Hillside Golf Club has been a magnificent advert for Southport this week, and for the wider Liverpool City Region.
The famous course has been hosting the four-day 2022 Cazoo Classic golf tournament, attracting some of the best golfers on the circuit and golf fans from all over the world.
There is added local interest too, with two local Pros playing: two-time European Tour winner Lee Slattery and Mathew Baldwin, both former Hesketh Golf Club members.
It has been great hearing some of the accents among people in town this week – people from all over the UK, but lots of American accents too!
The event opened on Thursday and continues this Saturday and Sunday, with tickets on sale here.
Hillside Golf Club in Southport has hosted the 2022 Cazoo Classic. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Seeing the event makes you realise just how impressive it has been to stage.
The course and the facilities are immaculate; something which has taken many hours, days, weeks and months to achieve from a dedicated team of people working around the clock to make it all happen.
There has been a friendly team of local volunteers on site all week too, ensuring players and spectators enjoy their tournament with the customary warm Southport welcome for which our town is renowned.
There has been a fantastic atmosphere, with groups of people of all ages sitting back or taking a stroll around the course and really enjoying the top quality of golf on offer in such a beautiful setting.
Hillside Golf Club in Southport has hosted the 2022 Cazoo Classic. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
The short term impact of a tournament like this is substantial – lots of local hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars have been busier this week, with takings up.
Speaking in our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, Chris Norris said: “We have lots of bookings over the weekend at Season Coffee, Bar & Kitchen, all golf fans staying in a nearby hotel for the event.”
Steve Ashcroft said: “My good lady and daughter ate at Tik Tako on Thursday night, the others in there were golf fans.”
The event will have a long-term impact on the local economy too.
The 2022 Cazoo Classic at Hillside is a great way to showcase what HillsideGolf Club, England’s Golf Coast and Southport as a town have to offer visitors.
Hillside Golf Club in Southport has hosted the 2022 Cazoo Classic. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Hillside has a stunning backdrop, with its towering pinewoods, its rolling sand dunes and rich variety of natural wildlife. Who wouldn’t want to play a round of golf here? Or come here to spectate?
Designed by Fred Hawtree, the Southport venue is part of the glorious stretch of terrain and celebrated links recognised as England’s Golf Coast.
Keith Pelley, CEO of the DP World Tour, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Hillside Golf Club for the Cazoo Classic after the success we witnessed at the magnificent venue in 2019 when hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood hosted a fantastic tournament.
Hillside Golf Club in Southport has hosted the 2022 Cazoo Classic. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
“Hillside is an absolutely superb links venue that showcases England’s Golf Coast in all its glory, and we are excited for our players and passionate fans to return as part of a huge summer of golf in the UK.”
Chris Williams, Hillside Golf Club Secretary and Manager, said: “We are delighted to bring back another top class event to ‘England’s Golf Coast’ and present a world class links, able to challenge the best. Throughout the pandemic, golf has seen a significant increase in participation and we relish the opportunity to welcome, in huge numbers, the knowledgeable and passionate fans that our region is renowned for.”
Hillside Golf Club in Southport has hosted the 2022 Cazoo Classic. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
We hope the thousands of visitors at Hillside are thoroughly enjoying their golf, and all that Southport has to offer.
We hope to see you all again soon.
Tickets for the Cazoo Classic adult day tickets available from £15 here. Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
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