About the club
Formby Golf club prides itself on its course and its hospitality, the “Formby Experience” being the cornerstone of everything we do. The club, founded in 1884, is steeped in history and rightly proud of its place at the top of the golfing globe. Formby upholds the highest standards of the amateur game, the course testing the very best amateur talent. It has held 4 Amateur championships, 5 English Amateur championships, 4 Brabazon trophies, numerous R&A championships for boys, Mid-Amateur and Senior events and has hosted many EGU and County championships. This pursuit and support of excellence in Amateur golf has produced some fine champions at Formby, Sir Michael and Lady Bonallack, Jose-Maria Olazabal, Sam Snead, and more recently Nick Dougherty and Matteo Mannasero who won the amateur championship in 2009. The LGU has also visited Formby on many occasions as have the English Ladies Golf Association. Formby was the first UK venue for the International European Amateur Championship in 1997 and more recently, in 2004, hosted the 33rd Curtis Cup match between the leading amateur golfers from the USA and GB&I; an event won incidentally by the USA with a team containing players such as Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer. Further modifications have enabled the course to keep pace with golfing technology with the new back tees extending the course to more than 7000 yards (SSS 75). This is now known as the ‘Blue’ course and is well deserving of its reputation as one of the most challenging, unique, yet fair links in the world. The iconic club house which was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1901 is a fine example of architecture of the period. The snooker room is home to two snooker tables dating back to 1903 and the recently refurbished club room and dining room provide incredible panoramic, elevated views across the course. Visitors can also stay here at the club using the Dormy accommodation which is an integral part of the clubhouse and allows access to the course at weekends with reserved tee times. Our clubhouse offers history of our glorious past, comfortable surroundings to while away a few hours, or simply a place to relax pre or post round. Our Hall Bar, with large screen television, showing major sporting events, is one area to enjoy and our Golf Lounge with its homely, yet comfortable surroundings overlooking the 18th hole, is extremely popular with members and visitors alike, offering snacks, real ales, and fine wines, all available for your enjoyment. Upstairs we have our Club room, steeped in history, yet thanks to our recent refurbishment, feels light and fresh, and our Dining Room is the perfect way to complete your day here at Formby, offering carefully and lovingly crafted cuisine by our team of chefs with what can only be described as “stunning” views over what is without question one of the world’s best links courses. The golf club is steeped in history and folklore and this is visible around the clubhouse, from our famous Hippo’s head, gifted by the widow of a member, which spent the war kidnapped on a navy frigate, to the clock tower gifted to the club by Charles Bruce Ismay, the then Chairman of the White Star Line of Titanic fame.
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Golfer reviews
“We thoroughly enjoyed our round at Formby Golf Club. The course layout is excellent, and the conditioning was fantastic throughout. The welcome we received was exceptional, with both the reception team and the starter going out of their way to make us feel valued from the moment we arrived. The pace of play was excellent, allowing us to fully enjoy the experience without any delays. The halfway house provided a good range of food and refreshments with friendly service, although it’s worth noting that you don’t reach it until the 12th hole. The course itself was a joy to play, particularly the front nine, which stood out as a memorable stretch of holes. The greens were superb—true, consistent, and a pleasure to putt on. Overall, Formby delivered an outstanding golfing experience: a warm welcome, excellent service, a beautifully presented course, and some of the best greens we’ve played on. We would happily return and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-class links golf experience.”
“Another bucket-list golf course ticked off, and it was absolutely worth it. Formby is one of those courses that immediately makes you want to come back and play it again. From the warm welcome and friendliness of the staff to a course that is both challenging and enjoyable, it delivers a fantastic golfing experience from start to finish. The greens are among the best I’ve putted on anywhere in the UK—true, fast, and in exceptional condition. The bunkers, however, are a different story. They are the kind you want to avoid at all costs, as simply advancing the ball back into play can be a challenge. I can’t wait to return. There are several holes that deserve a second round, as they reveal more of their character the more you play them. It’s a course that rewards local knowledge and leaves you wanting another crack at it.”
“Awesome course and outstanding welcome. 5* Very friendly staff and good food. Chap in the Pro Shop was brilliant. 👍”