Photo of Formby Golf Club

Formby Golf Club

Golf Road, Freshfield,

Formby, Merseyside L37 1LQ

  • Office

    +44 (0)1704 872 164
  • Pro shop

    +44 (0)1704 873 090
  • Fax

    +44 (0)1704 833 028
  • Golf pro

    Andrew Witherup

About the course

  • The 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).

Back
tees
Club
tees
Front
tees
Yards
7031
6496
6048
Par
72
72
72
SSS or slope
75
72
70

At the same location:

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).

Location

Latitude:

53.574721

Longitude:

-3.080413

How to get there:

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 Golf Club

5-star: Fabulous – courses don’t get much better than this.

Est. 1884

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.

List of courses: England - Lancs / Cheshire
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club
  • Photo of Formby Golf Club

Visitors

Who can play and when?

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.

Green fees

Visitor fee, 18-holes in high season (April thru' Sept): weekdays £250; weekends £280.

Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2024].

Other information

Players generally walk this course. Caddies available (if pre-booked).

Practice facilities

Good

Did you know?

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.

Published ranking

Formby GC:
England's 19th best course (Golf World, 2023).
Britain & Ireland's 46th best course (Golf World, 2024).
World's 88th best public access course (Golf World, 2023).
Formby Ladies GC:
England's 82nd best course.
Britain & Ireland's 175th best course.

Where2Stay

  • Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa4-star

    Southport Old Road, Formby, Merseyside L37 0AB

    +44 (0)1704 875 699

    Visit website

    With 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.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      Formby Hall

    • Golf within 5 miles:

      Formby; Formby Ladies.

    • Golf within 20 miles:

      Hillside; Royal Birkdale; Southport & Ainsdale; West Lancashire; Hesketh; Wallasey; Royal Liverpool.

  • The Vincent Hotel4-star

    98 Lord Street, Southport PR8 1JR

    +44 (0)1704 883 800

    Visit website

    Located 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.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 5 miles:

      Hesketh; Royal Birkdale; Hillside

    • Golf within 20 miles:

      Southport & Ainsdale; Formby; West Lancashire

Find a course

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