The Birkdale golf club was formed on 30 July 1889 with the promise "to make all necessary arrangements and incur all necessary expense as to preparing the course and greens, hiring a professional and providing suitable accommodation for a Clubhouse etc." The preference for quality over expense make the Royal Birkdale an excellent choice for the 2008 Open Championship.
Tradition states that the Treasurer would provide "whiskey and aerated waters" for the club members. This practice may no longer be active but the venue still offers much in the way of luxury hospitality. With private chalets in the hospitality village offering seating for 30 or 50 guests, sky hospitality boxes offering panoramic balcony views over the first tee and a dedicated open championship restaurant the Royal Birkdale retains its promise to cater for VIPs.
The Royal Birkdale is a links course and is located near Southport on the west coast of the UK. It compromises 5% of the Sefton Coast sand dunes that have recognised as being of special scientific interest. It is known for its challenging bunkers and sea breezes so is a perfect destination for golfers that are fans of sand dunes and salty air. It is home to the nationally rare Natterjack toad, Pipistrelle bat, Red Squirrel and the Sand Lizard. As well as being home to a wide variety of flora and fauna the dunes offer a fantastic platform for spectators.
The course is ranked 12th in the world and is regarded as the best golf course in England. It is considered a fair but unforgiving course. The attractive 183-yard par three 12th is one of the courses many highlights. It provides a challenge with its deep bunkers and rough grass that protect the green. The 467 yard 18th is sure to provide excitement. With a narrow entrance to the green flanked by three unforgiving bunkers the hole can prove troublesome but the opportunity to birdie make his a thrilling final hole.
The last open played at the Royal Birkdale was won by Mark O'Meara in 1998. He joined an illustrious list of past winners on the course that includes, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson and Ian Baker-Finch. The course has also brought us some of the best young British golfers. At the age of 20 Nick Faldo won his first 72-hole professional event at the Royal Birkdale winning the 1978 Colgate PGA Championship. More recently we saw the 17-year-old Justin Rose chip in on the 18th to achieve the highest finish for an amateur in modern times.
The Open will take place between the 17-20 July 2008 at the Royal Birkdale Club, Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LX, England. With the popular choice of venue golf fans can expect an exciting summer and with the BBC set to cover the event those fans that are not able to make the most of the course hospitality will be able to enjoy the event from home.
The Royal Birkdale has been named as the host for the 2008 British open. The Links course that was first developed in 1922 will become the home of the most anticipated event of the British golfing calendar between the 17th and 20th of July 2008. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the course here is an introduction to the front 9.
Hole 1
The first hole at the Royal Birkdale delivers a beautiful introduction to the world famous links course. The hole dog legs to the left and requires a 290 yard drive to reach the kink in the fairway. It is important to drive well and place your shot between Out of Bounds to the right of the fairway and a large bunker set into a large mound known as 'Jutland' to the left. A well place drive will leave you with an achievable yet demanding 145 yard shot to the pin.
Hole 2
The 421 yard par 4 second hole is a straight hole that requires a solid drive into the prevailing wind. A good drive will give you a chance to attack the well protected green. Surrounded by rough banks and six bunkers this hole requires excellent approach play.
Hole 3
Another hole that requires an exceptional drive is the 450 yard par 4 third. The fairway is straight with the green slightly offset to the right. For this reason you must try to strike your drive to the left of the fairway whilst avoiding the two large inviting bunkers that are placed there. Succeed and you will be rewarded with an achievable second shot at the green. If your drive is wayward this hole will give you little chance of reprise.
Hole 4
After 3 long drives the fourth offers a different challenge. The tee is elevated and you are required to be bold with your drive to reach the green. Nestled in a cluster of bunkers this splendid 203 yard par 3 will provide a new challenge from the earlier holes.
Hole 5
A quintessential links hole the par four 5th dog legs to the right and offers deep rough to each side of the fairway so a careful drive is important. The long narrow green is well guarded by a collection of bunkers that provide a formidable challenge for your approach play.
Hole 6
This long 509 yard par 5 requires a long straight drive as each side of the fairway is flanked with unforgiving bunkers that will collect wayward shots. As well as a long tee shot the hole demands a lengthy second to leave you with a chance to approach the green with your third. Elevated and surrounded by sand dunes the green is well contoured and provides a formidable challenge.
Hole 7
The punchy par 3 7th is the shortest hole on the course. 177 yards long the hole demands an accurate tee shot over heavy rough. Your tee shot will have to avoid a collection of bunkers that protect the green.
Hole 8
The 8th is another hole that demands a long but accurate drive. A confident drive will place you beyond bunkers that flank the fairway and leave you with an opportunity to hit the green in two. The green has a deceptive putting surface that with provide a challenge for even the most accomplished golfers.
Hole 9
The 9th provides a multitude of challenges to complete the front nine. The tee shot has to be played blind with a prevailing crosswind and struck far enough to hit the recently moved fairway. A solid 411 yards stands between you and the pin. Two chunky bunkers pinch the neck of the green and invite under hit approach shots. Over hit approach shots will be collected by troublesome rough meaning that club selection is vitally important.
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