Most avid golfers share at least one lifetime goal: to play all the courses that have hosted the British Open. Whether this goal is realistically achievable or not, with a sporting landscape that stretches across England, Scotland, and Ireland, at some point you have to ask yourself this follow-up question; “How much do I really know about British Open Golf Courses?”
Notable British Open Golf Courses
The sport of golf has enjoyed many a moment in the sun. The trouble is unless you’re well-versed in the sport; very few of you know these iconic courses by name.
The top five must-see British Open Golf Courses are listed below. As a bonus, both their actual designation and their notable designation are included to help you remember the course particulars:
Course #1: That place where golf was invented. Officially known as: Muirfield Golf Course, Scotland
While St. Andrews is widely known as “the home of golf” (more on that later), this course is the real birthplace of the sport. The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers sat at these tables and wrote down the first rules of golf. To this day, you can sit at the community tables alongside members and connect with the very roots of the sport.
Many visitors enjoy a full day of golfing complete with an all-world lunch. The course itself remains a true test of golf; being consistently rated among the top ten in the world. Just remember gentlemen, a jacket is still an on-course requirement, so don’t leave home without it.
Course #2: That place where Tiger Woods cried. Officially known as: Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Merseyside, England
This course has hosted the British Open at least a dozen times. In addition to Woods’ emotional performance in 2006-winning the title just two months after his father’s death, this course also hosted the first competition between Great Britain and the United States in 1921.
Course #3: That place where Donald Trump laid claim to a piece of golfing history. Officially known as: Alisa Course, Turnberry Resort, Scotland
True, Donald Trump may own the course now, but this four-time British Open host has an even bigger claim to fame. In 1977, Tom Watson beat golf legend Jack Nicklaus on this very course. The showdown became known as the “Duel in the Sun.” Watson tried to repeat his victory 32 years later against another opponent, but his single-shot triumph over Nicklaus would never be duplicated.
If you want to walk the cliffs like the golfing greats of both past and present; the good news is, as far as British Open Golf Courses go, this one is relatively easy to secure a tee time at. Beware of the windy back nine and the resort-like atmosphere; no old school club experience here.
Course #4: That place with the odd-looking clubhouse. Officially known as: Royal Birkdale, England
The art-decoclubhouse may be its signature, but golfers count it among their favorite stops because there’s not a weak hole in the entire layout. This nine-time British Open host has proven to be worth its salt.
Course #5: That place known as the home of golf. Officially known as: The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland
Our list has brought us full circle to this year’s host. Once about every five years, the British Open returns to this historic course, where 5 golfing greats have won two titles each; it’s a sight to behold. And yes, you too can play here!
This is a mere glimpse of the wonders British Open Golf Courses hold. To books your own British Open golf tour, contact us at Roadtrips and let us know what legendary course you want to visit first.
Alison Baker is the lead writer in Roadtrips’ marketing department. An avid traveller and passionate sports fan, she’s found her ideal fit at Roadtrips, one of the leaders in sports travel. Alison’s enjoyed working in the travel industry for the last 20 years and had the opportunity to experience it from all sides, from sales and marketing to quality assurance and hosting.