Hillside Golf Club
Hillside Golf Club is a championship links in Southport, separated from Royal Birkdale only by a footpath, and it welcomes visitors outside its winter closure. Its back nine, laid out by Fred Hawtree in the 1960s, was described by Greg Norman as the best in Britain.
The course and its character
Hillside celebrated its centenary in 2011. The course was extensively remodelled in the 1960s, when Fred W. Hawtree created a new back nine, and Greg Norman later called it the best back nine in Britain. The club sits beside Royal Birkdale on the same stretch of Sefton coast, and it has hosted The Amateur. It is ranked among the leading courses in England and Merseyside by Top 100 Golf Courses.
Booking and visitor practicalities
Visitors book by contacting the Secretary's Office by phone or through the online enquiry form, and green fees differ between midweek and weekend play. For the 2026–27 winter the course closes for maintenance from 19 October 2026 to mid-March 2027, and fairway mats are compulsory in midwinter, so check dates before planning a trip. Two-seater ride-on buggies can be reserved, subject to availability, and manual and electric GPS trolleys can be hired from the pro shop. Corporate and society days are available for groups of 16 to 72 golfers.
Getting there
The club is on Hastings Road in Hillside, on the southern edge of Southport, about 18 miles north of Liverpool. Royal Birkdale is next door, and Southport and Ainsdale is nearby.
Highlights
- Back nine created by Fred W. Hawtree in the 1960s
- Greg Norman called it 'the best back nine in Britain'
- Separated from Royal Birkdale only by a footpath
- Has hosted The Amateur
Good to know
- The course closes for winter maintenance from 19 October 2026 to mid-March 2027
- Book through the Secretary's Office by phone or enquiry form
- Ride-on buggies can be reserved, subject to availability
- Payment in pounds sterling by Amex, Visa or Mastercard
Frequently asked questions
Sources: hillside-golfclub.co.uk · top100golfcourses.com