Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, established in 1907 and redesigned by James Braid in 1924 due to land development, is nestled amidst dunes and heather, offering a natural, challenging links course experience. Spanning over 6,800 yards from the back tees with a par of 72 (6,396 yards and par 71 from the yellow tees), it features blind drives and elevated greens set on tricky plateaux. Notable holes include the bunkerless 8th, a demanding par three, and the wind-swept 16th, “Gumbley’s,” which demands precise shot-making.
Historically, Southport & Ainsdale hosted the 1933 and 1937 Ryder Cup matches, pivotal events in golfing history. The 1933 match concluded dramatically with GB prevailing over the USA, while the 1937 event marked the first American victory on British soil. It has also hosted significant amateur and professional tournaments over the years.
Recent improvements by Marc Westenborg in 2018 focused on enhancing the course’s aesthetics, adding new dunes for visual appeal on the closing hole and strategically removing bunkers across the course. These enhancements have further elevated its playability and visual charm.
Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club stands as a testament to classic links golf, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience in its picturesque setting. Despite its historic significance and natural beauty, it remains relatively undiscovered compared to its more famous royal neighbours.
