Golf – The Golf Coast

The Golf Coast in Merseyside isn’t a single theme park or building, but a famous stretch of coastline boasting some of the highest-quality links courses in the world. It essentially runs from the Wirral up through Southport. While it’s a total dream for golfers, for everyone else, it’s mostly about the stunning views and coastal walks.

What to Expect

This is a paradise for adults, specifically those who know their way around a sand wedge. For non-golfers or teenagers, there isn’t much “action” here; you’re looking at it rather than doing it. 

The Big Hitters

• Royal Birkdale (Southport): Often ranked as the best in England. It has hosted The Open many times.
• Royal Liverpool (Hoylake, Wirral): Another heavy hitter on the world stage with a traditional feel.
• Royal Lytham & St Annes: (Lancashire)
• Hillside Golf Club (Southport): Often lauded for its fantastic back nine.
• Formby Golf Club (Formby): Known for its sandy, pine-lined setting.
• West Lancashire Golf Club (Blundellsands): One of the oldest in the region.
• Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club (Southport): Two-time Ryder Cup venue.
• Wallasey Golf Club (Wallasey): Famous as the home of Stableford.
• Formby Ladies Golf Club (Formby): Highly regarded links.
• Hesketh Golf Club (Southport): The oldest course in Southport.
• Delamere Forest Golf Club (Cheshire): Situated nearby in woodland.
• St. Annes Old Links (Lytham): Known for its challenging, fast-draining

For Walkers & Cyclists

If you aren’t here to tee off, the Sefton Coastal Path is your best bet.

• Distance: The full path is about 21 miles, but it’s easy to do in smaller chunks.
• Route: It’s a linear route running from Crossens in Southport down to Crosby.
• Surface: A mix of hard-standing paths, sandy tracks, and some woodland trails. It is mostly flat, making it easy on the legs.
• Points of Interest: You’ll pass the Ainsdale Sand Dunes, the red squirrel reserve in Formby, and the famous Another Place iron men statues on Crosby Beach.
• Refreshments: Plenty of cafes in Southport town centre, coffee vans at Formby National Trust, and pubs in Crosby.

Planning the Day

• Time Spent: Golfers will be here all day. Walkers usually spend 2 to 4 hours exploring specific sections.
• The Vibe: It’s more of an “interesting and scenic” trip rather than “hands-on entertainment.”
• Family Factor: Unless your kids are junior golfers, they might find the “golf” part quite boring. However, combining a look at the courses with a trip to the Formby Pinewoods to see squirrels or the Southport Pleasureland (a short hop away) makes it a full family day.
• Food & Parking: Parking at the golf clubs is for members/players, but there is plenty of pay-and-display parking along the coast. Food at the clubs is high-end, but the nearby towns have everything from fish and chips to bistros.

Discount Tip: Keep an eye out for County Cards or “twilight” green fee rates if you are actually planning to play, as peak times are very pricey.