Royal Birkdale Golf Club has unveiled plans for a sequence of main modifications to its championship format that will probably be carried out over the subsequent 18 months in preparation for the venue’s internet hosting of The Open Championship in 2026.
The membership says that the proposed modifications, which have been designed by Tom Mackenzie after all architect agency Mackenzie & Ebert and will probably be constructed by Golf Link Evolve, goal to ‘elevate the problem and great thing about our course, whereas preserving the traditions and heritage that make Royal Birkdale so iconic’.
The works will probably be carried out in two phases, with section one already below method and concluding in spring subsequent yr, whereas section two will begin in autumn 2024 and conclude in spring 2025.
The important thing highlights of the work will embody:
fifteenth gap: A model new par 3, positioned between the present fifteenth and sixteenth tee, will change the prevailing par-5 15th. The outlet will probably be designed to supply extra variation to present par 3s and a function the clubhouse because the backdrop.
14th Gap: The prevailing par 5, fifteenth will develop into the brand new redesigned 14th gap. The prevailing 14th inexperienced will probably be transformed to a brief sport space and exisiting teeing grounds will probably be stored to play as a nineteenth gap.
fifth Gap: The present par-4 fifth gap will probably be utterly redesigned and can function important fairway bunkering.
seventh gap: This will probably be redesigned to develop into a brief par-3 with fewer bunkers and a raised inexperienced.
In different works, the bunkers, tees and pathways all through the course will probably be renovated ‘to supply gamers with constant, top-quality, extra pure taking part in circumstances’.
Course Chairman Neil Cruickshank mentioned: “The modifications at Royal Birkdale replicate our dedication to upholding the membership’s esteemed popularity whereas providing a {golfing} expertise that’s second to none. We’re assured that these alterations will probably be warmly acquired by each our members and guests from all over the world.”
