COURSE UPDATE TO MEMBERS - SEPTEMBER 2025

We hope all members and guests have enjoyed the course throughout the season. The sunny, dry weather meant all 18 holes were open, though the drought conditions did create challenges for our Greenkeeping Team as they worked tirelessly in preparation for The Open Championship. Despite these difficulties, the course remains in excellent condition, and with favourable weather ahead, we are confident that Royal Birkdale will be at its very best for our members, our guests, and the world stage in 2026.

We understand that members may have questions, particularly regarding preparations for The Open, and we hope the FAQs below will help provide clarity. Over the coming months, Sharon will share details of specific dates and times when she will be available in the clubhouse, giving members the opportunity to raise any further queries directly.

When will the bunkers on the 12th hole be re-shaped?

Work begins in autumn, and we may close the hole temporarily to expedite progress. If a hole is closed in the winter, the old 14th par 3 will reopen so we maintain 18 playable holes—a benefit of having a 19th hole. Other bunkers scheduled for relocation and reshaping this autumn include the left greenside bunker on the 8th and 11th.  

When will we install the tee marker posts?

All the posts are now in place.   They will naturally fade to be a similar colour to the pots that have been out all season.

There are still some teeing areas that are not finished off around the edges?

The turfing work will take place this Autumn or Spring 2026.

From the Blue Tee on the first hole, it's not possible to see if the ball goes into the ditch due to overhanging branches and uncut rough.

Branches will be trimmed, and work will extend to the ditch area. Tree cutting will not occur until nesting season has concluded, so this task is scheduled for the winter.

There are some blow out areas that are collapsing e.g. around 4th tee. 

Our intention is to enhance waste areas by planting additional marram grass to promote sand stabilisation and minimise erosion. These waste areas are temporary, resulting from sand extraction for the construction of new tees rather than intended as sand scrape design features, and will progressively be restored through natural vegetation.

On occasion this season the practice ground appeared scruffy and unattended.

Although maintaining the practice ground is important, recent months have required us to prioritise course work. We will continue regular divot repairs and top dressing in the area.

We plan to install an artificial strip in front of the new practice pad to allow us to rest/protect the turf during high-traffic events, such as charity days.

At times during the summer, no practice balls were available for members, and the balls provided were often damaged or not sufficiently clean.

Plans are in place to move the practice ball dispenser and washer closer to the practice area, which should address many concerns. This season required temporary solutions, with ball washing done every other day and some damage occurring during dune maintenance. We aim to provide higher quality balls next season.

When will we be getting the new bunker rakes and other course furniture?

Overall, the course committee aims to maintain a minimalist aesthetic throughout the golf course by removing any nonessential furniture and signage.

The course committee has included new furniture and associated costs in the 2026 budget. Items listed are rakes, practice area pins and flags, broken tee caddies for par 3 holes, signage, rubbish bins, and a first tee information board.

Members have provided favourable feedback regarding the sample practice putting green pins, which require only teak oil for maintenance instead of annual sanding and varnishing. Some members were initially concerned about their tall height, while others noted the convenience of not needing to bend down to remove the flags. The plan is to purchase a complete set.

Members have received information about two sample spiked flags placed in the chipping area, which give golfers the option to personalise their chip shots. These flags are currently being trialled, and feedback is encouraged. The proposed plan is to use a combination of ½ flags and spiked flags made from similar materials, replacing the current large standard flags. This will help to differentiate the chipping area from other parts of the course.

PractiCe Nets are unsightly and still a little firm. What is the plan for the nets?

The course committee reviewed several possible locations; however, despite concerns about the current appearance of the nets, the existing site remains the most suitable choice. As a result, we are planning to enclose the nets within a purpose-built structure, potentially modelled after the first tee starters’ hut. Incorporating rough grasses on the roof will help blend the facility into its surroundings when viewed from the 9th green, thereby enhancing the overall quality and aesthetic of the area.

Why have the Red stakes been removed from the slack area right of 15th?

The course committee agreed that the area does not require the marking of red stakes.  Moving the slack area closer to the 16th tees has been successful in allowing it to run dry.  It is now a general play area for ruling purposes.

