Hillside Golf Club
Hillside Golf Club
Hillside , Golf in North West - Golf in England
Hillside Golf Club, situated in Southport, Merseyside, England, is renowned for its distinctive championship links course. Established in 1911, the club has evolved significantly over the years, especially following a major overhaul in the 1960s by the renowned architect Fred Hawtree, who notably enhanced the back nine to create a truly spectacular golfing experience. Further enhancements were made between 2019 and 2021 under the guidance of Martin Ebert, notably elevating the front nine holes.
The course is characterized by its split personality: the front nine lays on relatively flat ground beside a railway line, setting up the drama for the back nine, which weaves through some of the highest and wildest dunes found in the region. Each hole is encapsulated within its unique dune formation, offering golfers a sense of isolation and challenge unlike any other. The back nine at Hillside is so esteemed that it has received high praise from golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman, with the latter describing it as "the best in Britain".
Hillside's illustrious history includes hosting numerous professional and amateur tournaments. The course has been a venue for The Amateur Championship, the British PGA Championship, the British Masters, the English Open, the Brabazon Trophy, and Open Championship qualifying rounds. Its proximity to other prestigious courses like Royal Birkdale Golf Club and Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club places Hillside in a region rich with golfing heritage.
Spanning 7,029 yards with a par of 72, the course presents a challenging yet fair test of golf, reflected in its course and slope ratings. Hillside's ability to host significant golfing events, including recent tournaments such as the Betfred British Masters in 2019 and The Amateur Championship in 2023, underscores its status within the golfing community as a premier venue capable of challenging the best golfers while offering memorable golfing experiences
