Hillside's links golf course is generally considered to be one of the best links courses never to have hosted the Open. Situated next door to Royal Birkdale it provides a peerless test of golf which tests all the shots in a majestic setting.

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!