Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale,
Southport, Merseyside PR8 3LG
Office
+44 (0)1704 578 000Pro shop
+44 (0)1704 577 316Fax
+44 (0)1704 570 896Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Jim Payne (PGA Club Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Coastal links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Hillside GC (on the west side across the small railway), open countryside and limited residential.
Designer:
James Braid and James A. (Jim) Steer.
53.605467
-3.034307
15 miles N of Liverpool
From the centre of Southport, head south on the A565 direction Liverpool. After 3.2 miles, at Southport & Ainsdale sign, turn right into Bradshaws Lane. After 200 yards golf entrance is in front of you.
Southport & Ainsdale
Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club: A links golf course designed by the incomparable James Braid is always likely to be an enjoyable and challenging experience; in these respects Southport & Ainsdale will certainly not disappoint. On this occasion the undulations and twists and turns of the links terrain have fashioned a sometimes tricky and constantly testing layout.
The opening hole, a par-3, serves notice that good course management and accuracy from the tee will serve you better than flailing away with the driver at every opportunity. Straight hitting is at a premium if you want to stay out of the rather punishing rough. There's also a multitude of pot bunkers lining the fairways and surrounding many greens.
Just across the railway track that borders the west side of Southport & Ainsdale, you can look into the adjoining Hillside Golf Club and its towering sand dunes, beyond which lie two other notable attractions ... Royal Birkdale Golf Club and the Irish Sea.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Proof of handicap may be requested.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire.
Good
Southport & Ainsdale has hosted many top level competitions, not least the Women's British Open (1979) and the second and third Ryder Cups to be contested on European soil (1933, 1937) (see our Tournaments section >by Venue >Southport & Ainsdale).
A stunning five-mile stretch of duneland on the Lancashire coast is book-ended by the seaside towns of Southport and Formby. At the northern end of this stretch of sand hills, and closest to Southport, you'll find three of England's top-rated links courses sitting cheek-by-jowl. The proximity of this formidable triumverate, comprising Royal Birkdale, Hillside and Southport & Ainsdale, can be clearly seen on a satellite view map.
Royal Birkdale lies closest to Southport. A small pathway separates this revered Open Championship venue from Hillside, which adjoins it to the south. Across the railway track to the south and east of Hillside, lies Southport & Ainsdale. If this trio doesn't satisfy your links golf appetite, the also excellent courses of Formby and West Lancs lie just a few miles further south.
England's 42nd best course (Golf World, 2025).
Britain & Ireland's 94th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Lord Street, Southport, Lancs PR8 1NZ
+44 (0)1704 543 000
Visit websiteThe Scarisbrick Hotel is set in a central location on Lord Street, Southport's main shopping boulevard. It is close to all Southport's main attractions, and a short drive from the area's many top level golf courses.
No
Hesketh; Royal Birkdale; Hillside
Southport & Ainsdale; Formby; West Lancashire
Southport Old Road, Formby, Merseyside L37 0AB
+44 (0)1704 875 699
Visit websiteWith 62 bedrooms, Formby Hall combines all the charm and individuality of a boutique hotel, with the facilities of a 4-star luxury spa and golf resort. Located just 30 mins from Liverpool, it is an ideal base from which to explore the fabulous golf courses on the Lancashire coast.
Formby Hall
Formby
Hillside; Royal Birkdale; Southport & Ainsdale; West Lancashire; Hesketh; Wallasey; Royal Liverpool.
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Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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