Probably the most visually attractive of the top courses in this part of Lancashire, Formby has the unusual distinction of encircling the ladies golf club which sits independently in the middle of the men’s layout.

The holes follow an anti clockwise route and embrace a mixture of links and parkland features which provide quite a variety for the discerning golfer. The large pine trees do provide some protection from the wind, but the heather and pot bunkers are in abundance for those that stray off line.

We found the course to be in good condition with greens that were quick and very true. The natural boundaries created by the sandhills and heather provide good definition and the layout is interesting and challenging – with a number of strategically placed pot bunkers penalizing anything a little off line.

It is difficult to select one particular favourite from the 18, but the par 4 7th with its tight drive and 2nd to an elevated green, was visually attractive and very demanding. It is probably the links-parkland contrast that is the most memorable feature of this excellent course.