West Lancashire Golf Club

One of my all-time favourite courses. Always in excellent condition, and with a great variety of holes. Not easy, and often windy here, but since when was golf supposed to be easy? Somewhat characterless modern clubhouse saved by excellent catering and friendly staff. 10 out of 10 in my book.

In any other part of the world, this would be an Open Championship course - I'm sure it's only because the R&A already have Hoylake, Birkdale and Lytham close by that they don't use this course. This is a beast, especially when the wind blows. The clubhouse here is slightly odd, looks like a public swimming baths - get inside though and you could be inside any of the great clubhouses in the UK. The upstairs bar and restaurnat provide one of golf's great vistas across the links and the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea. The grub's not bad either! I recommend anyone to get down here and sample this experience - it is one of the best course of it's type in the UK!

West Lancs is one of the best links courses in Great Britain, nestled between sand dunes and woodland on the Merseyside coast. It's an extreme test of golf, especially when the wind blows off the Irish sea. The course is well signposted from Crosby, and within easy access from the motorway. Its begins the great stretch of courses from Blundellsands all the way upto Southport, comprising Southport & Ainsdale, Hillside & The Royal Birkdale Golf Clubs. The clubhouse is very welcoming, the course has a well stocked pro shop, operated by a very friendly and helpful professional. Onto the golf.. As soon as you begin your round you'll see why its used as an open qualifier - well placed bunkers, various card wrecking hazards and very tricky, yet true greens which will award well constructed putts. Birdies however are hard to come by. I've played West Lancs twice and each time been satisifed in knowing I've played a proper golf course, one which could easily host the Open itself if it had that little bit more severity and space that Birkdale has. I can recommend all golfers to play this great piece of links golf - whilst a bit pricey, the experience outways the cost hands down.

This is a tough demanding course that punishes wayward tee shots. I played on a mild day, playing partners who have been before say when the winds blow in off the Mersey it gets much harder. One even said it is more difficult than all the other links courses up the coast (including Birkdale). Play it and see why it's an open qualifier!