We last visited West Lancashire Golf Club during 2016 but the return to Ormskirk has taken much longer as our previously visit was back in 2010.
Founded during 1873 in Blundellsands, Liverpool, West Lancs is among the ten oldest clubs in England and boasts one of the most natural and testing links found anywhere in the British Isles. The original designer was unknown but both C K Cotton and Fred Hawtree made significant revisions to the course in the 1960’s. Located on a charming stretch of prime links land, the course delivers one quality hole after another, keeping you on your toes from start to finish. On a clear day, to the north, Blackpool Tower can be seen in the distance. To the southwest, there are panoramic views across the Crosby Channel to the Birkenhead peninsula and Liverpool Bay. It would be fair to say that this classic layout is one of the very best links courses on the GSGB rota.
Situated a mere seven miles from the Southport coast and founded in 1899, the Club offers a 6,533-yard, par-70 course over 125 acres. Previously the Old Deer Park of Lathom House, its easy-walking wooded heathland feels well off the beaten track, despite its proximity to the historic market town of Ormskirk. Harold Hilton, who had won the Open twice and the Amateur twice, extended the course and numerous upgrades followed, most notably by Alister MacKenzie’s younger brother Charles in 1937. Ormskirk has been the venue for numerous Regional Open Qualifying events and County Matches and in 2024 the club hosted the prestigious Carris Trophy. A warm reception and excellent catering are the order of the day in the Edwardian Clubhouse and the views across the course from the dining room veranda are nothing short of outstanding.