Hillside - A Memorable Masterpiece

I have had the pleasure of revisiting several courses this past year that I had not played in decades, and Hillside stands out among them. My first encounter with this Southport gem was in 1990, and my last visit was in the summer of 2001. It was spectacular back then, and it is even more impressive now.

Hillside’s back nine has always been highly regarded, often overshadowing the front nine. While the front nine was good, recent renovations have made it exceptional, leaving many to debate which nine is superior. The two halves contrast beautifully: the front nine sits on flatter terrain, while the back nine weaves through dramatic dunes, giving the course a unique dual character.

Starting with the first hole, it is hard not to be distracted by the railway line running alongside. The second hole shares this characteristic, while the third requires a well-placed tee shot and a precise approach to navigate bunkers on the left and water on the right. The influence of Mackenzie Ebert’s renovations is evident from these early holes, but it is at the fourth that you really go, “Wow.” The addition of waste areas and intricately contoured green run-offs elevates the challenge, proving that a tightly mown slope can be tougher to escape than a bunker.

Holes 7, 8, and 9 demand accurate play, and once you have navigated them, you are in for a treat. The tenth gives a hint of what is to come, with an elevated green nestled among dunes. The par-5 eleventh requires strategic shot placement to avoid bunkers, while the twelfth features water hazards, building up to the real showstopper, the dunes that define the rest of the round. The landscape is reminiscent of Ireland, with towering dunes surrounding you on all sides.

The view from the elevated fourteenth tee is breathtaking, it was a clear day in which we could see the Blackpool Tower. The fifteenth is another gem, with a tee shot that must be carefully placed to navigate the dogleg left hidden within the dunes. These final holes are unforgettable and have stayed with me for years, especially from my 1990 visit as a young assistant professional. I still remember being two up with three to play, only to watch my boss hole a bunker shot on the sixteenth, crushing my hopes of winning a tenner. The last three holes are even better now.

Hillside is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Royal Birkdale, but it deserves its place among the elite. The recent improvements by Martin Ebert have only enhanced what was already a stunning course. Southport is known for its high-quality golf, and Hillside is a shining example of why this area is so highly regarded.