Open Championship: A virtual simulation of Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale has made a name for itself over the years as an Open Championship host. So how tough can it be? A virtual simulation will give you an idea.

It’s that wonderful time of the year. It’s time for The Open Championship, and as golf fans we’re rubbing our palms in anticipation.

Royal Birkdale will be the host once again for this year’s tournament, and the history is as rich as it gets. Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Peter Thomson all captured Open victories there. Most of us can’t be there, but let’s give the Birkdale links a virtual test drive.

Once again, we’ll be using The Golf Club video game to navigate the legendary track. Another great replica of the layout has been posted within the game.

Keep in mind, the surrounding environment isn’t an exact replica. It’s the course design that’s spot on.

Below is a video of me playing the front nine within the game.

You notice right away that there aren’t many bunkers, so it makes the course seem unintimidating. Don’t let this fool you however, as tricky fairways and speedy greens make Birkdale’s front nine a challenge.

Much like Erin Hills, Birkdale can change on you in a hurry. The first hole doesn’t seem too scary, but the second hole has an army of bunkers in front of the green. Then, we reach the third hole which has a solid amount pot beaches in both the fairway and around the green.

The sandy armies of doom continue to try to block your shot at birdie as the front nine moves forward. The bunkers keep coming, and although your tee shots might be safe, your approach shots could be in trouble.

Not only is the bunker placement solid, but the bunkers are fairly deep as well. Not even Rickie Fowler’s sand wedge could save you (Fowler is no.1 on the PGA TOUR in Sand Save Percentage).

The key thing is to stay in the fairway. This will make your approach shots more comfortable, as you reach those speedy greens. And again, don’t let the first couple of holes fool you.

On to the back nine we go

Right off the bat, Birkdale’s final nine presents you with an interesting challenge. You could either go lighter with your club selection and hit it straight, or go with the blind option, and hit over the little hill to get to the fairway.

Certainly, hitting over the hill could potentially get you closer. If you miss though, you’ll likely be dealing with the pesky Birkdale rough.

You also start to see that the holes are getting bolder. There are bunkers in most key areas on each hole, forcing you to put on your thinking cap.

The 16th and 17th holes are kind to you off the tee. However, they can punish you like a Fatality in Mortal Kombat on your approach shots. You have been warned.

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Then, we come to the iconic 18th hole. What I love about the famed finishing hole is no matter how far you hit it there’s a little bunker waiting for you.

There’s one bunker placed for each length. Hit it 250 yards? There’s sand there. Hit it 300? Sadly, there’s a beach there as well, and not the good one.

So, as you can tell, Royal Birkdale is pretty, but it’s also a quiet assassin. The course torched me in the game.

The 18th will once again make for an amazing back drop for the Champion Golfer of the Year. Lifting the Claret Jug in front of that clubhouse is priceless.

If you want to test your skills against Royal Birkdale yourself, just search “Royal Birkdale” in The Golf Club video game, and have your own Open experience. And thanks to gamer, “Yeltzman” for creating such a beautiful replica of Royal Birkdale.

Next: 5 golf video games you should play right now

Let us know in the comments section how you enjoyed a virtual round at Royal Birkdale and also what other courses you enjoy playing. Keep it locked here at PGN for all of your Open Championship coverage, and you can also follow me on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio.

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