Southport Mixed Pairs

England’s Golf Coast which runs along the west side of the country from Blackpool to Liverpool, possesses twelve of the finest courses in Britain. With no less than seven in the “Top 100 Courses of the UK & Ireland” and eight listed in the “Top 100 courses in England”. Sitting in the middle of this wonderful stretch of golfing land is the town of Southport and two of its magnificent layouts, Royal Birkdale & Hillside.

Day 1 Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale has held more Championship and International events since World War 2 than any other course in the world. Open Championships, Ryder Cups, Women’s British Opens, Senior Opens, Amateur Championships, Walker Cups and Curtis Cups. In some rankings it is voted the number one golf course in England.

The day started quite cool with a moderate breeze off the sea as the group teed off the first considered the hardest starting hole in the Open championship rota. As the day progressed the conditions turned much warmer. Enough for the group to enjoy post-round drinks on the patio of the famous art-deco clubhouse looking down the 18th hole that has seen much drama over the years. By the end of the day, 3 couples had managed to hit the magical 40pts mark, a terrific feat around a course that is a stern test with punishing bunkering. Leading the way was Tony & Liz Ulph with a fantastic 43pts. In second was the ever-consistent Matt & Angie Harrison with 41pts and hot on their tails just 1 point behind was Leighton & Thelma Davies.

Day 2 Hillside

Only a small fence separates the two courses of Hillside and Royal Birkdale. Having just 2 weeks previously held a European Tour event, the group arrived with the knowledge the course was in fantastic condition. Another cool start greeted the group as they begun play from the intimidating first tee at Hillside situated very close to both the clubhouse and pro-shop. Exactly as the previous day the temperature slowly rose, turning in to a stunning day for the couples to enjoy one of the best back 9 holes in the country in perfect conditions.

The round of the day came from Ian & Pauline Morris from Bedale, who scorched around the links as they carded an amazing 44pts. Our two overnight leaders who were playing together, Tony & Liz & Matt & Angie could not quite match their form of the previous day signing off with 35pts & 37pts respectively. This left the Welsh duo Leighton & Thelma after posting a brilliant 42pts to climb to the top of the leaderboard and claim the the title of Southport Mixed Pairs Champions.

This truly is a wonderful stretch of golfing heaven littered with an abundance of championship golf courses. The hospitality we received from both golf clubs and their members make it an easy decision for us to return in the very near future.