Buggies are going too close to the greens in some parts of the course?

Geo-fencing for buggies will be enhanced to reduce wear and tear on the course, especially near green surrounds. Some locations, such as the 3rd and 8th holes, currently have limited options for buggy routing. Efforts are underway to establish improved buggy routes in these specific areas.

When will all the benches be returned to the course?

Plans are in place to install concrete bases for the benches. Benches not currently positioned on the course will be set out after this process is finished. The Heritage Committee has provided a list of benches and their intended locations. Work is scheduled to begin either in Autumn or Spring 2026.

Divots on the chipping area?

It is disappointing that we have seen substantial divots around the new chipping area of late.  In an effort to maintain a minimalist aesthetic, we have previously avoided installing signage, trusting that golfers would use the area exclusively for chipping rather than high pitch or full shots. Unfortunately, it will be necessary to introduce signage to help preserve this designated space.

What sort of things are we needing to do in preparation for The Open Championship?

As we intensify preparations for the Open Championship in 2026, many of the tasks identified—particularly those related to agronomy—align with our ongoing commitment to maintaining the course at a standard worthy of its distinguished reputation as both a members’ club and championship venue. Outlined below are key focus areas that have been discussed in collaboration with the R&A.

Agronomy

• Green surrounds and greens are in good shape but we still need to reduce the amount of organic matter and improve firmness considerably.  This requires the application of 120 tonnes of sand over the next few months.  All our sand comes from the course so there are no additional material costs.  Dry jet work will increase on the greens this winter and some green surrounds will be hollow tined in a more traditional form with the larger holes.
• A number of Championship Tees require additional water and feed. 
• We need to pay attention to some areas of rough where there has been little growth due to the summer drought conditons.  Notably left and right of 14th fairway.
• Use of mats to protect fairways and surrounds, particular after a summer of drought, will be considered from Autumn through to the Open week.  Course Committee are considering the options but it may be less confusing for members and avoid doubt to apply a blanket mat policy rather than try to isolate specific areas.  There may be specific areas ear marked for mat use in the rough from Spring 2026.
• Opening the 19th hole (formerly the 14th hole par 3) will be very helpful, allowing other holes to be closed for faster recovery and providing interrupted 18 hole play for members and an opportunity to return to the 14 hole winter option that some members favour.

Course Set-up:

• The R&A course set-up team are not concerned with the lack of full growth on the large dune right of 13th fairway.  In fact, the unevenness of the ground, as it is now, provides a high degree of jeopardy for competitors at the Open and will discourage them from aiming into the area.
• The tees on 3rd and 8th need some work to make them more level.
• The raking methods in some of our new fairway bunkers, whilst much more playable for members and guests, are not challenging enough for Open competitors.  The R&A will add jeopardy through alternative raking strategies during the Open week.
• The R&A would prefer the gorse to the left of the 9th fairway to remain until after the Open Championship to add to the jeopardy around the landing area on that hole.
• We have been asked to grow rough closer to the left hand side of 13th green filling in some of the open run out area we currently have.
• The player walk off area to the right of the11th Championship is too steep. The R&A will instruct and pay for contractors to soften this slope.

Spectator Routing and Infrastructure

• The R&A are generally satisfied with the dune filling, however, more stabilisation is needed in high-traffic spectator areas.
• A planned spectator exit route needs to be created at the back of the12th which will demolish some of the slabbing work.  However, this is only in areas out of view from the tees.
• There are a number of areas required for spectator routes and hospitality where scrub and gorse have grown since the last Open at RB.  This will need to be removed over the winter.
• It will be necessary to remove a portion of the gorse located to the left of the gold tee on the 9th hole to accommodate spectator routes.
• The R&A have concerns about how to engineer a stand over the dune to the right of 18th green.  They are currently working with their engineers/designers to solve this.
• Infrastructure work for the spectator village is scheduled to start at the far end of the practice ground around late March or early April 2026. Members will be able to use the our range until it is no longer practical, after which the Hillside practice ground will be available for use.

Sharon Eales
Chair of Course