Any experiences of Hillside/Formby/Southport and Ainsdale?

[rob2]

It looks like I may be in the Lancs area for a day on Monday the 12th March so was considering organising a round.

Given the weather may be a bit suspect I have narrowed the course selection to links and these three all seem like good contenders.

Just wondered if anyone had any experiences, good or bad to help me whittle it down to one? Then i can stick the details up in the arrange a game section.

Cheers all,

Rob

 

[Piece]

Yes, played Hillside and S&A. Hillside is in my top three courses. Nuff said. Southport is a great track too. Courses were in good nick and importantly the staff were very accommodating AND friendly to us jolly southerners.

 

[Liverbirdie]

Hi, I haven't played Hillside or Formby yet, but these are both open qualifiers and I have only heard rave reviews about both, not just good. My mate rates Hillside better than Birkdale. Ainsdale - don't know either.

S&A is an ex ryder cup venue and is a very good course, but not as good in reputation to Hillside and Formby.
West lancs is another option, which is similar to in quality to S&A. S&A is slightly more in land and you can't see the sea, as Hillside is in the way, and although a links feel to it, has a lot more of a semi-parkland feel to it.

West lancs, is right on the coast and is a genuine links course and is also very good.

1. Hillside 2. Formby 3. S&A 4. West lancs would be my choices, Ainsdale dont know.

 

[BramallMac]

Played all 3 plus West Lancs. Not much to choose between them and I would put them all on a "must play" list.

Ideally you would take the front 9 from Formby and back 9 from Hillside, but if I were to play only one again it would be..........S&A. Very strong (and quirly) 18 and the best hole out of them all in it's 16th.

I would go:
1. S&A
2. Formby
3. Hillside
4. West Lancs.

 

[NWJocko]

Never played any of them but let me know where and when and I could well be up for a game!

 

[In_The_Rough]

Hillside is as good as it gets. If it had the accessability and infrastructure of Birkdale it would definitely be on the Open roster. The back 9 is a good a back 9 as you will play anywhere it is that good if you can get on then do it you wont regret it. If the weather is against you though be prepared for some high numbers and take plenty of sleeves of balls as you'll need em!!

 

[Liverbirdie]

Played all 3 plus West Lancs. Not much to choose between them and I would put them all on a "must play" list.

Ideally you would take the front 9 from Formby and back 9 from Hillside, but if I were to play only one again it would be..........S&A. Very strong (and quirly) 18 and the best hole out of them all in it's 16th.

I would go:
1. S&A
2. Formby
3. Hillside
4. West Lancs.

I think that hole is called mumbles, or something. Yes that is a great hole with a big hillock in the middle of the par 5.

 

[Foxholer]

Played Hillside and Formby - and West Lancs.

I'd rate it Hillside 1 then Formby. West Lancs a very highly rated 3rd.
Extremely fine area for golf! Birkdale is my No 1 rated course!

 

[rob2]

Thanks for all of your replies chaps. I knew they were all good, its just I dont get to that part of the country often so wanted to make sure I picked the right one.

I cant make the forum meet in September so reckon I am gonna plump for Hillside to alleviate my jealousy.

NWJocko, would be great if you could come along. I will give Hillside a ring to confirm cost etc and then post in the arrange a game section.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[fat-tiger]

not played hillside, but formby is class, west lancs was ok we played it in march and it prob didnt do it justice, hesketh wouldnt rush back overpriced,they also reckon ormskirk is a really good track

 

[jasondransfieldgolf]

The 4 courses are all extremely good. I think I would personally go for Formby only just from Hillside, great test of golf, but the added benefit of having the most protection from the wind. West Lancs can be brutal if the wind is up and could leave you wishing you had gone elsewhere, on a good day it is very good. Hillside probably has the best back 9 you will ever play. Both Hillside and Formby are up there in my all time favourites. S & A is another great course and great test.

In order of rank I would put them at,

1.Formby
2.Hillside

A distant,

3.S&A
4.West Lancs.

Which ever you do choose they should all be in condition in a few weeks time.