Royal Birkdale Golf Club has unveiled plans for a series of major changes to its championship layout that will be carried out over the next 18 months in preparation for the venue’s hosting of The Open Championship in 2026.
The club says that the proposed changes, which have been designed by Tom Mackenzie of course architect firm Mackenzie & Ebert and will be constructed by Golf Link Evolve, aim to ‘elevate the challenge and beauty of our course, while preserving the traditions and heritage that make Royal Birkdale so iconic’.
The works will be carried out in two phases, with phase one already under way and concluding in spring next year, while phase two will start in autumn 2024 and conclude in spring 2025.
The key highlights of the work will include:
15th hole: A brand new par 3, located between the current 15th and 16th tee, will replace the existing par-5 15th. The hole will be designed to offer more variation to current par 3s and a feature the clubhouse as the backdrop.
14th Hole: The existing par 5, 15th will become the new redesigned 14th hole. The existing 14th green will be converted to a short game area and exisiting teeing grounds will be kept to play as a 19th hole.
5th Hole: The current par-4 5th hole will be completely redesigned and will feature significant fairway bunkering.
7th hole: This will be redesigned to become a short par-3 with fewer bunkers and a raised green.
In other works, the bunkers, tees and pathways throughout the course will be renovated ‘to provide players with consistent, top-quality, more natural playing conditions’.
Course Chairman Neil Cruickshank said: “The changes at Royal Birkdale reflect our dedication to upholding the club’s esteemed reputation while offering a golfing experience that is second to none. We are confident that these alterations will be warmly received by both our members and visitors from around the world.”