Royal Birkdale Returns For 11th Open After Nine Years

Royal Birkdale’s Historic Role in The Open

The Open Championship is back at Royal Birkdale for the 11th time, marking its first appearance in nine years. The last visit saw Jordan Spieth claim his third major title, bringing him within a single stroke of a career grand slam. Over the past two decades, Birkdale has hosted the oldest major four times, cementing its reputation as a challenging and respected venue. Although it has hosted fewer Opens than Muirfield or Royal St George’s, the course has proven itself time and again.

Why Players Have Long Praised Royal Birkdale

Top golfers consistently speak highly of the course, often remarking on how well‑struck shots are rewarded. In 2008, Phil Mickelson highlighted the fair‑play nature of the layout, noting that shots short of the green receive generous bounces and that the mix of holes rewards every club in the bag. Dustin Johnson echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to control the ball on a course that can yield low scores for those who execute well. Sergio Garcia, after the 2017 championship, called Birkdale one of the toughest Open venues, second only to Carnoustie and perhaps Muirfield.

Scottie Scheffler’s Take on Recent Renovations

Reigning world number one Scottie Scheffler offered his candid thoughts ahead of this year’s Open, focusing on the changes made since 2017. He pointed out that holes 14, 15, 16, 5 and 7 now look strikingly different, with steep slopes and tight fairways that demand precision. Scheffler described the course as “really solid,” noting that birdies will require sharply hit shots and that the par‑three holes pose particular challenges. He expressed confidence that the updated layout, combined with firm and fast conditions, will produce an exciting week of competition.

What Lies Ahead for The Open at Birkdale

As the field prepares for what will be just the second major of the season, the combination of historic prestige and modern upgrades sets high expectations. The tight fairways and steep green complexes will test even the most seasoned professionals, while the course’s reputation for rewarding clean play attracts fans and players alike. With strong opinions from legends and the current world leader, this championship promises to be a memorable chapter in Royal Birkdale’s Open history.