The Winter Tour stopped at Southport & Ainsdale GC, a course which I confess is not well known to me. My last visit must have been close to 30 years ago and I recall not leaving with a favourable impression. The tree infested property was not something I associate with links. While many trees still remain and some should be removed, the course is a completely different animal these days. In addition to tree removal, some bunkers have been removed and the gorse in the middle of the 14th is gone. I am not certain, but it might have been McKenzie & Ebert that created a new 2nd green some 60 yards beyond the old location and a new 16th green near the boundary fence. M Westonborg added his two cents with a radically altered 18th. Trees were removed and new dunes left and right were formed to block the sight lines to the driving range and boundary. The forward dune was also reduced to reveal the fairway bunker. I think the material for the dunes came from the course where we now see sand scrapes.
The Mersey Rail line binds the links of the Lancashire coastline, Southport and Liverpool. After departing Hillside southbound, Hillside GC is upon us almost immediately with Birkdale on the near horizon. S&A soon shoots into view on the left. After a few minutes Formby appears on the right. Finally, West Lancs snuggles up to the rails. The entire trip is less than 20 minutes and what a journey it is.
Having hosted the 1933 & 1937 Ryder Cups it is surprising that Southport & Ainsdale GC isn’t a better-known club. GB&I won the ’33 Cup under the captaincy of the stout JH Taylor. It would be the last time the side would hoist the trophy until 1957, the only post war win until 1985. The 1933 team was all-English apart from a lone Scot, one Allan Dailey. Mr Dailey must not of impressed the selectors as he didn’t play a match. Interestingly, there wasn’t an Irishman selected until 1953 when Harry Bradshaw was invited to play. That team also included John Panton who will be forever famous as the namesake for the delicious beverage made of angostura bitters, ginger beer and lime cordial. A variation of this drink is known as a Gunner south of Hadrian’s Wall. The club is rightly proud of its Ryder Cup heritage and this is born out in the Ryder Cup Room.
The Haig teeing off at the 1933 Ryder Cup.
Henry Cotton on the 1st 1937 Ryder Cup
The culture of hosting important events doesn’t end with the Ryder Cup. S&A has hosted two Amateur Championships in 1985 and 2005. This year it will host the Amateur for the third time. The 1979 Ladies British Championship and several Penfold, Piccadilly and Dunlop tournaments have also been held at S&A. Jack Nicklaus played in his first overseas professional tournament at the 1962 Piccadilly. The £2000 first place prize was the largest for a British event up to that date.
Southport & Ainsdale was originally founded in 1907 with a course designed by George Lowe. Due to a new road splitting the links, James Braid devised a new course in 1924 with six new holes and some changes to the other twelve holes. An unusual layout, a smaller loop of holes 2-6 are encased in the middle of a more-or -less large loop of 1 and 7-18. The easy walking course covers a range of styles which include blind shots, shots through gaps, back to front and plateau greens. S&A feels old fashioned and bit like a heathland-links hybrid…I like it!
While a bit unconventional, the attractive opener is a par 3 of high quality. M Westonborg removed three bunkers around the green while on site for the 18th.
We thankfully played the daily tees on this cold, but bright winter morning. I was able to reach the 550ish yard 2nd hole in three shots!
A look at the green from 17 tee. It looks of the modern ilk.
Our host suggested we play the back tee for the brutal 3rd. That is Hillside over the tracks.
The clever plateau green that runs away from play. One of S&A's best holes.
We now turn to head back toward the opening green. Another lovely two-shotter; the 4th is a bit more forceful with the bunkers.
More to follow.
Ciao