Royal Liverpool Golf Club, known as Hoylake, is esteemed as the second English course to host the Open Championship and remains a pivotal venue in golf history. Founded in 1869 on the grounds of a racecourse, it expanded to 18 holes by 1871, receiving royal patronage shortly after. The course’s flat terrain, bordered by houses and the Dee Estuary, belies its challenge, with undulations becoming more pronounced away from residential areas.
Throughout its history, Hoylake has witnessed pivotal moments in golf technology, such as the introduction of the Haskell ball in 1902 during the Amateur Championship, which marked a shift from gutty balls. Architects like Harry Colt, Donald Steel, and Martin Hawtree have made significant alterations to adapt the course to modern standards, including recent lengthening to over 7,000 yards for major tournaments.
Key features include the visually striking holes along the shore from the 9th to the 12th, where minimal dunes provide little shelter from the wind, creating an authentic links challenge. Ahead of the 2022 Open Championship, further enhancements under Martin Ebert’s direction included green modifications, new tees, and strategic adjustments to elevate the course’s complexity and difficulty.
Royal Liverpool maintains its legacy as a traditional links course that tests the skills of top golfers worldwide, securing its place among the historic venues of the Open Championship.
