Southport sits at the heart of one of England's greatest stretches of links golf. Within 30 minutes of the town, you have Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Formby, and a handful of other courses. If you play golf and you haven't made a trip to this corner of Lancashire, something has gone wrong in your planning.
Royal Birkdale
The obvious one. Royal Birkdale is a world-class links course and an Open Championship venue. Getting a tee time here as a visitor is genuinely difficult — the club is private and protects its course. But it's not impossible. Contact the club directly, book well in advance, and be prepared to pay premium green fees. Worth every penny if you get on.
Hillside Golf Club
Hillside is next door to Royal Birkdale — literally adjacent, sharing the same dune landscape. It's been called the 'hidden gem' of Lancashire golf, which understates it. Hillside is a championship-standard links course that many golfers rate as highly as Birkdale itself. Slightly more accessible for visitors, and the green fees reflect that.
Southport & Ainsdale
S&A has its own proud history — it's hosted the Ryder Cup twice, in 1933 and 1937. The course sits in a natural dune setting between Southport and Ainsdale. More welcoming to visiting golfers than some of the higher-profile clubs, with consistently strong reviews. Good clubhouse, good course.
Formby Golf Club
Formby is 20 minutes south of Southport and has three courses — the main men's course, the ladies' course (one of the best women's golf facilities in the country), and Formby Hall. The main course is beautiful links golf through pines and dunes. A proper day out.
Practical notes for visiting golfers
- →Book well in advance — the best courses fill up months ahead, especially in summer
- →Handicap certificates are required at most clubs
- →Smart casual dress code is standard — check individual club rules before you go
- →The area gets busy during Open week — either embrace it or avoid it
⛳The Lancashire Links stretch — from Formby up through Southport to Lytham — is as good as links golf gets in England. If golf is your thing, a dedicated long weekend here deserves a place on your bucket list.
Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
