Like nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes, Formby Golf Club offers an exceptional links course close to, but not directly on the sea. The 18-hole course was designed by two-time Open Champion, Willie Park Junior in 1912, before being enhanced in 1922 and 1933, and purposely rerouted more inland in the 1970s due to coastal erosion.
Formby golf course is also characterized by more conifer trees than most linksland designs, deliberately planted in 1887.
Throughout time, Formby Golf Club has been at the pinnacle of English golf, providing a stout test in a variety of prestigious championships. In 1984, the club’s centenary year, one of the most memorable finals of The Amateur Championship took place at Formby. It was here that a young Jose Maria Olazabal defeated an equally young Colin Montgomerie for the championship title.
Whether you’re visiting on a solo trip or playing as part of a wider England golf tour, Formby Golf Club is an exceptional course for amateurs and professionals alike.
Fellow golfers throughout the world can thank Formby Golf Club members for inventing the 19th hole. According to legend, there was a loose floorboard in the original clubhouse, that sadly burned down in 1899, beneath the floor was a bottle of whisky with a note saying, “a moderate go – 3 pence.”
Long before Rolex put clocks on golf clubhouses and hotels, Formby’s new circa 1901 clubhouse was adorned by a distinctive signature timepiece donated by a prominent member who was also the Chairman of the White Star Line – of Titanic fame.
But perhaps the most infamous of all historic treasured artifacts in the clubhouse is the “Formby Hippo.” As it sounds, the Formby Hippo is an actual hippo head trophy, donated by the widow of one of the original trustees upon his passing.
During WWII when the Club was doing its patriotic duty, several navy men, having seemingly found the loose floorboard and the bottle beneath, decided it would be a good idea to take the beloved Hippo on an adventure to the Battle of Narvic, in Norway. Slightly worse for wear having lost a tooth in battle, the Hippo was safely returned to Formby – where it has a place of honor and is celebrated in the annual “Hippo Competition.”
Formby is a true golf town on England’s Golf Coast with three 18-hole courses. Formby Ladies is a separate independent club that also welcomes visitors. Its course is a must-play and a delightful challenge as an addition to any England golf tour.
As Greg Norman commented, “What a beautiful course, it clearly shows that courses do not need to be 7,000 yards to be formidable.” The other course is located at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, a perfect location to tuck into to enjoy all the great golf on the Lancashire coast.
Formby Golf Club, established in 1892, is one of England’s oldest seaside courses. Nestled alongside dunes and pine forest, it is a picturesque and traditional example of the charming countryside England is known for. Formby offers picture-perfect views of the Irish Sea and a chance to see local wildlife, including the rare red squirrel.
One thing that sets Formby Golf Club apart is its design heritage. The Course has been worked on by various legends, including James Braid and Willie Park Jr, who wanted to shape it into a classical masterpiece of undulating fairways, challenging greens, and bunkering that fits into the natural terrain. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming, offering golfers a timeless experience alongside a strong community of golfers.
Formby Golf Course is a traditional example of British links-style golf that seamlessly blends into the natural landscape, while making the most of the natural challenges the terrain presents. The course is a standard 18-hole layout with a mix of tight fairways, tricky bunkers, and fast-paced greens. An ever-present coastal breeze makes it so that no two shots are the same, and players will have to be somewhat strategic in their approach.
Standout holes include the 6th par 3 (considered to be a local favourite), which is deceptively tricky as both the winds and deep bunkering guard a small, sloping green. The back nine includes the 14th par 5, which makes use of a natural pine corridor, which is a good test of accuracy and confidence.
Overall, Formby is carefully maintained and curated to be an engaging but enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The layout makes the most of the natural terrain and can be played year-round (although the coastal winds will make things trickier in the winter).
Golf trips to England’s north west coastline centre around the great city of Liverpool. Each of the five iconic tracks in this region can be easily accessed by road or rail. One of Liverpool’s best accommodations is the Titanic Hotel, located in the historic dock, the heart of the city is only a short walk away, including famous bars, restaurants, and shopping.
England’s Golf Coast combines the Open Rota Royals of Liverpool, Lytham St Annes, and Birkdale, with the beautiful true links of Hillside, and Formby.
7 nights accommodation and 6 rounds of golf
Prices starting from $6,700 per golfer
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The public can play at Formby golf course and guests are also welcome at Formby when booking as part of a Premier Golf tour.
You can book a golf tour that includes Formby with Premier Golf as part of an English Golf Coast Tour. Our team is happy to offer any advice and recommendations to make your trip to Formby golf course as memorable as possible.
Yes, Formby Golf Club offers a grass driving range, located approximately a five-minute walk near the 15th hole on the Ladies Course. This facility is complimentary for members and guests.
Formby Golf Club has two 18-hole championship courses: the Men’s Championship Links Course and the Formby Ladies Golf Club Course. Both courses offer a unique and challenging experience amid natural dunes and woodland.
Accommodations are included with golf tours at Formby and we can include breakfast in your tour. The team can also help you with any questions about local dining facilities or recommendations in the area.
The major golf tournaments hosted at Formby include the Curtis Cup and the Amature Championship.
Yes, visitors are required to present a valid handicap certificate. The maximum handicap limits are 28 for men and 36 for women. It’s advisable to check with the club directly for any updates or specific requirements before booking a round.
The Men’s Championship Links Course at Formby Golf Club is the most challenging. With its tight fairways, undulating dunes, deep bunkers, and coastal winds, it demands precision and strategic play.