Royal Liverpool Golf Club, 13-time host of The Open Championship and most recently in 2023, was briefly transformed from one of golf’s most storied arenas into an active emergency zone on Friday after staff uncovered what appeared to be an unexploded artillery shell buried beneath the links.
The device — found during routine drainage work — prompted Merseyside Police and a bomb disposal team to cordon off part of the Hoylake course at around 12.30pm, and all play was immediately suspended.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed to the Liverpool Echo: “We can confirm that emergency services are at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake following a report that a suspected unexploded artillery shell was found on the course.
“At around 12.30pm today, Friday December 12, officers were called to a report that a suspected device was found on the golf course.
“The site has been cordoned off whilst emergency services are at the golf course. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area. Thank you for your patience whilst we investigate this incident.”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Members have been informed all rounds are cancelled until further notice.
Royal Liverpool secretary Simon Newland said the object was found several feet below the playing surface and likely dates from the Second World War.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “We’ve been undertaking some drainage work on the golf course and come across what looks to be like an unexploded artillery shell. It’s very far down, about four or five foot under the playing surface, and one imagines it’s from the wartime.
“We have evacuated the golf course and we’ve invited the police and bomb squad to have a look at it.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“At the moment, we’re currently waiting for an update and the initial inspections to be completed, and at the moment we have no clue when we’ll be able to recommence golf. All games are off for now.”
A bomb squad was called in and all games were cancelled at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club after a suspected unexploded artillery shell was found on the course pic.twitter.com/qCCVE9Fl3w
— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) December 12, 2025
While the 130-year-old clubhouse remained open — deemed a safe distance from the discovery — the course itself stayed shut as the bomb squad conducted a controlled explosion shortly after media arrived on site.
Multiple police and explosives personnel were in attendance.
The dramatic scenes added an unexpected chapter to the history of a venue steeped in championship heritage.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Founded in 1869, Royal Liverpool has staged The Open 13 times, most recently in 2023 when American Brian Harman etched his name on the famous Claret Jug after a dominant six-shot win at 13-under par.
Tiger Woods famously triumphed here in 2006, capturing his third Open title with an 18-under total, while Rory McIlroy won his sole Open here on 17-under par in 2014.
With the latest emergency now safely handled, the club awaits clearance before the course can reopen.
Relive Rory’s magical Open win here:
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Subscribe to our Newsletter
