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England · Course 1
Hoylake Course
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Yards
- 7200
- Est.
- 1869
A historic links course known for its challenging layout and rich Open Championship history, offering stunning views of the Dee Estuary.
England
Royal Liverpool Golf Trips
- Course
- 1
- Best for
- Championship
- Airport
- LPL
- Course
- 1
- Best for
- Championship links golf
- Airport
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
Royal Liverpool Golf Club — overview
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, commonly known as Hoylake, is one of England's defining championship links and a 13-time host of The Open. The course is best planned as an anchor round within an England's Golf Coast trip, alongside the other historic links around the Wirral and Southport.
- Courses
- 1 course
- Best months
- May – September
- Ideal length
- 4–6 nights
- From airport
- About 40 min
Royal Liverpool Golf Course at Hoylake
Royal Liverpool is a strategic, exposed links where bunkers, out-of-bounds and firm ground place a premium on position. Read our Royal Liverpool Golf Trip Planning Guide for a closer look at the course, visitor access, Little Eye and how Hoylake fits into a wider trip.
What to Expect at Royal Liverpool Golf Club
Why visit
Royal Liverpool does not rely on towering dunes to create its difficulty. The links can look broad and relatively flat, but wind, deep bunkers, out-of-bounds lines and firm ground make position and distance control essential. Hoylake has hosted The Open 13 times, most recently in 2023, and the short par-3 Little Eye added another memorable feature to the championship finish. Visitor times are limited and generally offered on selected weekdays, so the Royal Liverpool round should be secured before the rest of an England's Golf Coast itinerary is arranged.
Accommodations
Royal Liverpool is a private golf club rather than a lodging resort. Golf groups commonly stay in Liverpool for access to Hoylake and city dining, in Southport for courses farther north, or split the stay when combining both sides of England's Golf Coast.
Resort amenities
Royal Liverpool is a historic members' club rather than a modern golf resort. A visitor day can include the championship links, practice facilities, professional shop, locker rooms and time in the clubhouse, where the club's Open Championship and amateur history is part of the experience. Caddies and trolleys should be requested or confirmed in advance.
- 13-time Open Championship venue
- Historic Hoylake clubhouse
- Practice and short-game facilities
- Professional shop
- Caddies and trolleys by advance arrangement
Plan Your Trip to Royal Liverpool Golf Club
Getting there
The closest airport to Royal Liverpool Golf Club is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), located about 20 miles away. The typical transfer time by taxi or private car is around 40 minutes. Manchester Airport (MAN) is another option, approximately 50 miles from the club, with a transfer time of about 1 hour by car. Taxis and private transfers are the most practical modes of transport, though train connections are also available from both airports to Hoylake with an additional short taxi ride to the club.
- Best time to visit
May through September offers the longest days and the strongest overall window for an England's Golf Coast trip. Summer demand and tournament schedules can restrict availability, while May and September may provide a better balance of daylight and visitor access. Wind and rain remain possible in every month.
- Who it's best for
Links golfers, Open Championship followers and groups building a four- to six-night itinerary around Royal Liverpool and the other courses of England's Golf Coast.
- Address
- Meols Dr, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4AL, United Kingdom
- Location
- Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Meols Drive, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4AL, United Kingdom
- Nearest airport
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
- Trip style
- Links
- Best for
- Championship links golf, Open Championship history, Classic links experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Liverpool Golf Club
When is the ideal season to play golf at Royal Liverpool?
May through September provides the longest days and the best overall window for a wider links itinerary. Availability can be affected by competitions and club events, and coastal weather remains changeable throughout the season.
Which airports are closest to Royal Liverpool Golf Club?
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is the nearest, while Manchester International Airport (MAN) is about 50 miles away. Both have public transport links to Hoylake.
Is Royal Liverpool Golf Club open to visiting golfers?
Yes. Royal Liverpool offers advance visitor times during selected periods, normally on weekdays. Weekend visitor play is not generally available, so the Hoylake round should be confirmed before flights, hotels and surrounding courses are finalized.
How challenging is the Royal Liverpool course?
Royal Liverpool is a demanding championship links where wind, firm ground, deep bunkers and out-of-bounds place a premium on position and distance control. Its relatively open appearance can hide how exacting the course becomes when the wind rises.
Where should a golf group stay to play Royal Liverpool?
Liverpool is a practical base for Hoylake and city dining, while Southport works well when the course list includes Royal Birkdale, Hillside and other links farther north. A longer England's Golf Coast trip can also use a split stay.
Has Royal Liverpool hosted major championships?
Yes, Royal Liverpool has hosted The Open Championship thirteen times, most recently in 2023.
On the map
Where is Royal Liverpool Golf Club?
CH47 4AL, United Kingdom
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