Wirral Golf Club traces its proud origins back to 1894, when it was founded as the Wirral Ladies’ Golf Club by women from the families of Royal Liverpool members. At a time when golf was dominated by men, these pioneering women created a course of their own — a place to play freely and build a community around their shared passion. As The Birkenhead Advertiser reported, “no longer were the sterner sex going to have it all their own way at the putting game.”
The original nine-hole layout was designed by Harold Hilton, the celebrated local golfer who twice won The Open (1892 and 1897) and was later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. By 1907, the course had expanded to 18 holes with the acquisition of additional land on Oxton Heath, establishing the foundation of the course enjoyed today.
Although men were initially allowed to join only as associate members, the club evolved over time. In 1952, a new constitution granted men equal membership rights, and they now make up the majority of players — though the club’s pioneering spirit of inclusion remains strong.
Formally incorporated in 1928 as Wirral Ladies’ Golf Club Limited, the organization adopted its current name, Wirral Golf Club Limited, in 2017.
The course itself is compact yet characterful, stretching just over 5,000 yards (par 70 for women, 68 for men). Set on Wirral heathland above sandstone, it benefits from superb natural drainage and year-round playability. Small, elevated greens, strategic bunkering, and thoughtful design make precision more valuable than power. Standout holes include the 15th, a dog-leg par 4 through woodland, and the par-3 12th and 17th, both beautifully framed by trees, heather, and gorse.
A full round takes little more than three hours — perfect for golfers seeking challenge, charm, and community.