Oakwood Ave,
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire FY8 4JU
Office
+44 (0)1253 736 741Pro shop
+44 (0)1253 736 976Fax
+44 (0)1253 736 741Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Andrew LancasterThe Course:
18 holes. Seaside links. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Woodland and open countryside.
Designer:
James Braid and James A. 'Jim' Steer laid out the original course at this location in 1922/23. Later improvements were made by Steer in 1931 and Dave Thomas in 1977.
53.742505
-2.983442
5 miles SE of Blackpool
From Preston follow the A583 direction Blackpool. After approximately 3 mi turn left onto the A584 direction Lytham St Annes. After 7 mi, having entered Lytham, the Lytham windmill will be on your left. From the windmill continue for a further o.7 mi on the A584, then turn right into Fairlawn Road, direction Lytham Hall. After 100 yds turn left into Church Rd. After o.4 mi (having driven over railway bridge) turn right into Forest Rd, then immediately left into Oakwood Ave and immediately right into golf club.
Fairhaven
Fairhaven Golf Club: The Lancashire coast is home to England's most impressive concentration of links golf courses. Although few are laid out directly along the seashore, they nevertheless occupy excellent quality links terrain, just perfect for golf. Within this revered collection are Open Championship venues like Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St Annes. Amongst the lesser known gems, you'll find excellent layouts such as Fairhaven, Formby and Hillside.
Fairhaven, like its near neighbour Royal Lytham, is set back half a mile or so from the coast, but that doesn't detract one jot from the excellent quality of the course or the challenges it lays down. The abundant revetted bunkering is top class, and, like the wispy fescues lining the crisp-turf fairways, is best avoided if you can.
Although essentially flat, and not beside the sea, this is a layout brimming with an interesting mix of links and parkland features. The character is more open and linksy than tree-lined, although beyond the perimeter lies attractive woodland, and a few pockets of trees adorn the course itself. When the rhododendrons are in bloom in May, a wonderful splash of colour is added to the scene.
The original course design benefited from the guiding hand of James Braid, one of Britain's greatest players and course designers. Braid worked on the layout together with local professional Jim Steer. In 1977 Dave Thomas was commissioned to raise the profile of the bunkers, alter some of the greens and generally tighten up what is undoubtedly one of Lancashire's 'must play' courses.
Visitors welcome on weekdays; more restricted on weekends.
Must book in advance. Maximum handicap: men 28; women 36.
Players generally walk this course. Caddies available (if pre-booked).
Good
Fairhaven has regularly been used for final qualification when the Open Championship is played at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club. Each year it also hosts an internationally recognised Junior competition "The Fairhaven Trophies."
West Beach, Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5QJ
+44 (0)1253 739 898
Visit websiteThe Clifton Arms Hotel (a Grade II listed property) has been privately owned by the Webb family since 1993. The 4-star luxury hotel has an enviable location in the heart of Lytham, whilst enjoying spectacular views of the sea front.
No
Royal Lytham & St Annes; Fairhaven; Lytham Green Drive; St Annes Old Links.
Heron's Reach
North Promenade, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire FY8 5QJ
+44 (0)1253 723 241
Visit websiteThe Glendower Hotel is a perfect get-away for business or leisure, positioned on the Promenade in Lytham St Annes. The hotel boasts excellent views of the Irish Sea and is just a short walk from the local attractions and many shops situated in St Annes.
No
Royal Lytham & St Annes; Fairhaven; Lytham Green Drive; St Annes Old Links.
Heron's Reach
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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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