jcrook3139

West Lancashire Golf Club has everything you could ask for in a traditional links golf course … and then some.

Rolling hills on and off the fairways, tall but fair fescue where you shouldn’t be hitting it, pot bunkers in all the right places, big, undulating well-manicured greens and plenty of scenery to boot.

It was a nice bonus being able to tee off at 6 p.m. and get all 18 in (so pace of play was awesome), and it made for some beautiful pictures as the sun set and with the windmills and ocean in the distance. The 11th hole, a long par-5, runs alongside a railway, and while you should try to avoid hitting it there (like I did) it’s just another fun feature that makes this course different from others.

West Lancashire provides a pretty stiff test with plenty of blind shots, especially for someone who has never played there before, which is a good thing, because this course deserves to be played more than once. While Royal Birkdale is just eight miles away and receives plenty of fanfare – for good reason – it would be a shame to visit Southport and not stop give West Lancashire a shot.

Hesketh Golf Club is a really fun time, and this is coming from a guy who blew a 2 up lead with three holes to play.

As an American having never played across the pond before, I had no idea what to expect, but I enjoyed every minute of the round. It’s a fairly easy walk, with the first tee being just a few steps from the parking lot, and a lot of memorable holes. What it lacks in oceanside scenery it more than makes up for in character, beautiful historic buildings and pristine conditions. Oh, and the perfect weather we were blessed with wasn’t too shabby either.

My favorite holes were the ones with the blind shots, particularly No. 15 - remember to aim for the steeple and ring the bell when the fairway is clear.

Hey, if this course is good enough for Jordan Spieth to finish runner-up at the 2008 Junior Open (and it was), it’s good enough for me.

I had the chance to play the Championsgate International Course shortly after it was re-done, and if you're looking for a fun but challenging time, this is the course for you. The course was in tremendous shape, but if you miss in certain spots be prepared to drop a shot, and probably a ball.

One of the re-designed elements was bigger greens, which were great and rolled true. They were still very hard when I played but they should soften up as they get older and more people play the course.

As for the staff, they couldn't have been friendlier and they supplied every amenity you could ask for, from basic snacks and drinks to fancy after-round meals.

All in all, I would definitely go back as I think it is one of those courses that you would play much better the second (and third and fourth) time around.

Played the newly re-done Wannamaker Course and must say the changes were worth it. The course was in as good of shape as anywhere I've ever played, greens were immaculate and rolled true, rough was long, but not so crazy that you couldn't play out of it, sand was nice and fluffy. Also, I played well there, so that always helps.

Aside from the golf, the staff was very friendly and the food was excellent The restaurant and porch has a great view of the 18th hole and looked like a great place to watch a game. Had a great time and I'd definitely go back again.