Sport: Golf Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Birkdale's 13th hole redesigned ahead of the Open Championship

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 12:35 AM

Last updated Jul 13, 2026

Birkdale's 13th hole redesigned ahead of the Open Championship

Summary

The 2026 Open Championship returns to the Royal Birkdale course this week, featuring significant renovations to the 13th hole. Changes to the tee box and surrounding aim to create a different experience compared to Jordan Spieth's infamous 2017 bogey. The new layout includes tighter fairways, additional bunkering, and an out-of-bounds designated fan village where Spieth once took relief. These modifications mean that players will not be able to replicate Spieth's dramatic drop from the range this year.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Royal Birkdale hosts the 2026 Open Championship this week.
•The 13th hole underwent significant renovations in 2024.
•New tee box alters the angle into a tighter fairway.
•A designated fan village now marks previously playable area.
•Spieth's famous 2017 bogey experience cannot be replicated.

Latest Updates

12:35 AMYahoo Sports — Why no player will emulate Jordan Spieth's wild 13th hole this week at Birkdale

What they're saying

"
As golf’s oldest major returns to the Southport links, the lay of the land at No. 13 looks markedly different following a significant renovation in 2024 that altered at least portions of every hole on the property.
— Yahoo Sports

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