Is Hoylake Worth Playing? What Golfers Say About Royal Liverpool

By: Kieran Clark | Wed 19 Jul 2023

Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, is welcoming back The Open in 2023 when it stages golf's original championship for the 13th occasion.

It's the latest chapter in a storied history that dates back to 1897, when home favourite (and revered amateur) Harold Hilton became Champion Golfer of the Year. That was just the second Open contested in England, ushering in a stunning list of winners in Wirral.

J.H. Taylor claimed his fifth title here in 1913. American Walter Hagen triumphed little over a decade later, while in 1930, Bobby Jones secured the Claret Jug on his journey to his famed Grand Slam. Legendary Australian, Peter Thomson, won his third consecutive Open at Hoylake in 1956, before Argentina's Roberto De Vicenzo was successful in 1967.

Decades passed until the championship returned to Merseyside, but it was worth the wait as Tiger Woods enjoyed one of his greatest major victories in 2006. Eight years later, it was Rory McIlroy who fulfilled his destiny to etch his name alongside Open greats.

The history is extraordinary, but the golf course and the club itself offers much gold to prospect.

If you haven't personally experienced Hoylake, is it something that should be on your list? We defer to the Golfshake Community, who have independently reviewed Royal Liverpool through the years, offering their own unique perspective.

Here are their comments - providing the insight of an everyday golfer - behind what you could expect from a visit to this venerable golf club.

Royal Liverpool

Open History

Naturally, you can't help but feel those past Open Championships when walking the grounds, exploring the clubhouse, or hitting the shots during your time at Hoylake. Walking in the footsteps of these iconic players and reliving those memories is something that our golfers simply relished.

"The day was full of Open memories on the course and of course in the amazing clubhouse - absolutely crammed with Open history. We all loved deciphering the players' signatures on the winning photos when Rory and Tiger won - great fun."

"A fantastic day at a course with lots of history. Everyone we met at the club was extremely friendly and ready to help. The course was fantastic, great condition and a challenge. Very memorable day and another Open venue ticked off the list."

"Let's keep this simple: PLAY HERE. This is an amazing course and club and unlike some course which have such history, the people are as welcoming as you will find anywhere. Leave enough time to see the club house memorabilia, including Tiger Woods' two-iron from his 2006 victory. Just awesome."

"Clubhouse is full of history. I feel very lucky to have had the privilege to play there."

Challenge

Strategic and littered with bunkers, Royal Liverpool is a testing layout, but it's a subtle one, a course that several reviewers commented grows on you with time, but for anyone who wants a taste of what the world's best golfers shall face in 2023, it's a thrilling challenge!

"Amazing experience. The course is tough even with limited wind. Deep rough and hundreds of bunkers await. An absolute must play course and experience."

"When talking about Royal Liverpool, it is easy to run out of superlatives as the place is just that good. As you walk the tightly mowed fairways you really do get a feel of the history of the place and its past Open Championships. The greens were spot on and the pot bunkers were everything I imagined before arriving here. Every single member of staff was extremely helpful and I would not hesitate to go back."

"Excellent course and amazing day out. Well worth the trip to sample what the real pros play and understand how difficult an Open course can be."

"I have to say that I can see what people mean when they say it grows on you. Playing the course with some prior knowledge of where you need to be on the fairways to get the best shot at the green and how to avoid the killer bunkers really makes a difference."

"I agree that Royal Liverpool is a grower, it can sometimes come across as unassuming and a little flat in places for a links. However after a couple of rounds it's clear why this is a classic, it's a real shot-maker's course. It's tough but fair, good shots are rewarded as well as bad shots penalised. Before you leave, check out the museum-like clubhouse, full of memorabilia and historic golfing firsts."

"Royal Liverpool is one of those courses that grows on you the more you play it. It is a truly magnificent test of golf for all handicappers, but probably best to play the yellow tees for handicaps over 16. I feel honoured to play there every week."

"Wonderful course - need to plot your way round. Great to be able to play the same course (not under the same conditions I know) as some as the world's greatest ever golfers."

Condition

As you would expect from such a venue, the condition is consistently immaculate, making it perfect for play during inclement weather or throughout the winter months. It's a quality that golfers appreciate.

"Although we had rain and wind, the course played fairly and the condition it was in was amazing. A very warm welcome from everyone at the club too. If you get the chance play it."

"Outstanding course well deserved of championship status. Despite quite heavy rain the course remained in good condition and the drainage is excellent. Well recommended during autumn and winter."

"Amazing course, greens were absolutely fantastic, incredible day."

"The greens were among the best (and truest) I have ever played on."

"Fantastic course. In great nick 12 months of the year. You will not play on better greens. Is a real monster of the championship tees when the wind's howling..."

Friendliness

You may have noted when reading those above comments, that the friendliness and welcome of the golf club and its members is a recurring theme. That might just be the most important attribute of all - and it's something that Royal Liverpool excels at.

"Wonderful experience, the place has a great atmosphere."

"Course was in fantastic condition, some stunning views and brutal rough. The history of the venue, memorabilia on display and warm welcome experienced all made it a day to remember. The members we spoke to and the starter on the first were all welcoming and made the day even better. Expensive, but worth it."

"The staff in the clubhouse were very friendly and helpful. Take time to explore the clubhouse, it's fantastic, loads of history. No matter what the price it's worth a visit."

"Great course. Really special clubhouse. Knowledgeable and helpful staff."

"Friendliest club I've ever visited."

We can't put it any better than that. Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, is a special place that will make you feel equally special when you're there.