Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, marking three decades of growth from a simple golf club into a luxury resort that has hosted global superstars and Premier League footballers.
A journey from childhood to career
Georgia Whelan, now HR manager, first visited as an eight-year-old and remembers thinking it was "dead posh." Over 30 years, she has watched the venue transform, and has been an employee for 12 years, starting as a wedding planner and later qualifying as HR manager with funding from the resort.
"It is generational," she said. "People who are members bring their families in, and you see them getting older. My kids are there playing golf now and go for a swim on a Sunday."
From Dalglish to Taylor Swift
The resort opened on August 4, 1996, with Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen hitting the first shots. It has since welcomed Niall Horan, Perrie Edwards, and Taylor Swift, whose stay was kept secret under a non-disclosure agreement.
"She was sneaking out the fire exit every time she left," Georgia recalled. "Afterward, we told the staff, and everyone was like, 'You could have told us! We'd have freaked out to see her'."
Golfing legends and local pride
Golf has brought stars like Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Rory McIlroy. Fleetwood's caddie, Ian Finnis, once worked in the pro shop. Georgia's standout memory is Liverpool FC taking over the hotel during the Covid-19 pandemic, with staff volunteering to live alongside players and witnessing the Premier League title win.
"Some of the staff still talk about sitting with Bobby or Salah," she said. "We won the league that year, so to have the after-party and everything was just brilliant."
Looking back and forward
Among unusual memories is a Chinook helicopter landing in the car park after soldiers from RAF Woodvale brought it over for staff to see. To mark the anniversary, Formby Hall is inviting memories and will host a 1990s-themed birthday brunch.
