West Lancs
West Lancs | NCG Top 100s : GB & Ireland Golf Courses
Rankings
6th
25th
48th
63rd
Its location is in a golfing paradise, with three Open Championship venues - Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham and Royal Birkdale - on its doorstep. The likes of Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale and Formby are all within just a few minutes from West Lancs.
The venue has been used for many prestigious tournaments over the years including Final Qualifying for the Open Championship, while it will host the Jacques Leglise Trophy and the Junior Vagliano Trophy in 2024.
Visit the West Lancs website here.
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A Brief History of West Lancs
In 1907, the legendary golf course architect James Braid was commissioned to redesign the course. His work transformed West Lancs into a challenging links course, known for its natural undulations, bunkers, and dunes. Braid's design remains a prominent feature of the course today.
The First World War had a significant impact on the club, as many members and staff went off to fight. The club managed to survive this period of uncertainty and continued to grow in the 1920s. West Lancs faced another challenge during World War II when the course was used by the military. After the war, the course was restored, and the club continued to thrive.
Today's lay-out at West Lancs first came about in 1961, with CK Cotton being the man to design the 18-hole course. The clubhouse was then opened a year later.
The Women's British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship has been held at West Lancs in the past, while it has also been a venue for Final Qualifying for the Open Championship on multiple occasions, including in 2023.
West Lancs Review | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses
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The opening hole is a dog-leg to the right, with three fairway bunkers, before the 2nd is the opening par 5 on the property. Miss the green on 3 and you're in a world of trouble. Anything that doesn't find the surface will end up below the green, either in one of four bunkers or several swales.
The 4th is a 450-yard par 4, with the 5th being a par 5 that is reachable in two for the longer hitters. The second par 3 on the front side comes next, and once again, it's a must-hit green. Longer hitters can carry the corner on 7, while the 8th green is more than 40 yards long, but is very narrow. The closing hole on the front side sees a blind shot, and a green that you cannot go past.
10 and 11 play with the railway line down the right, so don't slice your tee shots! The 11th is a 560-yard par 5, and is arrow straight. The 12th is widely regarded as an amazing par 3, and it looks stunning. Make sure you take enough club because anything short is in danger.
From the 13th tee, there are incredible views of the Irish Sea out over the northwest coastline. No bunkers by the green allow for a proper low links runner. The hardest hole on the course comes next, and unless you can drive the ball 300+ down the left side, you will have an obstructed view of the green.
That kicks of the closing stretch, which sees the railway line return. This time its down the left of 15 before the last par 5 on the course at the 16th. 17 is another must-hit green, with the 196-yard par 3 being a late card-wrecker. The closing hole at West Lancs is a tough par 4, with a water hazard in play for any drive pushed right of the fairway. The green sits in front of the clubhouse, where you can enjoy a cold drink after a tough test of your golf.
Our Panellists Notes for 2025
Dan Murphy: It’s time for West Lancs to be duly recognised for its consistent quality. So many courses divide opinion – but our panel is united in its respect for this timeless links.
David Elliott: A fantastically enjoyable layout with minimal blind shots. Fair challenge.
David Walker: Rarely do you see the sea, but the firm turf doesn’t let you forget you’re on the coast.
Read more about our panellists here.
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FAQs about West Lancs
Where is West Lancs located?
The West Lancashire Golf Club is located on the northwest coast of England, overlooking Crosby Beach to its west and out to the Irish Sea. It is just to the north of Blundellsands and Crosby, with the centre of Liverpool just eight miles to the south. The M58 is only a few miles to the east.
Hall Road is a 3-minute walk from the entrance to the golf club, making it the closest train station. Services run between Southport and Liverpool Central on a regular basis. For international visitors to the region, they are blessed with both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport in close order. The former is only 15 miles away, while Manchester – which is almost 50 miles away – is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom outside London.
Are there any other NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby?
West Lancs is one of several glorious venues on the North West Coast of England. The likes of Hillside, Formby, Formby Ladies, Southport and Ainsdale, and Royal Birkdale are all within ten miles, and on the NCG Top 100s: England list.
What golf facilities does West Lancs offer?
West Lancs is home to some great practice facilities. The practice ground, which was refurbished in 2023, includes a 300-yard driving range which runs parallel to the opening hole. There is also a short game area with two greens, with one of those having two bunkers to practice sand saves from.
What are the green fees at West Lancs?
The price of a green fee at West Lancs changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.
For more information on current green fees at West Lancs, visit their website here.
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