Hillside Golf Club One of the best links courses never to have hosted the Open

Hillside's links golf course is surely one of the best links courses never to have hosted the Open. Situated next door to Royal Birkdale ('a wild-looking links' according to Jack Nicklaus), it provides a unique golfing challenge, which tests all shots in a majestic setting.
Since 1967 Hillside has held a number of important championships. In the late 1970s Hillside hosted both the British Ladies Championship and the Amateur Championship, and in 1982 it was home to the European Tour's prestigious PGA Championship.
Greg Norman, the Australian who has won the Open twice (in 1986 at Turnberry and in 1993 at Royal St George's), wrote to Hillside saying its back nine holes were the best in Britain. Not surprisingly, Hillside keeps his letter safe and secure under lock and key!