follow in the footsteps of the masters by visiting some of the best links courses in the world
southport / wirral / lytham st. annes
APPROX 4 MILES
Heswall Golf Club (1)
Southport & Ainsdale (8)
Caldy Golf Club (2)
Hillside Golf Club (9)
Royal Liverpool (3)
Royal Birkdale (10)
Wallasey Golf Club (4)
Hesketh Golf Club (11)
West Lancashire Golf Club (5)
Royal Lytham & St. Annes (12)
Formby Golf Club (6)
Fairhaven Golf Club (13)
Formby Hall Golf Club (7)
Old Links Golf Club (14) DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY ACCESSADVERTISING.CO.UK
Welcome to England’s Golf Coast, where you can follow in the footsteps of golfing greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods
Caldy Golf Club
Welcome to England’s Golf Coast, part of England’s Northwest, a region of striking contrasts, from the lush green beauty of the Lake District to the cosmopolitan, modern cities of Liverpool and Manchester and the seaside resorts of Southport, Wirral and Lancashire. And at the heart of Englands Golf Coast The Mersey Waterfront - spanning 70 miles of Merseyside coastline for all to enjoy. The Northwest is well known for its love of sport, with six premiership football clubs, several first class rugby teams and the county cricket club of Lancashire. But if golf is your passion, then look no further for the perfect place to indulge yourself.
The Northwest is home to The Golf Coast, where some of the UK’s most challenging and naturally beautiful golf courses can be found, many of them nestling between the pace of urban life and the rugged beauty of the coastline. Stretching from Blackpool in the north down to Liverpool and Wirral, lie some of the best links courses in England, guaranteed to test even the most accomplished golfer. The combination of sea, sand and the forces of nature, offer an irresistible challenge. The most famous of these are the three Royals: Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St. Annes. All have hosted the most famous championship, The Open, several times and Royal Liverpool will have the honour again in 2006. These courses have witnessed some of The Open’s greatest triumphs and heartbreaking disappointments, an emotional rollercoaster ride for spectators and players alike. Golfers come from all over the world to play the Royals, hoping to emulate the feats of their heroes. On a golfing break to the Northwest, you too can take on the challenge and follow
in the footsteps of golfing greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. But, the Northwest’s golfing offer doesn’t stop here, there is a wide variety of private and municipal courses throughout the region catering for every level of golfer. For example, Southport & Wirral have seven championship courses, with 27 further courses within half an hour’s drive and another 160 within one hour’s drive. Many of them are venues for premier golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, PGA Championships and the UK’s major amateur events. Some of the courses are used during the qualifying rounds of The Open and the Curtis Cup comes to the Northwest at Formby in 2004. The reputation of the region as the golfing capital of England is growing fast.
Contents History of Golf in the Northwest Royal Birkdale Royal Liverpool Royal Lytham & St. Annes Caldy Golf Club Formby Golf Club Formby Hall Golf Club Hesketh Golf Club Heswall Golf Club Hillside Golf Club Southport & Ainsdale St. Annes Old Links Golf Club & Fairhaven Golf Club Wallasey Golf Club West Lancashire Golf Club Discover England’s Northwest Accommodation & Booking
4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-41 42-44
Your love of golf can easily be combined with a short break for all the family and some sample itineraries are suggested in the following pages. There’s a whole host of festivals and attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained all year round.
TWO THREE
in the footsteps of golfing greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. But, the Northwest’s golfing offer doesn’t stop here, there is a wide variety of private and municipal courses throughout the region catering for every level of golfer. For example, Southport & Wirral have seven championship courses, with 27 further courses within half an hour’s drive and another 160 within one hour’s drive. Many of them are venues for premier golf competitions such as the Ryder Cup, PGA Championships and the UK’s major amateur events. Some of the courses are used during the qualifying rounds of The Open and the Curtis Cup comes to the Northwest at Formby in 2004. The reputation of the region as the golfing capital of England is growing fast.
Contents History of Golf in the Northwest Royal Birkdale Royal Liverpool Royal Lytham & St. Annes Caldy Golf Club Formby Golf Club Formby Hall Golf Club Hesketh Golf Club Heswall Golf Club Hillside Golf Club Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club St. Annes Old Links Golf Club & Fairhaven Golf Club Wallasey Golf Club West Lancashire Golf Club Discover England’s Northwest Accommodation & Booking
4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-41 42-44
Your love of golf can easily be combined with a short break for all the family and some sample itineraries are suggested in the following pages. There’s a whole host of festivals and attractions to keep visitors of all ages entertained all year round.
THREE
Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Southport & Ainsdale and Royal Birkdale have each hosted the Ryder Cup twice
History of Golf in England’s Northwest
Clubhouse at Royal Liverpool
The Amateur Championship trophy, having organised the first event and contributed, with others, towards its cost. In 1902 the first international match between England and Scotland was played, followed in 1921 by the first match between Great Britain and the USA, later known as the Walker Cup.
Annika Sorenstom - winner of 2003 Weetabix Womens Open Golf Championship at Lytham & St. Annes 2003
England’s Northwest is home to some of the finest golf courses in the country, with a history and traditions that have helped to shape the game. Founded in 1869, Royal Liverpool is among the oldest seaside courses in England. A club of many firsts, some of golf’s great tournaments began here. The first Amateur was played at the Royal Liverpool in 1885, indeed the club is one of the Northwest clubs to have their name on
It wasn’t long before the demand for golf courses turned towards the miles of natural links land to the north and in 1873, West Lancashire opened, a pioneer of golf in the Northwest and one of the ten oldest courses in England. Others followed, many of them links courses, designed by the great architects of the early 20th century, including James Braid, himself an Open winner, Harry Vardon and J H Taylor. The Northwest has all the essential ingredients for links golf - well designed courses, bordered by dunes and heathland with outstanding natural coastlines, created by the forces of nature. Among the most famous links courses in the world are the three Royals: Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
All have had the honour of hosting the greatest event in golf, The Open. All have seen history made and witnessed many of the world’s golfing heroes, some at the peak of their careers, others on their way to greatness. Other great tournaments have been played in the region, Royal Lytham & St. Annes, Southport & Ainsdale and Royal Birkdale have each hosted the Ryder Cup twice. The European Tour, Amateur Championships and many ladies championships are frequent visitors, together with countless national and county competitions.
forward to. In 2004, Formby Golf Club will host the Curtis Cup and The Open returns to Royal Liverpool in 2006. In addition there is the annual Merseyside Festival of Golf every September. The tradition for championship golf in the region goes on. A visit to England’s Golf Coast is a must for any golfer - the history and traditions, the challenging courses, the breathtaking scenery and the forces of nature combine to make it an experience not to be missed and one to be repeated often. Caldy Golf Club
There are a number of landmarks in golfing history to be remembered, the first rubbercored ball was used at Royal Liverpool in 1902, when Sandy Herd tried it out and went on to win The Open. The English Golf Union has its roots at Hesketh where the initiative was first proposed, with the first president being a former Hesketh captain, and in 1932 the Stableford points system was first devised at Wallasey Golf Club, Wirral. As well as looking back over the history of golf in the Northwest, there is plenty to look
FOUR FIVE
On eight occasions the greatest championship, The Open, has been played here
Royal Birkdale
in favour of allowing ladies to use the links from 1889. Indeed, one of the first tournaments held at Birkdale was the 1909 Ladies’ British Open Matchplay Championship.
