enquiries and bookings.

- Reservations

Unless personally introduced as a member's guest, visitors must make a reservation and obtain a starting time prior to arrival. Reservations may be made by telephone, letter, fax or e-mail to the Secretary's Office. Handicap Certificates will be required from all visiting golfers. Company Days and Prestige Golf Days are programmed to take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

- Gift Vouchers

The Club offers personalised vouchers for a round of golf that make an ideal gift for any enthusiastic golfer.

- Professional's Shop

Apart from offering a wide range of equipment and merchandise, Private tuition from the Professional or his Assistant can be arranged. Video tuition and golf clinics are also available.

DRESS

- On the course - smart attire is essential, golf shoes are to be worn; shorts may be worn but only with knee length socks.

- In the clubhouse - smart casual wear is accepted in the Spike Bar and the Mixed Lounge. Jeans, track-suits, T-shirts and training shoes, for example are not permitted either in the clubhouse or on the golf course.

- A jacket and tie is required in the dining room after 6.00pm.

GREEN FEES

* Includes soup and sandwiches

- From December 1, 2007 to 31st March 2008

Course closed to visitors

- From April 1 to May 31, 2008

Weekday £165 per round

Weekend £195 per round

- From June 1 to July 27, 2008

Course Closed to Visitors

From July 28 to October 5, 2008

Weekday £165 per round

Weekend £195 per round

- From October 6 to December 14, 2008

Weekday £120 per round

Weekend £150 per round

- From December 15 - 31 December 2008

Course Closed to Visitors

CONTACT DETAILS

Waterloo Road, Southport, PR8 2LX, England

Managing Secretary:

Mike Gilyeat: tel: 01704 567920; fax: 01704 562327, e-mail: secretary@royalbirkdale.com

Professional:

Brian Hodgkinson: tel: 01704 568857; e-mail: brianhodgkinson@cybase.co.uk

Clubhouse: tel: 01704 569903