St Anne's Old Links Golf Club

St Annes Old Links occupies a distinctive position in the Lancashire golf landscape, situated inland from the coast in Lytham St Annes. The course was laid out by Alex "Sandy" Herd, the 1902 Open Championship winner, with later contributions from George Lowe. Unlike its more famous neighbors Royal Lytham & St Annes and Royal Birkdale, which sit closer to the sea, St Annes Old Links plays over flatter terrain with less dramatic duneland, though it retains many characteristics of traditional links golf including firm turf, strategic bunkering, and exposure to prevailing winds. The routing makes effective use of the available land, with several holes running along natural ridges and others playing through more level ground. The course features classic links hazards including pot bunkers and gorse, and the wind remains a significant factor in club selection and strategy. While the topography lacks the severe undulation of coastal links, the design requires thoughtful navigation and rewards accurate ball-striking. St Annes Old Links Golf Club serves primarily as a members' club and maintains a welcoming atmosphere typical of many Lancashire clubs. The course provides an accessible links experience for those exploring the region's golf offerings, complementing the championship venues nearby. It represents a more modest but genuine example of English links golf, designed by a player who understood the game's strategic demands from his own competitive experience.