Coast is clear for exciting new event

The PGA in England and Wales (North) has announced a new event to be staged on arguably the most famous stretch of links courses in the world.

Seven of the 12 clubs which sprawl over the spectacular landscape on England’s Golf Coast have been ranked in the top 100 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The three Royals – Birkdale (pictured), Liverpool and Lytham St Annes – have between them presented the Open Championship on 31 occasions.

And Birkdale, voted the number one course in England and its near neighbours Formby and Formby Hall will, in that order, host the England’s Golf Coast 54-hole Pro-am on May 19-21.

Teams will comprise one PGA Professional and three amateurs, and the prize presentation will be at Formby Hall where a many of the players are expected to be accommodated.

The club, founded in 1996 and transformed from marshland to parkland, has hosted several Challenge Tour events and boasts a driving range and PGA residential academy while its par-three course has been hailed as the best in the country.

Royal Birkdale stands out as a perfect example of links golf and recent changes have made this traditional links even more delightful to play.

Formby Golf Club, although somewhat protected from the elements by pine trees that line several of the holes, offers a tough challenge, particularly when the wind does break through.

The PGA in England and Wales (North) secretary Graham Maly enthused: “We consider it a great honour to stage the competition at such fabulous venues which we are confident we will attract a full field of teams.”

Geoff Harris, England’s Golf Coast manager, said: “The event is a perfect match for us. Golf club professionals are a key influence on the game and having been one myself I was constantly being asked by members where to play.

“It makes sense for us to host as many high profile competitions as possible and we hope this one will run for years to come. It represents good value for money when you consider the venues and the prizes on offer.”

You can enter a team, which costs £1,500, at pga.info (England & Wales (North) tournaments) or by contacting The PGA in England and Wales (North) on 01204 496137.