The Southport Tour

Possibly the greatest concentration of first class links golf in the world.

The coastline around Southport, England, is renowned as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, famously referred to as “England’s Golf Coast.” This region offers an outstanding array of historic and championship golf courses that appeal to players of all skill levels. From the prestigious Royal Birkdale, a frequent host of The Open Championship, to the impressive Hillside, Formby, and Southport and Ainsdale Golf Clubs, the area has earned a reputation for golfing excellence. Additional courses like West Lancashire and Hesketh add to the variety with their challenging designs and picturesque settings, making this region a bucket-list destination for avid golfers. Southport has rightfully earned its title as a “golfer’s town,” boasting a concentration of top-tier courses within a short distance, each providing a distinctive experience.

These courses together form a golfing landscape rich in diversity, history, and challenge, attracting players from all over the world.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Located in Southport, Royal Birkdale Golf Club is widely regarded as England’s finest links course and regularly features on The Open Championship rota. The course is characterised by its natural layout, where the fairways wind between towering sand dunes, creating amphitheatre-like settings around the greens. Precision and strategy are crucial to navigate the challenging bunkers and undulating putting surfaces. Having hosted multiple major events, including The Open, the Women’s British Open, and the Ryder Cup, Royal Birkdale is esteemed for its rich history and world-class design, offering an unforgettable experience for both professional and amateur golfers.

Hillside Golf Club

Adjacent to Royal Birkdale, Hillside Golf Club is celebrated for its dramatically contrasting front and back nines. The flatter front nine gives way to a back nine that winds through impressive sand dunes, regarded as some of the finest links holes in England. This unique layout demands adaptability and finesse from players, particularly with its strategically placed bunkers, fast greens, and the ever-present coastal winds. Hillside has hosted numerous notable events, including the British Masters and Open Championship qualifiers, securing its status as a top golfing venue.

Formby Golf Club

Formby Golf Club offers a distinctive blend of links and heathland styles, set among towering pines and expansive sand dunes. This combination provides a visually striking and challenging course, known for its narrow fairways, heather-covered rough, and fast, undulating greens. With a history of hosting prestigious amateur tournaments such as The Amateur Championship, Formby remains a favourite among both members and visitors. The club also features a highly regarded ladies’ course, adding to its appeal as a comprehensive golfing destination.

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club, a historic gem on England’s Golf Coast, has hosted the Ryder Cup twice and is known for its fast fairways, strategic bunkers, and challenging doglegs. The course’s design makes great use of the natural dunes and rugged terrain, providing a classic links experience that tests every facet of a golfer’s game. Its storied history and challenging layout make it a favourite for those looking to tread the same fairways as past legends.

West Lancashire Golf Club

The West Lancashire Golf Club, often called West Lancs, is a formidable links course that offers a true test of skill for golfers of all levels. The course is defined by its rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and complex greens, all heavily influenced by the coastal winds. As one of the oldest golf clubs in England, dating back to 1873, West Lancs combines a deep sense of tradition with a pure links experience. It regularly serves as a venue for Open Championship qualifiers and is highly regarded for its rugged beauty and demanding play.

Hesketh Golf Club

Hesketh Golf Club, Southport’s oldest golf club, presents a mix of links and parkland features, offering a different but equally enjoyable golfing experience. Known for its tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and small, tricky greens, Hesketh also stands out for its abundance of local wildlife, adding to the course’s unique character. Though it may not share the same level of fame as some of its neighbours, Hesketh provides a challenging and welcoming environment for golfers seeking a varied experience.

TREVOSE, CORNWALL - MAY 24: The green on the par 5, 4th hole at sunset at the Trevose Golf and Country Club, on May 24, in Trevose, England. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)