Baked fairways, stiff breezes, iconic clubhouses and the smell of the sea. Along with unmistakable yellow scoreboards and massive crowds, all are memories of Open Championships past — links golf’s greatest test, staged at world-class venues.

Few can have a scorecard playoff with Rory at Augusta, but anyone boarding a plane to the UK can tee off at some of the game’s most storied venues. Fourteen Open tracks are there for the taking. That would be an ambitious itinerary, but for a group that can spare a week, the northwest coast of England will more than deliver.

Looking for a friendly yet competitive buddies’ trip? Exhibit A is a triumvirate of Royals: Lytham & St. Annes, Liverpool and Birkdale, the host of this year’s Open. In a perfect world you’ll land in Manchester, but most fly into London and drive north. I suggest starting at Lytham & St. Annes and working your way down. Please stay in the Dormy House, a quintessentially English golf experience adjacent to the putting green. After a night in a clean, functional room with a quality shower, you’ll enjoy breakfast in the clubhouse and head out before the rest of non-member play — a perk of residency.

Onward to Birkdale, with its famous art deco clubhouse and honors board, freshly painted from the 2026 Open. Immediately next door is the well-worth-playing Hillside, a course that enthusiasts argue is the equal of its lauded neighbor.

Next up, Royal Liverpool. Known to many as Hoylake, it’s one of England’s grand clubs, and a course that, in the past 157 years, has hosted every imaginable name you can drop. The place bleeds history and has a fine lunch to boot. Embrace the challenge of this world-class links and you’ll leave with memories of traditions and a warm welcome.

If time allows, don’t sleep on other high-quality in-between courses: Formby, Southport and Ainsdale, West Lancs and Wallasey. At the latter, you’ll find architectural pedigree and history galore, it being the owner of a classic Bobby Jones portrait, a replica of which hangs in Augusta National — not the other way around.

England’s Open venues require eight to 10 months’ notice to secure a tee time. Next steps are to decide on your dates, appoint “the planner” or engage a well-versed tour operator to do the heavy lifting. After that, there is just one question left to answer: Which of your friends will be 2027’s Champion Golfer of the Year?

READY TO ROLL? Book your 2027 (and beyond) dream trip with 8AM Travel by contacting discovery@8amtravel.com.