A GUIDE TO CALDY GOLF CLUB INTRODUCTION TO CALDY GOLF CLUB
On behalf of the Members and staff, Caldy Golf Club extends a warm welcome to local, national and international visitors and we hope you enjoy our glorious combination of links and inland holes. Part of “England’s Golfs Coast”, the course presents a memorable challenge for golfers of all standards and offers breath-taking views across the Dee Estuary from our often breezy cliff top holes.
The Club was founded in 1907 and is located only a few miles to the south of Royal Liverpool Golf Club. We are proud to boast first class facilities in our locker rooms and Clubhouse, our excellent practice area and a well stocked professionals shop under the stewardship of our Head Professional Alan Gibbons.
It was Jack Morris, nephew of Old Tom Morris who drew up the original course plan in 1906 for nine holes which were opened in 1907. Twenty three years later, five times Open Champion, James Braid, presented his plans for the extended 18 holes course, which was opened in 1931. Since this time, the course has undergone many changes and fought a constant battle against coastal erosion. Happily, rock armour at beach level which was installed in the early 90’s and has been upgraded in more recent times, appears to have secured the coastal holes which are such a feature of golf at Caldy.
The Club is justifiably proud of its heritage and has played host to a large number of prestigious amateur and professional events and championships. In 1981 Caldy was used as a qualifying course when the European Open was hosted at Hoylake, and in this same year was invited by the R&A to co-host the Senior Open Championship. Ladies Golf plays a major part in Caldy’s history and from 1983 to 1988, the Caldy Classic played a significant role in the development of the WPGA European Tour and in more recent times we have played host to final qualifying for the Ricoh Ladies British Open.
Most recently, the Club has been proud to announce that from 2020, the R&A Championship Committee have invited Caldy to host Open Championship Regional Qualifying and we are extremely excited about this prospect.
I look forward to welcoming you to Caldy Golf Club and know that my colleagues, Club Professional and fellow Members will join me in making your visit and golfing experience a very enjoyable one. Richard Beswick General Manager
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 1 THE COURSE
The course at Caldy provides an eclectic mix of cliff-top links, parkland and heathland, almost 3 courses in one.
Caldy is a superb 6714 yard SSS 74 course situated at the end of the Wirral Peninsula, alongside the River Dee. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed from the cliff top holes across the estuary towards Hilbre Islands and the coast of Wales, while the inland holes enjoy a contrasting view over open farmland as well as the hills of Thurstaston.
Intensive investment on drainage, and new USGA style ‘sand based’ greens over the past few years has resulted in an opportunity to play full course golf all year round.
The practice areas include a large driving range facility with target greens, new chipping and putting green with bunker and a full sized practice green area too.
VIEW COURSE GUIDE PRO TIPS
Getting off to a good start is essential here at Caldy.
The opening hole “Westwood Ho!” demands an accurate opening tee shot, often played into a cross wind, to allow a clear view of the opening green. With the first hole played, you are then faced with a demanding par 3 second hole, which always plays slightly longer than its yardage, as the green sits deceptively higher than you think.
Our third holes opens up a stretch of fantastic, scenic, signature golf holes that run along the edge of the River Dee. Holes three to six, all demand great tee shots, often challenged by easterly cross winds and fast running fairways, keeping the ball in play is your first aim. The greens of the coastal holes have less undulation than others, but still require a lot of attention, especially after working so hard to get there. PRO TIPS
The “Donga” is a feature that runs across the front of the sixth green. Be sure to hit enough club to carry this and find a green that is wider than it is narrow, with many hidden breaks that you would expect from a stroke index one hole.
The seventh tee sees a complete change in direction and the total opposite wind direction. Framed by the old railway track which is out of bounds, this feature catches many a poor tee shot on the next two holes.
Before we cross over the Wirral Way, we are faced with the tough par three tenth hole. A near two hundred yard par three from the white tees, a three is always a great score here. A tee shot played left of the two deep greenside bunkers that guard the right hand side of this hole is a must, slightly long and two hidden bunkers left of the green are waiting. PRO TIPS
After the double dog leg par five eleventh hole, you will then play our final seven holes.
