Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club: Course Review, Tee Times and Key Info

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club Key Information

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club has been a feature of our Top 100 golf courses UK&I for more than 20 years. It was founded in 1906 and it has hosted numerous prestigious elite competitions over the years. In both 1933 and 1937, the club welcomed the fledgling Ryder Cup. The latter event witnessed the first victory by the USA on British soil.

The course dates from 1925 and was the work of five-time Open champion and prolific course designer James Braid. His design remains largely unchanged. It's one of the best courses in Lancashire.

This is a very natural feeling links, that has just a touch of heath about it, set over undulating dune land that was previously used for grazing cows and sheep.

The course shows its teeth from the outset. The 1st is a challenging par 3 of almost 200 yards to a green guarded by nine bunkers. The front nine delivers an excellent and eclectic selection of holes from the very long, straightaway par-5 2nd to the testing par-3 8th. I think there's good variety. Just 150 yards to a plateau green, anything coming up short will roll back some 30 yards.

There’s no let up on the run for home. A great emphasis is placed on straight hitting from the tee and anything straying off-line tends to result in five minutes of forlorn trudging through treacherous rough.

The 16th is one of the most challenging and unusual holes you’ll find - It's certainly not one I ever get to grips with properly. A par 5 of just over 500 yards, “Gumbleys,” it looks innocuous on the card but the prospect from the tee is extremely intimidating. Your drive must find the fairway but it’s tough not to go left with the railway line waiting right. The second is then blind and over a huge sleepered bank.

If you manage to pick the correct line over the dune then this becomes a birdie chance, pick the wrong line and you’re in big trouble.

The green configuration of the 17th was altered back in 2018/19 by golf architect Marc Westenborg.

Some interesting further changes to the course in the last few years. – Gravel paths have been removed and turf pathways reinstated to match others on the course. Dunes have been slightly lowered on the 1st hole to create a better visual of the iconic green, and a substantial dune complex has been added on the 18th hole.

Gorse has been removed and sand areas opened up which has improved the aesthetics.

What the Top 100 Panel Said

Jason Eaton

My thoughts towards S&A are mixed, it’s a strong finish but I’m not a fan of the start with a par-3 and then a par-5. Picking the line off the tee can be a challenge particularly on the holes with heather. As a high single figure handicapper lost balls made the course feel unfair but it’s a true challenge for lower handicappers.

Mark Rollins

A hugely enjoyable affair and would be delighted to play the course again (with the blind shots easier next time surely). Standing on the first tee certainly provides a sense of occasion, especially given the deep history of the course as demonstrated by the memorabilia in the Ryder Cup Room. However, a five-and-a-half-hour round, mostly due to the impenetrable rough, lessened the enjoyment.

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club Location

Best Courses Near to Southport And Ainsdale Golf Club

HILLSIDE

Venue for the 2019 British Masters hosted by Tommy Fleetwood, Hillside is a links with a twist as mature pine trees frame a number of the holes. Also featuring are the impressive sand dunes that line the fairways.

The front nine is strong at Hillside, but the course really comes to life on the back nine as the holes move up and through the sand dunes.

Elevated tees on the run in provide stunning views to the Lake District in the north and Snowdonia in the south, but these views shouldn’t distract from the sheer quality of the holes you are traversing.

ROYAL BIRKDALE

Since 1954 Royal Birkdale has hosted no fewer than ten Open Championships with the roll-call of victors including Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson. The design ethos here has been to run the holes through the dunes rather than over them, the result being a very honest test that receives universal praise.

Best Places to Stay near Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club

The Vincent Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
This stylish 4-star boutique hotel has a 6th-floor gym and a relaxed restaurant with chic surroundings. The Vincent Hotel is on Southport's main shopping street. Just a couple of miles from Hillside.

Waterfront Hotel Southport - Book now at Booking.com
On Southport’s Promenade, the 4-star Waterfront Hotel Southport offers stylish rooms and a waterside terrace. The luxury hotel also has a modern fitness suite and an excellent restaurant.

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club Course Gallery

Image 1 of 5

Southport and Ainsdale Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I

• 2025/26 - 65
• 2023/24 - 59
• 2021/22 - 62
• 2019/20 - 60
• 2017/18 - 66
• 2015/16 - 69
• 2013/14 - 64
• 2011/12 - 58
• 2009/10 - 50

Frequently Asked Questions