www.royal-liverpool-golf.com

Host to the 2006 Open Championship, The Open was last played at Hoylake in 1967 when Roberto de Vicenzo of Argentina won his first and only major title.

I am working through all The Open Championship courses currently on the R&A rota. I played Royal Liverpool followed by Royal Lytham on two consecutive days in January 2006. The conditions were remarkably benign for mid winter being mild and calm. There was some work in progress in preparation for the Open but it barely affected playing the course and all tees and greens were in operation. I play off 9 and somehow managed to shoot 84 (with a few blind shots this was clearly with a little bit of luck for a first timer). The course itself was in excellent condition and the greens were fast and true. It feels very 'open' and flat but each individual hole has its nuances and presents a classic links challenge. If you like traditional links golf then you will not be disappointed.

Neil Hagley July 23, 2006