The 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club is fast approaching, and with it, a host of changes to the course since its last appearance in 2017. As an expert commentator, I'm excited to delve into the five most impactful transformations that have taken place, each with its own unique story and impact on the golfing experience.
One of the most notable changes is the new "drivable" fifth hole. The previous fifth hole was a 350-yard par 4 that was rather awkward, with a hill blocking the view of the green. The hill has been cut down, and the area on the right has been converted to a sand and wetland habitat. The green has been shifted to the left and elevated, creating a smaller target with seven pot bunkers in front of it. From the newly elevated tees, the green is now entirely visible, and at 321 yards, Open competitors will be tempted to try and drive it. Personally, I think this change adds an exciting new dimension to the course, making one of the most routine holes at Birkdale potentially one of the most thrilling.
Another significant transformation is the precision par 3. In the 2017 Open, Birkdale's par 3s didn't offer much variation between clubs in normal conditions. The par-3 seventh has been redesigned, reducing the length to 151 yards and giving the course what Mackenzie calls a "precision par 3." The old green has been reconstructed three feet higher, giving it a pedestal-like appearance above several of the deepest bunkers on the course. Hitting the putting surface is now a must, though that prospect is complicated by the winds blowing off the sea on the right. In my opinion, this change adds a new level of challenge and excitement to the par 3s, making them more dynamic and engaging.
The 'Spieth spot' is no longer an option is also a notable change. The spot where Jordan Spieth played his approach in 2017 is now occupied by a corporate hospitality village for 2026. The 'Spieth shot' is now reserved for only members and their guests when the hospitality village goes away. This change adds a new layer of exclusivity and nostalgia to the course, making it more special for those who have fond memories of Spieth's victory.
A curious hole "retired" is another significant transformation. The old par-3 14th, which provided several memorable Open moments, has been removed from the layout and integrated into a new short-game practice area. This change gives the club the opportunity to create a wider range of distances and shot demands into their set of par 3s. Players now walk past the old hole on their way to a new back tee at the rebranded par-5 14th, which extends the length from 542 yards to 602 yards. This change adds a new level of challenge and variety to the course, making it more dynamic and engaging.
Finally, the final piece is the addition of a new par-3 15th hole. The shifting of the 14th hole to the right freed up space to add a new hole to the routing as a replacement for the retired par-3 14th. The new par-3 15th, at more than 240 yards, gives Royal Birkdale the long par 3 it was lacking. The new green is deep and angled right to left, falling from front to back. In the prevailing tailwinds, it will be difficult to hold aerial shots, but the front is open and balls can access it along the ground if desired. This change adds a new level of variety and challenge to the course, making it more dynamic and engaging.
In conclusion, the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club promises to be an exciting event, with a host of changes to the course that add a new level of challenge, variety, and nostalgia to the golfing experience. As an expert commentator, I'm thrilled to see the course evolve and adapt, and I can't wait to see how the players fare on the new and improved layout.
