Golf Course Review

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, or S&A GC, is a two time Ryder Cup Venue. Found in the Merseyside town of Southport, the links is bordered to the northwest by Hillside Golf Club and separated by Mersey Rail train line. S&A GC's other nearby neighbours include Royal Birkdale and Hesketh Golf Club.

What's In A Name

In spring 1906, the club was established and known as The Grosvenor Golf Club. By October 1906, the name was changed to the Southport Golf Club. There seems to have been some opposition from Hesketh GC which had merged with the Southport Golf Club previously. To keep the peace, the club again changed its name to Southport & Ainsdale GC.

Golf Course Architects at S&A

George Lowe laid out the first 18 hole golf course between the railway and cemetery. It measured 5600 yards and was built to be extended if needed. Formally opened for play on June 15, 1907, a news report at the time reported a lavish expenditure of both time and money on the links, calling the golf good and likely to improve. In the early 1920s, James Braid was called upon to make further improvements to the course. Frank Pennink reported changes in 1962 but it is unclear who was responsible.

A Tale of Par 3's and Par 5's

Despite being a true golf links, there is a heathland feel about it with scrub, gorse and pines amongst the sandhills and dunes.

Uniquely, both nines at Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club begin with Par 3's. The par 3 opener is followed by a par 5, whereas the par 5 7th is followed by a par 3 on the 8th. This is again repeated at the par 5 9th and par 3 10th!

There are two par 3's on the front nine and two on the back. However, the front nine sports three par 5's and only one par 5 on the back nine.

Golf Course Photography

Purchase photography of this course here.