Hillside Golf Club Key Information
Hillside is an unusual and attractive links delivering quality holes and stunning views. Improvements made a couple of years back have elevated the offering. The front nine is strong and continues to be improved, but the back nine is where the course really shines. A succession of tremendous holes and some incredible views to take in.
REASONS TO PLAY HILLSIDE GOLF CLUB
– One of the best back nines in the country, the layout gets better and better on the way round.
– Follow in the footsteps of great players at a course that has hosted the British Masters and The Amateur Championship
– Unusual links with mature trees lining many holes
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 30
Hillside is recognised as one of the most unique and challenging courses in our Top 100 golf courses UK&I.
The 2019 British Masters hosted by Tommy Fleetwood showcased the quality of the layout at Hillside, with both players and fans singing the praises of the layout. The event was won by Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult. Hillside is one of the best courses in Lancashire.
Hillside is an unusual links in that many of the holes are framed by mature pine trees. The towering dunes that line the fairways, particularly on the back nine, are long established and the thick rough that covers them is brutal in places.
The course begins gently, with a short par 4 then a reachable par 5. The test mounts from the 3rd – a challenging par 4 with water short and right of the green.
The front nine is excellent and I think much improved in recent years, but it’s on the back nine that Hillside really shines. In fact, in a letter to the club, Greg Norman has described the holes on the run for home as, “the best in Britain”.
The short par-3 10th takes you up and into the dunes, before the excellent par-5 11th (one of my very favourite holes in golf) sweeps to the left between the dunes then rises slightly to a sloping green backed by pine trees.
Elevated tees on the run in provide wonderful views to the Lake District in the north and Snowdonia in the south, but these shouldn’t distract from the sheer quality of the holes. The superb uphill 13th and par-5 17th are particular highlights.
Hillside Golf Club was founded in 1911, sharing its centenary with Golf Monthly this year. But the layout of the course as it plays today is more recent. Fred Hawtree completed an extensive redesign in the 1960s, with significant changes made to the back nine.
Martin Ebert of MacKenzie and Ebert oversaw a significant programme of improvements at Hillside over the winter of 2019/20. A good deal of work has been done to strengthen the course and it has been very successful.
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said…
Far better than I remembered and the work undertaken to improve the front 9 in recent years is noticeable. I love the back 9. if you could be a member of any club in the UK playing only the same course for ever more then this would be a contender for me given the condition, the test and the visual appeal.
Great credit to the Hillside Team for designing and implementing the recent upgrades, which, given they look so natural, the first-time visitor is unlikely to even notice. The perfect combination of a top-quality course and “pleased to see you” atmosphere.
Verdant course with flat front nine and back nine running through tall dunes. Enlarged ponds have attracted more wildlife though no reference is made to this on their website. Sand scraps are attractive as are tall pines which frame many holes.
Hillside Golf Club Location
Hillside Golf Club Course Scorecard
Best Courses Near To Hillside Golf Club
For all the best courses in the area, check out our guide to the best golf courses in Lancashire.
Best Places to Stay Near Hillside 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.
Hillside Golf Club Course Gallery
Hillside Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 30
- 2023/24 - 31
- 2021/22 - 31
- 2019/20 - 34
- 2017/18 - 30
- 2015/16 - 30
- 2013/14 - 30
- 2011/12 - 32
- 2009/10 - 33
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a handicap to play at Hillside?
Yes - Handicap certificates are required to be shown by all visiting golfers
Is there a dress code at Hillside?
Information on Dress Rules from the club reads as follow:
REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLUB
We expect members, their guests and visitors to always be smartly attired both on and off the course. On the Course – Please wear recognised golf attire.
Golf shoes must be worn – metal & soft spikes are allowed on the course however only clean soft spikes are allowed in the Clubhouse.
Hats and waterproof clothing are not allowed in the bars or dining areas. Waterproofs are permitted in the 19th & 20th lounges.
Examples of inappropriate clothing - blue denim garments, tracksuits, cargo pants, casual t-shirts, football type clothing, gym wear, flip flops, soiled, worn or ripped clothing will not be allowed.
