Royal Birkdale Golf Club Unveils Exciting Course Changes and Brand New Par 3

Royal Birkdale Golf Club, England – 22nd September 2023

Royal Birkdale Golf Club, one of the world's most renowned golfing destinations, is thrilled to announce a series of course changes and the addition of a spectacular new par 3 that will further enhance the golfing experience at our historic venue.

With a rich history dating back to 1889, Royal Birkdale has consistently been recognised as a world-class golfing destination. The upcoming changes aim to elevate the challenge and beauty of our course while preserving the traditions and heritage that make Royal Birkdale so iconic.

We are delighted to partner with Tom Mackenzie from the world-renowned Mackenzie & Ebert Golf Course Architects and with eminent golf course construction company Golf Link Evolve for this project. The works will be carried out in two phases, phase one will begin in Autumn 2023 and conclude in Spring 2024. Phase two of the project will start in Autumn 2024 and conclude in Spring 2025. All works will be completed in time for the Club to proudly host The Open Championship in 2026.

The key highlights of the work will include:

1. Brand New Par 3: Royal Birkdale are excited to introduce a brand new par 3 which will play as our new 15th. This is designed to offer more variation to our current par 3s and have our iconic clubhouse as the backdrop. (Appendix 1)

2. Redesigned 14th Hole: The existing par 5, 15th hole will become the new redesigned 14th hole. (Appendix 2)

3. Existing 14th Hole: The existing 14th green will be converted to a world class shortgame area and exisiting teeing grounds will be kept to play as a 19th hole. (Appendix 3)

4. 5th Hole: Our current 5th hole will be completely redesigned. (Appendix 4)

5. 7th hole: This will be redesigned to become a short par 3 with the green raised (Appendix 5)

6. General Improvements: The bunkers, tees and pathways throughout the course will be meticulously renovated to provide players with consistent, top-quality, more natural playing conditions.

7. Sustainable Practices: As part of our ongoing commitment to our SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest), the course changes have been executed with the utmost care for the local ecosystem. Royal Birkdale Golf Club remains dedicated to preserving the area's natural beauty. Natural England has fully supported the course changes.

Course Chairman, Neil Cruickshank, expressed his excitement about the developments: "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."

Appendix 1 - New Par 3, 15th Hole

Appendix 2 - Redesigned Par 5, 14th Hole (current 15th)

Appendix 3 - Existing 14th Green / New Practice Facility

Appendix 4 - Redesigned Par 4, 5th Hole

Appendix 5 - Redesigned Par 3, 7th Hole