Hillside Golf Club

Hillside is a fantastic golf course in an area full of them, with some feeling it has the best back nine in Britain.

Peak to your left as you play on the southernmost holes of Royal Birkdale and you will see another majestic links – because the Open host’s boundary sits next to Hillside’s northerly ones.

While the latter cannot match the former’s storied history, it has some of the most explosive terrain in England.

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Greg Norman, no less, wrote to the club after playing here in the 1982 PGA Championship to say: “The back nine holes are the best in Britain.”

He finished with a 68, so left with happy memories. Nevertheless, the Australian has good reason to make such a claim, for the homeward half is a collection of spectacular holes the like of which are rarely seen in England as they are laid out in dunes not common to the country. This linksland of towering sand hills is more frequently witnessed in Ireland, at the great links of Kerry, or further north at Rosapenna, Carne and Donegal. More recently they have been seen at Trump International near Aberdeen, hence the American billionaire’s eagerness to secure this rare land.

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This kind of explosive terrain is not everyone’s idea of an idyllic theatre for golf, but it is undeniably memorable. If you like edge-of-the-seat views and awesome tee shots, you will love Hillside. The changes in elevation amplify the flashy landscape while there is also a nice feeling of isolation once you start to walk along the sheltered natural valleys and into the ampitheatres.

Twice a host of The Amateur (Jay Sigel beating Scott Hoch in 1979 with Bryden Macpherson the champion in 2011), Hillside’s first half is usually overshadowed by the second.

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Less dramatic, but perfectly enjoyable; the railway line running down the 1st and 2nd offers a classic start and there is much to like on a nine that is gaining increasing favour. We’ve always especially enjoyed the 7th, which culminates on a green framed by tall pines.

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• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course does not have: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 What a gem 24 June 2015

  By Frustrated Golfer

  Greg Norman was right if there is a better back nine in the counrty I would be amazed. We played in the open 4 ball in June, what a treat, very friendly welcome, nice bar area, and a comedian for the starter. Thought the front nine was good but then golfing heaven the back nine. Will be first on the start sheet for next year. Thanks Hillside!

• 5 out of 5 Astonishing 12 August 2014

  By Murph

  I am lucky enough to get to play this course once a year and it is beautiful, the front nine is a good test but the work starts on the 10th, after that it's mouth open in astonishment some of the holes look like oil paintings and I always get the feeling that I just should stand there and try to some how absorb the course. Try it you will not be disappointed, promise.

• 5 out of 5 Hillside 28 August 2009

  By garyfoz

  Another course I have played and another which needs nothing said for me its as good as it gets.

• 4.5 out of 5 my top course 11 November 2008

  By lexo

  the best of the 120+ courses i have played ! the back 9 is awesome, the view off the 11th is soooo good. I recommend this course to all

• 4.5 out of 5 A must on any golfers list 01 July 2007

  By Dave_O

  We played Hillside in an open 4BBB comp and what a fantastic day it turned out to be. The course is tough, very tough, narrow fairways and lots of rough. We played the course in perfect weather conditions, with very little wind and the scores for the day were low. A challenging course but what a challenge. A must for any golfer.

• 4.5 out of 5 A must play 29 June 2007

  By StuartCarswell

  This is a breathtaking golf course. I can understand why Greg Norman stated that it is the best back links in Britain. Some beautiful driving holes that you can shape shots onto the green - sadly I never did it proud. I will play again when my golf is back on form.