Caldy - Cheshire - England

The golfing spotlight returned to the Wirral in 2006 when the Open was staged at Hoylake. But the Wirral peninsula has something for everyone, from the award winning village of Port Sunlight to Tranmere Rovers Football Club. On the edge of the River Dee estuary lies Caldy, one of the Wirral’s least well-known golf clubs.

It a surprise to us that Caldy is not more widely renowned. The club was founded in 1907 and it’s located only a few miles to the south of Royal Liverpool Golf Club. According to the Caldy Golf Club website; “It was Jack Morris, nephew of Old Tom Morris who drew up the 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 an extended eighteen-hole course, which was opened in 1931.”

Wonderful views are on offer from this cliff top layout and if it’s variation that you are looking for, then Caldy will provide it in spades. Add in the vagaries of the ever-present wind and you’re in for a treat. The pick of the holes run parallel to the River Dee, but the inland holes represent an interesting and varied challenge.

In 1981 Caldy was used as a qualifying course when the European Open was hosted at Hoylake. Seve Ballesteros was pushed into second place with Australia’s Graham Marsh emerging as a two-shot winner.

The Caldy Festival of Golf is held here during August and the club opens its doors to all comers. It’s a golfing extravaganza with events for Men, Ladies Juniors and Seniors. There’s even a sponsored corporate day at this popular event. So if you'd like to play in the Caldy Festival, remember to book early.