Hillside Golf Club

Hillside Golf Club occupies a distinctive stretch of linksland in Southport, positioned between Royal Birkdale to the south and the Southport & Ainsdale courses to the north along England's northwest coast. The course was designed by Frederick Hawtree and opened in 1911, with later modifications by his son Frederick W. Hawtree. The layout plays across classic duneland terrain, with the routing split between an inland front nine that moves through valleys and across sandhills, and a back nine that ventures closer to the shore and features more exposed, windswept holes along higher ground. The course measures over 7,000 yards from the championship tees and presents a varied examination of links golf. The front nine works through more sheltered corridors with significant elevation changes, while the closing stretch opens to broader views of the Irish Sea and the Lakeland fells in the distance. The par-three 11th and the long par-four 15th are frequently noted among the stronger holes, demanding precise shotmaking in coastal winds. The bunkering throughout is substantial, with deep pot bunkers and sprawling waste areas characteristic of traditional links design. Hillside has hosted numerous significant amateur championships and professional events, including Open Championship Final Qualifying on multiple occasions. The club served as a venue for the Ryder Cup practice days when Royal Birkdale hosted the matches. The course regularly appears in rankings of England's finest links and maintains a reputation for providing a rigorous test that complements the championship courses nearby.