Royal Birkdale returns to The Open after extensive course renovations.

The Open returns to Royal Birkdale this month, nine years after Jordan Spieth won there in 2017. The course has undergone extensive renovation work that reshaped many holes while keeping its dunes and Art Deco clubhouse.

The rebuilt par-5 14th is now longer and straighter, with an elevated green and a large group of bunkers along the hole. The changes come as modern players continue to hit the ball farther.