The Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, or the S&A as it is affectionately known, is part of the chain of excellent links courses spread along the North West coastline. Comparisons are regularly made with its near neighbour Hillside, but suffice to say that they are both very good courses with similar merits and reviews are undoubtedly influenced by the form of the reviewer on the day.

All the holes here are of championship standard and no two are the same. However, if one had to be singled out it would have to be the par 5 16th, that plays directly into the prevailing wind and requires 3 solid strikes to reach the green. This famous hole also has a great sleeper faced bunker, which must be avoided at all costs.

If there were a criticism of S&A, it would be the number of blind drives and approach shots to the greens, which we accept are difficult to avoid given the nature of the land, but perhaps could be reduced with a little careful planning.

S&A has hosted some significant championships in its history, including two Ryder Cups – testament indeed to true quality.