July 10, 2008–The 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is less than a week away, and soon the world's best players will take on one of the toughest and most intriguing tests of golf on the schedule. Each of the major championships has a feel, but for our money, the British Open–officially dubbed the Open Championship–has the most spirit of the majors, and usually provides the most compelling visuals and story lines, with all due respect to the U.S Open and The Masters. And for Las Vegas golfers, you can capture that spirit by playing Royal Links Golf Club, dubbed the Soul of Scotland. Royal Links Golf Club is one of three Las Vegas golf courses owned and operated by Walters Golf, and each of the 18 holes honors the tradition of the British Open by replicating holes from the courses played in the Open Championship rotation. Royal Links Golf Club features two holes from Royal Birkdale, site of this year's tournament. Throughout the summer, you can play Royal Links Golf Club from just $70. Or you can play all three of the Walters Golf courses–the other two are Bali Hai Golf Club and Desert Pines Golf Club–through the Tour the World Las Vegas Golf Packages starting at just $299.
The par 4, 410-yard, 6th hole at Royal Links Golf Club brings to life Royal Birkdale's par 4, 10th hole, while the par 4, 473-yard, 12th hole at Royal Links honors the par 4, 6th hole at Royal Birkdale. Other courses honored by Royal Links include Muirfield, St. Andrews, Royal Troon, Carnoustie and several others.
Royal Links Golf Club is also the home of a castle-like clubhouse that features an Irish-style pub called Stymie's. In addition, there is historical golf memorabilia displated throughout the "castle".
Padraig Harrington is the defending Open Champion. He won the 2007 event that was played at Carnoustie. There is one hole at Royal Links Golf Club that honors Carnoustie. The par 4, 459-yard, 16th brings to life Carnoustie's 15th complete with pot bunkers and other hazards typical of the Open Championship.
Las Vegas golf course Royal Links Golf Club is a Vegas links-style golf course created to honor the rich tradition and history of the game of golf. It is one of the most unique golfing experiences in the country. This Links style course faithfully recreates holes inspired by the British Open rotation golf courses such as "The Road Hole" and "Hell Bunker" from the old course at St. Andrews and "The Postage Stamp" from Royal Troon. Other legendary golf courses in the loop include Carnoustie, Turnberry, Royal Liverpool, Prestwick, Royal Lytham, Muirfield and Royal Birkdale.
Forecaddies and Walking Caddies are available and recommended to truly enhance the Scottish experience. They are familiar with the course and help with club selection, yardage to the green and other traditional services, but they are also extremely knowledgeable about the history of each hole. Monuments were erected at various points throughout the course indicating spots where great moments in British Open history took place.
A Champions Wall is erected near the practice green honoring American champions of the British Open. This isn't your typical round of golf, and whether you are into the history of the game or just want a shot at Tiger Woods' course record of 67 (Feb., 2001), Royal Links will provide you with some very memorable golfing and is an experience that can only be found in Las Vegas.