The tee shot on the twelfth hole takes you down into a more sheltered area of the course, but don’t lose focus, this is a tough stretch of holes that can ruin a good card. With out of bounds all up the right, the twelfth hole needs a tee shot that finds the left side of the fairway, but not too far left otherwise a tough greenside bunker makes the approach shot very difficult.
Holes 13 to 15 are shorter par fours, but the elevated greens and small fairway bunkers make three good holes that can wield good opportunities to improve your score card.
The final three holes here at Caldy offer no real respite. The straight sixteenth hole plays alongside the Wirral Way to a narrow fairway. Miss the two fairway bunkers on the right hand side of the fairway and your line into one of very few “Redan” greens will be much easier. The green slopes front right to back left and will feed a well struck approach shot into most flag positions, miss the green and a tough up and down, could result in a drop shot. PRO TIPS
Clear the brook that runs across the seventeenth hole and you are faced with a green that slopes back towards the water. Club selection here is vital, to get the ball pin high or below the flagstick from the tee, needs good nerves and commitment on the tee.
Our final hole is very much risk and reward, with a good score card in your hand, play this hole as a three shot par five. Avoid the out of bounds that frames all the right hand side of this hole and you will finish with a good score. A tee shot played to the brow of the hill, leaves a spectacular second shot that must be played short of the fairway bunkers. A short iron in from here will allow a possible birdie or par, but not ruin a scorecard.
The risk of hitting a driver on this hole and attacking the green with a fairway wood can pay off, but there is little room for error. www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 7 PRO SHOP
The Pro-Shop at Caldy Golf Club has a large variety of stock for all types of golfer. Although stockists are regularly rotated, we currently stock Callaway, TaylorMade and Odyssey for hardware. As well as leading brands in clothing for both Gents and Ladies including FootJoy, Daily Sports and Oscar Jacobson. We also have both leading brands in footwear FootJoy and Adidas.
ALAN GIBBONS - PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL Alan has been the Head Professional at Caldy Golf Club since 2004, he was previously Assistant Professional at the golf club from 1996. Alan is a fully qualified professional and has advanced knowledge of the rules of golf and competitions. With over twenty years of experience in coaching and retailing Alan is more than happy to help both members and visitors improve and enjoy their game.
JOSH DIXON - ASSISTANT PGA PROFESSIONAL
Josh has a real passion for helping all golfers succeed, whatever their level. Josh has studied at Myerscough Golf College for 2 years and joining the professional team at Caldy will allow him to progress in his PGA course. “I have played competitive amateur golf off a handicap of 1 prior to starting my PGA course. I hope to become a valuable asset to Caldy and that my P.G.A course will give me the experience and knowledge to help others achieve their goals.”
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 8 PRACTICE AREAS
Here at Caldy we are proud to have some of the best practice facilities in the area. As well as a 300 yard driving range situated next to the club house, we also have a fantastic putting green and a chipping green, enabling you to practise all aspects of your game, before you play.
Tucked away at the bottom of our practice ground we also have what is known as our “Old 17th”. This hole is a 100 yard practice hole, complete with bunkers and full size green, to allow you to practise all aspects of your short game in complete privacy.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 9 OTHER FACILITIES
Our professional shop hosts an indoor golf studio, fitted out with a Sky Trak launch monitor and is a proud Premium Callaway fitting centre. We also custom fit for Taylor-made golf clubs. The launch monitor allows us to completely analyse your game, see improvements in areas of the swing we are working on and ensure you have the right equipment to suit your game.
We have two buggies, two electric rental trolleys and twenty light weight pull trolleys all for hire here at Caldy. The buggies and electric trolleys will need to be booked in advance, direct with the professional shop.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 10 CHANGING FACILITIES
Visitors and members alike are always welcomed by our friendly Pro Shop team led by our Professional, Alan Gibbons, our bar and catering team from Pickled Walnut and our office staff, headed by General Manager, Richard Beswick.
Once you completed your long walk up the Par 5 18th hole, enjoy our shower and changing facilities, recently renovated to the highest standards.
