The clubhouse at Formby spreads warmth not just spiritually but literally. According to all British meteorologists we can expect one hell of a storm by 3 o’clock this afternoon. We go through the classic rituals. No head covers, fluttering towels or unnecessary clutter in the bags. As icing on the cake we say hello to Julie and order a gigantic pot of hot coffee in the bar.
Formby was founded in 1884 and has a stylised spruce tree as club emblem. The club house that includes the world’s best dormy is worth a coffee table book on its own. Out on the first tee we have a round with a fresh wind and a lot of moisture to look forward to. Formby is a classic inland links course. Because erosion had sunk holes out at sea, the course had to be moved inland with two new holes among the trees. From the 1st to the 3rd holes, play runs alongside a classic railway line. The 2nd has an extremely narrow fairway, bunkers and elevated green. We conserve energy for the 3rd, a par 5, where we with ease make a birdie that hinted of eagle. The 5th is a classic slightly tricky par 3 ready to cause problems. The 6th, a par 4, is a wonderful, classic links hole with a slight dogleg and an expectant shaggy-haired hill in front of a blind green. The flagpole bends 90 degrees in the wind, which has increased in strength. We ring the bell and head for the two relatively new holes. On the 8th we play through a clearly younger 4-ball, and do so with bravura. We send our drives away with ease and reach this par 5 in 2 – once again a birdie with a hint of eagle.
Formby, view of the ocean from 8th green
On the 9th tee we see the sea and at the same time the rain begins. A wonderful, long par 4 which requires two really long , well-placed shots. Long drives and chips for birdies. the 10th – a par 3 – invokes calm and harmony. Towards the horizon is the area where the old 7th and 8th holes used to be, and in front of us is a wonderfully well-protected green. On the 12th, in pouring rain, we are waved through by two older gentlemen in saturated shirts. We feel like modern men of the links. Where is our ambassador in shirt, tie and pullover? The 12th, 13th and 14th go by just like that until we reach the 15th – a wonderfully classic par 4.
View from 17th tee
The choices are many and we test both irons and woods from the tee. Reaching the green requires courage and precision. On the 17th and 18th we have the clubhouse in sight and head with well-directed blows towards safe haven. Mr J and Mr L all square. The question is not if we will return, but when.
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