Southport & Ainsdale

Less than a decade after their reimagined links debuted, Southport & Ainsdale played host to the 1933 Ryder Cup. The U.S. side was captained by the great Walter Hagen, and the contest came down to the final hole of the final match. Alas, Denny Shute provided our own Bernhard Langer moment, missing a 4-footer to retain the cup for the United States. Four year later, the two sides returned to Southport & Ainsdale once again, and the Americans erased the memories of their prior defeat with a decisive 8-4 victory. It was the first time either side won the prize on foreign soil.

Although Southport & Ainsdale is roughly a mile from the coast, the course plays very much like a seaside links. The rumpled fairways and their plentiful bunkers put a premium on driving, while numerous plateau greens offer a delicate test on approach. Of particular note is the 16th hole, where the enormous sleepered bunker - known as Gumbleys - will remind many of the infamous Cardinal at Prestwick. Like its inspiration, this cavern is also best avoided.

The fact that a course the caliber of Southport & Ainsdale can still struggle to hit the radar of the traveling golfer perfectly illustrates the range and quality of options found on England’s Golf Coast. But with a rich heritage and enjoyable links to match, those adding S&A to the itinerary often find it a welcome compliment to it's Royal neighbors.