Its appearance may be relatively flat and unthreatening, but when the wind picks up there is little to protect golfers, and negotiating the parched, bouncy fairways and greens is treacherous on a blustery summer's day.

In recent years, the esteemed links golf expert, Donald Steel, was commissioned to make alterations to ensure that Hoylake's layout remained relevant for the rigours of the modern game, especially in light of technological advancements.

Royal Liverpool was the focus for links golf in 2023 as the host of The Open Championship. Despite many of the world's best, hitting form in the run-up to The Open, it was left-hander Brian Harman who took the title. His imperious golf in testing conditions saw him claim the title by 6 shots from a chasing pack including Tom Kim, Sepp Straka, Jason Day and John Rahm.

As one of the best-attended Open Championship venues and a rich golfing history that boasts a pedigree of champion that few golf courses can compete with, Royal Liverpool is a firm favourite on The Open Rota.

The 2014 Open Championship was won by Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy. McIlroy's maiden Claret Jug was won in style with his -17 total for 72 holes being enough to hold off the chasing pack which included both Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia. His opening rounds included a pair of 66's to set up what was a memorable victory on The Wirral.

The 2006 Open Championship, where in spite of benign conditions, a competitive tournament was won by an emotional Tiger Woods. Woods' victory was one of course management with the notorious pot bunkers of Hoylake successfully negated by playing irons off the tee to put himself into position to attack the undulating greens.

There are some intimidating holes at this Open Championship course, not least the monstrous 8th; 1930 Open Champion took 8 en route to his legendary victory. Hoylake should be a certain stop on the tour of North-West England's excellent golfing trail.

Bobby Jones won the Open Championship at Hoylake in 1930 as part of his historic grand slam; that year he won the amateur and open championships of both Britain and America, a feat so great that he promptly retired.

Royal Liverpool is ranked as one of the best courses in England

Royal Liverpool has hosted The Open a total of 13 times and was the second English course to hold the tournament.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club is situated in Hoylake, 5 miles from Junction 2 of the M53 and just half a mile from Hoylake train station.

Address: Merols Drive, Wirral, Merseyside, England, CH47 4AL