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Hillside, England |
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Hillside Golf Club
Hastings Road
Hillside
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 2LU
England |  | Fred Hawtree, Donald Steel |  | Brian Seddon |
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 | +44 (0) 1704 567169 |  | 3 miles S of Southport |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Contact in advance – not weekends |  | Simon Newland |
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There are eight top-notch seaside courses between St Annes and Liverpool and many people believe that this is the best stretch of linksland in the British Isles. It is certainly England’s links golfing Mecca and Hillside Golf Club is the best of the non-royal commoners.
Hillside is an underrated gem, separated only by a footpath, but hiding in the shadow of its noble next-door neighbour, Royal Birkdale. The railway line separates Hillside from Southport and Ainsdale, another superb but relatively unknown links.
Today’s layout is very different to the original Hillside that was founded in 1911. The club acquired some new land in the 1960s and Fred Hawtree extensively remodelled the course, making major changes to the back nine. The front nine has always been highly regarded and plays over relatively flat ground, but it’s the homeward nine that is really special and is frequently bracketed alongside Ballybunion because the holes ripple and undulate through the giant dunes.
There are many strong and individual holes but it’s the 11th is a hole that has everything going for it, a reachable par five of just over 500 yards that doglegs left; the elevated tee provides a panoramic view of the hole in play and many other holes too, not only at Hillside but also at Royal Birkdale and Southport & Ainsdale. A well-struck drive to the dune-flanked fairway will tempt the big hitters to go for the raised green in two, but watch out for that cavernous bunker lurking on the right.
Although Birkdale is a regular Open host, Hillside has staged numerous major events, both amateur and professional. In the 1982 PGA Championship, Tony Jacklin tied with Bernhard Langer. Jacklin went on to win at the first play-off hole; this was to be his last professional title and Hillside’s most recent major event. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | | We played as a three ball on Sunday afternoon and the experience was fantastic. There was no one behind us and no one in front, we played liked kings. After the first two holes, which have the distraction of trains flying past, the course really took off. The greens and fairways were in very good condition, however the bunkers needed a good fluffing. I agree with previous reviews, that the back nine is the better nine, however there are some real gems on the front. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the half way house was good quality and value. This is certainly a must play. |
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| 23 August 2011
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| | I played Hillside yesterday in their Gents Open in magnificent weather and thoroughly enjoyed the course. I visited the course for a viewing when the Amateur Championship was held here recently, however, I only fully appreciated the back nine holes when I played them having heard so much about them previously. Hillside may just have become my favourite course played ahead of the likes of Carnoustie, Turnberry, Saunton East, Royal St David's to name a few. |
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| 04 July 2011
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| | I played this course on Friday, April 14th, having played Royal Lytham in the morning. The course was in excellent condition, with evidence of new turf around some of the bunkers. The front nine is extremely pretty, with enough good holes to challenge your score. The back nine is tremendous, with each hole seeming to be completely on its own. I would judge that these holes are the equal of those next door at Royal Birkdale. Overall, the course isn't as tough to play as, say Royal Lytham, but for a relatively high handicapper like myself, it's a lot more fun to play. Finally, a mention to the staff in the clubhouse, who were all very friendly and helpful. |
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| 16 April 2011
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| | The back 9 gets all the praise here and I can see why, but the front isn't bad at all. We were unfortunate that on are visit they were doing a huge amount of course maintenance in preperation for there centenary year, most fairway bunkers were GUR and there was even 2 temporary greens which was disappointing and some winter tees, however, the back 9 was in good working order and it made up for the work on the front 9. An excellent back 9, for me the pick is the par 5 11th with an elevated tee and views over its neighbour Royal Birkdale. The course is a lot gentler than beast of Birkdale next door. Definately worth a round here if your in the area, we are hoping to return next year and play the whole course as it should be played. My playing partner managed a hole in one on the 4th, so good memories of Hillside. |
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| 22 February 2011
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| | Played Hillside last year and was expecting a lot having read reviews on this site. I left feeling very underwhelmed. I had played Royal Birkdale and Southport and Ainsdale on the days prior to playing Hillside, both of which were great and in fantastic condition, and I was expecting a lot from the course. The front nine holes were rather dull and the greens were very poor. The back nine lived up to my expectations, but the balance of the course felt odd due to the two distinctly different nines. The corse is definately worth playing, but one should consider other courses in the area too. |
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| 29 January 2010
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| | Played Hillside on Thursday and was expecting a good course, but was expecting it to be a sideshow to Royal Birkdale in the afternoon. How wrong was I?! Fantastic golf course and a wonderful test. Front 9 was great, but the Back 9 was outstanding. Holes 10,11,13,14,17 and 18 are brilliant. The par 3 10th cut into the hillside proves that par 3's don't have to be long to be great. Par 5's 11 and 17 are fantastic, cut through the dunes, varying in elevation and well bunkered. Not quite as good as Brilliant Birkdale but not far off at all! Don't overlook Hillside! |
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| 18 July 2009
