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Those sentiments also apply to Fairhaven, although it differs in style and character. It might be described as seaside parkland with stands of trees and flowering bushes giving perspective to a site that, in keeping with the region, is flatter than your average kitchen floor.
It was laid out in 1922 by a local architect with some in-put from James Braid, whose distinctive bunkering is readily recognisable, particularly the fore-shorting cross bunkers that became popular in that era.
The renowned greens are of modest size and generally flat so plainly the priority is putting the tee shot into the required position for the approach. The fairways are generous but miss one of them and, more often than not, you can forget about par.
Hit the greens in regulation, though, and if you can putt at all you’ll be in seventh heaven, as Justin Leonard discovered in final qualifying for the 1996 Open. Justin, a sublime putter, shot a course record 64 and was granted honorary membership in consequence.
The par of 74 owes much to five par 5s, four of them on the back nine including a closing run of 5-5-3-5.
The better player in full fig will reach most of them in two but normal mortals with anything like a short game will have a grand day if they keep their wits about them and temper ambition. Fairhaven is one of the unsung gems of English golf and not to be missed.
There’s little we can tell readers about Royal Lytham that they haven’t seen for themselves, in person or via television. Access has been somewhat restricted in recent years but a new policy has opened the gate rather wider.
Mondays and Thursdays are assigned to corporate groups but some tee times have become available through the week, and even on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
In keeping with demand, the costs are not cheap (see the information panel elsewhere) but playing this great links is an imperative when visiting the town. Make up a four ball for 36 holes and have lunch in the grand old clubhouse. It will be the highlight of your golfing year.
THE COURSES
*The Royal Lytham & St Anne’s GC, Links Gate, Lytham St Anne’s FY8 3JQ.
Green fees: midweek £105 per round or £155 per day. Weekends £155 per round. Book any time from two weeks in advance up to 24 hours.
Handicap certificates required. Maximum 21. Ladies welcome. Pre-booked caddies available at £30 per round, plus tip. Clubhouse access available. Light catering at any time; notice required for hot meals. Ask about golf and accommodation packages at the club's Dormy House.
For reservations telephone 01253.724.206 ext 229.
Location: follow the A584, which becomes Clifton Drive. Watch for the famous White Church on the left, then drive a further mile or so to the lights by St Thomas’ Church. Turn right here, go over the railway bridge and the clubhouse is first right. See also www.royallythamgolf.co.uk
*Lytham Green Drive GC, Ballam Road, Lytham St Anne’s, FY8 4LE
Green fees: midweek £32 per round or £40 per day. Weekends £35 by arrangement.
Handicap certificates required. Clubhouse access and catering available.
For reservations contact 01253.737.390.
Location: follow the A584 and turn right at Station Road, opposite the windmill on Lytham Green. The clubhouse is about a mile inland.
See also www.ukgolfer.org
*Fairhaven GC. Forest Drive, Lytham St Anne’s FY8 4JU
Green fees: midweek £40 per round or £50 per day. Weekends £45 per round.
Enquire regarding packages on offer for group bookings.
Restrictions: Members only before 0900 and between 12 noon and 1330. Clubhouse access and catering available. Handicap certificates required.
For reservations telephone 01253.736.741
Location: follow A584 beyond the windmill, turn right at Fairlawn Road and left into Blackpool Road. Just over the railway bridge turn right into Forest Drive and sharp left.
*St Anne’s Old Links GC, Highbury Road East, St Anne’s-on-Sea FY8 2LD
Green fees: midweek £45 per day; £30 after 1330. Weekends £50 per day, although only 18 holes possible on weekends. A summer package offers coffee upon arrival, golfers’ lunch and a three-course dinner plus 27 holes for £58.
Handicap certificates required.
Location: St Anne’s is the northern-most course in town. Follow Clifton Drive (A584) beyond St Thomas’ Church, turn right at Highbury Road West, and clubhouse is on the left, over the railway bridge.
For reservations telephone 01253.722.432
See also www.coastalgolf.co.uk
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