West Lancashire Golf Club, founded in 1873 and situated in Blundellsands (now part of Merseyside), holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving golf club in Lancashire. Initially designed by an unknown architect, the course’s natural links layout suggests significant influence from Mother Nature, though notable revisions were made by Ken Cotton and Fred Hawtree in the early 1960s.
Despite its esteemed royal neighbours, West Lancs maintains a classical links character on prime links land. With clear weather, views extend north to Blackpool Tower and southwest across Crosby Channel to Liverpool Bay and the Birkenhead peninsula. James Finnegan describes its holes vividly, like the 355-yard 13th with its elevated tee, dune-framed fairway, and cunning plateau green, or the 412-yard 14th starting from high sandhills with a blind, downhill drive over a ridge.
The club’s history includes noteworthy moments, such as Harold Hilton’s tenure as Secretary in 1901, a year he won the British Amateur Championship. Hilton’s achievements also included two British Open titles, a feat later equaled by Bobby Jones. West Lancashire Golf Club continues to embody the essence of traditional links golf, offering both scenic beauty and challenges for golfers seeking a classic experience.
