Hesketh Golf Club

Hesketh Golf Club is a really fun time, and this is coming from a guy who blew a 2 up lead with three holes to play.

As an American having never played across the pond before, I had no idea what to expect, but I enjoyed every minute of the round. It’s a fairly easy walk, with the first tee being just a few steps from the parking lot, and a lot of memorable holes. What it lacks in oceanside scenery it more than makes up for in character, beautiful historic buildings and pristine conditions. Oh, and the perfect weather we were blessed with wasn’t too shabby either.

My favorite holes were the ones with the blind shots, particularly No. 15 - remember to aim for the steeple and ring the bell when the fairway is clear.

Hey, if this course is good enough for Jordan Spieth to finish runner-up at the 2008 Junior Open (and it was), it’s good enough for me.

Seems like all the clubs around Southport have a unique history and Hesketh is no exception. Ask to see the "Hitler tree," which was awarded to two English golfers, one of them a member, who won a golf event in 1936 during the Olympics in Berlin.

The course itself is good fun. The holes around the clubhouse, which are actually farther from the sea than the holes across the road, have better dunesland than the remaining holes, which are a little more traditional parkland in nature with ponds and burns to worry about in spots. Back on the dunesy side, holes No. 14-15 have blind shots that help members get their matches back in order if they're losing to a guest. The course ends with back-to-back par 5s as well.

Hesketh is a really fun, lesser-known layout that is minutes from Royal Birkdale.

If you look at my previous post a week ago, i had nothing but positive comments. Last week the course was amazing. Greens true and quick. Few winter tees but as to be expected.

Unfortunatly, i played in a PGA pro-am here yesterday. I was so disapointed.

. The pins had not been changed since i had last played a week ago which meant there was no grass around the holes within a 10 foot radious.

. Bunkers not raked,

. 15th tee no grass atall on the tee. Thats not hyperbole.. Litterally not one peice of grass.

. Winter mats not brushed

I apreciate its winter, however after having such a good time at the golf course last week.. It was a shock. A shock atleast For a championship golf course.

Wont be returning

Best customer service from a golf pro.

I called today as was in the area, played 18 holes and the course was in great condition. Greens fast and true.

Pro was very helpful and seemed like a genuine guy.

Will recommend and return!!

We played Hesketh with one of the long-time members, and we had such a fun afternoon. The course is eminently walkable, which made the round feel like it was a breeze. There are only a few stand-out holes, but the long par-4 14th is a real treat. The back-to-back par 5s to close out the round also are a lot of fun, with the potential for some late fireworks. Highly recommended.

Hesketh is the oldest golf club in Southport, England and is drenched with as much history as its more famous neighbor Birkdale.

We played this round with a member, and it was an absolute delight. His course knowledge saved me 10-12 shots during the round right from the beginning. On the first hole, I had 150 yards into the green, he told me to hit it like it was a 110 yard shot. I did, and the ball ended 15 feet from the hole.

I didn't know what to expect at first, but the layout is sneaky good. Enjoyable time was had by all. Give it a look if you're in town.