Among the many great courses along the Northwest coast, Royal Birkdale stands out as a perfect example of links golf. It is currently the number one course in England, and has been voted the number one in Britain, most recently in the survey published in 1998 after The Open.
The growing stature of the club was acknowledged in 1951 when the King gave his permission for the club to be known as The Royal Birkdale Golf Club. The course has been the stage for many great golf championships including the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup and the Ryder Cup. On eight occasions the greatest championship, the Open, has been played at Royal Birkdale and in 2005 the club will be the venue for The Amateur Championship, for the third time. Royal Birkdale is the host of the Weetabix Women’s British Open.
The club was formed in 1889, starting life as a nine hole course. In 1897 the decision was taken to move to the Birkdale Hills where an 18 hole course was constructed. In 1991 a decision was taken to redesign and relay all the greens. This considerable investment and ongoing improvement has enabled the club to retain its position as one of the finest links courses.
The links measure 6,690 yards and although the distance itself is a test even for the most accomplished golfer, the wind, whistling down the fairways when it comes from the sea, adds to the challenge.
Even in the early days, the Birkdale Club was forward-thinking, with the members voting
Each hole runs through a landscape of high dunes, the fairways are flat and fair and from
the tee there is generally a clear view of the task ahead. Each hole is memorable, from The Open Championship tee the 13th measures 498 yards, one of the longest par 4s in championship golf. Visitors to the course can walk in the footsteps of many of golf’s legends, among them Open Winners, Peter Thomson, a double winner at Royal Birkdale, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson. On the 15th hole, a plaque commemorates Arnold Palmer’s great shot in appalling weather conditions, on the way to his Open win of 1961.
course length Open Championship tees. 7018 yds. White 6690. Yellow 6305. Ladies, Red 5773. par/sss OC 70/74. White 72/73. Yellow 72/71. Red 75/75. course record Amateur, 66, Justin Rose. Pro, 65, John Housten, Tiger Woods, USA. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1704 567920 email: royalbirkdalegc@dial.pipex.com
The clubhouse is built in a distinctive art-deco style and stands overlooking the 18th green. The enormous bay window in the lounge gives a spectacular view over the course and it is the only place to be on the last afternoon of The Open.
SIX SEVEN
In 2006 The Open makes a very welcome and overdue return to Royal Liverpool
Royal Liverpool
international between Great Britain and the United States in 1921, now known as the Walker Cup.
The Royal Liverpool course at Hoylake started life as the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, set on the shores of the Dee and with the Welsh hills in the distance. As a reminder of its previous life, the original saddling bell is displayed among the memorabilia in the clubhouse. The golf course was built in 1869 and with the exception of Westward ho! in Devon is the oldest seaside course in England. It is also one of the great links courses. The club is a place of firsts: the first Amateur in 1885; the first international match between England and Scotland in 1902; the first
Although the Club has hosted many great events and many a famous golfing hero has walked the fairways over the years, it is probably best known for its contribution to the amateur game and a place where amateurs feel at home. Aside from hosting the first Amateur Championship there have been other great golfing accomplishments. Hilton, from neighbouring West Kirby, won The Amateur Championship four times and The Open in 1892 and 1897. Hoylake’s own John Ball won The Amateur Championship an amazing eight times, as well as The Open in 1890. By winning The Open at Hoylake in 1930, Bobby Jones secured a place in golf history by winning The Open and The Amateur Championship on both sides of the Atlantic in the same year to achieve his famous ‘Grand Slam’.
the wind makes its presence felt. The summer breeze can be your ally and the icy gale a ruthless adversary. All the holes require your utmost attention.
course length Championship 7210. Yellow 6240. Red (Ladies) 5828.
The enormous clubhouse offers a respite from the elements and a place to soak up the history and traditions of the game.
par/sss Yellow 72/71. Red (Ladies) 74/75.
As part of a concentrated effort that the Club remains at the forefront of the world’s greatest courses, the architect Donald Steel was commissioned to revamp and upgrade the course to modern standards. He has achieved this with great success, for in 2006 The Open makes a very welcome and overdue return to Royal Liverpool ensuring it remains one of the world’s great links courses.
booking Telephone: +44 (0)151 632 3101 email: sec@royal-liverpool-golf.com
course record (Championship) Amateur, 67. Pro, 64, Brian Waites.
Whilst at first appearance the course may look flat, it is a very challenging championship course, 6,240 yards long from the visitors’ yellow tees. However, as with all links courses,
EIGHT NINE
Royal Lytham & St. Annes
his approval to adding the word ‘Royal’ to the club’s title just in time for the championship to start.
Nestling between two busy seaside resorts, the Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Course is one of the most unique courses in the rotation of the British Open. It is a links in every sense of the word, with sandy soil and the wind blowing in from the Irish Sea. Open to the elements, the trees on the course permanently lean sideways, with the wind often proving a formidable competitor in the homeward five holes of the course. 1926 was a significant year for the club, not only did it host its first Open, but King George V gave
The legendary American, Bobby Jones, one of the most talented and successful amateur golfers of all time, won the 1926 Open. Trailing a fellow American, A.L. Watrous, with two holes to play, Jones played perhaps the greatest shot in Open history, hitting a mashie second shot from sand on the left of the 17th. He then parred the 18th to win his first title. He was to go on to win The Open twice more and also claim the amateur title. Despite their domination of the game, it wasn’t until 1996 that another American took The Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in the shape of Tom Lehman, breaking the course record of 65 in the third round. He went on to describe his final round of 73 as "not pretty, but gritty." It was enough to keep him two shots ahead of the rest.
Bobby Jones played one of the toughest fivehole finishes in British golf to take his first title
The first four holes and last five are said to be amongst the trickiest in Britain, but some respite is offered in between with holes which are within everyone’s range. Holes 16 to 18 have produced some of the most memorable moments in major championship history, 16 is the scene of Seve’s famous ‘car park’ shot of 1979. Standing behind the 18th green, the grand Victorian clubhouse, with its oak-panelled dining room, offers a haven from the elements. A place to soak up the history of previous championships and admire the skill of past and present golfing heroes.
course length Open 6905. Red 6630. Green 6360. Ladies 5854. par/sss Open 71/74. Red 71/73. Green 71/72. Ladies 75/75. course record Amateur, 66, Tiger Woods. Pro, 64, Tom Lehrman. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1253 724206 email: bookings@royallytham.com
The course is well designed, with holes to test every level of player. It opens with a Par 3, the only major championship course to do so.
