Royal Liverpool (Hoylake)

Another day another Open Championship venue.  Today we played Royal Liverpool. Peter Thomson won here in 1956, and more recently Tiger Woods in 2006.

Looking back to the clubhouse from the 1st tee

Set on what is a relatively flat piece of land, the outlook is that of overlooking a wheat field.  Knee high grass as far as you can see.

The view down the 1st from the tee

Hoylake has magnificent bunkering, all with steep riveted faces which provide a high level of difficulty.

A view of the pot bunkering and thick rough

John MacKenzie escaping from the deep bunker.  Yes that is the flagpole next to his left shoulder. Out sideways was the only option.

As you approach each hole, the ribbon of fairway appears, and you get some sort of an idea where to go.

Looking at the 8th green

Royal Liverpool is hosting the British Women's Open in September, and it is almost in tournament condition now.  All that would be required is for the blades to be dropped on the mowers on the fairways and greens.

The great bunkering on the 16th green

A great opportunity to play an Open venue, in near Open conditions.  These conditions however meant that whilst players were battling this beast, rounds were over 5 hours long.

We did have some great scoring with both John MacKenzie & Michael McCann scoring 43 points.  The countback system, in line with the handicapping system works a little differently on the tours.  The winner on a countback (not having won before) was Michael McCann.

Other good scores for the day were: Rae Biggart 42, Tom Pettigrew 37, Tony MacLean 36 & Pam MacKenzie 36.

We are off to Royal Lytham & St Annes tomorrow to watch round three of the Open Championship.