I had the pleasure of playing Royal Liverpool(Hoylake) a few weeks ago. I asked my caddy how Mr.Whitten's very critical review of Hoylake was received. Obviously, he will not be welcomed with open arms. In fact, the Secretary reviewed the guest registry and to his knowledge he has never played as a guest. In my humble opinion the course was fantastic and very enjoyable. We had strong 20-25 mile per hour winds which I am am sure the R&A would have liked the week of the Open Championship. The membership is voting soon on whether to play the course in the original configuration or play it as the way the Open played it.
ps The biggest tipper to the locker room staff was Phil Mickelson