TEN ELEVEN
Caldy Golf Club
Many of the greens and tees have been rebuilt to USGA specification
The Caldy Golf Club course provides a unique blend of seaside and parkland golf. Situated on the estuary of the River Dee, the course straddles the Wirral Way - an old railway line which is now a country park. It is a picturesque setting with breathtaking views of the North Wales mountains and a rural outlook to farmland and dales to the South. Caldy has hosted many important events in golf, in 1981 it was chosen as one of the qualifying courses when the European Open was held at Royal Liverpool and the same year was invited
by the R&A to co-host the Senior Open Championship, again with the Royal Liverpool.
and officials from Great Britain and the USA took part.
Ladies golf has always been part of the scene at Caldy, with many county and national championships held there. From 1983 to 1988, the Caldy Classic played a significant role in the development of the WPGA European Tour, with many of the winners going on to enjoy future success on the women’s circuit, notably Dale Reid and Laura Davies. In 1992, when the Curtis Cup was held at the Royal Liverpool, Caldy hosted the ‘Supporters Saucer’ - a competition held just prior to the event in which part players
Caldy can count some prominent golfers among its past members including Ronnie White, who dominated British Amateur golf for over 15 years, and Phil Bailey, a prolific county player. With many of the fairways running parallel to the river, Caldy offers excellent golf all year round. One of the greatest attractions of the course is the variety of the holes, with the unpredictable nature of the wind giving each hole a different character from day to day. The glorious combination of wonderful links and inland holes make for a memorable game of golf for players of all standards.
course length White 6601. Yellow 6324. Blue 5792. Red 5798. par/sss White 72/72. Yellow 72/71. Red 74/74. course record Amateur, 67, Anthony G. Shields. booking Telephone: +44 (0)151 625 5560 email: gail@caldygolfclub.fsnet.co.uk
Many of the greens and tees have been rebuilt to USGA specification and the complete course and practice facilities have been drained in order to maximise playing conditions, whatever the weather. Caldy’s clubhouse, built in 1974 and refurbished and extended in 1999, is a splendid single storey building, with huge windows giving uninterrupted views over the course.
TWELVE THIRTEEN
It was on this course that Jose-Maria Olazabel beat Colin Montgomerie to win the final of The Amateur Championship in 1984
Formby Golf Club
amongst the most challenging to be found anywhere. Visitors are most welcome throughout the year on non-competition days.
Formby Golf Club is one of the classic courses of the Lancashire coastline. Although somewhat protected from the elements by pine trees that line several of the holes, the course is a tough one, particularly when the wind does break through. Such is the profusion of wildlife and plants at Formby that it has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest with the magnificent, fragile dunes a designated conservation area. The club is unique in Britain for within the boundary of its own course is the completely independent Formby Ladies Golf Club, which was founded in 1896. Formby Golf Club, founded two years earlier in 1884, are proud to have an outstanding amateur championship course with par 3s
Formby has hosted many important national and regional amateur golf events, particularly three Amateur Championships. It was on this course that Jose-Maria Olazabal beat Colin Montgomerie to win the final of The Amateur Championship in 1984. The excellence of the course will be underlined once again in 2004, when the Club has the honour to host the Curtis Cup - the world’s greatest team event in Ladies Amateur Golf, a match between Great Britain and Ireland against the USA.
excellent. However, accuracy and concentration are prerequisites for every hole, with the heather and rough forming a natural boundary together with bunkers and sandhills, it does not serve the golfer to be unfocused. The lovely surroundings tempt many golfers to delay their departure, spending time in the clubhouse, where they are guaranteed a warm welcome. The current clubhouse was opened in 1901, replacing its predecessor which was destroyed by a fire. It offers dormy house accommodation for members and visitors, ideal for those early morning tee-offs.
course length Blue 7024. White 6701. Yellow 6496. Red 6060. par/sss Blue 72/74. White 72/73. Yellow 72/72. Red 70/70. course record Amateur, 66, Barry Scott, Pro, 68, David Russell, Patrick Sjoland, Sweden. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1704 872164 email: info@formbygolfclub.co.uk
Formby is at the forefront of amateur championship golf in the U.K. and has again been invited to be one of the three final qualifying courses for The Open in 2006. Modelled by three of golf’s greatest architects, the course measures from the members’ tees 6,496 and championship tees a tremendous 7,024. The course is in good condition all year round, the greens are firm and the undulating fairways
FOURTEEN FIFTEEN
Formby Hall Golf Club
All members, both men and women, enjoy equal rights on the course and in the clubhouse. And you needn’t wait until you get there to place your order for refreshments at the end of your round, the clubhouse can be contacted by telephone from every hole!
Formby Hall has been spectacularly transformed from marshland to a picturesque parkland course. The scene is a delight, a grand colonialstyle clubhouse with an impressive fountain outside and with views inland to distant hills, great fairways and manicured greens. The club has built a reputation as one of the leading championship golf courses in Europe although it was established as recently as 1996, in 1999 the PGA chose it as the venue for the European Challenge Tour for 1999-2001. The club is also known for hosting high quality charity and pro-am events featuring some well-known celebrities.
Opened only in the mid-1990’s this was part of the second golf boom. The first came 100 years ago when many clubs (among them many now famous names where the grand traditions of golf were made) were first designed and created. The second boom came around the close of the last century as, around Britain, great areas of farmland were converted into golf courses. Formby Hall is a relatively new arrival on England’s Golf Coast but few courses anywhere have made the switch from marshland or indeed farmland in such a grand, spectacular and successful style.
An established venue for the European Challenge Tour
Not surprisingly, Formby Hall’s arrival on the golf scene nationally has been swift and dramatic. The setting and the golf test have already made it an established venue for the European Challenge Tour. The PGA want to create here the first national amateur golf academy which will include a 9-hole golf course, a two-tier floodlit driving range, an indoor, yet grass, putting green… It aims to become a golf complex among the best in Europe.
course length Championship 7002. White 6731. Yellow 6435. Red (Ladies) 5729. par/sss Championship 72/73. White 72/73. Yellow 72/71. Red (Ladies) 74/74. course record Amateur, 72. Pro, 64, Frederick Henge, Sweden. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1704 875699 email: golf@formbyhall.fsnet.co.uk
The course has been designed to championship standards and presents a formidable but enjoyable task. The distance from the championship tees is an awesome 7,002 yards.