Two modern changing rooms with secure lockers together with excellent new showering facilities complement the main Clubhouse, with fresh towels available daily.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 11 THE CLUBHOUSE
Caldy Golf Club are delighted to offer the services of the widely acclaimed Pickled Walnut catering company. The Club offers a range of catering facilities to members and visitors using the locally famous Pickled Walnut Fine Foods Company who run extensive menus to suit your every need. Their chefs can also prepare a bespoke menu that is specifically tailored to your requirements.
Why not start your day off with a filling of cured Lancashire bacon and freshly ground, locally roasted coffee. Head out and play your perfect round of Golf, stopping off at the 11th Cabin for drinks.
Finish your round of golf taking drinks on our newly refurbished terrace overlooking the beautiful sights of the Welsh hills and the Dee estuary. Round your day off by watching the sun go down whilst enjoying your evening meal!
One you have finished your golf and showered and changed, follow this by relaxing in our fully stocked bar and enjoy seasonal menus provided by locally renowned caterers Pickled Walnut. Whatever your taste, there is always something for you at Caldy Golf Club.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 12 CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES
Caldy Golf Club is the perfect venue for a wedding, your next family celebration or corporate event. Caldy is a Championship golf course located on the beautiful Wirral peninsula. Boasting incredible views over the North Wales coast, River Dee and Hilbre Island as well as the picturesque Thurstaston Hill.
Pickled Walnut take great pride in their catering and bar operation at Caldy. With friendly and efficient staff, Caldy Golf Club and Pickled Walnut can cater for a wide range of functions in our lounge or dining room. Weddings can be catered for by special arrangement throughout the year.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 13 LADIES
Picturesque views, friendly company and the challenge of a championship golf course attract lady golfers of all abilities. Caldy Golf Club has over 200 lady members, 160 of whom are playing members.
After a competitive round of golf, ladies relax with a drink and a snack and enjoy views over the course, River Dee and Wales. In the summer, Caldy ladies have 7 teams who compete against other Cheshire clubs, but all year round there is an active social scene with fun golf competitions, bridge, yoga, suppers and entertainment or just lunch and a chat.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 14 JUNIORS
We are very proud of the fact that we are renowned for the family ethos generated at Caldy. This translates into us having a strong Junior section totalling some 50+ Junior members.
Junior golf is extremely important to the club and our values, which is why we have a Junior Committee whose sole aim is to promote Junior golf.
Our Junior membership caters for players of all capabilities ranging from complete beginners through to County representatives.
The club runs regular Junior coaching sessions on a Saturday morning and our aim is to get our members playing on the golf course as soon as possible. With that aim in mind, we have recently added a new short “Brown” course, which acts as an ideal stepping stone from the practice range to the course.
Our aim at Caldy is to make golf a fun and rewarding experience. During the season there are weekly Junior competitions culminating with our Christmas competition and annual prize giving. We also arrange matches against other sections of the club including our Seniors and our Colts.
On the representative front, we participate in the Wirral Junior League which exposes our Juniors to competitive golf and moreover, allows them to experience playing at other local golf clubs and meeting new people. Some of our lucky Juniors even get to travel to Sweden to participate in our ongoing annual exchange program with three Swedish golf clubs in conjunction with Royal Liverpool and Royal Birkdale.
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 15
BOOKING A TEE TIME
Playing at Caldy Golf Club is one of the most rewarding experiences golfers can experience on the beautiful Wirral peninsula. Visitors can book up to two months in advance by clicking the link below.
BOOK ONLINE
If you are looking to book further in advance, for groups of more than 8 players, or to discuss availability and group discounts, please contact us on:
0151 625 5660 (option 1)
www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 17 THANK YOU
Your feedback shapes the future of the service that Caldy Golf Club provides for Members and Visitors by helping identify key areas for improvement.
As a Members Club we welcome your open and honest feedback so please advise on your experience with regards to Clubhouse Amenities, Bar and Catering Service, Administration, Course & Practice Area, Pro Shop or any General Comments.
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www.caldygolfclub.co.uk [email protected] 0151 625 5660 Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB 18