Royal Liverpool Golf Club: Course Review, Green Fees, Tee Times and Key Info

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Key Information

Built in 1869, on what was then the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, Hoylake is the second oldest of the English seaside courses, after Westward Ho! It's one of the very best links in England.

The club has played host to The Open Championship on 12 occasions with recent winners Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods demonstrating the quality of golf demanded by this excellent course. The Open returns to Hoylake this July.

At the tip of the Wirral peninsula and set on fairly flat ground, it’s a superb layout with beautiful greens and wonderful natural contours. Always maintained in immaculate condition, there are some uniquely memorable golf holes to experience at Hoylake. It’s a course where emphasis is placed on strong driving and tee shots must be threaded between punishing bunkering.

Major works have been undertaken in preparation for July 2023, with advice from course architect Martin Ebert and overseen by Royal Liverpool’s experienced Course Manager Craig Gilholm. 

Special note should be made of the newly designed par-3 15th (which will play as the 17th for The Open.) The design is imaginative, original and a little different in look compared to the rest of the course. The natural grass and sandy areas combine wonderfully with the raised green turned toward the coast. The bunkering is well thought out and the drop off areas quite punishing. It’s a great addition.There have also been changes to further greens, tees, bunkers, hollows and mounding around the course.

Playing any championship course allows you to test your ability against what the best in the world experience and Hoylake is a true example of this. The opening few holes ease you into the round although good shots are still required.

Once into the heart of the round all aspects of your game will be tested, and you will need all of them to be working to score well. Accuracy is key throughout especially as you reach the back nine. Subtle run-off areas around the greens can cost you shots. It's a great test.

What The Top 100 Panel Said

John Winter

Hoylake is a fantastic golf course. The routing, like Muirfield, constantly changes so it is not a constant slog into the wind. The wind screams across the flatter part of the course, unprotected by the dunes, but each hole is protected by cleverly sighted and often penal pot bunkers that reveal its true architectural strengths. Gentle run offs on many holes convert errant approach shots into difficult up and downs. Ever improving year-on-year.

NIcholas Hercules

An immense challenge for all bar single digit golfers as it’s vital to be hitting into the treacherous green complexes from the right angles to avoid coming in over greenside pot bunkers. Bunkers in general are so well placed. The hidden burrows on greens can make you look foolish with so many easy three putts out there. Course was presented flawlessly when I played.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Location

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Green Fees

Visit the Royal Liverpool website for more information

Best Courses near to Royal Liverpool Golf Club

WALLASEY

Over 130 years, Wallasey’s links has had design input from Old Tom Morris, Hawtree and Taylor, James Braid and Donald Steel. More recently, the design and presentation has stepped up several gears under course manager, John McLaughlin, and is now a thrilling journey through some of the best dunes in English golf.

WEST LANCS

West Lancs lies among a concentrated north-west cluster of very fine links golf. It can certainly prove a stern test when the wind is up. Coming home, 12 and 13 stand out, an excellent par 3 where you must clear two deep pot bunkers, then a wonderful dogleg par 4 from an exposed tee.

For all the best courses in the area check out our guide to the best courses in Cheshire

Best Places to Stay Near Royal Liverpool Golf Club

Titanic Hotel Liverpool - Book now at Booking.com
At Liverpool’s Stanley Dock, the Titanic Hotel Liverpool is found in the site’s former North Warehouse. The hotel is also home to the dockside Stanleys Bar and Grill and Rum Bar. Just 5 mins from Liverpool centre and a short drive to Hoylake.

Hillbark Hotel and Spa - Book here now
An elegant country house hotel just inland from Royal Liverpool. The Hillbark Hotel offers a luxurious retreat and is a hugely relaxing place to unwind after a day's golf.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Course Gallery

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Royal Liverpool Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2023/24 - 12
• 2021/22 - 12
• 2019/20 – 14
• 2017/18 - 14
• 2015/16 - 12
• 2013/14 - 15
• 2011/12 - 13
• 2009/10 - 13

Frequently Asked Questions