Work on alignment and starting line, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting15-27 min17 HCP4 drills
Distance Control35%
Visualization25%
Dispersion23%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for The Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
13
13 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
66
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
5
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+5 more
The Royal Birkdale Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for The Royal Birkdale, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Scoring 33%Accuracy 20%Precision 18%Distance Control 16%Trajectory 10%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
16.3
Average HCP
9.1
Minimum HCP
27.8
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for The Royal Birkdale
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
![Diagram for Stop the Ball: Circle, Three Tees Triangle [Long]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65d60f76badcce181f11dc50/665b37cd6d6fdd2b5373ac3a_Slide84.PNG)
Putting27 min
Stop the Ball: Circle, Three Tees Triangle [Long]
Stop the ball inside the circle.
Short Game26 min
Pitch | Rough | Flat
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the flat rough.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | Y Area
Hit 15 balls to each Y area using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | Visualized Course
Use imagination to hit any type of shot within self-set boundaries, using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | Opposite Shots Challenge
Complete the Opposite Shots Challenge using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Driver | L-R and R-L 9 Targets
Hit 5 balls to each randomly selected target while producing left-to-right and right-to-left shots, using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about The Royal Birkdale.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
secretary@royalbirkdale.com
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Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
Waterloo Road
Course Description
Royal Birkdale Golf Club is a historic golf club founded on July 30, 1889. Initially starting with a 9-hole course, it moved to Birkdale Hills in 1897 and established an 18-hole championship course. The club received its "Royal" designation in 1951 and features a notable Art Deco clubhouse built in 1935. It is recognized among the world's top golf courses, having ranked 18th globally outside the U.S. in 2007.The club hosts major tournaments, including 10 Open Championships, 7 Women’s Opens, and 2 Ryder Cups. It offers facilities for corporate events, weddings, and society golf days, making use of its iconic clubhouse and course. Membership provides exclusive access to the course and clubhouse amenities, along with member tournaments. The 18-hole championship course is maintained to tournament standards year-round, ensuring a premium golfing experience for both members and visitors.
links golf course • open championship • southport golf • golf club operations • visitor tee times • pro shop • championship course • the course • the clubhouse • golf history • golf destination • royal birkdale • southport seaside golf • golf • golf club • sporting events • golf tournaments • recreation
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Google Reviews
Business Claimed
⭐N/A(0 reviews)
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for The Royal Birkdale
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 13 Programs
% match to course practice profileCommit to the stroke, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting18-30 min2 HCP4 drills
Precision39%
Scoring35%
Alignment10%
Save par on approaches, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP9 drills
Distance Control27%
Accuracy21%
Alignment16%
Flop over hazards, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP9 drills
Distance Control20%
Scoring19%
Precision16%
12 Week Flagship Program for The Royal Birkdale
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for The Royal Birkdale. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 12 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 4 days
Putting · Long (20+ ft)
Eliminate Three-Putts
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Week 2≤ 4 days
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Stop 3-Foot Misses On All Shots
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Week 3≤ 4 days
Short Game · Flop
Hit Flop & Avoid Big Numbers
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Week 4≤ 4 days
Short Game · Chip
Can you match your plan to your shot?
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 5–6≤ 6 days
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Save Par From Fringe
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 6–8≤ 7 days
Short Game · Flop
Land 3–4 Feet From Pin
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 16.0
Weeks 8–9≤ 3 days
Driving Range · Driver
Driver Fairway Accuracy For Beginners
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 5 days
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Control the height: launch it high or low as needed
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 28.0
Weeks 10–12≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Pick your line and stick it—mid iron accuracy
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 10.0
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Maximize driver distance, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min0 HCP6 drills
Scoring29%
Precision20%
Trajectory13%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedStop missing fairways, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP3 drills
Mechanics30%
Precision28%
Trajectory18%
Match plan to shot, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP4 drills
Scoring45%
Accuracy30%
Visualization25%
See landing and roll, for a 14-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min14 HCP6 drills
Scoring45%
Accuracy32%
Visualization24%
Land near hole, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP4 drills
Alignment28%
Aim23%
Scoring21%
Land near the pin, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP6 drills
Scoring35%
Accuracy23%
Aim18%
Maximize driver distance, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min0 HCP6 drills
Scoring29%
Precision20%
Trajectory13%
Avoid fringe with mid irons, for a 11-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min10 HCP6 drills
Distance Control27%
Accuracy24%
Scoring19%
Fade or draw woods, for a 28-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min28 HCP5 drills
Trajectory25%
Precision20%
Mechanics18%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at The Royal Birkdale
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Birkdale
Get answers to common questions about playing The Royal Birkdale and what to expect.
How difficult is The Royal Birkdale for mid-handicap golfers?
Players often find The Royal Birkdale technically exacting. With a slope of 120, it remains playable for a wide handicap range. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at The Royal Birkdale?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at The Royal Birkdale?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is The Royal Birkdale and how does yardage affect play?
Measuring 6500 yards at maximum length, scoring depends more on placement than raw power.
What type of course is The Royal Birkdale and how should I play it?
The Royal Birkdale is designed as a Parkland layout. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make The Royal Birkdale strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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