SIXTEEN SEVENTEEN
Hesketh is well established in the history of golf, the English Golf Union has its roots here
Hesketh Golf Club
is played at nearby Royal Birkdale. The club has also hosted county and national championships and top events in ladies golf, as well as the Lancashire Amateur Open, Lancashire Ladies Amateur Open, and the British Senior Amateur Championship. Hesketh is well established in the history of golf, the English Golf Union has its roots here, the initiative came from a former Hesketh Captain who went on to become the Union’s first president. Hesketh is the oldest golf club in Southport, established in 1885. Part links and part parkland, it is set among the Victorian villas of a residential area at the northern end of South West Lancashire’s sand dune system. Another of the Northwest golf courses to be designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Hesketh sits beside a nationally renowned nature reserve, the seabirds and other wildlife providing an added attraction for visitors. Professional championship golf has been played at Hesketh from the early days. It is regularly chosen as a Qualifying venue when The Open
Among the famous names to play at Hesketh is Henry Cotton, who set a course record of 68 in 1932 and not forgetting the Bentley brothers, Harry and Arnold, often described as the most illustrious pair of brothers in the history of the
amateur game. In fact Arnold went on to lead the British triumph at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, leaving Hitler decidedly unimpressed that the Germans could not demonstrate their superiority. Unusually, Arnold was presented with a fir tree along with his prize, and to this day, it sits outside the clubhouse, part of the folklore of the club. The Amateur course record is 67, held by Robbie Cannon of West Lancashire. The distinctive challenge of the course is that half of the holes meander through tall sand dunes, while the others border the Ribble estuary. Some of the best holes lie between the sandhills and the clubhouse, particularly the eighteenth which is long and a great finishing hole.
course length White 6655. Yellow 6156. Ladies 5616. par/sss White 72/72. Yellow 71/70 Ladies 74/74. course record Amateur, 67. Pro, 67, Robert Giles, Romiley. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1704 536897 email: hesketh@ukgolfer.org
The club offers visiting golfers a year-round series of open competitions, as well as hosting a week-long golfing festival. The clubhouse sits on the crest of a sandhill, overlooking the course and surrounding areas. Visitors are always given a warm welcome and the famous Bentley Room, full of unique memorabilia of the brothers’ achievements is not to be missed.
EIGHTEEN NINETEEN
Chosen by the R&A to host the Junior Open Championships in 2006
Heswall Golf Club
Founded in 1902 and enjoying a splendid aspect on the Dee Estuary, Heswall Golf Club is one of the very best golfing venues. The gently rolling parkland course in superb conditions affords the Golfer all that is good in the game. Scenic beauty with uninterrupted views over the Welsh hills and coastline, blissful silence and abundant wildlife on the Dee marshes, a protected and internationally recognised bird sanctuary, all contributing to the Heswall experience. The first course layout was designed by Jack Morris, who was the nephew of Old Tom Morris and cousin of Young Tom Morris of St. Andrews, winners of eight Open Championships between them. Much work was undertaken by successive greenkeepers and green committee members,
and further changes to the course were made in the early and mid sixties following advice from Frank Pennink, the doyen of British Golf architects. Ever mindful of the future, members agreed at an EGM in 2000 to purchase some 27 acres of farmland adjoining the lower part of the course. Over the coming years and working with course architects Donald Steele this land will be developed and incorporated into future course designs. Heswall has been chosen by the R&A to host the Junior Open Championships in 2006, the same year that the Open Championship comes to the Royal Liverpool. The Junior Open, first played in 1994, continues to grow in popularity and Heswall will join a list of distinguished venues including Formby, Crail and Royal Musselburgh.
The professional course record stands at 66 recorded by club professional Alan Thompson whilst somewhat surprisingly the amateur record is 62 recorded in 1994 by Chris Sands (now professional), this score included 9 threes! With it’s proximity to the Dee Estuary and Irish sea the weather always plays a part in any round of golf, with this, numerous trees planted over recent decades and strategically placed bunkers the golfer faces an interesting challenge when playing at Heswall. Whatever the score, a warm welcome always awaits when returning to the clubhouse.
course length Championship 6550. par/sss Championship 72/72. course record Amateur, 62, Chris Sands; 66, Barry Scott. Pro, 66, Alan Thompson. booking Telephone: +44 (0)151 342 1237 email: dawn@heswallgolfclub.com
In the past the club has been host to many qualifying, championship and county events and only last year was one of the venues for the English Seniors Amateur Championship, together with neighbouring Bromborough. Laid out on undulating terrain, the course measures 6550 yards from the championship tees, with a standard scratch score of 72.
TWENTY TWENTY ONE
Greg Norman describes the back nine holes as the best in Britain
Hillside Golf Club
Championship; in the 1990’s the English Open Amateur and the International European Amateur.
he had ever played in the Qualifying for the 1998 Open, and Mark Calcavecchia thought the greens the best he had seen all year.
The course is a highly regarded Qualifying venue for The Open, in fact some would say it is one of the best links courses never to have hosted The Open!
The first nine holes on the 6,800 yard course were once described by Peter Alliss as ‘frightening, particularly when the wind blows from right to left’. There are plenty of testing holes to come though, set amongst the dunes and pine trees. Some are sheltered, set in natural amphitheatres, while the elevated tees produce that great golfing combination of a battle against the elements with spectacular scenery.
Hillside is not short of accolades from the stars. Roger Pampling felt it was the hardest course Hillside lies almost side by side with the Royal Birkdale course, amid a stretch of sandhills near Southport. Indeed, the quality of the individual holes is such that golfers may find it difficult to separate the two. Typical of the links courses on the Northwest coastline, Hillside is open to the wind coming in from the Irish Sea and laid out in a truly stunning setting, the course is a true test for golfers of all handicaps. Since 1967, Hillside has hosted several prestigious championships. In the late 1970’s, the British Ladies Championship and Amateur Championship were held; in the 1980’s the European PGA Championship and The Amateur
course length White 6850. Yellow 6204. Ladies 5919. par/sss White 72/74. Yellow 72/71. Ladies 75/75. course record Amateur, 67. Pro, 65, Alex Cejka, Germany, Stephen Leaney, Australia. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1704 567169 email: hillside@ukgolfer.org
Two holes that deserve a special mention are the eleventh and seventeenth. Both par 5s, they lead the golfer through a wonderful dune-lined valley, and are possibly the best holes of the entire round. The back nine holes were redesigned in the 1960’s and are outstanding, making the homeward journey a challenging one for golfers of all standards. It is no wonder that Hillside treasures a letter from Greg Norman, twice a winner of The Open, which describes the back nine holes as the best in Britain.
TWENTY TWO TWENTY THREE
Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club
So impressive is the course that one golf magazine named it among the top 50 golf courses in Great Britain. The course deservedly gained a good reputation in the early years, hosting two early Ryder Cup matches in 1933 and 1937. Great Britain and Ireland were victors in the first encounter, with the outcome decided by the last putt on the final green, while the United States were convincing winners in 1937. The Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, or the S&A as it is affectionately known, is part of the chain of links courses spread along the Northwest coastline. The entire course is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with Natterjack toads and squirrels resident among its sand dunes and heath land. The current course was designed by James Braid, who alongside Henry Varden and J H Taylor, dominated British professional golf in the first half of the 20th Century. Much of Braid's original layout survives to this day and the fine par four, third hole, is named in his honour.
Since then the S&A has hosted countless top events including the Ladies British Open and remains a qualifying venue for The Open whenever it is staged in the region. In 2005 the club will co-host The Amateur Championship with Royal Birkdale.
