Est. 1911Challenging

Hillside Golf Club

The finest links course you've never heard of — until now

Hastings Road, Hillside, Southport, PR8 2LU
Quick Info
Green Fee£100–£150
Par72
Yards6,850
Handicap28
Book via Club Website 01704 567169

About Hillside

Hillside is the best-kept secret on the Sefton Coast — though not for much longer. Immediately adjacent to Royal Birkdale, it shares the same dramatic duneland but offers significantly better visitor access at a fraction of the green fee. Golf professionals who play both courses often rate Hillside's back nine among the finest in England.

The course underwent significant redevelopment on its final nine holes, which now run through spectacular ridge-and-valley terrain through the dunes. The routing is logical and the course condition is consistently excellent. If you're building a multi-day itinerary, Hillside the day before Royal Birkdale is a near-perfect combination.

Course Data

TeeParYardageRatingSlope
Championship726,85074.2142
Medal726,47572136
Yellow726,02069.5128

Ratings verified to best available data. Verify with club before competition use.

How to Get a Tee Time

Visitor Policy

Visitors welcome most weekdays and some weekends. Handicap certificate required.

Best Days to Visit

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays preferred. Phone ahead to confirm.

How Far in Advance

Book 4–8 weeks in advance. More flexible than Royal Birkdale.

Handicap Requirement

Men's handicap limit: 28. Handicap certificate required — bring your club card or EGA handicap card.

Why Play Hillside?

  • Back nine through dramatic duneland — a match for any course in England
  • Immediately adjacent to Royal Birkdale — combined visits possible
  • Consistently excellent conditioning
  • Significantly better visitor value than neighbouring Birkdale
  • Used as Open Championship qualifying venue

Practical Notes

  • Handicap certificate required
  • Smart casual dress, spikeless or soft spikes only
  • Caddies available on request
  • Club hire available
  • Excellent clubhouse with panoramic views

Major Championship History

PGA Championship: 1982
Brabazon Trophy: multiple times
Final Open qualifying venue

After Your Round

Same recommendations as Royal Birkdale — both clubs are minutes apart
The Waterfront, Southport — casual post-round option

Book Your Round

Book tee times and golf packages at Hillside via Golf Breaks — the UK's leading golf holiday specialist.

View Golf Breaks Packages

Today's Conditions

Check current playing conditions before you go.

View course conditions

Getting There

Postcode: PR8 2LU

From Liverpool Airport: ~45 min by car

From Manchester Airport: ~70 min by car

By train: Merseyrail to Southport, then taxi