Golf Road, Freshfield,
Formby, Merseyside L37 1LQ
Office
+44 (0)1704 872 164Pro shop
+44 (0)1704 873 090Fax
+44 (0)1704 833 028Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Andrew WitherupThe Course:
18 holes. Open and tree-lined links. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Coastal duneland and woodland.
Designer:
Original design by Willie Park Jr. Changes made to holes 15 thru' 18 by James Braid (1922). Further modifications made by Harry Colt (1920s), and by Donald Steel (1984).
Above distances are for the championship course. Also at Formby is the 18-hole Formby Ladies Golf Course (par-71; 5,374 yds from back tees; SSS 71).
53.574721
-3.080413
14 miles N of Liverpool
From the A565 (Formby by-pass) just east of Formby, at roundabout (with BP petrol station), turn into Southport Rd (B5424) and head west. At T-junction turn right into Paradise Lane, then left into Wrigleys Lane. Follow Wrigley's Lane and cross-over into Timms Lane. After 300 yds turn right into Gores Lane and next left into Victoria Rd. After railway crossing (at Freshfields Station) turn immediately right into Golf Rd. After 400 yards golf entrance is in front of you.
Formby
Formby Golf Club: Looking out from Formby's resplendent clubhouse, with its equally impressive clock tower, you cannot help but be enthused at the prospect of a round on these hallowed links. Laid out before you are two excellent 18-hole links courses. The independently run Formby Ladies course (measuring 5,350 yds), is encircled by the highly acclaimed Formby championship course. When played from the Blue tees the main course stretches to over 7,000 yards, and on such occasions is known to members as the "Blue Monster".
Laid out on fast-draining sandy soil, Formby predominantly exudes the character of an open seaside links course, but it also embraces some distinctly wooded heathland stretches. While some holes are relatively flat, others occupy more undulating terrain. This mix of golfing habitats and topography, ensures a round that's full of variety, where no two holes look or play the same.
The opening "heathland" stretch gives way to a challenging and tighter-feeling "woodland" run of holes, played through towering pines. With the wind seeming to freshen, the testing long par-4 9th signals a shift from woodland to pure links golf. This remains the dominant theme throughout Formby's stunning back-nine. Wonderfully open duneland comes into view as you "make the turn", with the elevated tee of the long par-3 10th offering a brief glimpse onto the Irish Sea.
The links at Formby Golf Club were founded in 1884. Over the years they have been sensitively modernised by some legendary designers, ensuring the course remains a challenging and enjoyable test of golf, and one of England's finest.
Visitors welcome on weekdays, Saturdays (after 3:30pm) and Sundays (after 2:30pm).
Must book in advance. Maximum handicap permitted: men 28; women 36. Proof of handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2024].
Players generally walk this course. Caddies available (if pre-booked).
Good
Formby has hosted many prestigious championships including the British Amateur Championship, British Ladies Amateur and Curtis Cup matches (in 2004). (See our Tournaments section >by Venue >Formby).
Formby is somewhat unique in having Mens' and Ladies' Clubs on the same site. The Ladies Club, established in 1896, has its own course, clubhouse and green-keeping staff. There are interesting rules governing who can play on which course, at what time. For visitors, suffice to say that both men and women can play on either course (subject to tee-time availability).
Formby Golf Club has its own Dormy accommodation which can sleep up to 10 persons in 3 doubles and 4 single rooms.
Formby GC:
England's 19th best course (Golf World, 2024).
Britain & Ireland's 46th best course (Golf World, 2025).
World's 88th best public access course (Golf World, 2025).
Formby Ladies GC:
England's 82nd best course.
Britain & Ireland's 175th best course.
Southport Old Road, Formby, Merseyside L37 0AB
+44 (0)1704 875 699
Visit websiteWith 62 bedrooms, Formby Hall combines all the charm and individuality of a boutique hotel, with the facilities of a 4-star luxury spa and golf resort. Located just 30 mins from Liverpool, it is an ideal base from which to explore the fabulous golf courses on the Lancashire coast.
Formby Hall
Formby; Formby Ladies.
Hillside; Royal Birkdale; Southport & Ainsdale; West Lancashire; Hesketh; Wallasey; Royal Liverpool.
98 Lord Street, Southport PR8 1JR
+44 (0)1704 883 800
Visit websiteLocated on Lord Street, Southport’s main boulevard and opening in 2008, The Vincent Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel. 60 guest rooms, suites and a penthouse occupy the six floors in this award winning design. The hotel's facilities include a Cafe & Sushi Bar, Spa, gym and Galleria Suites for weddings & corporate events.
No
Hesketh; Royal Birkdale; Hillside
Southport & Ainsdale; Formby; West Lancashire
Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).
Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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