A famous finish | Magic moments on Royal Birkdale’s 18th hole – The Open Championship

Royal Birkdale is set to host the 154th Open in 2026, bringing golf’s attention back to a venue defined by its historic closing hole. The 18th hole at Royal Birkdale is regarded as a natural amphitheatre, providing a stage where several of the sport’s most prominent figures have secured championships.

The closing par-4 18th is framed by one of the most recognizable clubhouses in the sport. Built in 1935, the structure was a deliberate departure from the traditional villas typically found on top links courses in the region.

George Tonge served as the creative force behind the clubhouse design. Tonge envisioned a building that would represent a ship cutting through the dunes of Birkdale.

Alan Brough, a member of the Royal Birkdale heritage committee, noted that the design has remained timeless. He explained the architectural intent behind the structure.

That clubhouse, in his view, was there to represent or try and imitate the passing of a ship through the dunes as if they were at sea

Alan Brough

The venue has seen numerous legends lift the Claret Jug. Multiple Champions who have won The Open at Royal Birkdale include Tom Watson, Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Padraig Harrington.

Tom Watson specifically celebrated his fifth Open triumph at the venue. Other players who have produced significant moments on the course include Seve Ballesteros and Justin Rose.

The course, designed by George Lowe, first opened its doors to The Open in 1954. Since then, it has become a site for some of the most enduring records in major championship history.

In 2017, Branden Grace shot a 62, which stands as the lowest score in major championship history. Other historically significant performances at the venue include Johnny Miller’s final round in 1976.

The 2017 championship also featured a notable performance by Jordan Spieth, who eventually became the Champion Golfer. Spieth entered the final round leading after 54 holes but faced early challenges, recording three bogeys within the first four holes of the day.

The drama of Spieth’s victory peaked at the 13th hole. An errant tee shot forced him to take a drop from the practice ground.

Spieth responded by hitting a long iron over 200 yards to the front of the green. He followed the shot with an up-and-down for a bogey, a result that kept him within one shot of his compatriot, Matt Kuchar.

The image of Spieth calculating his line and yardage from the driving range has become a defining memory of The 146th Open.