Hillside Golf Club in Southport to host the Cazoo Classic from July 21-24

The Cazoo Classic returns for a second year to the DP World Tour schedule from July 21-24 and marks the Tour’s first visit to the historic Merseyside golf course since home favourite Tommy Fleetwood successfully hosted the Betfred British Masters in front of huge crowds in 2019.

Designed by Fred Hawtree, the Southport venue is part of the glorious stretch of terrain and celebrated links recognised as England’s Golf Coast.

The Cazoo Classic will be part of a Great British summer of DP World Tour golf, as the third event of a six-week UK Swing. Golf fans are set to be treated to events in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively across July and August.

Last year, Scotland’s Calum Hill claimed his maiden Tour title at the Cazoo Classic, producing a nerveless performance down the stretch in a roller-coaster final day to card a five under par final round 67, defeating France’s Alex Levy by one stroke.

Keith Pelley, CEO of the DP World Tour, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Hillside Golf Club for the Cazoo Classic after the success we witnessed at the magnificent venue in 2019 when hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood hosted a fantastic tournament. Hillside is an absolutely superb links venue that showcases England’s Golf Coast in all its glory, and we are excited for our players and passionate fans to return as part of a huge summer of golf in the UK.”

Hillside famously hosted the 1982 Sun Alliance PGA Championship – the precursor to the BMW PGA Championship – when Tony Jacklin beat his fellow Ryder Cup Captain Bernhard Langer in a play-off. The venue was part of the Tour’s inaugural season in 1972, when Tommy Horton won the Piccadilly Medal. The R&A has been a regular visitor to the links with The Amateur and Ladies Amateur Championships being staged there as well as Final Qualifying for The Open on numerous occasions.

Chris Williams, Hillside Golf Club Secretary and Manager, added: “We at Hillside are absolutely delighted to continue our relationship with the DP World Tour, which stretches all the way back to 1972. Since staging the hugely successful 2019 Betfred British Masters, we have undertaken a spectacular transformation of the front nine holes, working alongside leading architect Martin Ebert.

“We look forward to bringing back another top class event to ‘England’s Golf Coast’ and presenting a world class links, able to challenge the best. Throughout the pandemic, golf has seen a significant increase in participation and we relish the opportunity to welcome, in huge numbers, the knowledgeable and passionate fans that our region is renowned for.”

Sefton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Maher, said: “It’s great news that Hillside Golf Club will be the venue for the 2022 Cazoo Classic in July, as part of the DP World Tour. Hosting this prestigious competition in the Borough will mean more visitors will have the chance to discover Sefton’s legendary Golf Coast, which has produced some of the biggest stars of the golfing world.

“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to prepare for events like this and our partnership with the DP World Tour is proving to be repeatedly successful in bringing thousands of visitors to our beautiful borough. As well as providing a major boost to the local economy, we are keen to ensure the excitement generated by the Cazoo Classic helps to leave a legacy especially amongst younger people, boys and girls, to enjoy this fabulous sport.”

Tickets for the Cazoo Classic start at £10 for the Wednesday Pro-Am day, with Thursday to Sunday adult day tickets available from £15 here. Fans who attend the whole week can also enjoy five days of golf and on-site activities from £30. Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.