Hosted two Ryder Cup matches in 1933 and 1937
singled out it would have to be the sixteenth. This famous hole has a great hill and bunker, lined with railway sleepers and is a cunning trap, catching poor second shots. It is called the Gumbleys after a gentleman who spent some time there! The fine clubhouse sits above the eighteenth green and the first hole, a welcoming place to watch the incoming and outgoing golfers and enjoy the club’s trophies and photographic archives.
course length White 6687. Yellow 6285. Red (Ladies) 5683. par/sss White 71. Yellow 72/71. Blue 70. Red (Ladies) 74/74. course record Amateur, 68. Pro, 64, Nicholas Vanhootengem, Belgium. booking Telephone: +44 (0)1704 578000 email: secretary@sandagolfclub.co.uk
The course is not over long, but requires concentration and accurate shots form the tees onwards. The fairways are narrow and bordered by sandy dunes and channels, made all the more hazardous in the variable wind conditions. All the holes are of championship standard and no two are the same. However, if one had to be
TWENTY FOUR TWENTY FIVE
Another true seaside course... venue for qualifying rounds for The Open
St. Annes Old Links Golf Club & Fairhaven Golf Club St. Annes Old Links Golf Club
St. Annes Old Links Golf Club Another true seaside links course, this course has been used as the venue for qualifying rounds for The Open Championship. The club has recently celebrated a centenary anniversary in the year 2001. The course was laid out by Alex Herd, winner of The Open Championship in 1902, and is hard by the sand dunes which overlook the Irish Sea at the north end of town. So the wind is a factor on most days. With the exception of 3 one-shotters the holes run north to south, or the reverse, and the prevailing wind is westerly, or variations thereof. Unusually for a links course there are four ponds which influence play on six holes and compounded with the fiery bounces of a dry summer it ensures exhilarating, demanding, traditional, pure links golf that is the very essence of the game. This course will certainly test your skill as a golfer.
course length White Competitions 6684. Yellow 6482. Red (Ladies) 5630. par/sss White Competitions 72/72. Yellow 72/71. Red (Ladies) 72/72. course record Amateur, 64. Pro, 63, Scott Astin (Royal Lytham), Craig Goodfellow booking Telephone: +44 (0)1253 723597 email: rodbeach@coastalgolf.co.uk
Fairhaven Golf Club This course is situated in the heart of Lytham St. Annes located in wooded country with a special charm and character all of its own. This is a particularly beautiful course and a favourite with all who visit. In 1924, the course was originally sited at Fairhaven Lakes in 1895 and then moved to Lytham Hall Park in 1924. The golf course was the work of Messrs Steer and Braid and is a parkland course with links characteristics. The Club emblem is the Pheasant and several types of Pheasant were recently revived, which can be seen strutting around the course. The premier amateur Club competition is aptly named the Silver Pheasant and in 2003 the amateur course record which had stood for many years was broken by Mark Ramsdale from Formby with a gross score of 64 which equalled the professional record set by Justin Leonard in 1996. Professional golf started at Fairhaven with the Penfold Tournament in 1934 and nowadays is associated with the final qualifying course for both Mens and Ladies Opens when held at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club.
course length White 6883. Yellow 6497. Red 5985. par/sss White 73/74. Yellow 71/72. Red 75/75. course record Amateur, 64. Pro, 64, Justin Leonard, booking Telephone: +44 (0)1253 736741
TWENTY SIX TWENTY SEVEN
The Stableford system of points scoring was first developed here
Wallasey Golf Club
Liverpool is back on The Open list. In 1995 and again in 2000 it played host to The Amateur Championship qualifying rounds.
Wallasey Golf Club was founded in 1891, and with its undulating fairways and sand dunes it is a traditional links of 6,607 yards. It is situated on the Wirral Peninsula overlooking Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea, leaving it open to the elements and particularly the wind. It is one of the great links courses of the North, originally designed by Tom Morris (Snr) and later altered by other notable golfing figures Alec Herd, Harold Hilton and James Braid. The course has hosted many great events, including the qualifying rounds of The Open and although it last had this honour in 1950, it is hoped that ‘Open’ hopefuls will once again tread the fairways now that nearby Royal
The club has a great history in the game, not least because this is where the Stableford system of points scoring was first developed by a club member, Dr Frank Stableford. He became a member of the club in 1914 and aware of the frustration of high handicap golfers after a disastrous start in a medal competition he devised his points system. The first Stableford competition was played at the club in May 1932. Sadly in 1959, having been told he was going blind, ‘Stablie’, as he was affectionately known, was found dead in his study, a pistol at his side. It seems he was
unable to contemplate life without golf or snooker. In his honour, a plaque was erected on the 2nd tee where he first devised the system and the Frank Stableford Open is held every May at the club. Wallasey has a fine collection of oil paintings in the clubhouse, including the original portrait of the man many consider to be the greatest golfer, Bobby Jones. In 1930 Jones won The Open at Hoylake, having qualified at Wallasey and sat for the painting at the request of the artist, a member of the club. The portrait became famous across the world and Jones had a copy painted for him to take back to America to hang in the Augusta clubhouse.
course length White 6503. Yellow 6254. Ladies 5825. par/sss 72/72. course record Amateur, 65. Pro, 65. booking Telephone: +44 (0)151 691 1024 email: wallaseygc@aol.com
The course itself is a true test of golf, due in part to the prevailing north westerly winds and the variety of holes, made all the more interesting by the natural terrain. The final four holes are among the toughest, particularly the 18th which is a magnificent hole to finish the round. Wallasey has been described as ‘The Diamond in the Dunes’ and golfers who come here will enjoy the challenge of the course and the welldocumented history and traditions of the game.
TWENTY EIGHT TWENTY NINE
West Lancashire Golf Club
here - Sandy Lyle, Nick Faldo, Bernard Langer and Ian Woosnam - all went on to win the coveted green jacket of the US Masters Championship. The Open championship returns to the Northwest and the Royal Liverpool in 2006, when once again West Lancashire will have the honour of hosting a Qualifying round. The club’s place in history is assured as it has its name on The Amateur Championship trophy, one of the 24 clubs that contributed to the cost of the trophy when the competition was first established in 1885. Indeed the first winner of the trophy was Alan MacFie, a West Lancashire member.
The West Lancashire is a pioneer of golf in the Northwest, the oldest golf club surviving in the county of Lancashire and among the top ten oldest clubs in England. Founded in 1873, it is twinned with Royal Montreal Golf Club, Canada’s oldest golf club, founded in the same year. The renowned golf course architect Donald Steel said of the course, “Only in Britain can one sample the true flavour of seaside golf of which West Lancashire is a perfect example.”
The club also has a notable record for ladies golf too, for in 1891 the West Lancashire Ladies Club was formed, the first of its kind in South West Lancashire.
West Lancashire has been a final qualifying course for The Open in 1976, 1983 and 1991 and most recently in 1998, when Mark O’ Meara triumphed at Royal Birkdale. In 1976, four young professionals competed in the final qualifier
This great links course measures 6,768 yards, and is set in natural seaside terrain with immaculate greens. Eleven of the holes measure over 400 yards so by any standards it is a true championship course.
