Formby Golf Club, nestled among pine trees and spanning 470 acres of a Special Scientific Interest site, stands out as a picturesque gem among the top links courses between St Annes and Liverpool. Founded in 1884 with a nine-hole layout, it expanded to 18 holes in 1912 under Willie Park Junior, later revised by James Braid and Harry Colt. Recent updates by Donald Steel in the 1980s extended its length to over 7,000 yards, addressing coastal erosion.
Mackenzie & Ebert embarked on a 6-year development plan in 2020, enhancing aesthetics with reshaping, new bunkers, and tees. Notably, changes include widening and re-bunkering the 1st fairway, realigning the 6th into a dogleg, and reshaping the 8th hole, alongside creating dune slacks around the 16th.
Formby’s course layout forms a unique anti-clockwise circle around Formby Ladies Golf Club, featuring strategic bunkering, undulating fairways typical of links golf, and scenic pine tree protection from the wind. Its hosted prestigious events like the 2004 Curtis Cup, won by the United States, and three editions of the Amateur Championship, including Matteo Manassero’s historic victory in 2009.
Despite being lesser-known compared to neighbouring Royal clubs, Formby promises a warm welcome and an unforgettable golfing experience amidst its serene and challenging links.
