May 2024 saw the opening of the Phase 1 works at Royal Birkdale, work which included completely rebuilding the 5th and 7th holes in situ to resolve drainage issues on both holes and to transform the short par four 5th to offer many more options for all players.

This member-led project also asked for suggestions on how to add variety to the length and direction of the par threes on this great links and also how to improve the members’ practice facilities. The solution involved the creation of a new par three 15th hole playing back towards the lovely art-deco clubhouse, which involved moving the existing 15th hole to the right. This allowed the 14th hole to become an extensive short game area and for the distance to the practice tee to halved. The members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal at a Special General Meeting and it also received the backing from The R&A with an announcement that the Club would host the 2026 Open Championship.

The project also involves: • Adjustments to the fairway bunkering including addressing drainage issues that have dogged many of them over the years. • Developing more extensive closely mown green surrounds • Rebuilding almost all of the tees, creating shorter courses to encourage all players to be more flexible about their choice of tees as conditions vary. • Replacing red gravel paths with grass walkways.

The 5th, 7th and 14th to 18th holes have been completed in Phase 1 with the remainder undertaken in Phase 2.