Formby Golf Club

Formby Golf Club (Merseyside, England)

Nestled along the stunning Lancashire coastline, Formby Golf Club is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends the raw beauty of links golf with the serene charm of heathland terrain. Established in 1884, this historic course has been a stage for some of golf’s most prestigious amateur events, including multiple Amateur Championships and the Curtis Cup.

As you step onto the first tee, you’re greeted by a landscape of towering pines, undulating dunes, and heather-strewn rough, all set against the backdrop of the Irish Sea. The course’s unique layout, which encircles the Formby Ladies Golf Club, offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and enchanting, making it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.

Key Details

• Location: Golf Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1LQ, England
• Length: 7,128 yards
• Par: 72
• Designers: Willie Park Jr. (1912), James Braid (1922), Harry Colt (1933), Donald Steel (1980s), Mackenzie & Ebert (2020)
• Established: 1884
• Notable Events:
• Amateur Championship (1957, 1967, 1984, 2009)
• Curtis Cup (2004)
• Staysure PGA Seniors Championship (2021, 2022)
• Open Championship qualifier (1924, 1971, 1996)

History and Significance

Founding and Early Years

Formby Golf Club was founded in 1884 by John Bushby, with subscriptions set at one guinea (£1.05). Initially a nine-hole course, it was expanded to 18 holes in 1912 by renowned architect Willie Park Jr., establishing its championship credentials. The club’s early years saw significant milestones, including the construction of a clubhouse in 1891, which was destroyed by fire in 1899 and replaced in 1901 with the current iconic structure, complete with a clock tower added in 1909.

Evolution and Redesigns

The course has evolved through contributions from golf’s architectural elite. James Braid made alterations in 1922, enhancing strategic elements, followed by Harry Colt in 1933. Coastal erosion in the 1980s prompted Donald Steel to redesign several holes, ensuring the course’s longevity. Since 2020, Mackenzie & Ebert have undertaken a six-year plan, including fairway widening, bunker repositioning, and hole realignments, maintaining Formby’s status as a top-tier venue.

Major Tournaments and Events

Formby has hosted numerous prestigious events, solidifying its reputation. The Amateur Championship was held here in 1957, 1967, 1984, and 2009, with winners like José Maria Olazabal and Matteo Manassero. The 2004 Curtis Cup and the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in 2021 and 2022 further highlight its significance. The course also served as an Open Championship qualifying venue in 1924, 1971, and 1996.

Cultural Impact

Ranked 40th in the UK and Ireland by Golf Monthly, Formby is celebrated for its unique blend of links and heathland golf. Bernard Darwin praised its greens as “beautifully green, very true and keen,” reflecting its enduring appeal. The club’s Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status underscores its environmental importance, while its proximity to Royal Birkdale and other elite courses cements its place on England’s Golf Coast.

Course Features

General Layout and Terrain

Formby Golf Club is a links course with heathland characteristics, set within 470 acres of sand dunes and pinewoods. Spanning 7,128 yards with a par of 72, its anti-clockwise routing around the Formby Ladies Golf Club creates varied wind conditions, enhancing strategic play. The course’s natural terrain, with undulating fairways and firm turf, offers a classic links experience.

Unique Features and Challenges

The course is defined by its fast-running fairways, deep bunkers, and heather-lined rough. Accuracy is paramount, as errant shots are penalized by trees or bunkers like the iconic “Twins” horseshoe-shaped traps. The greens, firm and true, demand a versatile short game. Recent upgrades by Mackenzie & Ebert have enhanced strategic bunkering and fairway contours, making every hole a test.

Scenic Elements and Overall Experience

Formby’s setting is breathtaking, with pine forests and dunes framing views of the Irish Sea. On clear days, the Welsh mountains and Lake District hills are visible, adding to the allure. The course’s SSSI status highlights its ecological harmony, with wildlife like red squirrels enhancing the experience. Playing Formby feels like a journey through golf’s golden age, blending challenge with natural beauty.

Signature Holes

3rd Hole – Par 5, 560 Yards

The 3rd hole, dubbed the best tee-shot in the North-West, is a par 5 that tempts big hitters to reach the green in two. Deep bunkers guard the approach, and the two-tiered green requires precise pin placement awareness to avoid difficult putts. Its strategic depth makes it a standout.

7th Hole – Par 4, 418 Yards

The 7th is a picturesque par 4, doglegging uphill through towering pines. A central tee shot to the hilltop offers the best view of the sloping green, where positioning below the pin is crucial for an uphill putt. Its elevation changes and visual appeal make it memorable.

12th Hole – Par 4, 423 Yards

Considered one of Formby’s finest, the 12th is a par 4 requiring a left-of-center tee shot to avoid right-side trouble. A large bunker guards the green’s left, and the area short is hazardous, demanding enough club for a birdie chance. Its design showcases the course’s strategic brilliance.

15th Hole – Par 4, 403 Yards

The 15th is a demanding par 4 with a double-tiered green. A tee shot down the right provides optimal access, but hitting the green in two is tough. The green’s tiers challenge putting, making precision key. Its natural land movement elevates its status.

Why Visit

Golfing Challenge and Appeal

Formby’s blend of links and heathland golf tests every facet of a golfer’s game. Its strategic bunkering, fast fairways, and varied holes ensure a dynamic round. Golf Monthly describes it as “a perfect blend of styles packed with excellent holes,” appealing to both amateurs and seasoned players.

