Formby Golf Club to Host 2016 Palmer Cup

Formby Golf Club will host the 2016 Palmer Cup, Palmer Cup Chair-man Jim Awtrey announces at Cup's 2014 opening ceremony.

Palmer Cup Chairman Jim Awtrey has announced at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Palmer Cup that Formby Golf Club will host the cu in 2016.

Formby Golf Club runs through costal sand dunes and towering pinewoods, and boasts a combination of well-protected greens, challenging tee shots and undulating fairways.

Strategically placed pot bunkers and frequent changes of wind strength and direction added to the mix will allow new visitors to quickly discover why Formby is so popular with discerning golfers. It is a course of magnificent contrasts, making it a true championship links course.

Formby Golf Club remains an enjoyable test of golf, as it has been sensitively modernized from the original 18-hole course founded in 1884.

The original 18-hole course was redesigned by famous golfer and golf architect Willie Parks.

Over recent years, discreet changes have been made, such as the planting of trees in the early 70’s to screen the railway.

Bunkers have also been modified, with new creations at the fourth, sixth and 11^th holes and others redesigned. In 1997, fairway watering was introduced on five holes, which has now been extended to all 18.

More recent modifications to Formby include a larger practice ground on the area of the 14^th hole, with the new 14^th hole lying south of the previous one; making the whole a different but considerable challenge.

Over the years, Formby Golf Club has hosted a number of tournaments and competitions, including the Curtis Cup in 2004. It has also been used as the qualifying course for The Open Championship in 1924, 1971 and most recently in 1996.

Arnold Palmer, who lends his name to the competition, said “I’m pleased a membership the caliber of Formby Golf Club has agreed to the host the 2014 Palmer Cup. Formby has a history of enthusiastically supporting both the amateur game and international play. The links should provide a rewarding challenge to the young men competing in our matches and produce a worthy champion.”

Bernard Billington, Captain of the Formby Golf Club, also spoke about the decision for them to hose the Cup, saying “All at Formby Golf Club are delighted, honoured and excited to be hosting the Palmer Cup in 2016.

We have a very unique links course, which is recognised as one of the world’s best, and we can guarantee that it will provide a fair, yet extremely challenging test for the players. Many of the world’s top golfers from America and Europe have graced our fairways over the years and are all in agreement that Formby is indeed some where special to play.”