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| | How this course is not further up the rankings, I have no idea. I defy anyone not to be impressed by the back nine, in particular. The front nine has certainly less of a linksy feel, but the holes are no less challenging or pretty. In fact, the front nine is rather reminiscent of the New Course at St Andrews. The par 3 7th in particular stands out, framed by wonderful tall pines. If you have made some sort of a score on the front nine, holding it together on the back is tough, particularly if you can keep your mind on the job and not on the wonderful views. |
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| 21 May 2009
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| | Hillside is definitely a hidden gem, and for my money better than Lytham and on a par with Birkdale. Customer service was exceptional, the members were friendly, and the course was outstanding. The railway running down the length of the 1st & 2nd gives you an old-fashioned touch to proceedings, there isn't a weak hole on the course, and although the front nine was good, the back nine was superb.There is real links golf with the 2nd shots at 13 and 17, the par 3 16th is in an outstanding setting, and the view from the 11th tee is rarely bettered in the UK. This is one course that you should make the effort to play, regardless of whether you're in the area or not. |
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| 19 May 2009
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| | Exceptional golf course with the back nine being amazing, can certainly tell why Greg Norman rates it so highly. Very difficult but very fair with a premium on straight hitting. Played the course 3 times now and will certainly be going back. |
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| 05 March 2009
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| | I played at Hillside the other week, i dont know what everyone is on about. The front 9 holes are so dull its like playing at a parkland course. It gets a bit better on the back NOT A LOT! hole 10 and 11 are the best. Overall i dont think it is better than Birkdale and Southport & Ainsdale sorry ! |
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| 05 February 2009
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| Response: | | | Cedric | 05 February 2009 | | A 3-ball rating? You must be joking. I know it's wintertime, but still! Which other course have you ever rated as 3-ball? Would be curious to know on what basis you are rating Hilside... Who ever believed it was better than Birkdale anyway?? | | | lexo | 06 February 2009 | | Cedric - totally agree with your thoughts - i think someone is on a wind up - see the S+A reviews / responses | | | Jim McCann | 06 February 2009 | | A tree ball rating for Hillside - shome mishtake shurely, or were you not in complete command of your faculties when you played here? I can't compare it to S&A as I've not teed it up there yet, but it holds up very well against ANY of the 48 other top100 GB&I tracks that I've played. | | | bill | 08 February 2009 | | This is to Lexo and Cedric i don't care what you think! This is what i think of hillside ok! It has nothing to do with you! | | | Andrew | 09 February 2009 | | 3 Ball rating you're nuts, why don't you just play your local Muni, and stay away from quality courses. | | | MPPJ | 11 February 2009 | | I consider myself fortunate and privileged to have played this wonderful course. Whilst playing the back 9 at Hillside I felt like a child on Christmas morning that had just received every present they wanted. It is just a magical course and one of the very best golfing experiences of my life. However, it is all about opinions but as Jim Royle might put it “ 3 balls my …” well you get my drift MPPJ | | | paul | 17 March 2009 | | Most probably had a shocker of a round. |
| | | Magnificent! Hillside is a superb links course - every bit as good, if not better than Royal Birkdale. I thought that the view from the 11th tee is as good as any in golf. I played on a cold sunny Autumn day and cant wait to go back. |
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| 06 October 2008
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| | For me this is better than its more famous neighbour Royal Birkdale. Much fairer, and some stunning holes. A must play if you are in the area. |
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| 26 September 2008
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| | What a course this is. I've never had as much pleasure ever as playing this course. Played the course on a corporate day (16/05/2008) and it was a beautiful sunny day with a little breeze, and only scored 26 points playing off 3/4 handicap. The course is absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to come back and play it again with my pals. The front nine is very nice, but the back nine is out of this World! Best course I've ever played for enjoyment and that includes Royal Lytham! |
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| 16 May 2008
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| Response: | | | Simon Newland | 23 May 2008 | | I have to say that I am blown away by your comments. We all work very hard to ensure that when anybody visits Hillside they leave with fond memories and I am delighted that you enjoyed your day. Secretary, HGC |
| | | Only Royal Lytham & St Annes is better in this area. It is true what everyone says, the back nine are the best I have played anywhere, never mind in England. I cannot understand how it is ranked so low when other courses not as good are ranked a lot higher. If you get the chance play this course, it is an absolute GEM! |
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| 27 February 2008
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| | I can't believe I forgot to write a review of this course after my trip in the summer of 2006. Hillside is every bit as wonderful and spectacular as the other reviewers have noted. The front nine is somewhat flat, but there are a number of interesting holes and even a water hazard to negotiate. The brilliance of the back nine, however, is almost difficult to describe. There are a number of holes cut through magnificent dunes that test both length and accuracy. The wind plays havoc with the proper driving lines demanding a very well struck shot along the properly chosen line to wind up in the proper postion. To take in Hillside and the neighboring courses of Royal Birkdale and Southport & Ainsdale is to savor some of the finest links golf in the world. Richard Smith, Knoxville Tennessee |
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| 20 August 2007