Emotional and Historical Resonance

Walking Formby’s fairways connects golfers to a storied past. José Maria Olazabal said, “Formby provides golfers with a truly wonderful experience from both a playing and aesthetic point of view.” The club’s legacy, from hosting major championships to its warm hospitality, creates lasting memories.

Quotes and Practical Benefits

Visitors praise Formby’s impeccable condition and hospitality. One golfer noted, “The course was immaculate and was a great experience to play”. The clubhouse’s Dormy accommodation, dining, and snooker facilities enhance the visit, making it ideal for golf breaks.

Facilities

Clubhouse and Dining

The clubhouse, voted the 12th most iconic globally, is a historic gem offering a range of dining options, from casual bar meals to fine dining. Championship snooker tables and en-suite Dormy accommodation provide a luxurious experience, perfect for overnight stays.

Practice Areas and Additional Services

Formby offers a driving range and short game area, shared with Formby Ladies Golf Club, for skill refinement. The professional shop provides equipment, apparel, and lessons from experienced pros. Caddies and equipment rentals are available to enhance the golfing experience.

Contact Details and Directions

• Address: Golf Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1LQ, England
• Phone: +44 1704 872 164
• Email: teetimes@formbygolfclub.co.uk
• Directions: Located 13 miles north of Liverpool (30-minute drive via A565) or 45 miles from Manchester (1-hour drive via M62/M57). From London, it’s approximately 220 miles (4 hours via M6).
• Public Transport: Train from Liverpool Central to Formby station (20 minutes), then a 1-mile walk or short taxi ride.
• Parking: Ample on-site parking available.

Green Fees and Booking

Green fees for 2025 vary by season and day, with juniors paying half price. Bookings require a current recognized handicap certificate (max: men 28, ladies 36). Payments are accepted via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express only. Reservations can be made online at Formby Golf Club Booking or by contacting teetimes@formbygolfclub.co.uk / +44 1704 872 164. A smart golf attire dress code is enforced Formby Golf Club: Play Formby.

*Members’ competition days; check tee times.

**Reduced green fee period with potential maintenance disruptions.

Nearby Attractions

Formby’s location on England’s Golf Coast offers a wealth of attractions for golfers and companions, blending natural beauty with cultural experiences.

• 
  Formby Beach: A stunning sandy beach with high dunes, ideal for walks and enjoying coastal views. Part of the National Trust’s Formby estate, it offers opportunities to spot prehistoric footprints and enjoy the serene coastal landscape TripAdvisor: Formby Beach.

• National Trust Formby: Adjacent to the course, this area features pine forest trails and rare red squirrel sightings. It’s a haven for nature lovers, with diverse wildlife like natterjack toads and sand lizards, plus access to coastal walks National Trust: Formby.

• Formby Point: A scenic coastal area perfect for walking and birdwatching. Part of the National Trust estate, it offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and opportunities to explore the dunes and nearby woodlands Visit Liverpool: Formby.

• Freshfield Squirrel Reserve: Part of the National Trust’s Formby estate, this reserve is renowned for its red squirrel population. Visitors can explore pine woodlands, potentially spotting these endangered creatures alongside other wildlife like rabbits. Its proximity to the beach allows for a combined nature and coastal experience TripAdvisor: Freshfield Squirrel Reserve.

• Formby Village: A charming village with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a meal. It’s a convenient spot to experience local culture and relax after a round of golf Visit Southport: Formby.

• Ainsdale Beach: Located between Southport and Formby, Ainsdale Beach is known for its vast sandy shores and is a hub for extreme kite sports like kite buggying and kitesurfing. Part of the Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, it offers rich wildlife and plant life, making it ideal for nature lovers and families Visit Southport: Ainsdale Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I book a tee time at Formby Golf Club?

Book online at Formby Golf Club Booking or call +44 1704 872 164.

What are the green fees for Formby Golf Club?

Fees vary; for example, May-Sep 2025: £270 Mon-Fri, £300 Sat-Sun for adults, with juniors at half price.

Is Formby Golf Club suitable for beginners?

It’s challenging, best suited for golfers with handicaps up to 28 (men) or 36 (women).

What is the best time to play at Formby Golf Club?

Summer (May-Sep) offers optimal conditions, but the course is open year-round with lower winter fees.

What is the dress code for the golf course?

Smart golf attire is required, including collared shirts and tailored trousers; specific rules apply in the clubhouse Formby Golf Club: Dress Code.

What facilities are available at the club?

The club offers a historic clubhouse with dining, snooker, Dormy accommodation, a driving range, and short game area.

How do I get to Formby Golf Club from Liverpool?

It’s 13 miles north, a 30-minute drive via A565, or take a train to Formby station and a short walk/taxi.

Are there other golf courses nearby?

Yes, including Formby Ladies Golf Club, Royal Birkdale, Hillside, and Royal Liverpool.

What major tournaments has Formby Golf Club hosted?

It has hosted the Amateur Championship, Curtis Cup, Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, and Open qualifiers.

Why is Formby Golf Club famous?

For its unique links-heathland blend, historical events, and ranking among the UK’s top courses.

Is there accommodation available at the club?

Yes, en-suite Dormy accommodation is available in the clubhouse.

Is membership available at Formby Golf Club?

Membership options are available; contact the club for details.

What is the typical weather like in Formby?

Typical UK weather with frequent breezes; check forecasts for wind conditions.

What is the history of Formby Golf Club?

Founded in 1884, redesigned by top architects, and host to major amateur championships.

What are the unique features of the course?

Its links-heathland combination, pine trees, deep bunkers, and anti-clockwise routing stand out.