Royal Birkdale Golf Club is offering you the chance to play the Open venue at a bargain rate. Here’s what you should know…
It’s widely regarded as the finest English course to stage the Open Championship. But how can you play Royal Birkdale Golf Club, the ten-time host of golf’s oldest major?
Arnold Palmer, Peter Thomson, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Jordan Spieth are among the famous names to have lifted the Claret Jug on this jewel along England’s spectacular North West coastline.
The chance to walk the same footsteps as these greats, as well as testing yourself on the quintessential links layout which winds through magnificent dunes, makes Royal Birkdale one of the most desirable courses to play anywhere in the world.
Such demand, of course, means that a tee time here comes at a premium.
However, ahead of the Open’s latest return to Royal Birkdale in 2026, the club has announced a new initiative which is bound to create huge interest. Golfers from the UK and Ireland could play the course for £99.
A ‘Birkdale Ballot’ will allow some golfers the chances to play the course ahead of the tournament at a fourball rate of £396. This works out even cheaper than one standard green fee, but more on that later…
“As Royal Birkdale prepares to host The Open Championship, interest in experiencing the course is understandably high,” the announcement explains.
“To mark the occasion, the Club has created The Birkdale Ballot – a limited ballot offering UK golfers the chance to enjoy one of the world’s great championship venues at a preferred fourball rate of £396, equating to under £100 per player.
“The ballot is open to golfers holding an active WHS handicap and membership at a recognised club in England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland. Entrants will nominate two preferred tee times from a published list, with successful applications drawn at random.”
The Birkdale Ballot closes on Tuesday 31st March, 2026. Full payment will be required upon confirmation.
But what if you want to guarantee yourself a tee time at Royal Birkdale? There are, of course, other ways you can play a round on these famous links…
How much does it normally cost to play Royal Birkdale?
From March to April, a green fee is £450.
That rises to £495 between May and October. Wednesdays from May to September in 2026 are exclusively reserved for the club’s ‘Birkdale Open Experience’ Package.
This includes a ‘Meet and Greet’, a special gift pack from a professional, a picture with a replica Claret Jug, 18 holes of golf and a two course Bistro Meal.
When can I play Royal Birkdale?
Visitors are allowed on to the course on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The course is closed from 22nd June to 26th July in 2026 as it gets ready to stage the 154th Open Championship.
The course then closes again in November and December.
How do I book a tee time at Royal Birkdale?
Don’t fancy holding out for the ballot? Tee times can be booked on Royal Birkdale’s official website.