Hillside Golf Club

Hillside, located in the vicinity of the famous Royal Birkdale and across the Southport & Ainsdale railway line, is definitely not to be missed. Before playing, visit the nearby driving range. The starter, located right in front of the pro shop and clubhouse terrace, will try to calm you down before your first drive. The railway runs along the entire left side of the narrow opening hole and the second hole. The course undulates pleasantly, and occasionally you will find yourself playing to an elevated green. Small pine forests form the backdrop. The par 3 tenth hole is visually appealing. The course, played from the yellow 6,151-yard tees, is pleasant and playable.

Hillside sits in the same tract of spectacular duneland as Birkdale, immediately to its North and Southport & Ainsdale, immediately to its south. It's one of those classic stretches of UK coastline like Muirfield/Renaissance where you could create another half dozen fantastic courses and still have room for more.

The course is fun but fair - and has a really good set of par 3 holes all of which have excellent and challenging green complexes, and all of which are different lengths - something I really like. Recent enhancements to the dunes on many of the early holes have added to the definition, and created some spectacular tee shots from the tips - especially the par 5 5th which has a 240 yard carry over wetlands.

Not being right next to the sea, the ground is a little softer than you might imagine a links to be, and the greens were lush and quite slow when I played - but we have had an unusually wet summer.

The clubhouse is welcoming with a good selection of food and drinks, and the pro shop well stocked. Not as famous as it's northerly neighbour, Hillside is nevertheless a splendid links with a lovely variety of holes, played in pretty surroundings. A must play if you're on a tour of Lancashire links courses.

Hillside Golf Club, nestled in Southport, England, is a real gem along the Golf Coast. As one of the top courses in the UK, Hillside offers a classic links experience with plenty of character, beauty, and challenge. It lives up to its reputation.

The layout is exceptional, with the back nine simply stunning. The 9th is where the course starts to shine, leading into a thrilling second half. The 11th is a standout par-5 with an elevated green framed by pine trees, making every shot a test of accuracy. The 14th—a picturesque dog-leg left—challenges you off the tee with fairway bunkers before rewarding you with an approach shot framed by towering dunes.

The condition of the course was superb. Greens were fast and true, and the fairways were in great shape, thanks to the hard work of the greenkeeping team. The practice facilities were top-notch, with a well-maintained putting green, a short-game area, and a grass driving range—plenty to get you ready before your round.

Hillside is a challenge, but a fair one. The quick greens can be tricky, but they reward good putts once you get the hang of them. The last three holes are a great test to finish your round, with tight drives and approaches demanding accuracy. They’re beautiful to look at, but they’ll test your game.

Set among natural dunes, Hillside offers a peaceful and tranquil environment. The railway along the southern edge breaks the silence every now and then, but it doesn’t take away from the calm atmosphere. The holes blend into the landscape, giving it a classic, traditional links feel that draws you in.

The clubhouse has a friendly, welcoming vibe, with reasonably priced food and drinks to enjoy after your round. The staff was great, treating us like regulars, and the pro was really helpful with tips before we started. The whole experience, from start to finish, was top-notch.

Hillside Golf Club is a must-play if you’re visiting the Golf Coast. It holds its own against neighbours like Royal Birkdale, offering a layout that’s both challenging and fun, in excellent condition, with a serene, classic links atmosphere. Hillside will leave a lasting impression if you’re a low handicapper or love a good links course.

Quel magnifique parcours! On en a pris plein les yeux?, tout le long, sur chaque trous! Tout est parfait, même si la première des stratégies est de rester sur le fairway! C’est notre préféré?

It’s a quality golf course set amongst pine trees offering some great elevated tees with holes meandering through the large dunes, especially on the back 9.

It’s easy to access by car and Hillside station is a 5 minute walk from the club. The modern clubhouse offers good quality food and a good selection of drinks, with a friendly welcome. The pro shop is well stocked and was more modern than I remember and with better kit when I visited in September. I think it’s had an upgrade. There’s a decent chipping area and practice range with a large practice putting green right by the first tee. It is always in great condition and offers a challenge for any fan of links golf. My only criticism would be the car park gets a bit busy and some if the spaces are too narrow. Overall, it’s a superb course and great club. One to tick off the bucket list. Make sure you play Southport and Ainsdale, Royal Birkdale and Formby whilst in the area.