The Open: Stats show test of Royal Liverpool

The best players in the world are getting ready to head to Royal Liverpool for the first time since 2014.

Since then, there’s been some changes to the Hoylake layout, so you might be wondering how the course now stacks up.

If that’s the case, then you’re in luck. Thanks to the numbers collated by data experts Shot Scope, we can get a closer look at some of the more score-able and the most difficult sections of the golf course.

Note, these hole numbers relate to the new layout that will be in place for this year’s championship.

Let’s dive into the stats.

Average Score – 83.9

For mere mortals recording their score with a Shot Scope device, the average score comes in at 83.9. That’s an awful lot more than the average we’re likely to see from those competing for the Claret Jug.

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Hardest Hole

Hole 3

This shouldn’t come as any surprise to anyone who has played the course. The third hole for the Open is the first hole for members, which might also be part of the reason it plays nearly a full shot over its par of four.

There’s out of bounds in play all the way down the right side of the hole and it can be found off the tee or with an approach shot. Left is safe but is by no means an easy place to get up and down from.

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On this hole, most amateurs will hit the fairway, but only 20% find the green in regulation. That should be no surprise with a narrow putting surface with plenty of run off slopes. This is just an all-round brute of a hole.

Easiest Hole

Hole 10

This comes with a caveat. For us amateurs, this hole plays as a par-5 and the average score sits at 5.37, but for the pros it will play as a long par-4. For amateurs playing it as a par-5, nearly half hit the green in regulation, while the average tee shot travelled 225 yards. That’s one of the longest average tee shots on the course.

Hole with the most birdies

Hole 15 – 13% birdies

The par-5 15th is a great chance for players to pick up a shot towards the end of their round. Although it will play over 600 yards for the pros during the Open, this hole is a great chance to make a birdie or better. The prevailing wind means this par-5 is often reachable if players can keep their ball out of fairway bunkers and it’s something amateurs can take advantage of too.

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Hole with the most double bogeys

Hole 1 – 27% doubles

Those lucky enough to be at the Open Championship are in for a tough start to their day. Nearly 30% of amateurs who played this hole with a Shot Scope made a double or worse. That makes for pretty grim reading.

Green with the most three putts

Hole 5 – 13%

One of the best chances at a birdie on the course, this par-5 is also a spot where amateurs struggle with the flatstick. A quick look at the green shows us why.

It’s designed to take second shots from distance, so a huge putting surface full of humps and hollows makes for a tough time with the putter. Don’t be shocked to see some dreaded three-putt pars on this hole during the week.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor