Green Drive Golf Club

Lytham Green Drive is a pleasant, tree-lined course, which, although within a mile of the Irish Sea, still retains its parkland characteristics. Don't be fooled by its apparent lack of length: at 6,305 yards it is indeed short by modern standards, but very small, well bunkered greens provide a more than adequate test.

The outward half is where one's score must be made, and, although the back nine contains three Par 3's, all of which are particularly testing, its long par 4's will generally account for any shots saved on the front nine. The opening hole provides a stern test with out of bounds and trees flanking the right behind two well placed bunkers, forcing the player to direct his tee shot left, where he will be greeted by more trees. The signature 14th hole, Devil's Elbow, has taken its toll on many a golfer. At 444 yards, this right angled dog-leg has a stream to the right which must be negotiated at least twice. There is also an out-of-bounds that is very much in range on the corner of the dog-leg. Once within sight of the postage-stamp-sized elevated green, deep bunkers must be avoided.

The course has a well documented prestige, having been used as a final qualifying course for the 1974, 1979 and 1988 British Open Championships held at nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.