Founded in 1872, Furness Golf Club holds the distinction of being the third oldest links course in England and is steeped in tradition and coastal character. Set on Walney Island near Barrow-in-Furness, the course offers a pure links experience, with firm fairways, natural dunes, and ever-present winds shaping the round. At just over 6,560 yards from the championship tees, this par-71 course is a stern but fair test, rewarding accuracy and imagination as much as power.
The opening stretch runs close to the shoreline, with holes framed by gorse and heather, while the middle part of the round moves slightly inland before returning to the rugged coastline. Among its highlights are the renowned “six shore holes,” a captivating sequence where the Irish Sea becomes a constant companion, and the par-3 6th, which often plays into a stiff breeze, demanding precise club selection. The natural undulations, firm turf, and unpredictable coastal winds ensure no two rounds are ever quite the same.
The course has hosted numerous regional events over its long history and is admired for its traditional links character. Conditioning is excellent year-round, with the fast-draining seaside turf remaining playable in all weathers. Despite its testing design, the course is walkable and enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.
Complementing the golf is a welcoming clubhouse with bar, dining facilities, and sweeping views across Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland fells. For golfers seeking history, authenticity, and dramatic coastal scenery, Furness Golf Club is a must-play destination.