Going for Golf

Southport & Ainsdale

Despite staging the second and third Ryder Cup competitions on these shores, Southport & Ainsdale tends to be overshadowed by its more auspicious neighbours, Birkdale and Hillside. But, almost 80 years after its moment in the sun – if Merseyside ever gets any sun – S&A, as it is affectionately known, remains a cracking test of genuine links golf, set, as it is, among the sand dunes of the north-west coast.

Like most genuine links courses it can be a real monster when the wind is up, but offers a completely different challenge on an, albeit rare, benign day. Built originally in 1907, James Braid revamped the course in 1924, adding six new holes after a road split the original course apart.

The whole course is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and, although it would certainly not be labelled a ‘long’ course these days, it is not easy – which is why it proves such a lure for traditionalists. Narrow fairways are bordered by dunes and channels and each hole presents a unique challenge.

S&A is just one of numerous top-quality courses along this part of the north-west coast which markets itself as England’s Golf Coast. And, an old colleague even goes as far as to recommend the clubhouse breakfast.