WHY ROYAL BIRKDALE IS THE OPEN’S BEST COURSE
FOURTEEN courses have hosted The Open Championship since the first tournament in 1860 and while 10 remain on the rota, it is Royal Birkdale that ticks all the boxes.
From the professional’s point of view it is a ball-striker’s paradise and anyone off their game soon gets found out.
Ideally, there will be a 15-20mph wind blowing, where it becomes a real challenge to thread the ball successfully down each fairway and avoid the formidable bunkers. The greens are not particularly undulating, and good putters usually have a gleam in their eye.
Although it never gets mentioned as crucial, the signature hole on the course might well be the demanding 12th, which is a firm contender for the best par-three in Britain.
The last four holes are really exciting as well, featuring the only two par-fives on the course and so offering the chance for the sort of bravado finish we see at all the best Opens.
For the spectator, it is the best venue as well. It is easy to follow your favourite golfer and even easier to perch yourself atop one of the many dunes, take in the view, and let the golfers come to you.
Do not be put off by that ‘Royal’ title either. This is no Muirfield, and the membership are a generally welcoming bunch. AND THE BEST OF THE REST... ROYAL PORTRUSH BACk on the rota so prepare to swoon when it hosts the 2019 Championship. Last week I was lucky enough to play the two new holes that replace the weak 17th and 18th from the old layout, and it is fair to say the masterpiece is now complete. ST ANDREWS BEsT for history, of course, and probably atmosphere as well, for there is nothing like walking round the grey town of legend during Open week. But its quirks also make it a nightmare for anyone wanting to follow a particular group. ROYAL LIVERPOOL A FAIRLy unmemorable course comes alive when the grand- stands are built and provide definition. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were the last two winners there, so that helps the club’s credit rating in itself. The crowds are great too, for it is not just football that scousers love. TURNBERRY UP to host the 2020 Open until comments by owner and Us President Donald Trump prompted the R&A to change their minds. The atmosphere at the last one was also shockingly bad. But those views are to die for and the recent course changes are pleasing, too.