West Lancashire Golf Club
On the Sefton coast between Liverpool and Southport, with the Irish Sea on one side and the hills of Wales on the horizon, West Lancashire is one of the oldest and most underrated links in England. Founded in 1873 and later refined by Ken Cotton, it is a fast running, dune fringed test that more than holds its own among its illustrious neighbours. Here is the verdict, the facts, the holes and how to get on.
Photograph: West Lancashire Golf Club, via Google.
The verdict
West Lancashire is proof that the Sefton coast holds more than its famous Open names. Established in 1873, it is among the oldest links in the country, and like the Old Course at St Andrews its original architect is lost to history. Ken Cotton reworked the layout in the 1960s into the routing played today, a genuine championship links of firm turf, deep bunkering and greens that demand a deft touch.
For the travelling golfer it is the value pick of a golden coast. It runs through proper duneland with views across the estuary to the Welsh hills, plays differently with every shift of the sea breeze, and sits a short drive from Royal Birkdale, Formby, Hillside and Royal Liverpool. Add it to a Southport and Liverpool itinerary and it rarely disappoints, often outshining courses with bigger reputations.
West Lancashire Golf Club at a glance
- Founded
- 1873
- Design
- Refined by Ken Cotton
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 6,966 yds
- Green fee
- Around £130 to £225
Founding, par and yardage verified June 2026. West Lancashire Golf Club was established in 1873; its original architect is unknown, and the present championship layout was remodelled by Ken Cotton in the 1960s. It plays par 72 over around 6,966 yards from the back tees. Indicative 2025 visitor green fees run from around 100 pounds for a winter midweek round to around 225 pounds on a summer weekend; fees change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
West Lancashire opens gently before the links bares its teeth, working out toward the dunes and the shore where the wind is most keenly felt. The turf is the real thing, firm and fast running, and the ground game is rewarded; aerial assaults into the breeze are punished by deep, revetted bunkers and run off areas around the greens.
The middle and closing stretches are where the round is won or lost, a sequence of strong par 4s through the dunes that demand accurate driving and crisp long iron play. The greens are subtly contoured and quick, and reading the borrow with the sea wind swirling is half the test. Views across the Mersey estuary to the Welsh hills are a constant, beautiful distraction.
Played in any wind off the Irish Sea, West Lancashire is a stern, honest links that asks for control and imagination rather than brute strength. It is the kind of course that grows on you over 18 holes and leaves you wondering why it is not better known.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | A welcoming members club that takes visitors seven days a week through the year, subject to members' times; a handicap or proof of competence is appreciated |
| Green fee | Indicative 2025 rates from around 100 pounds winter midweek to around 225 pounds on a summer weekend, with day tickets and society deals |
| Booking | Book ahead through the club, especially for summer weekends; open competitions and society packages offer good value |
| On the day | A walking links with a comfortable clubhouse, well placed for a multi course tour of the Sefton coast |
| Getting there | At Blundellsands in Sefton, around 15 minutes from Liverpool and 20 minutes from Southport, close to Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports |
| Best months | May to September for firm turf and the best weather, with quieter, better value rounds in spring and autumn |
Access and indicative green fees verified June 2026 from the club; they change without notice, so always confirm directly before booking with West Lancashire or your trip planner. Check tee time availability.
Where to stay nearby
West Lancashire sits within easy reach of both Liverpool and Southport, so you can base yourself in the city for its culture and nightlife or in Southport for a links focused break, with a full range of hotels in between.
For a north west links tour, this is the perfect anchor: pair it with Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Formby and Southport and Ainsdale up the coast, and Royal Liverpool at Hoylake across the Mersey, one of the densest concentrations of championship links in the game.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts on the Sefton and Southport coast.
Stay and play the Sefton links coast
We pair West Lancashire with Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Formby and Royal Liverpool, and sort a base in Liverpool or Southport. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
West Lancashire Golf Club questions
When was West Lancashire Golf Club founded and who designed it?
West Lancashire was established in 1873, making it one of the oldest links clubs in England. Its original architect is unknown, a distinction it shares with the Old Course at St Andrews, and the present championship layout was remodelled by Ken Cotton in the 1960s.
What is the par and yardage of West Lancashire?
West Lancashire plays as a par 72 of around 6,966 yards from the back tees, a genuine championship links of firm, fast running turf, deep bunkering and quick, subtly contoured greens on the Sefton coast near Liverpool.
How much does it cost to play West Lancashire?
Indicative 2025 visitor green fees range from around 100 pounds for a winter midweek round to around 225 pounds on a summer weekend, with day tickets, open competitions and society deals available. Fees change by season and year, so always confirm current rates directly before booking.
Can visitors play West Lancashire?
Yes. West Lancashire welcomes visitors seven days a week through the year, subject to members' tee times, with day tickets and society packages available. It is best to book ahead, especially for summer weekends.
How does West Lancashire compare to its famous neighbours?
West Lancashire is the value pick of a golden coast. It is a proper championship links through real duneland and, while less famous than Royal Birkdale, Hillside or Royal Liverpool nearby, it often outshines courses with bigger reputations and is an easy, rewarding addition to any Southport or Liverpool itinerary.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Founding date, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.