Southport Golf Links

Every golfer loves their local municipal. For many it is where they hit their first real golf balls, on a real course, rather than on the beach or a local field. It is where, perhaps at an age when they were not much higher than their golf bag, they became hooked on the game.

Those given the job of designing our municipals face one obvious challenge. The layout must provide a real test for the top golfers, the single figure players, men and women who make the local municipal their golfing home. Yet it must also provide for the total beginner, including the children who are golf's future. Golf needs all the recruits, particularly boys and girls, and to win them those first few rounds must end in enthusiasm and an early love of the game and not tears of frustration.

Those who designed Southport's 'Muni,' as it is affectionately known, certainly knew their job. It is indeed flat and looks totally forgiving for the golfer arriving in the calm of a summer's morning. But it is among the best challenges of the region's pay-and-play courses.

One reason is it is virtually on the shore, exposed to the winds. For another, at almost 6,200 yards off the main tees, it is reasonably long for a public course. Also, there are no downhill sloping fairways to hurry the ball along, 'shorten' the holes. This 'muni' is a course that plays its full length - and particularly when the wind comes in strong from the Irish Sea.

As the regulars - they include the men and ladies of three clubs - know well and as the visitors soon discover, the test of golf compares well with those of many private clubs. Professionals and top amateurs who have played here have found this a worthy examination of their abilities. At the same time the beginners of all ages find the muni an enjoyable experience. There is the happy, welcoming atmosphere, the sea breezes and in the summer time the happy sights and sounds of a thriving seaside resort in full swing.

The course may be long but the fairways are generously wide, forgiving.

For many the muni is a graduation school. Many who played their first golf here became professionals, even reach the heights of the European Tour. Yet the planners of long ago indeed managed to make sure that those stepping onto the tee for the first time go home with happy memories of an enjoyable rounds, counting the time when they can come back for more. For many, the 'muni experience' is addictive, where the great love affair with golf begins.