Royal Liverpool Golf Club, better known as Hoylake, is one of England's finest links tests and a regular on The Open Championship rota. It's a proper championship venue that's crowned the game's biggest names, from Bobby Jones in 1930 to Tiger Woods in 2006, Rory McIlroy in 2014 and Brian Harman in 2023.
As the 2nd oldest seaside golf course in England, Royal Liverpool sits just behind Royal North Devon (Westward Ho!). The original layout was conceived by Robert Chambers and George Morris, extended to 18 holes in 1871, the same year Queen Victoria awarded it Royal status. In those early days the links land even doubled as the racecourse for the Liverpool Hunt Club, but golf has long since taken centre stage.
Hoylake is not about dramatic dunes, it's about control. The course is relatively flat by links standards, but the bunkering is fierce, the rough can be punishing and when the wind gets up off the Dee Estuary, par becomes a very good score. Firm, fast greens and subtle contours put the emphasis on precise iron play and smart strategy. Tiger's famous 2006 victory, when he barely touched his driver all week and still won by two, tells you everything about how this course rewards thinking over power.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want to play a genuine Open venue with serious history and a no-nonsense links challenge. Brilliant for societies and groups ticking off England's bucket-list courses.
Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers, roughly low to mid-handicap, who enjoy planning their way round in the wind. If you loved watching The Open at Hoylake, you'll love seeing how quickly it asks the question back.