Only in Britain can one sample the true flavour of seaside golf of which West Lancashire is a perfect example
It is also a course of contrasts - humps and hollows, shelter and bleakness. On calm summer evenings it is easy to forget how the winds blowing in from the sea can turn a game around and challenge even the most accomplished golfer. The clubhouse overlooks the ninth and eighteenth greens, giving panoramic views to the north and west over Anglesey and the Welsh Hills. Its long balcony is an ideal place for weary golfers to have a reviving drink or snack whilst watching the sun go down over West Lancashire.
course length Blue 6862. White 6772. Yellow 6239. Green 5601. Red (Ladies) 5783. par/sss Blue 72/74. White 72/73. Yellow 70/71. Green 70/67. Red (Ladies) 73/74. course record Amateur, 67, Robbie Cannon. Pro, 66, Carl Mason, Adderbury, Oxon. booking Telephone: +44 (0)151 924 1076 email: golf@westlancashire.co.uk
THIRTY THIRTY ONE
This stunning coastal resort is sophisticated, cosmopolitan, vibrant - and plenty of fun
Welcome to Southport in England’s Northwest Southport shopping
The stunning seaside coastal resort of Southport is the perfect leisure break destination to combine with the tough challenge of our golfing pedigree. Often talked of as the 'Jewel of England's Northwest coast' Southport is sophisticated, cosmopolitan, vibrant - and plenty of fun! Sun, sea, sand and smiles One thing is certain - Southport will offer you a first class leisure break - whatever your interests. Southport is famous for its fantastic special events (such as the Airshow and the Flower Show), the thrills and spills of Pleasureland, the elegance of Lord Street shopping, the endless choice of restaurants, bars and cafes, the walks along beautiful beaches...the list goes on and on.
Add to that a great choice of accommodation to suit every taste and pocket and you have all the ingredients you'll need for the perfect golfing break! Southport, Formby and Ainsdale have just been awarded the ENCAMS Seaside Award Flags, based on last years results. Formby Point & Beach is ideal for romantic walks and for picnicking. It is described by the National Trust as “a wonderful stretch of unspoilt coastline". Formby Point is one of the very few remaining places that you may see the increasingly rare red squirrel. Southport Beach is also ideal for families, with plenty of room for car owners to park up and enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline. Ainsdale Beach has been listed as one of the top Southport Pier
Sand Dunes at Formby Beach
ten beaches in the UK. Close by, the excellent
Southport Pleasureland
new Discovery Centre is ideal for youngsters (and Mums and Dads too!) to find out more about the local coastal flora and fauna. Over recent years, Southport has secured millions of pounds worth of investment to help offer visitors the best possible time whilst relaxing in the resort. New attractions such as the award-winning Southport Pier, recently restored to its former style and elegance, and Ocean Plaza, with its popular mix of retail and leisure opportunities, have both enjoyed unprecedented success since opening. Go shopping in style If you like to indulge in a little retail therapy, you’ll love Southport. Lord Street, a mile long boulevard of famous brand and specialist shops and elegant arcades is one of the most famous shopping areas in the region. With a tempting selection of restaurants and pavement cafes where you can take a break, it’s the ideal place to shop in style.
visitsouthport.com
THIRTY TWO THIRTY THREE
Wirral, home to The Open in 2006. Miles of scenic coastline, picturesque villages, hectares of open spaces and country parks
Welcome to Wirral in England’s Northwest Thurstaston Beach
The Wirral Peninsula is a region of incredible natural beauty, breathtaking sea views, rolling countryside, miles of promenade, situated between two great rivers - the Mersey and the Dee. Ideally located for golfers visiting all parts of the Northwest, getting here couldn’t be easier with the M53 motorway connecting Wirral with the M56 and M6. Take a walk on the wild side The Wirral coastline and surrounding seaside towns of West Kirby and Hoylake offer so much to see and do. With long stretches of sandy beaches and pretty promenades, you can sit and watch the world go by, or if you’re feeling energetic, after a day on the golf course, try your hand at sailing or windsurfing on the marine lake.
Along the coastal paths there are some stunning views over the Dee Estuary to the hills of North Wales and you can watch the sun going down across the sea and the mudflats. The local nature reserves at Hillbre Islands are a great place for wildlife spotting. You can catch the seals at play in their natural environment and see the wide variety of migrating birds. If you’re looking for something a little livelier, try New Brighton. In addition to a whole host of traditional seaside activities, the town has its own Floral Pavilion Theatre, marine lake, lighthouse and historic fort. There’s also an extensive annual programme of events to enjoy from concerts to the annual Wirral Show.
Dee Estuary
Lady Lever Art Gallery
Bring out the explorer in you Wirral has miles of open countryside and many parks to explore. Wirral Country Park is a hive of wildlife activity and home to badgers, foxes and a variety of birds. In Birkenhead, you’ll find a more traditional park complete with stunning lakes and a boathouse. In fact, Birkenhead Park was the world’s first ever public park and a model for Central Park in New York.
heart of the village stands the Lady Lever Art Gallery where you can admire superb collections of paintings and furniture. Also worth a visit is Brimstage where you’ll find one of the finest embroidery centres in Britain and a host of other craft shops. Travel back in time Wirral is also steeped in history, with a Benedictine priory in Birkenhead, the Wirral Museum and the Birkenhead Heritage Trail. Last but by no means least, don’t miss the historic warships berthed at the East Float dock. This awe-inspiring collection of 20th century fighting ships is the finest in the country. Hamilton Square
Wirral Country Park
See the sights In the heart of rural Wirral you will find some beautiful villages. Perhaps the most well known is Port Sunlight, which was founded for the soap factory workers in the 19th century. The rows of immaculate cottages are a sight to be seen and there’s a heritage centre where you can delve into the history of the community. At the very
wirral.gov.uk
THIRTY FOUR THIRTY FIVE
Ideally positioned, just 30 minutes from England’s Golf Coast, Liverpool really does come alive at night
Welcome to Liverpool in England’s Northwest
Liverpool Waterfront
Aintree
European Capital of Culture 2008, with its cosmopolitan shops, buzzing restaurants and many visitor attractions, Liverpool is the city to be seen in. What else would you expect from the home of The Beatles? A winning mix of fun and excitement Liverpool is a city that loves its sport. Combining a golf trip with a visit to either of our premiership football grounds, is a must for enthusiasts. Football fans can take a tour behind the scenes at the Everton and Liverpool grounds and experience the magical atmosphere.
And in April every year, the eyes of the racing world are on Aintree, home of the world’s most famous horse race, the Martell Cognac Grand National. Always a spectacular and action-packed occasion, the race attracts huge crowds and is not to be missed. Aspiring jockeys can relive the excitement with a visit to the Grand National Experience at Aintree and take a trip on the simulator together with a tour of the racecourse. Soak up the culture Liverpool has more art galleries and museums than any other UK city outside London, housing some of the country’s most prestigious collections. Tate Liverpool is famous for it’s modern and contemporary art whilst The Walker displays an internationally important collection of art from the 14th to the 20th century. The diverse maritime history of the city can be explored at the HM Customs and Excise Museum and the Maritime Museum, both full of fascinating activities for the whole family. One of the best ways to see the city is to take a guided tour, either on foot or in an open top bus. If you’re feeling adventurous you could
Albert Dock
If you’re a real music lover, why not follow in the footsteps of some of the famous stars to come from the city? In addition to The Beatles, Liverpool’s produced more chart-topping No.1 artists and bands than any other city. The performing arts are also well represented, with many theatres such as the Playhouse and Everyman Theatre hosting performances from well-known actors, writers and directors. The Philharmonic Hall is home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, which gives over 60 performances a year in addition to touring music festivals around the world.
even take a trip on the Yellow Duckmarine, an amphibious vehicle which can travel by land or water and even takes a dip into the dock at the end of the tour! Enjoy a night to remember When the sun goes down on the 18th green, why not try the bright lights of the city? Liverpool really does come alive at night, from the Albert Dock on the waterfront to the lively streets of the city centre, you’ll be spoilt for choice by the number of restaurants, bars and clubs.
