Ten-time Open Championship venue Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, has started work on a series of course changes by golf course architect Tom Mackenzie of Mackenzie & Ebert.
This article first appeared in the October 2023 issue of Golf Course Architecture magazine.
Among the changes will be the introduction of a new par-3 hole on land between the current 15th green and 16th tee which will play as the new 15th. According to the club, the design will add variation to its set of par 3s and will play towards the clubhouse.
The existing par-5 15th is being redesigned and will become the new 14th, with the existing 14th green being converted into a short-game area; the tees will be used for a 19th hole.
Another hole to be redesigned is the par-4 fifth, with the aim of bringing the hazard on the right more into play with the addition of significant fairway bunkering. The seventh will also become a short par 3 with an elevated green.
Renovations to bunkers, tees and pathways are also part of the project.
GolfLink Evolve began construction in early October, with the first phase expected to be complete in spring 2024. The next will begin in autumn 2024 and conclude in spring 2025, with all work set to be finished in time for the club to host the Open in 2026.
