Situated between Sunderland and Washington between the River Wear and Penshaw Monument, Wearside GC is one of the oldest parkland courses in the northeast of England. It opened with nine holes in 1895; the notable Harry Vardon was retained to design the second nine, which debuted in 1901. It is one of the few courses in Great Britain that start with a par-3 and finish with a par-5 traveling away from the clubhouse.

Unaccompanied visitors are welcome at £28/round or £43/day on weekdays, then £33/round or £45/day on weekends. (Cart hire is £15/round or £20/day.) Winter, guest-of-member, and other various specials are also available. Societies are also welcome with prior arrangement.