The Legendary Course: Royal Liverpool
The Royal Liverpool Golf Club, located in Hoylake, England, is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. Known simply as “Hoylake” to locals, the course has hosted The Open Golf Championship a total of 12 times, with the most recent held there in 2014. The course will stage the 151st Open Championship for the 13th time in 2023.
History of the Course
The course has also been the site of several historic moments in golfing history. In 1902, Alex Herd won The Open at Royal Liverpool, becoming the first player to win the tournament using the newly-invented Haskey ball. Another notable moment from the history of Royal Liverpool happened in 1967. Roberto De Vicenzo won The Open Championship, however, after signing an incorrect scorecard, he was disqualified and the title went to his closest competitor, Gary Player. This incident is often known as the “De Vicenzo Affair”.
Interesting Facts About Royal Liverpool
- The course has hosted The Open Championship 12 times, with the first championship taking place in 1897.
- The course was designed by Robert Chambers and George Morris and first opened in 1869.
- Royal Liverpool was the first course to have a ladies’ championship, which was held in 1893.
- The course has a unique feature called “The Dell,” a natural hollow that is situated between the 14th and 17th holes. The Dell is often referred to as one of the toughest par-3 holes in golf.
- Another notable hole on the course is the 16th, which is a par-5 hole that requires players to hit their second shot over a large, deep bunker known as “The Arnold Palmer Bunker.”
- The clubhouse at Royal Liverpool was designed by Charles Morris, who was also responsible for designing the clubhouse at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.
- Some of the notable winners of The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Peter Thomson, who won the championship three times at the course.

Features of the Course
One of the unique features of the Royal Liverpool course is its location. Situated near the coast, the course is heavily influenced by the winds that blow in off the Irish Sea. These winds can be a major challenge for golfers, as they can dramatically affect the trajectory and distance of shots, even for the world class players taking part. The course also features a number of elevated tees and greens, which can further complicate the playing experience.
Another notable feature of the Royal Liverpool course is its use of natural hazards. Rather than relying on man-made obstacles such as bunkers or water hazards, the course incorporates the natural terrain of the area into its design. This includes dunes and tall grasses, which can further complicate the playing experience.
The course is also known for its challenging greens, which can be a struggle for anyone that finds putting difficult. They are notoriously fast and hard to read, any minor mistake can be catastrophic.
One of the most famous holes on the course is the par-5 16th, known as “The Queen’s”. This hole requires golfers to navigate a series of bunkers and tall grasses in order to reach the green, which is surrounded by steep mounds and thick rough.
Past Winners
Over the years, a number of legendary golfers have won on the Royal Liverpool course. Here are just a few of the most notable winners in the history of The Open Championship at Hoylake:
- Harold Hilton (1897) – Hilton was a British golfer who won four major championships in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Walter Hagen (1924) – Hagen was an American golfer who won 11 major championships over the course of his career.
- Bobby Jones (1930) – Jones was an American amateur golfer who won 13 major championships, including three Open Championships.
- Tiger Woods (2006) – Woods is one of the most successful golfers of all time, with 15 major championships to his name.

In conclusion, Royal Liverpool is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, with a rich history and a challenging layout that has tested the skills of some of the game’s greatest players. With notable features like “The Dell” and “The Arnold Palmer Bunker,” it’s no wonder that the course has become a favorite among golfers and fans alike.
If you’re planning on attending The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, we are now taking enquiries for hospitality packages. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or a seasoned golf enthusiast, our hospitality packages provide the perfect way to enjoy this prestigious event in style. We are now taking enquiries for hospitality packages. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or a seasoned golf enthusiast, we can secure your place with our premium experience hospitality packages. Contact us – we’d be happy to help with your booking.