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History

Affectionately referred to throughout the golfing world as S&A, Southport & Ainsdale has been in its present location since 1925, and the holes are so well tailored to the rugged links landscape that the prestigious US magazine Golf World has described it as "the best-designed course in the UK".

Features

Nearly all of the features first laid out by James Braid have been retained, and S&A is now a wonderful challenge of golf capped by its famous Par 5 16th hole, Gumbley's, known for the railway sleepers incorporated into the fairway and the challenge that they pose for the approach shot. The profusion of heather and gorse along the fairway edges, the sand hills and smaller dunes and the vagiaries of the weather also combine to set a marvellous test of golf.

Ryder Cups

The course hosted both the fourth and sixth Ryder Cups (the fourth, in 1933, won by Great Britain with the last putt, the sixth, in 1937, by the USA), and S&A is now a regular host of final qualifying competitions for the Open Championships.

Legend

Walter Hagan was perhaps the first legendary golfer to play S&A when he appeared for an exhibition in 1926 (the event poster still hangs in the clubhouse), and since then Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and even Sean Connery have all competed here!

The Clubhouse

The clubhouse has recently been refurbished and provides a wonderful setting in which to wind down after a round. Don't miss out on a visit to the Ryder Cup room if you appreciate the history of the game.