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| | Great course, everyone I know who's played here loves it. The back nine IS as good as everyone says, the only hole you would describe as less than spectacular is the 12th with the 11th,13th,14th & 17th personal favourites. The front 9 does suffer a bit by comparison but it's still good(par 3 7th is a gem). The rough is tough all over the course and the many doglegs have mounds on the inside corner so the landing areas look tiny from the tee. Friendly members and at £40 to play in their Open, it's a bargain. |
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| 19 June 2007
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| | Hillside is often compared to its more illustrious Southport neighbours of S and A and Royal Birkdale well, I think that it is time for Hillside to be recognised in its own right because Hillside is simply a magnificent golf course. One of my playing companions (not a Hillside member) stated that Hillside is the best course in England and he could be right. Now, I never thought that I would be talking about myself and Greg Norman in the same sentence but Greg claimed that Hillside had the best back nine in England well, Greg you are not wrong. The Back nine is simply breathtaking with the 11th a true masterpiece. But the truth is that Hillside does not have one weak hole in the back nine.That is not to say that the front nine is weak (only the 4th didn’t excite me), it is just holes 10 to 18 are very special. I was privileged enough to play the course on a bright, clear and sunny day (The Blackpool Tower was clearly visible along the coast over 30 miles away) and it is an experience I shall never forget. Yes, Hillside is a bit pricey but if you play it like i did in an open competition it will be the best green fees you ever spend. Martin Jordan |
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| 18 June 2007
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| | Played in June 2006- played in a howling Irish Sea wind. Enjoyable course and would definitely play again, first nine has a parkland setting and the second nine has a wild dunes/links setting. Fun course to play.l |
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| 15 March 2007
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| | I can only agree with all the reviews before that Hillside is a great course and for less than half the money of Royal Birkdale it is great value. The back nine is very very good with 10,11,13,14,15,16,17 &18 some of the finest closing holes you will ever play made all the more special with birdies at 17 & 18. If you are in Southport and only get the opportunity to play one course then play Hillside. If you are lucky enough to play more then try to add Royal Birkdale as it is a class act. Hillside was in the most wonderful condition following the hot dry summer we have just had. I will be going back again very soon. |
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| 12 September 2006
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| | Great experience indeed...What a course!Go in the rough and you are dead!A real beast... |
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| 22 June 2006
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| I played from the yellow tees in a Gents Open in June 2006 and, despite the rain which came down for most of the round,  loved every moment of my four hours on the course. My only gripe is why is this course not rated higher as it deserves to be right up there amongst the very top rated tracks. The whole experience began with the starter who was so helpful and chatty before our group drove off on the first tee. It progressed through the front nine holes which were as well conditioned as I have played in a long time. And then the back nine – what a treat! These were apparently reconstructed in the late 1960’s and have a different feel to the earlier holes but combine both loops of nine and you have a fantastic golfing experience to savour. Elevated tees abound with immaculate sleepered stepping and closely mown grass banks – very classy. Putting surfaces have grass replaced with green velvet – only kidding, but it seemed that way, they were so good! You are off your head if you visit the Southport/Lytham area and do not play courses like Hillside and Formby in addition to the Open venues. James McCann |
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| 21 June 2006
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| | Absolutely FANTASTIC golf course. The back 9 is possibly the very best in England. Everyone who has ever played Hillside ADORES it, I can see why... It really is THAT GOOD. |
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| 05 February 2006
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| | The back 9 is scary good... Golf heaven without a doubt. Surely this is a future Open Course just waiting to get out?! Gorgeous feel to it, the 10th being described as possibly the best par 3 in GB&I - easy to see why. Lovely welcoming members - cannot wait to go back and experience this course again - surely almost as good as its next door neighbour Royal Birkdale?! |
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| 11 January 2006
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| | No doubt about it, Hillside is a BIG course. With very effective use of the natural dunes and rolling landscapes it provides an excellent test of golf for all. Hard to find a favourite amongst the home of golf in England, they are all such fine courses. |
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| 08 September 2004
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| | It's not all about the back nine - the front nine is varied and tough too. But there is no doubt, the back nine is special. I doubt whether there are three better courses next door to each other anywhere in the world. Royal Birkdale, Hillside and Southport & Ainsdale. An amazing, but thouroughly challenging experience. |
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| 23 August 2004
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| | Hillside is a cracker. A shame to have to compare the front nine with the back but the back is so good that it's inevitable.
The par 5 11th is stunning and now becomes one of my top 10 holes played. The north west coastline is full of top courses and Hillside is right up there and is a must play course. Loads of classic history in and around the clubhouse too. Do not miss a chance to play Hillside. |
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| 19 August 2004
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| | Greg Norman describes this course as having the best back 9 in Britain. I'm inclined to agree!! After playing the short tenth, there are a series of doglegs, right and left, elevated tees and greens amonst huge dunes. Doesn't suffer in comparison with its illustrious Neighbour, Royal Birkdale, another gem. |
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| 27 May 2004
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