“Within the second nine are some of my favourite holes.” – Jack Nicklaus.

Located in Southport, an area renowned for its world-class golf, Hillside holds its own alongside prestigious neighbours like Royal Birkdale and Formby. It has also hosted major events such as Open Championship qualifiers, the British Masters (2019), and several Amateur Championships, showcasing its quality and appeal to players of all levels.

Renowned course architect Martin Ebert conducted a comprehensive review of the links in 2018, leading to significant improvements to the front nine over three phases of work (2019–2021). These enhancements have elevated the opening holes, which traverse flatter terrain alongside the railway line. The updated front nine sets the stage beautifully for the dramatic back nine, where players encounter valley-like corridors carved through some of the tallest and most spectacular dunes in the country. Each hole feels uniquely isolated, offering an unparalleled sense of tranquillity and immersion.

The greens are smooth and roll true, while the firm fairways deliver the classic links golf experience. Bunkers are deep and strategically placed, demanding thoughtful course management, and the rough, while challenging, remains fair. The ever-present coastal wind adds an extra layer of difficulty, testing players’ shot-making and club selection throughout the round.

While the front nine is flatter and less visually striking than the back nine, it is by no means subpar. Accuracy off the tee is critical here, as wayward shots risk finding the rough or well-placed hazards. This balance between the two halves ensures a captivating round of golf that is hard to forget.

The first hole is an intimidating start. The tee is situated between the pro shop and clubhouse, where you’re in full view, as well as the practice putting green. The fairway is narrow, with trees lining the out-of-bounds railway line that separates Hillside from Southport & Ainsdale on the left. Three fairway bunkers and a fourth greenside bunker, paired with a long bank of rough running along the right side, make this a nerve-wracking opener.

The second (par 5) feels like a longer version of the first, introducing a bit more fairway movement and a trickier green site with a severe right-side runoff, providing an early test of your short game.

I’m a sucker for a grass pathway, and Hillside has nailed it. Their attention to detail adds a gratifying feature throughout.

The par-3 4th is visually striking, with water sitting out of play to the left. The hole is framed by sand scrapes flowing from the tee boxes and extending just short of the green approach, with another positioned back left.