Hesketh Golf Club Review

Hesketh is the longest established golf club in Southport, situated just north of the town centre, it opened in 1885 and is steeped with plenty of history. The club is once more set to host Regional Qualifying for The Open Championship in 2026 that is being held nearby at Royal Birkdale.

Upon arrival we headed for the club shop and were greeted with a very warm welcome from Scott Astin, Hesketh’s PGA Professional since 2004. The shop is well stocked with everything you’d expect and want. Scott then told us where things were and pointed us in the direction of the clubhouse. After a brief look round we were then met by Peter McVicar, Head Greenkeeper, who gave me a tour round the clubhouse and pointed out some interesting trophies, pictures and also enlightened me on some fascinating facts about the club. For me the best was the trophy won in 1936 by Arnold Bentley at Baden Baden that was donated by Adolf Hitler. Also part of the prize was a tree that was planted outside the clubhouse that still stands today. 

The practice facilities continued to impress, with a grass driving range accommodating anything up to long irons, and a spacious putting green offering a variety of breaks to prepare you for what lies ahead.

Hesketh Golf Club - Course Insights

Out on the course, the opening hole immediately sets the stage, cutting past a small copse of trees on the left and guiding you toward more foliage by the green. This theme recurs throughout the round, with holes alternating between wide, expansive layouts and tighter, tree-lined challenges.

The 2nd is the first of the four stunning par 3s with the green perched above you and run offs left, right and short - a tremendous hole. 

You then cross the road to the 3rd hole, where you remain until you cross back for the 14th later. The 3rd requires two well struck shots to reach the well protected green with bunkers awaiting anything off-line. The next great par 3 follows where again the green is slightly elevated with bunkers all round making this yet again another demanding shot. Up next is the 5th with water down the left pinching in and the green is over a slightly raised mound making club selection paramount. You then have a long par 4 followed by a par 5 where a good straight drive is needed on both to try and reach the green and set up a nice par/birdie opportunity. The front 9 closes with a short par 4 followed by a long par 4. The diversity in holes really does make it a pleasure to play whilst always making you think. 

The halfway house beckoned us so we had a drink and one of the best sausage rolls I’ve ever had.

Then onto the back 9 which starts with a short par 4 then another great par 3 (thankfully this one was playing downwind). Another 400+ yard par 4 is next up with water to the right for anything slightly off-line, another hole where par is great. You then come to a great par 5 with water to the right and a ditch crossing the fairway further up making club selection essential. As usual here, bunkers lie waiting and if you find one it’s pretty much a stroke gone.

After crossing back over the road, two tough par 4s greet you where accuracy as well as a decent struck drive is needed. Avoiding bunkers at all costs is a must.

The 16th and final par 3 is a beauty. Well framed by dunes and pines with the clubhouse in view, this was my favourite hole. Hesketh has shown that par 3s don’t need to be 200+ yards to be challenging yet playable. The round finishes with two par 5s that are both reachable in two, but 17 needs a great drive and a drawn second shot round the trees, while 18 just needs two straight shots to find the fairway, as the closer has high dunes left and right so you really need to thread the needle to navigate what again is a truly great hole and a wonderful way to close the round. 

What You Need to Know About Hesketh Golf Club

There are plenty of fairway bunkers as well as greenside bunkers here and the green complexes are up there with anywhere else I’ve played, which is a great testament to all at Hesketh. I for one will be returning. 

Somewhat unusually for a links course, large water hazards play a key role at Hesketh. The lakes demand precision on multiple occasions and add a unique dimension that sets the course apart from other links that I’ve played.

I found Hesketh to be a diverse, challenging, and high-quality golf course from start to finish. 

It really is a truly unique golfing experience. A traditional links with a touch of parkland golf in the middle of the round. Hesketh boasts terrific views with a fantastic variety of holes that tests golfers of all abilities. Great par 3s, strategic doglegs that require well thought out tee shots to set up the next shot. The standout quality for me was the variety of holes. 

As the round concludes, the clubhouse leaves a lasting impression. It blends history and modernity beautifully: everything feels fresh and welcoming, yet still pays homage to the club’s rich heritage.

Should You Play Hesketh Golf Club?

Each hole is intelligently designed, with the par 3s in particular presenting their own distinct test.

The course condition was presented to a high standard, especially considering the hot summer. You can really notice the pride in their work amongst the green staff. 

The staff and members were very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable, especially with the history of the club. 

Great facilities inside with a good variety of food and drinks. Plenty of pictures of both the course and famous visitors which is something I always find interesting. 

Overall, Hesketh is a phenomenal venue and one I would wholeheartedly recommend to any golfer who has the chance to play it.

A golf club steeped in history that is 100% worth a visit. 

Overall Rating - 10

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10

Course (Green Condition) - 10

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 10

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 10

Practice Facilities - 10

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Value For Money - 10

Pace of Play - 9