Life Café
visitliverpool.com
THIRTY SIX THIRTY SEVEN
Welcome to Lancashire and the Fylde Coast in England’s Northwest
Explore the wonders of the beautiful xxxxx countryside that surrounds Lytham & St. Annes
Holden Reservoir
Fairhaven Lake
A warm welcome awaits in the striking and colourful county of Lancashire. From coast to countryside, from village to city, a break in Lancashire means more. More to experience, more to explore and more to enjoy. Whether it’s history and culture, or shopping and sights there are fun-packed days for everyone. Tour and explore, rest and relax or shop till you drop. Throughout the year Lancashire is alive with festivals and special events to keep you entertained!
From the old to the new Whether you fancy a golfing weekend away or a longer stay, you’ll find the warmest of welcomes awaits you in the many cosy B&B’s, comfortable country inns and luxury hotels in our lush rural landscape and bustling towns and cities. Preston is England’s newest city and is home to the National Football Museum. Lancaster boasts a rich historic past with a majestic, medieval castle, museums, theatres and historic monuments. From the exhilaration of the great outdoors to the warmth of the great indoors, Lancashire has something for everyone. And that goes for price too. All that’s missing is you.
Historical Lytham & St Annes Lytham is a traditional coastal village with so much more besides, and rest assured there is plenty on offer to make your visit a pleasurable and lasting experience, for all the family.
All the fun of the Fylde The Fylde Countryside - Idyllic canal-side walks, country pubs and rural charm; you’ve got to see it to believe it!
St. Annes-on-Sea is ideal for a golfing break for all the family.
Take some time out and explore the wonders of the beautiful countryside that surrounds Lytham & St. Annes. Largely unspoiled and dotted around the Fylde, you’ll find hamlets, small villages and market towns each one with their own special attraction and many tracing their history back hundreds of years.
Lytham is steeped in heritage, largely through the famous landmark windmill on the green, the town’s ‘signature building’, that is now home to a tourist information point and registered exhibition centre. Along with the RNLI Lifeboat Museum, the town’s bygone age and colourful past is clearly illustrated, constantly reminding us of its Victorian values and unforgettable charm.
St. Annes’ victorian pier is a legacy of its continuing status as an original seaside resort and evidence of the town’s preserved heritage. Take a stroll along the promenade past the bandstand and promenade gardens and you could have stepped back in time, as the stunning views overlooking the traditional donkey rides on the beach have changed little over the years.
The current redevelopment in the town centre is creating stylish walkways, attractive seating and new street entertainment areas. Combined with the innovative and fashionable café quarter on Wood Street, you’ll encounter the perfect setting to meet with friends or simply watch the world go by.
Blackpool Tower
lancashiretourism.com
THIRTY EIGHT THIRTY NINE
Discover England’s Northwest
From Chester to Manchester and The Lakes, this wonderfully diverse and exciting region has got absolutely everything you can imagine
Deansgate Locks, Manchester
If the golfing centres on England’s Golf Coast are not enough, then discover the rest of England’s Northwest. Cumbria
From mountain climbing to an afternoon’s shopping, a great night on the town to a stroll around a picturesque lake. However much or little you, your partner, or your family like to do on your golfing break, England’s Northwest is the ideal place to visit. In addition to the world class golf on offer along England’s Golf Coast, equally challenging courses exist inland, including Carden Park and Mottram Hall to the South and Windermere and Silloth-on-Solway to the North. Visit the home of Beatrix Potter For instance, the Lake District is one of the most scenic areas of the country. A stunning
combination of high peaks, green valleys and tranquil lakes, make it the ideal place for both relaxation and outdoor fun. With picturesque villages nestling on the shores of the lakes, historical buildings and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder it attracts so many visitors all year round. For serious lovers of the great outdoors, there are miles of countryside to explore and activity centres where you can try your hand at abseiling, canoeing and climbing. A visit to the Lake District is also a must for literary fans. You can step back in time and visit the homes of William Wordsworth, John Ruskin or Peter Rabbit at the Beatrix Potter Visitor Centre at Bowness on Windermere. Join the Cheshire set Cheshire is a county of beautiful countryside and canals. It is perfect for a relaxing break, but still close enough to the bustling cities of the region when you feel like a change of pace. Chester, famous for its half-timbered buildings, spectacular cathedral and city walls, is an intriguing blend of the past and present.
Tatton Park
You’ll find small galleried shops alongside one of the region’s finest shopping centres with high-street shops and trendy café bars. Enjoy the gardens of England’s Northwest With Rydal Mount & Gardens to the North in Cumbria, via Rufford Old Hall & Gardens in West Lancashire to Tatton Park in South Cheshire, the region can satisfy all ‘green’ minded connoisseurs, whether on the golf course or in the gardens. Capture the spirit of Manchester Manchester is a bustling, lively city, full of places to visit and things to do for all the family. It has a great sporting history and is home to Lancashire County Cricket Club and two premiership football teams. One of them,
Manchester United, is undoubtedly amongst the most famous in the world. Manchester too is a centre for culture and the arts with the state-of-the-art Bridgewater Hall - home of Hallé Orchestra, the Lowry Centre, Salford Quays and the recent additions of the Imperial War Museum of the North and URBIS. Meanwhile, the Museum of Science and Industry has plenty of hands-on interactive exhibitions to keep younger members of the family entertained. With fabulous shopping by day including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and a wide choice of bars, restaurants and clubs where you can have a great night out, Manchester is an unmissable experience. Chester
englandsnorthwest.com
FORTY FORTY ONE
Accommodation & Booking
reach of some of the championship courses. Many of the hotels cater specifically for the golfer and can arrange exclusive packages to suit your itinerary.
Whether you decide to base yourself in the same place for your short break or travel around the region, there’s a wide variety of hotels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation to suit both your style and your pocket. On the coast: For a leisure break at the seaside, then there is nowhere better than England’s Northwest. Southport and Lytham St Annes have a wealth of accommodation, ranging from grand Victorian hotels on the main boulevard in town, to the cosy welcome of family-run guest houses, B&Bs and self catering facilities. They are the ideal base for a golfing holiday, within easy
FORTY TWO
In the country: The quiet countryside of Wirral and Lancashire offers an ideal retreat away from the hustle and bustle. You can choose to stay at one of the country hotels, set in beautiful gardens or at smaller guest houses located in picturesque villages yet only a few minutes from the seaside towns. You’ll also find plenty of B&Bs, farmhouses and country pubs. If you’ve been out and about exploring the countryside and moors you’re sure to find a warm welcome and somewhere to rest your weary feet. In the city: Liverpool offers the variety of accommodation you would expect in a major city from budget hotels and motels to four star luxury. You’ll be well placed to take advantage of the superb courses in England’s Golf Coast by day and have easy access to good restaurants, entertainment and the famous Liverpool nightlife.
