The Legends Tour is returning to Formby Golf Club and Formby Ladies Golf Club this summer

AFTER the great success of last year's tournament we are delighted to be welcoming back the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship to Formby Golf Club and Formby Ladies Golf Club with the event commencing 23 August 2022.

2021 saw well known golfing names such as:- Ian Woosnam, Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie and 2019 champion Philip Price take to the course to battle the inclement weather and championship links with deserved winner and multiple PGA, European Tour and Seniors Tour champion Paul Broadhurst running out victor with an impressive 7 under par total.

The names of this year's players will be released over the coming months with past Ryder Cup players and Captains, Major tournament winners and a plethora of PGA Tour and European Tour champions expected to return.

Covid restrictions in 2021 meant that the attendance of spectators was doubtful until the last minute and the large numbers that enjoyed the Formby sun in the latter part of the week was even more remarkable. Ticket information will be released over the coming months and we will be sure to provide regular updates via the press and the club's social media channels.

Founded in 1884, Formby Golf Club has undergone some fabulous changes in recent years. Enforced tree removal, following the severe at the end of 2021, enhances still further the sensation of playing great links golf at 1 of the world's leading links golf courses.

The creation of a new tee at the 17th extends this magnificent Par 5 by 50 yards and work around the green and run off areas on hole 16 makes Formby's very own postage stamp all the more daunting. The redesign of the surroundings of the green on the 5th has been welcomed by members and visitors alike, as has the removal and relocating of various bunkers around the course which combine to enhance the playability and enjoyment of the course.

The Legends Tour will be hosting a Celebrity Pro Am day, on Wednesday, 24 August 2022, which in 2021 included well known personalities such as:- Sir AP McCoy, Brian McFadden, Sir Ian Botham, Gavin Hastings and Anton Du Beke.

Thursday to Saturday will see what many have described as:- "the greatest amateur experience in golf." The exclusive opportunity to play with Ryder Cup Captains and Major Championship winners will be offered as part of the Alliance Pro Am where amateur golfers will immerse themselves in the entire tournament experience, playing alongside their idols under tournament conditions.

Stuart Leech, Secretary Manager at Formby Golf Club explained:- "To be hosting once again 1 of the largest events on the Legends Tour is absolutely wonderful for the club and the local golfing community. Without any restrictions this year we will be able to welcome a large number of spectators and look forward to seeing some of the golfing stars we have grown up watching and some of the amazing celebrities joining us for the Celebrity Pro Am day."

For more details on the event and playing opportunities please visit:- LegendsTour.Com.

Formby's oldest resident has turned 108th

SHE may have celebrated her 107th birthday in lockdown, but last Friday was a day to remember for Formby's oldest resident Marjorie Hodnett who celebrated turning 108th on 1 April 2022.

A resident at Formby Manor care centre on Liverpool Road, Marjorie, known fondly by all as Auntie Marj, is just 1 of a select group of just 50 centenarians in the UK.

Following on from last year's celebrations, the team at Formby Manor pulled out all the stops to ensure it was a day to remember with a garden party complete with afternoon tea and entertainment from vintage singer the Golden Age Songbird.
Auntie Marj's family joined her fellow residents and friends at Formby Manor to spend the afternoon with her in person and enjoyed celebrating with fizz and cake.

Home manager at Formby Manor, Janet Lewis, said:- "Auntie Marj is a real character and very much part of the home's wonderful family of staff and residents. Still alert and active, she continues to pursue her lifelong passions of poetry writing and painting and often shares her incredible writing with us here at Formby Manor. We were delighted to celebrate this special milestone with her and so pleased to be able to welcome her family in to mark the occasion with us. It was a fantastic afternoon."

Auntie Marj has enjoyed a long and happy life. She was born in Harleston, London, before moving to Wembley. She met her 1st husband Stanley in 1939 at the Fellowship of Reconciliation and they married in 1941, living initially in Wembley before moving to Harrow after the war. Sadly, Stanley passed away in 1955 after 14 years of marriage, and in the following year Auntie Marj married Hugh (Stanley's brother) who passed away in 1958 leaving Auntie Marj widowed for the second time at the age of 45.

Just before Hugh passed away, the couple had moved to Sidbury, in Devon, in 1956, where Aunty Marj was a Teacher in a Primary School for 23 years. Finally, Aunt Marj moved to Formby Manor to be nearer to her family. She has remained very active continuing to read, write poetry and paint and continues to take an interest in news and politics.

Commenting on life, Auntie Marj said:- "Life is for living and I am very happy here at Formby Manor. In life, I believe that you should do all the good that you can, by all the means that you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. They are 5 good rules to live by, but I don't think I've stuck to them entirely!"