For mine, some of Southport’s most memorable holes are its par-3s and par-5s. The layout opens with the easiest hole on the course, a 445-metre par-5, which provides every player the chance to get their round off on the right foot. The challenge gets ramped up at the next though – a picturesque 153-metre par-3 that includes the first of many water carry shots you will have to play during a round here.

The shortest of Southport’s par-3s demands good club and shot selection to make par or better. The downhill 127-metre 7th looks like a piece of cake as you stand on the tee, where you are sheltered from any breeze that may be blowing across the hole. This immediately brings the three bunkers, which surround the front half of the long, narrow green, into play.

The 469-metre par-5 8th is arguably the best risk-and-reward hole on the course. The double dogleg fairway tempts the longer hitter into carrying their drive over the first corner to set up a possible second shot onto the green. However, it is a long shot fraught with danger with small lakes to be found left and right of the entry onto the large putting surface. This is a fun, short par-5 where a player who shines with an eagle or birdie one day can quite easily rack up a high number the next day.

Southport’s back nine might be significantly shorter than the front nine with an inward par of 34, but it certainly plays harder. With three par-5s on the outward half there is always a chance of establishing a good score by the time you have reached the turn. The trick at Southport is maintaining that level of achievement en route back to the clubhouse.