It is nine years since The Open was last held at Royal Birkdale, with the course having undergone a recent redesign to modernise the layout.
Widely regarded as one of, if not the, best courses in England, the Southport links underwent a two-phase project of alterations by architechts Mackenzie & Ebert from the Autumn of 2023 through to the Spring of 2025.
Part of the Open rota since 1954, only St Andrews has hosted more often and it is this week staging the Championship for an 11th time.
But what faces players this time around, and what can fans expect?
Hole 15 - Par three, 241 yards
The standout alteration to the layout is the introduction of a brand-new par three.
Designed as part of the member-led changes to elevate the challenge at the historic venue, the land where the old par three 14th sat was repurposed and the original green converted into a short-game practice area.
The green complex at the 15th is one of the largest on the course, however appearances can be deceptive as the approach from the tee box is comparitively narrow.
Two bunkers protect the left side of the green, with a steep runoff area to the right.
Of note, the prevailaing wind is at the players' backs, adding a further challenge with regards to club selection.
While Birkdale's eye-catching clubhouse serves as the backdrop for members, players will see a big hospitality structure where fans are afforded great views of the hole.
One of four par threes on the course, it is the longest - measuring 22 yards more than the 219-yard fourth. More on that hole to come...
Hole 4 - Par three, 219 yards
The first par three on the course has had 25 yards added to its length, but it's the reduction in size of two of the three left greenside bunkers that is most worth highlighting.
While potentially only a slight alteration, players may now find it easier to run their ball up onto the green from the left.
Hole 5 - Par four, 321 yards
The fifth has undergone a complete redesign since 2017, with the right side being remodelled and it is now no longer a blind tee shot.
While the hole has been reduced by 25 yards, don't expect everyone to have a go at reaching the green. Especially as there is a severe run-off to the left and over the back.
The addition of fairway bunkers to the left and right do, however, pose a question to players off the tee and enhance the risk and reward element of the hole.
Hole 7 - Par three, 151 yards
Here, at the shortest hole on the course, the tee box has been moved from the left of the sixth green to the right.
Now playing 26 yards shorter than in 2017, three of the seven bunkers, among the deepest on the course, have been removed and the green raised to allow for notable run offs.
What has remained is the presence of the 'donut' bunker, a well-known feature of the venue.
Hole 13 - Par four, 502 yards
Remembered for Jordan Spieth's errant final-round tee shot in 2017 and subsequent rescue shot from the practice ground, the hole plays a slight left-to-right dogleg.
Further down the fairway, on the left side, a bunker has been removed with this potentially serving to facilitate a lay up if trouble is found off the tee.
Hole 14 - Par 5, 602 yards
Previously the 15th, measuring 542 yards, the hole has been modified to add 60 yards of length.
Should winds be a feature of the week, this is a hole where they will be a factor.
Nine years ago, the previous iteration of the hole was the easiest on the course, averaging .34 shots under par, with 192 birdies and ten eagles made across the week.
With that in mind, the green has been relocated and made smaller, with greater undulation.
New bunkers have been added and cleverly positioned to potentially catch out those players who attempt to reach in two.
Hole 18 - Par 4, 508 yards
A changed tee position will make for a new, and an anticipated sterner challenge to Birkdale's closing hole.
Already the third hardest in terms of scoring in 2017, there is no longer a left-to-right dogleg.
But with six fairway bunkers, the tee shot is demanding and thus could result in players preferring to have a longer approach for their second shot.
As a result of the changes, the official card of the course measures 67 yards longer than in 2017.
While it remains a par 70, 36 in and 34 out, it now plays at 7,223 yards.
