Royal Birkdale Green Fees and Tee Times
What it costs to play one of England's great Open venues, host of the 2026 Open Championship. Indicative 2026 green fees, the visitor days and how to get on.
Photo: Andrew Alecock via Google.
What it costs to play Royal Birkdale
Royal Birkdale is the jewel of the English Open rota, a links of towering dunes and flat valley fairways on the coast at Southport, and the visitor green fee reflects its standing. As a guide, a round in 2026 costs around 450 GBP in April and about 495 GBP from May to October, a roughly 24 percent rise on the previous peak that puts it among the most expensive rounds in England. Winter rates are considerably lower for those who do not mind the weather.
Access is the other consideration. Birkdale is a members' club that welcomes visitors on set days, and in 2026 it hosts The Open, so course preparations, roped off areas and restricted access will affect availability around the championship. Below is the current fee picture, the visitor days, how the booking works, and how to fold a round into a wider English links trip. Always confirm current rates, visitor days and availability directly before booking.
Royal Birkdale at a glance
- Founded
- 1889
- Design
- Taylor & Hawtree
- Type
- Championship links
- Par
- 70
- Yardage
- About 7,150 yds
- Walking
- Walking, caddies
Founding year, design history, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Royal Birkdale Golf Club and leading course databases. The club was founded in 1889 and the modern championship links was substantially shaped by J.H. Taylor and Fred Hawtree in the 1930s, a par 70 of about 7,150 yards from the back tees. Royal Birkdale hosts the 2026 Open Championship.
Green fees in 2026
| Period | Indicative green fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| April | About 450 GBP | Visitor days, subject to members' play |
| May to October | About 495 GBP | Peak season, roughly 24 percent up on the prior peak |
| Winter | Lower, on request | Reduced off season rates, weather dependent |
| Caddie | Extra, plus tip | Recommended for first time visitors |
Indicative 2026 rates. Visitor green fees, seasons and access are set by Royal Birkdale Golf Club and change with the season, and 2026 is an Open Championship year with disruption likely around the event, so always confirm directly before booking.
How to get a tee time
Royal Birkdale takes visitors on set days, generally Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, around members' play and competitions, with tee times and green fees confirmed through the club's visitor office by enquiry form, email or phone. As one of England's premier Open venues, demand is high and the prime months book out early, so plan several months ahead and have flexible dates ready. In 2026 the Open Championship is staged here, which compresses availability further and brings course preparations and restricted access around the event.
Birkdale is a walking links and a caddie is well worth it for a first visit, both for the lines off the tee in the dunes and for reading the run on the firm fairways. Pair it with the other great Southport and west Lancashire links for the trip of a lifetime. If you want the round secured as part of a wider England golf trip, our concierge can build it in. See our Royal Birkdale course profile and the best courses in England for the wider picture.
Build an England links trip
We can fold a round at Royal Birkdale into a wider England or northwest links trip, secure the lodging and pair it with the other great courses on your list. Tell us roughly when and who is traveling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Royal Birkdale questions
How much does it cost to play Royal Birkdale in 2026?
Indicative 2026 visitor green fees at Royal Birkdale are about 450 GBP per round in April and about 495 GBP from May to October, a roughly 24 percent rise on the previous peak. Winter rates are lower. Caddies and buggies where permitted are extra. Rates change each season, so always confirm directly before booking.
When can visitors play Royal Birkdale?
Visitor tee times are generally available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, subject to members' play and competitions. In 2026 the club hosts The Open, so expect course preparations, roped off areas and restricted access around the championship, and book well ahead. Always confirm current visitor days directly with the club.
Who designed Royal Birkdale and what is the par?
Royal Birkdale was founded in 1889, and the modern championship links was substantially shaped by J.H. Taylor and Fred Hawtree in the 1930s. It plays as a par 70 of about 7,150 yards from the championship tees and is a walking, traditional links.
How do you book a tee time at Royal Birkdale?
Visitor tee times are arranged through the club's visitor office, by enquiry form, email or phone, with green fees confirmed at booking. Demand is high for one of England's premier Open venues, so plan months ahead, especially in the 2026 Open year. Our concierge can fold a Royal Birkdale round into a wider England links trip.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts and indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.