My first encounter with Formby Golf Club dates back to 2002, when I competed in the British Mid-Amateur Championship. The memory that stood out the most? The greens—fast, true, and immaculately maintained. Over two decades later, I was eager to return and discover whether that recollection still held true. The answer? A resounding yes. Formby’s greens remain some of the finest I have ever played.
Historic and Unique Links
Formby Golf Club, founded in 1884, boasts a rich history as one of England’s finest championship links courses. Situated along the picturesque Sefton coast, the club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Amateur Championship, the Curtis Cup, and Final Qualifying for The Open Championship. While its classic links characteristics remain, Formby is unique in that it is framed by towering pine trees, creating a blend of woodland and coastal golf rarely seen in the UK. Over the years, the course has been shaped and refined by renowned architects such as Willie Park Jr. and James Braid, ensuring it remains a true test of golfing skill. The club’s historic clubhouse, steeped in tradition, offers a warm welcome to visitors, preserving the legacy of a course that continues to challenge and inspire golfers from around the world.
The Outward Nine: A Demanding Start
It’s a championship golf course, especially from the back tees which stretch the course to over 7,000 yards. I remember back in 2002 that I hit a lot of fairway woods for 2nd shots, without much success, so I decided on this occasion to play off the yellow tees, which at just over 6,500 yards was a stiff enough test for my golf game.
Avoid the bunkers on the 1st hole
Our favourite holes on the front nine were the first two and the 7th hole. The first hole is a par 4 of 394 yards. Playing off the yellows brings the fairway bunkers into play for all but the longest hitters. You can play left of them, but beware of the heather just off the fairway to the left. Go in the heather, and you will have to lay up. Your second shot to the green must avoid the bunkers short and left and right of the green. A very good opening hole where a par is success.
It’s a wide fairway if you lay up short of the bunkers
Rhe second hole is similar to the opener. At 370 yards, it’s almost 30 yards shorter, but again, you must hit the fairway. Consider playing short of the bunkers off the tee. From there, it’s only a medium iron into a raised green. Play for the centre of the green. Don’t be fooled into taking on a pin on the left or right of the green. Again, par is a good score.
Beautiful Dogleg
Looking back down the 7th hole
The 7th hole at Formby is a beautiful dogleg par 4 that requires accuracy and course management. Playing at 368 yards from the yellow tees, it presents a visually intimidating tee shot, as the fairway appears narrow, flanked by natural dunes and thick rough. However, the banking on either side provides some relief if you stray slightly offline. Finding the fairway is crucial, as the approach shot is played uphill to an elevated green. The putting surface is well-protected by bunkers and slopes, meaning anything short will likely roll back down the hill. This hole encapsulates the challenge of Formby—rewarding precise play while punishing overaggression.
The Inward Nine
Our favourite holes on the back nine were the 12th, 15th and 16th holes. These were ours, however, you may beg to differ. The inward 9 holes are 300 yards shorter than the outward 9, but there is little respite. Whether you hit driver, 3 wood or long iron off the tees, you need to hit the fairway to give yourself the chance to go for the green.
The stunning 12th hole
Formby’s back nine begins with a series of strong holes, and the 12th is one of the most picturesque and challenging par 4s on the course. At 385 yards, it requires a well-struck tee shot to a fairway that subtly doglegs left. The second shot is played to an undulating green set amongst the dunes, with deep bunkers ready to catch anything short or offline. The natural beauty of the hole, framed by towering pines and golden fescue, makes it one of Formby’s most memorable.
The approach to the 15th green
Many consider the 15th hole to be Formby’s signature hole, and for good reason. Playing just under 400 yards, this par 4 demands both power and precision. The fairway is lined by dunes on either side, making accuracy off the tee essential. The approach shot is no less demanding, as the green is nestled between natural ridges, which can deflect misjudged shots into tricky lies. The putting surface is subtly contoured, ensuring that even reaching the green in regulation does not guarantee an easy par.
The Last Par 3
The short 16th hole
The 16th hole is the shortest hole on the course, although it is no pushover. At “only” 120 yards, it is still a tough tee shot, especially in a breeze/wind. You have to control your ball flight, as anything higher than the trees can easily be blown offline. Pick your club wisely and knock it down. This is a cracking short hole
A Lasting Impression
Beyond the challenge, what truly sets Formby apart is the exceptional quality of its greens. Fast yet fair, they reward confident putting. On this occasion, my putter felt like an old friend, and the quality of the surfaces only encouraged bold, aggressive strokes. Playing Formby is a privilege, regardless of your score. It is a course that demands respect, rewards precision, and captivates with its natural beauty. The towering pines, undulating dunes, and firm, running fairways offer a golfing experience that lingers long in the memory.
Wonderful and consistent putting surfaces breed confidence. Check out the video above that proves every dog has its day!
Exploring Formby & Beyond
A visit to Formby Golf Club is about more than just golf—it’s an opportunity to explore one of England’s most picturesque coastal regions. Formby Beach, with its dramatic dunes and expansive views over the Irish Sea, is a must-visit. Nature lovers can explore the Formby Pinewoods, home to one of the UK’s last remaining colonies of red squirrels. Nearby, Southport and Liverpool offer a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, from The Beatles Story to the Royal Albert Dock.
At a Glance:
- Location: 60 minutes from Manchester Airport, 14 miles from Liverpool
- Course Type: Championship links with a woodland influence
- Key Features: Firm, undulating fairways, stunning greens, strategic bunkering
- Facilities: Traditional clubhouse, practice areas, well-stocked pro shop
- Why Play Here? A true championship challenge with a unique character and history
- Visit the Formby Golf Club website here
If you are planning a golfing trip to northwest England, Formby Golf Club should be at the top of your list. A true classic that blends history, challenge, and sheer enjoyment, it is a course I will always look forward to revisiting.
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If your club/resort or brand wants to reach over 400,000 golfers, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522
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