If Dublin’s golf scene is famed for its links heritage, Liverpool gives it a proper run for its money—especially when you factor in four of the finest courses England has to offer, all within a 45-minute drive of the city centre. Add in the Beatles, brilliant pubs, riverside hotels, and some seriously good grub, and you’ve got yourself a golf holiday that strikes all the right chords.
Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or planning a UK golf road trip, Liverpool’s coastal belt along the Merseyside coast is loaded with world-class golf—and you don’t need a ferry to find it.
When it comes to golfing royalty, Royal Birkdale is top of the Mersey pile. Opened in 1889 and redesigned in the 1930s, it has hosted 10 Open Championships, including Jordan Spieth’s dramatic 2017 win. Situated in Southport, just 30 minutes from central Liverpool, it’s known for its imposing dunes, flat fairways and fair, honest layout.
Unlike some traditional links, Royal Birkdale doesn’t rely on blind shots or quirky bounces. Instead, it’s a course that rewards precision and bravery. The 13th is arguably the most iconic—a demanding par 4 that doglegs through dunes and plays straight into the prevailing wind. The closing stretch is brilliant, especially with the famous white art-deco clubhouse looming in the background.
“It’s my favourite Open venue,” said Spieth. “It’s tough but fair, and every hole demands a great shot.”
Royal Birkdale
Royal Liverpool, affectionately known as Hoylake, is a course steeped in major history. First opened in 1869, it has hosted The Open 13 times, including Rory McIlroy’s memorable 2014 win and Brian Harman’s dominant 2023 triumph.
Set on relatively flat terrain, the real challenge comes from the coastal winds and clever bunkering. The 17th—introduced in the latest Open redesign—is a wicked short par 3 with a tiny green surrounded by swales and disaster. The par-5 18th provides a thrilling finish with out-of-bounds running the length of the hole.
“The wind can make you look foolish out here,” McIlroy once said. “But when you play well, it’s pure links joy.”
Hoylake is just 25 minutes from Liverpool city centre, making it a must-play for anyone visiting the region.
Royal Liverpool
One of England’s most unique championship courses, Formby Golf Club offers a blend of classic links and tree-lined inland holes, thanks to its setting among towering pines and rolling dunes. Founded in 1884, it’s hosted numerous Amateur Championships and stands proudly among Britain’s top 20 tracks.
The variety in routing is what makes Formby special. The front nine is more classically links-style, while the back nine weaves through forest, offering a contrasting feel but equal challenge. The par-3 7th, with its elevated tee and small, protected green, is a highlight.
“Formby’s a gem,” says Paul McGinley. “It tests every part of your game without ever feeling unfair.”
The club also boasts a highly regarded women’s course and has a reputation for its warm welcome and well-conditioned fairways.
Formby
Sitting right next door to Birkdale, Hillside is often described as the best course never to have hosted The Open—though it has staged the British Masters, Amateur Championship, and Final Open Qualifying.
The back nine, rebuilt in the 1960s, is frequently hailed as among the best in Britain. With dramatic elevation changes and views across the Irish Sea, holes like the 11th and 14th offer stunning vistas and demanding tee shots.
“The back nine is as good as anything in championship golf,” said Greg Norman. It’s not just hype—Hillside’s conditioning and clever design make it one of the true unsung heroes of English links golf.
Hillside
For golfers who want to stay central and enjoy Liverpool’s culture as much as the courses, base yourself near the waterfront. Hope Street Hotel offers modern luxury in the Georgian Quarter, while the Malmaison down by Princes Dock serves up boutique chic with a great cocktail bar. For something iconic, try the Titanic Hotel, set in a converted warehouse with loads of character.
If you’d rather stay closer to the courses, Southport has plenty of options including The Vincent Hotel, a golfer-friendly favourite with spa treatments and secure club storage.
You’ll need to refuel, and Liverpool delivers. Book a table at Panoramic 34 for fine dining with stunning skyline views, or The Art School for seasonal British cuisine in a grand Victorian setting. For laid-back eats, Maray on Bold Street is a local gem offering mezze-style dishes with bold flavours.
Closer to the golf trail, Southport’s Bistrot Vérité and Bistro 21 serve up French-inspired fare perfect after a day on the links
Make time to explore Liverpool’s legendary attractions. Visit The Beatles Story, stroll the Albert Dock, or catch a match at Anfield if the Reds are playing. The city’s museums and galleries are top-tier, and there’s no shortage of live music or nightlife if you fancy swapping birdies for Beatles.
Liverpool’s golf scene punches way above its weight. From Open-hosting giants like Birkdale and Hoylake to hidden heroes like Hillside and Formby, it’s a coastal cluster of world-class golf wrapped up in a city packed with personality.
Pack the waterproofs, bring your A-game, and get ready for a golfing break that’s anything but ordinary.
