As of July 2026, Jordan Spieth has returned to Royal Birkdale for the 154th Open Championship, the site of his iconic 2017 victory. ### Key Changes and Context * **Course Modifications:** Royal Birkdale has undergone significant layout changes since 2017, most notably at the par-4 13th hole. The area to the right of the hole—where Spieth famously hit his wayward tee shot in 2017 before scrambling for a "miracle bogey"—is now designated as **out of bounds** to accommodate a new fan village. * **Layout Adjustments:** The 13th hole also features a new left tee box, repositioned bunkering, and an expanded dune. Additionally, the 14th hole from 2017 has been removed from the championship layout (now a practice area), and the course has been reconfigured with a new 241-yard par-3 15th hole. The total course yardage has increased by 67 yards to 7,223 yards, though the total number of bunkers has been reduced from 127 to 108. * **Spieth’s Outlook:** Spieth is currently seeking to regain his major championship form. His return to Birkdale has been marked by media reflection on his 2017 performance, which is widely regarded as one of the most memorable finishes in modern major history. ### Why It Matters These changes effectively eliminate the possibility of a repeat of the "Spieth miracle" at the 13th, a moment that defined his 2017 win. The modifications are intended to modernize the course and provide a fresh challenge for the field, while the narrative surrounding Spieth highlights his ongoing quest to recapture the elite form that once made him a dominant force in major championships. ### Strongest Sources * **Golfweek (Adam Schupak):** Provided the most detailed breakdown of the specific course alterations at Royal Birkdale and their impact on the 13th hole. * **Associated Press (AP):** Covered the broader narrative of Spieth’s return to the site of his third major title and his current career trajectory. * **Reuters:** Reported on the atmosphere and player sentiment leading into the 154th Open Championship.