Staging its 11th Open Championship in 2026, Royal Birkdale has developed a well-earned reputation as one of golf's grandest venues and greatest tests.
The list of winners here is extraordinary, including Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, Ian Baker-Finch, Mark O'Meara, Padraig Harrington and Jordan Spieth. And it shouldn't be forgotten that Dame Laura Davies lifted the Women's Open title in Southport 40 years ago.
Naturally, keen golfers want to taste that history and see how their own game can stand up to a challenge that has examined the world's very best for decades.
But how do you go about booking a tee time here and what does it cost?
How Good is Royal Birkdale?
(Image Credit: Rolex/Chris Turvey)
First, it might be worth taking a moment to explore just how special a layout Royal Birkdale is. Golf Digest have ranked it as the 17th best course outside the United States, while National Club Golfer have it as the third finest in England, with Golf Monthly placing it sixth on its listing of the top destinations in Great Britain & Ireland.
Unsurprisingly, it's Highly Recommended on Golfshake, with our community of passionate golfers rating it extremely positively.
Let's take a quick glance at some of their comments:
"Stunning. To walk these fairways and play the same greens that the greatest golfers the world has ever seen is a privilege nobody should take for granted. What an experience."
"Golfing perfection. Place is immaculate and if you ever get the chance to go and play it then you absolutely must."
"The course has a rich history and is in great condition. It's a beautiful venue and the staff are exemplary."
"Excellent condition. Greens very fast, bunkers galore and bunkers too numerous to count. With rough immediately off the fairway that is tough to find and play your ball. A championship course through and through - one to definitely experience. All the staff very welcoming and helpful."
"Was incredible to play the course where the pros play, taking in those nostalgic shots, imagining where Spieth played his recovery to on 13 before he romped home to victory in 2017. The round is full of memories like that."
"A truly outstanding golf course! From the warmest of welcomes when you enter the clubhouse, to the extremely helpful starter, to following in the footsteps of golfing legends, through to playing an absolutely superb golf course this was an outstanding experience."
Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook had the opportunity to play here in 2022 and he described it for us:
"I think players of all abilities can enjoy a great game of golf at Royal Birkdale - even if your focus is plotting your way around and accepting bogeys. Walking in the footsteps of champions of years gone by is what makes the game of golf so special and unique and let's be honest, the score doesn't really matter."
What Does it Cost to Play Royal Birkdale?
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
We've previously addressed the rising cost of green fees at the most famous courses on these islands, and Royal Birkdale is comfortably among the most expensive of them.
Regular visitor tee times are available at the club on Mondays and Thursdays, which can be booked for £450pp in April, which rises to £495pp for rounds played between May and October, including this season.
However, there is another option on Wednesdays, which are exclusively set aside for the Birkdale Experience Package. For £565pp, guests can play 18 holes, alongside receiving a meet and greet, a special gift pack from the professional, and a two-course bistro meal.
You may believe - I would argue justifiably - that such fees are extortionate, but the opportunity is there for those who are willing to pay the money.
Are There Other Ways to Secure a Tee Time?
Booking directly through the club itself may be the simplest option, but if you wish to make your Birkdale adventure part of a wider, more encompassing journey, then you need to visit our travel partners Golfbreaks.
They are currently offering a one-night package that includes round at both Royal Birkdale and the nearby (truly brilliant) Hillside from £949pp. That is quite a prospect for any golfing aficionado.
But if you really want to push the boat out - and you're a massive fan of the Open - then you probably can't beat this.
Priced at £1,609pp, you have the opportunity to embark on a two-night break that will include rounds at Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Lytham & St Annes, a trio of championship venues in England's incredible North West.
That said, while Birkdale is undeniably majestic, there are so many other courses in this region just waiting for you to discover them, which you can explore in this new article.
Do you want to walk in the footsteps of the Champion Golfer of 2026? You could make that dream day happen.
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