Royal Birkdale alters 13th hole for British Open, changing layout
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 10:42 AM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Royal Birkdale has modified the par-4 13th hole for the 154th British Open, removing the right area that allowed Jordan Spieth's famous bogey in 2017. The new layout will designate this area as out of bounds, utilizing it for a fan village. The hole has been redesigned with a new left tee box and additional bunkering, while previously, a driving range was in play. Spieth's struggle on this hole is a notable point in Open history, and these changes aim to challenge competitors more effectively. The extended layout includes adjustments to several other holes, with overall yardage increased to 7,223 yards.
- •The 13th hole is now out of bounds on the right side.
- •Royal Birkdale's course layout has been extended by 67 yards.
- •Three holes have been shortened since the last Open in 2017.
- •A new left tee box alters the approach to the 13th hole.
- •The overall number of bunkers has decreased from 127 to 108.
- 10:42 AMYahoo Sports — Royal Birkdale changes to 13 end chance for Jordan Spieth repeat
"Royal Birkdale altered the 13th hole for the British Open, removing a repeat of the Spieth miracle bogey. That isn't the only change to the course.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
BaseballBaseball•Jul 13, 2026, 11:48 AMMainline Pharmacy, Martella's Pharmacy meet Monday to decide JCBL regular-season title
MLB•Jul 13, 2026, 11:31 AMOlney: Breaking down the Home Run Derby contestant...- MLB•Jul 13, 2026, 11:30 AMVote for Ames Tribune male Athlete of the Week for July 5-11
- MLB•Jul 13, 2026, 11:09 AMLindor Calls His Play ‘Unacceptable’ After Latest Ugly Loss
- MLB•Jul 13, 2026, 11:06 AMIs it time for the Red Sox to go shopping at the trade deadline?
- MLB•Jul 13, 2026, 11:03 AMThe Daily Mauling: 7/13/26
