Merseyside

Without doubt, Royal Liverpool Golf Club is a tough links. Only six holes are in the dunes – otherwise there is little protection from the ever-changing Hoylake wind.

Formby is the prettiest of the eight top-notch links courses located between the seaside town of St Annes and the city of Liverpool. It is bordered on three sides by pine trees, giving the links a decidedly softer, heathland feel.

Hillside Golf Club is an underrated gem, separated only by a footpath, but hiding in the shadow of its noble next-door neighbour, Royal Birkdale.

Its esteemed Royal neighbours keep West Lancashire Golf Club out of the limelight but it is a truly classical links course, located on a charming stretch of prime links land.

Wallasey Golf Club, world famous as the "Home of Stableford". An undiluted links course with its undulating fairways framed with spectacular dunes.

Southport & Ainsdale hosted the Ryder Cup in 1933 and 1937, with James Braid's 1924 redesign creating an outstanding links amongst towering dunes and heather. This championship venue on England's Golf Coast combines a rich tournament heritage with year-round accessibility, making it an essential destination for golf holidays along the Lancashire coast.

Formby Ladies Golf Club is set amidst the pine trees and sand dunes that characterise this part of the Lancashire landscape, the course lies in the heart of the Formby Golf Club – and yes, men are welcome to play here.

Founded in 1885, it is the oldest club in Southport; a sprawling, atmospheric layout that served as the original blueprint for championship play on this iconic stretch of coastline.

Caldy Golf Club has a delightful mix of seaside and inland holes. It provides a good test for the low handicapper and is enjoyable for the average golfer.