Hoylake: At -a-glance

Hoylake's short holes are infamous

This will be the first Open at Hoylake since Roberto de Vicenzo memorably claimed his only major title in 1967. His persimmon 3-wood approach to the 18th green finally shook off the challenges of Jack Nicklaus and playing partner Gary Player.

This time round the 18th will become the second green because the organisers believe the stadium-style appearance of the 16th hole will give more of a climactic appeal - with thousands filling the grandstands on three sides.

The R&A concluded that the 558-yard, par 5 16th will provide a far more challenging and dramatic finale, skirting, as it does the practice ground which will be out of bounds on the right to anything hit wayward under pressure. The scope for the same drama on the usual 18th hole, they say, is more limited.

Dramatic finishing hole

Here's an at-a-glance guide to the course and look out for a special preview soon, in which Golfmagic visitors who have played it submit their own observations.

Hole 1 (par-4, 454 yards)

Known to members as 'Royal' after the Royal Hotel - the original 1869 clubhouse - the hole will catch those of a nervous disposition as it demands an accurate driver skirting bunkers on the right. The green was moved from the roadside in 2001 and is set at an angle to the fairway.

Hole 2 (Par-4 436yds)

Again, demand accuracy between bunkers with an approach played to another new green, where flag positions are likely to be tucked away. Looks for a lot of chipping to save par as wide approaches tend to kick off the green.

Hole 3 (par-4 429 yards)

Normally the opening hole for members, it's a sharp dogleg to the right skirting out of bounds (practice ground). A dip in the ground to the left of the green will gather anything wayward.

Hole 4 (372 yards)

Bunkers either side at driving length, can catch the inaccurate tee shot on a hole that looks to be quite weak at first glance. Players will tend to keep to the left for their approach shot to a green which is the only one retained from the original layout with roll off areas at the back and bunkers to protect it.

Hole 5 (par-5 528 yards)

A likely birdie chance if conditions remain fast and dry. The tee shot needs to be threaded between gorse and bunkers. Most longer hits will be going in with a long iron, rescue or fairway metal. An added challenge is a large undulating green than can lead to three-putting.

Hole 6 (par-3, 202 yards)

First of the four par-3s on the course. The prevailing wind tends to be across the hole from right to left. Bunkers surround the putting surface, which slopes from the right. Deep bunker, front right, poses the biggest threat.

Hole 7 (par-4, 453 yards)

Two new bunkers have been introduced on the right hand side of the fairway to keep the tee shot honest, though the best line is down the right, skirting the trap. Caution down the right means an approach over sand on the left of the green.

Signature hole is the 14th

Hole 8 (Par-4, 423 yards)

A little scary at first sight with OB hedge between the player and the fairway nearly 200 yards away. Keep it up the left side to leave mid-iron to the green.

Hole 9 (par-3, 198 yards)

Hole has been re-designed in recent years to leave it clearly visible from the tee - bunkers front left and right protect a narrow green. Misguided shots will shoot off into undulating chipping areas.

Hole 10 (par-5, 534 yards)

Gentle start to the back nine with a reachable par-5. Needs accuracy off the tee and with the approach avoiding a deep greenside bunker waiting to catch a shot leaking to the right.

Hole 11 (par-4, 393 yards)

No distractions please at the hole called the Punch Bowl. Views are magnificent across the Dee Estuary to the Welsh Hills, but concentration must be on a tee shot that favours the let side of the fairway.

Hole 12 (par-4 448 yards)

This left-hand dogleg is demanding and tricky. The wind can make it play longer than it appears, especially with a bunker, out of sight from the tee and a sloping fairway. The green is raised from back to front.

Hole 13 (par-3, 198 yards)

The R& A has introduced a new tee to the hole, the locals call 'Alps' because of its undulations and mounds which guard the front left of the green.

Hole 14 (par-4, 456 yards)

Recognised as probably Hoylake's signature hole, Hilbre is a sweeping left-hand dogleg, which even the big-hitters might not risk cutting unless wind conditions are ideal. Second shot played to an upturned green, which can deviate miss-hit approaches to the right into a hollow.

Hole 15 (par-3, 161 yards)

Shortest hole on the course but no pushover. It's a classic par-3, which demands pin-point approaches to avoid a par-saving chip from greenside rough or an explosion from sand.

Hole 16 (par-5, 554 yards)

First of two closing par-5s aimed at trapping the unwary. It's two big hits to reach the green with a grassy hollow - typical of the original 19th century course designers at nicknamed Farrar's Folly - there to make life that little bit more interesting.

Hole 17 (par-4 459 yards)

Set into the prevailing south-westerly, this hole has been made even more difficult by the inclusion of bunkers flanking the fairway. Two-tier green awaits the approach.

Hole 18 (par-5, 560 yards)

The world's best will be looking for a closing birdie or even eagle in this unusual par-5, which skirts the practice ground (out of bounds). But players should be beware the green is long and three-puttable and surrounding bunkers can cause embarrassment.