Where is the driving range at The Open?
If you are heading to the driving range at The Open, allow for plenty of time before heading back to the main golf course. You’ll thank me later
If you are heading to the driving range at The Open, allow for plenty of time before heading back to the main golf course. You’ll thank me later.
Before tucking into the action, your first thought might be to find the driving range, but one quirk of Royal Liverpool is that it’s not actually on site.
The usual driving range for the members is to the right of the 3rd hole, but during the competition, hospitality tents and viewing areas for spectators cover this space.
So where is the driving range and how do you get to it?
I took a walk, 12 minutes altogether, to find some answers. I ventured from the media centre, out of the exit by the HSBC golf zone, and headed to the practice ground belonging to Hoylake Municipal Golf Club.
This was also used for The Open in 2014 when Rory McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug.
I had my credentials scanned when departing from the venue, something fans must do with their tickets as well, and headed over a bridge across a road packed with blacked-out cars, ferrying players to and from the course.
You then cross a temporary walkway that runs on top of the railway track by Morpeth Road, and you’re there.
Despite the remote nature of the driving range, I was rewarded with the chance to see former Champions Golfers Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington smash a few balls into the sunny, blue sky upon arrival.
I also had the privilege of using the fast-track lane on the way back as a member of the media, but if you are a regular ticket holder and keen to watch your favourite players strike some warm-up shots, I’d advise some caution.
The crowds leaving and returning from the range were deep, and I visited on a practice day. Championship days on the range can be very busy, and there will likely be a larger pilgrimage to and from the driving range than the one I experienced.
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