Handy Contacts and Booking Tips
Welcome to England’s Golf Coast, where you can follow in the footsteps of golfing greats such as Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods
National Rail Enquiries +44 (0)8457 484950 www.thetrainline.com
accommodation to suit both your style and your pocket
Liverpool John Lennon Airport +44 (0)151 288 4000 www.liverpooljohnlennonairport.co.uk www.easyjet.com www.ryanair.com
SILLOTH
The Lakes
WORKINGTON
Manchester International Airport +44 (0)161 489 3000 www.manchesterairport.co.uk
WHITEHAVEN
Blackpool Airport +44 (0)1253 343 434 Norsemerchant 0870 600 4321 (UK) 0181 92999 (Ireland) www.norsemerchant.com
BARROW HEYSHAM
Seacat 08705 523 523 (UK) 1800 805 055 (Ireland) www.seacat.co.uk
FLEETWOOD M6
BLACKPOOL AIRPORT
Lytham St Annes M66
M61
Southport
Manchester
8 M5 M 57
Liverpool
M60 M62
M6
M67 0
M56 M5
Wirral
Book in advance - premier courses are in demand and bookings should be made early. Flexibility is key - try and be flexible on when you can play (time of day and week).
M55
3
LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON AIRPORT
Chester
MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT M6
APPROX 16 MILES
Remember there are 100’s of quality courses in England’s Northwest. So if you are unable to book for your preferred course click onto englandsgolfcoast.com for a full list of courses in the region. It’s as simple as that.
KEY
= Mersey Waterfront
Caldy Golf Club
Welcome to England’s Golf Coast, part of England’s Northwest, a region of striking contrasts, from the lush green beauty of the Lake District to the cosmopolitan, modern cities of Liverpool and Manchester and the seaside resorts of Southport, Wirral and Lancashire. And at the heart of Englands Golf Coast The Mersey Waterfront - spanning 70 miles of Merseyside coastline for all to enjoy. The Northwest is well known for its love of sport, with six premiership football clubs, several first class rugby teams and the county cricket club of Lancashire. But if golf is your passion, then look no further for the perfect place to indulge yourself.
The Northwest is home to The Golf Coast, where some of the UK’s most challenging and naturally beautiful golf courses can be found, many of them nestling between the pace of urban life and the rugged beauty of the coastline. Stretching from Blackpool in the north down to Liverpool and Wirral, lie some of the best links courses in England, guaranteed to test even the most accomplished golfer. The combination of sea, sand and the forces of nature, offer an irresistible challenge. The most famous of these are the three Royals: Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St. Annes. All have hosted the most famous championship, The Open, several times and Royal Liverpool will have the honour again in 2006. These courses have witnessed some of The Open’s greatest triumphs and heartbreaking disappointments, an emotional rollercoaster ride for spectators and players alike. Golfers come from all over the world to play the Royals, hoping to emulate the feats of their heroes. On a golfing break to the Northwest, you too can take on the challenge and follow
Ways to Book There are three ways to book accommodation for your break in the Northwest:
1. Travelcare Travelcare Sports (selected courses only) One of the UK's leading Sports operators and part of Travelcare the UK's largest independent travel agent.
Bookings can be made at any of its 400 branches nationwide or on line at www.travelcaresports.com or by calling 0870-112-0276 (lines are open Monday - Friday 0900 - 1730 hrs). PO Box 749, Trafford Plaza, Seymour Grove, Manchester M16 0ZE www.travelcaresports.com email: sports_info@travelcare.co-op.co.uk
2. Local Operators Through one of the local operators who specialise in golfing holidays and can tailor a package to suit you:
Accommodation Booking Liverpool 0845 601 1125 (UK) +44 (0)151 709 8111
A fast and frequent local rail service runs between Liverpool Central Station and both Southport and Wirral.
Southport + 44 (0)1704 533333
By air Regular flights are scheduled to Liverpool John Lennon Airport from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Geneva, the Isle of Man, Malaga, Madrid, Nice, Palma and Paris.
Southport Golf Tours tel/fax +44 (0)1704 228278 email roy@sgtours.freeserve.co.uk
Wirral +44 (0)151 647 6780
Grosvenor Travel tel +44 (0)1704 548989 fax +44 (0)1704 500789 email travel@grosvenortravel.com
How to get to England’s Golf Coast Englands Golf Coast is situated in England’s Northwest. Access by land, sea and air is quick and effective.
Golf Promotions tel +44 (0)1704 229966 fax +44 (0)1704 220777 email golfpromotions@gbond.fsworld.co.uk 3. www.englandsgolfcoast.com For more information - giving you a full list of courses and accommodation providers should you wish to book directly with them.
Lancashire/Fylde + 44 (0)1253 725610
By car The M6 motorway runs up the length of the coastline and links to the major road network to Wirral (M56/M53), Liverpool (M62), Southport (M58) and Lytham (M55).
Manchester International Airport, with its world wide services, is within easy reach of England’s Golf Coast by road and rail. By sea Daily sailings from Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of Man to Liverpool and from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead.
Rail and coach services Regular coach and rail services to the Northwest operate throughout the year. The West Coast mainline operates between London and Scotland and has several drop off points in the region, including Liverpool, Chester, Wigan, Preston and Lancaster. Every effort has been made to ensure the details in this publication are correct at time of going to press. ©The Mersey Partnership 2003.
TWO FORTY FOUR
follow in the footsteps of the masters by visiting some of the best links courses in the world
southport / wirral / lytham st. annes
APPROX 4 MILES
Heswall Golf Club (1)
Southport & Ainsdale (8)
Caldy Golf Club (2)
Hillside Golf Club (9)
Royal Liverpool (3)
Royal Birkdale (10)
Wallasey Golf Club (4)
Hesketh Golf Club (11)
West Lancashire Golf Club (5)
Royal Lytham & St. Annes (12)
Formby Golf Club (6)
Fairhaven Golf Club (13)
Formby Hall Golf Club (7)
Old Links Golf Club (14) DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY ACCESSADVERTISING.CO.UK
Englands Golf Coast - Home
request a brochure | getting here & getting around | data protection policy | site map | site credits About England's Golf CoastHistory of Golf in the North West In the regionWays to bookAccommodation bookingBooking tips Royal BirkdaleRoyal LiverpoolRoyal Lytham and St. AnnesCaldy Golf ClubFairhaven Golf ClubFormby Golf ClubFormby Hall Golf ClubHesketh Golf ClubHeswall Golf ClubHillside Golf ClubSouthport & AinsdaleSt. Annes Old Links Golf ClubWallasey Golf ClubWest Lancs Golf ClubOther Golf Clubs SouthportWirralLiverpoolLancashire & Fylde CoastDiscover Englands North West info@englandsgolfcoast.com ŠCopyright 2003 The Mersey Partnership
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