Royal Liverpool Golf Club

The Racecourse Links at Hoylake

The golf course at Royal Liverpool Golf Club began in 1869 on the former Liverpool Hunt Club racecourse. Robert Chambers and George Morris laid out nine holes, and the course reached 18 in 1871. The old racing ground still shapes the members' first and eighteenth hole names, Course and Stand, and explains the broad, open appearance near the clubhouse.

Hoylake reveals more movement farther from the houses, especially along the shore-facing stretch. Only six holes sit among dunes, so the wind reaches much of the routing with little shelter. Firm turf keeps the ground game active. Bunkers placed at driving distance and subtle run-offs make line and distance control matter more than dramatic elevation.

Harry Colt altered several holes during the course's development. Later generations included work by Donald Steel, followed by Martin Hawtree and Martin Ebert. The newest change is Little Eye, a short par 3 introduced for the 2023 Open. Its exposed infinity green and steep surrounds add a precise late-round shot to England's second-oldest seaside links course.