England North - Southport & Ainsdale - 6200 yds - Par 72

One of a chain of wonderful seaside links courses along the stretch of coast at Southport near Liverpool, Southport and Ainsdale is considered, despite a relatively modest yardage of 6,200 yards or so, a tough enough test to stage qualifying competitions for The Open when it is staged at Royal Birkdale across the railway line.

The current layout was first penned by James Braid back in the 1920s and it deservedly and quickly gained a fine reputation, hosting two of the earliest Ryder Cup matches, back in 1933 and 1937.

Like many links courses, it's the wind that presents the main challenge and makes the course play as entertainingly as it does. This combined with a warm and friendly atmosphere in the clubhouse leads to a great day out.