The course is also populated by some towering pine trees, uncharacteristic for a seaside course, which add definition to the landscape and create a backdrop for some of the superb greens. With memorable views across the Irish Sea from many points, golfers will enjoy what is a spectacular place to play golf. There is little shelter to be had as you cut through the sandhills, but the rugged, pure links experience is arguably the finest form of the game.

Hillside Golf Club is ranked as one of the best courses in North West England

The course has been endorsed by Major Championship winning golfing legends Tom Watson and Greg Norman, both fine exponents of seaside golf, and their recommendation should be enough to convince you to visit Hillside during your Southport tour. As one of a number of stunning golf courses in the North West of England, this stretch of coastal links is up there with the very best golf tours anywhere in the world.

Past Open Championship winner and Australian golfing legend, Greg Norman wrote to Hillside after playing the course, saying that "the back nine were the best in Britain". Praise indeed for this illustrious golf course in Southport, especially considering it's well-known golfing neighbours, it is just a footpath which separates Hillside from Royal Birkdale and a train line from Southport and Ainsdale. Those visiting the area on a golf trip are sure to enjoy an experience that would hold it's own against the world's best golf tour destinations.

Past winners at Hillside include Tony Jacklin who defeated 2-time Masters winner, Bernhard Langer, in a playoff to claim the 1982 Sun Alliance PGA Championship. This victory would be Jacklin's last professional victory, perhaps a fitting place to claim a win given one of his most iconic moments just metres away at Royal Birkdale with the famous concession with Jack Nicklaus in The Ryder Cup.

In 2014, Hillside hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship which saw 3 players progress after 4 tied on a 2 round total of -6. Chris Hanson, John Singleton and Oscar Floren claimed their spots after Nick Marsh made a bogey on the 2nd playoff hole.

The par-72 layout is considered home to many great golf holes but it is the 11th which garners most praise. The 509-yard par-5 might only have a stroke index of 8 but offers a view far and wide as far as The Lake District on a fine day as well as the surrounding holes and golf courses which make this area so special for a golfing tour.

Other popular golf courses in Southport include Royal Birkdale Golf Club (next door, 2 minutes drive), Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club (6 minutes drive), Formby Golf Club (14 minutes drive) and West Lancs Golf Club (27 minutes drive).

How to get to Hillside Golf Club

Hillside Golf Club is located 2 miles south of Southport Town Centre off the A565 and just half a mile from Hillside train station.

Address: Hastings Road, Southport, Merseyside, England, PR8 2LU