Formby Golf Club

Although it will likely never find itself joining its celebrated neighbors on The Open rota, Formby has held its fair share of historic events. In its centenary year of 1984, the club was honored as host of the Amateur Championship, won by Jose Maria Olazabal. The Amateur returned in 2009 for a third time, earning Formby a place in the history books for producing the youngest champion in the history of the event: 16 year old Matteo Manassero. The links is also a frequent host of qualifying for The Open when the Claret Jug visits Birkdale or Lytham.

Of course, no description of Formby is complete without a mention of its famous hippo. The hunting trophy which hangs in the clubhouse was a prize from a trip to Africa by two of the club’s earliest members. During World War II, the clubhouse was used as an Officer’s Mess and the hippo was soon commandeered by service members from the ship “Veteran.” Strapped to the ship’s searchlight platform, the hippo survived a mission through the Norwegian fjords before being returned to its former home.

Perhaps the most fitting description of Formby was offered by legendary author Bernard Darwin when he summarized the course in just four words: “good, sterling, honest golf.” Those visiting on golf trips to northwest England are often quick to add “enjoyable” to that list, thanks to the reprieve Formby offers those playing the Royal clubs nearby. It’s a course that will fairly test every aspect of one’s game, while still producing a smile when all is said and done. The best of combinations.