Set above the Dee Estuary with panoramic coastal views, Heswall Golf Club offers a championship parkland experience that’s both strategic and serene.
This is an advertising feature in association with Heswall Golf Club
When The Open Championship heads back to Royal Birkdale in 2026, golfers from across the world will descend upon England’s fabled Golf Coast – drawn by its legendary links, rich heritage, and unmistakable atmosphere. But while the roar of the galleries will echo along Birkdale’s dunes, just 30 miles south lies a course that offers something altogether different – and equally memorable.
Heswall Golf Club is a premier parkland masterpiece on the Wirral Peninsula that has quietly earned its place among the North West’s finest golfing destinations.
Perched above the shimmering waters of the Dee Estuary, with sweeping views toward the Clwydian Hills, Heswall is a course that immediately captivates the senses. The layout is a perfect balance of challenge and charm: generous fairways framed by mature trees, cleverly contoured greens, and the ever-present influence of the estuary breeze. It’s golf at its purest — a thoughtful test that rewards precision as much as power.
This is no ordinary members’ course, having hosted some of the most prestigious events in amateur golf. In fact, two of the men hoping to add to their major titles at Royal Birkdale will smile fondly if you mention Heswall. In 2006, a then-15-year-old Patrick Reed tasted victory here, beating the likes of Tommy Fleetwood to lift the Junior Open, before heading to Royal Liverpool to watch Tiger Woods win the Claret Jug. And in 2012, a 17-year-old Matt Fitzpatrick lifted the Northern Junior Open title.
The club has also hosted the North of England Under-16s Championship, the English Seniors Championships, and the Faldo Elite Series, cementing its reputation as a venue of genuine championship caliber.
A heritage carved by masters of design
Founded in 1902 by Jack Morris, nephew of the legendary Old Tom Morris of St Andrews, Heswall’s story is woven into the fabric of British golf. Over more than a century, the course has evolved under the expert eyes of Harry Vardon, Frank Pennink, and Donald Steel, each leaving their own distinct imprint on the landscape.
The result is a layout that feels timeless yet fresh: 6,837 yards of engaging, strategic golf, where every hole offers its own identity. From the opening drive along the estuary to the closing stretch that demands both nerve and shotmaking, Heswall delivers a rhythm that keeps golfers hooked from first tee to final putt.
Even the clubhouse has a story to tell. The original 1904 building was lost to fire, but in 1926 it was reborn in style – designed by celebrated Liverpool architect Herbert J. Rowse, whose works include the Philharmonic Hall and India Buildings. Today, it stands proudly overlooking the course, blending heritage with modern comfort.
Constant investment, uncompromising standards
Heswall’s success isn’t just built on history; an unrelenting commitment to improvement drives it. In recent years, the club has invested heavily in course conditioning and facilities. The Practice Academy, opened in 2015, is one of the best in the region – featuring a 12-bay, 300-yard driving range, USGA-standard short-game areas, and a dedicated teaching bay equipped with the latest technology.
The club’s facilities cater to players of every level, from juniors taking their first swings to scratch golfers fine-tuning their craft. The club’s Professional Team, led by Tom Atkinson, offers state-of-the-art coaching, including simulation and video analysis, as well as custom club fitting.
It’s no wonder Heswall has become the training ground for the Cheshire Junior County Team, nurturing future champions in a setting that inspires excellence.
In 2025, the club took another significant step forward with a £650,000 sustainability investment backed by NatWest. The installation of a Rain Bird irrigation system has enhanced turf health, improved water efficiency, and reduced the club’s environmental footprint – ensuring Heswall’s championship course remains in pristine condition year-round.
As a non-profit club with more than 900 members, every penny earned is reinvested into the course and its facilities. It’s an approach that resonates deeply with golfers who appreciate clubs run by golfers, for golfers.
A setting to savor
What truly sets Heswall apart is its location. Few inland courses in England can match its visual drama. From elevated tees, you can trace the meandering estuary, watch migratory birds drift across the sky, and even glimpse grey seals basking at low tide. The serenity is punctuated only by the satisfying crack of a well-struck drive – a reminder that this is golf at its most peaceful and picturesque.
And for those exploring the North West ahead of The Open, Heswall’s location couldn’t be more convenient. Within easy reach of Liverpool, Chester, and the cluster of iconic links courses that make up England’s Golf Coast, it’s an essential addition to any golfer’s itinerary.
Off the course, the Heswall experience continues in its welcoming clubhouse. The Spike Bar is a favorite among members and visitors, serving hearty, freshly prepared dishes and local ales – the perfect way to unwind after a testing round. For larger gatherings, the formal dining room provides panoramic estuary views, a private balcony, and space for up to 110 guests – ideal for golf days, celebrations, or corporate events.
It’s hospitality done right: genuine, relaxed, and thoroughly memorable.
A proud legacy and bright future
Over its 120-year history, Heswall Golf Club has been guided by dedicated professionals such as Joe Collins and Alan Thompson, the latter honored with a Lifetime Service Award from the English Golf Union in 2016. Their legacy lives on in a club that continues to balance tradition with forward-thinking excellence.
As The Open approaches in 2026, Heswall Golf Club is ready to welcome a new wave of visitors eager to experience one of the North West’s most compelling parkland courses. For those making the pilgrimage to Royal Birkdale, a round at Heswall isn’t just a warm-up – it’s an unmissable part of the journey.
So, when the world’s eyes turn to England’s Golf Coast once again, remember: the best golf stories aren’t always written in the dunes. Some unfold just a little inland – along the tranquil shores of the Dee.
Find out more about Heswall Golf Club on their website, or follow the club’s Facebook page, on X, or on Instagram.
