Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Royal Birkdale needs no introduction. Host to The Open, the Ryder Cup, the PGA Match Play and the Women’s British Open, it is one of the finest links in the world. Designed by Hawtree and Taylor, this par-72 championship course measures up to 6,900 yards. The fairways are flat and forgiving, so your ball will rarely be thrown off line, but each hole runs through a valley of towering dunes, and missing the middle can be costly. The greens are a great defence for the course, extremely difficult to read, and in immaculate condition all year round. Overall, Royal Birkdale is a must-play course for any keen golfer and a fantastic links.

The 6th hole at Royal Birkdale. Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images