The Open: Where is Royal Birkdale? How to get there, map of golf course
THE OPEN 2017 began at the prestigious Royal Birkdale golf course yesterday. But where is the golf course and how do you get there?
The Open Championship was first hosted at Royal Birkdale in 1954
The world’s golfing elite have descended on Royal Birkdale golf course in Southport to compete in the 146th Open Championship.
Local hero Tommy Fleetwood had the full backing of spectators on the first day of play, as bookies' favourite Jordan Spieth stormed into an early lead.
Fleetwood, who was born in Southport, has said that he is relishing the chance to win his first major in front of a home crowd.
He said: “I don’t feel extra pressure. Obviously it’s going to be a different experience, for sure, something that I’ve never experienced before.
“But it will be great to have so many people out there rooting for me. It doesn’t happen all the time when you have that many people and they all want you to do well.”
As the second day of The Open continues, here is a look at the location of Royal Birkdale and how to get to the golf course.
Royal Birkdale is just a few miles away from Liverpool
Where is Royal Birkdale?
Royal Birkdale is located in Southport, Merseyside, and is less than 20 miles from Liverpool.
The 128-year-old club has hosted The Open Championship 10 times since 1954.
Royal Birkdale is 128 years old
How to get to Royal Birkdale by train
The nearest train station to Royal Birkdale is Hillside, which is a 10-minute walk away from the course.
During The Open, additional trains will be running to the station from Liverpool on all Northern services.
Passengers have been warned that strike action will significantly reduce services on Sunday 23 July.
For more information visit the Merseyside Rail website
How to get to Royal Birkdale by car
There is no car parking at the golf course and the roads are expected to be extremely congested.
Police have set up designated traffic routes for golf fans and have urged motorists to follow the road signs, rather than Sat Navs.
Royal Birkdale is also in the vicinity of Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.