Hillside Golf Club

Stunning 18 holes of links golf. The front 9 is high quality by anyones standards but the back 9 is championship quality. Course in fantastic condition and the greens are every bit as good as its neighbour over the dunes. If you are in the area and have the money play this course, you won't be disappointed. Another plus is the staff service, very friendly and helpful.

Played here early July 2010. Course was in superb condition. Front nine is a little more forgiving to off-line drives than the back. Works up to an even tougher test on the back 9, with some very challenging drives in a strong wind. The back 9 is often played through massive dunes, with some superb raised tee positions working up your appetite for each challenge ahead. This is one of the best links courses in the country in my opinion, and comparatively well worth the money. Very friendly welcome in the pro shop and clubhouse,and very easy to get to from the station which is a 5 minute walk.

Played this course on a Society day on 17th March 2008. It was a dry, sunny day, and the course was in excellent condition. Front 9 a great deal flatter than the back 9. Greens true and quick and must be pretty scary in the summer. Back 9 is very picturesque with fairways snaking their way through high banks / dunes left and right. Bunkers daunting but playable. Club house tidy and modern inside and the staff very attentive. Definitely recommend this course.

Played here on June 17th in Open event. Wonderful course in superb condition, wish I was a member. As many others have said, great front 9 ,but magnificent back 9 that reminded me of Turnberry and was not inferior either. Would be a brute in the wind. Fantastic views of the coast and Royal Birkdale. Take plenty of balls and expect a long round.Staff so helpful and pleasant. A return visit is a must.

As good as anywhere! If the R&A want another Open venue, they'd be hard pushed not to pick here. Course is simply magnificent, especially the back 9 with all the dunes. I can't imagine playing here in a gale but it was a monster even in gentle breezes. There is all the ambience of an old fashioned club, yet the staff, pro and members couldn't have been more friendly.

Played Hillside in a foursome and having played Mottram Hall and Gullane No 3 in the last 5 days this was the end to a great golfing week. The course was in immaculate condition and my mates said the rough hasn't got going yet - God help you when it does!! The greens were quite simply the best I have ever played on - no excuses whatsoever for not making your putts here. The front 9 are good but the course really comes into its own on the back 9. The 10th is a beautiful par 3 but my favourite hole was the 11th a truly breathtaking hole, manicured fairway,the sea and Royal Birkdale to your right and a fabulous green. I made a real mess of the 17th which is another 'wow factor' hole. The wind was blowing straight at us off the tee and I lost a ball with my drive and then needed 3 more shots to reach the green. I'd lost my game by the 18th and pulled another iron into the rough and that was the end of that ball. But the memories of playing here will stay with me for ages. The clubhouse was comfortable and other members friendly. I can't recommend this course highly enough but I think paying the standard visitors green fees is expensive. One of my mates, as a member, signed me in for £17.50 and if you can find better value golf than that anywhere please let me know.

October 2005: Having played on some superb courses around Europe and great links in the UK I was astounded at the quality of this course and its facilties. The best turf I have met with allowing excellent striking. The fairways are planed more than our oldest links which also helps striking. The 2nd nine is a severe test with deep bunkers and fine views. Outstanding seperation and definition of holes. Although I played as a member's guest on a nice autumn day I would recommend a trip here anytime if the chance arises. Best halfway house I have come across with hot food and a range of drinks. This must be the way to do it !

Played Hillside on a wet day in April. Course was in immaculate condition with quickest and best greens we encountered on our trip. Front nine visually has a parkland feel to it. Played the front nine thinking it a pleasure. However, it pales massively in comparison to the back nine which is as good a nine that you can play - all of the holes are beautifully framed. Even though you won't be playing off the championship tees, make sure you check out the view from them - particularly the 'high' tee on 17.

What a course. A fantastic challenge of golf and if you shoot your handicap on this course you will feel a great sense of achievement. The greens, fairways and tees are immaculate and I promise that you will not forget the back nine for as long as you live due to the great holes and majestic scenery. We played this course one day and had to return the following day to experience it again.

Great course, fairways, greens the lot. Lots of tradition. One of those must-go places. Disagree with the writer about no-go for high handicappers. We went as a society with everything from scratch players to 24. Everyone enjoyed and some of the higher handicappers scored best on the day ! ps Take long socks if you want to wear shorts -there are still some clubs living in the days of the Colonial Empire !

First Class facilities, exceptional course... BACK 9 unbelievable.... If weather poor..then it could be a real test.. Not definitely for any high handicapper.

Played 25/5/00. Excellent clubhouse / food / staff. Beautiful course in marvellous condition - greens exceptional. Blue or Yellow tee option for visitors , blue would be suited to single figure handicap only as the carry to fairway is very long on most holes.