Highlights from the Palmer Advantage Golf Trip to England's Golf Coast
This past September, a group of 16 golfers—including two PGA WEST® Members—enjoyed the royal treatment during a Palmer Advantage golf getaway. The group had the incredible opportunity to play at some of the finest golf courses in North West England and explore legendary Liverpool landmarks.
The exciting six-day excursion featured rounds at three prestigious Open Championship venues: Royal Liverpool Golf Club Hoylake, Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club, and Royal Birkdale Golf Club, which will host The Open in 2026. Collectively, these three courses have hosted The Open 34 times since 1897. Additionally, Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Lytham boast the prestigious distinction of being former Ryder Cup venues.
(L to R) George Gdovin, Steve Yavorsky, Ray Willenberg, Daniel Way, Douglas Baysore
at Royal Latham
In addition to these historic courses, players also teed off on the championship links of Hillside Golf Club, renowned for its stunning back nine and dramatic dunes, and Formby Golf Club, a unique mix of links and heathland that has hosted numerous top amateur events. The group stayed at The Vincent Hotel, a charming four-star property in the seaside town of Southport, offering walkable streets for dining and shopping, and ideally located within easy reach of the courses.
Formby Golf Club
"We had a fantastic time, and everything was so easy," says PGA WEST Member Ray Willenberg, Jr. "Breakfast at the hotel was perfect, then all we had to do was meet in the lobby, hop on the bus, and we arrived at the golf courses within an hour or less."
Fellow PGA WEST Member Steve Yavorsky shared similar sentiments. "The courses were fantastic—royal golf courses steeped in history," he says.
Yavorsky also praised John Quinn, Palmer Advantage Director of Tournaments and Special Events, for his impeccable coordination. "John handled everything professionally. He brought the group together and made the experience enjoyable for everyone."
A highlight off the course for both Yavorsky and Willenberg was the tour of famous Beatles landmarks in Liverpool, including Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, the Beatles' childhood homes, and a stop at the iconic Cavern Club, known as the birthplace of the Beatles.
Each day featured different off-the-course experiences. In addition to the Beatles tour, the group was treated to an opening night meet-and-greet dinner and later in the trip, a multi-course dinner at Royal Birkdale.
The trip culminated with a very special closing night reception. The closing night reception took place in the historic Ryder Cup Captains Room at Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, where the group was immersed in the legacy of the club's role as a Ryder Cup host.
"It is a real privilege of ours [at Palmer Advantage] to curate these bespoke trips that visit world-renowned courses with fellow Members from our Century Golf private clubs," says George Gdovin, Vice President of Century Golf Partners' Global Club Networks. "Our hope is that these experiences create new friendships and lifelong memories. With where we played, the camaraderie that I saw, and incredible luck with weather, I think this trip was absolutely a once- in-a-lifetime experience."
Palmer Advantage will have more Member trips coming up in 2025 and 2026 with destinations being considered in the United States, Spain, and Scotland. Please note that Members may also utilize the same expert team to plan your own trips.
"And I'll close with this to all of our Member readers, thank YOU for being a Member at PGA WEST and The Citrus Club," Gdovin adds. "If you have never used our services, visit us online. Palmer Advantage is included with your PGA WEST Membership, offering you traveling golf and lifestyle benefits when you venture away from home."
PGA WEST Members can learn more about Palmer Advantage® at www.PalmerAdvantage.com/PGAWEST
Citrus Club Members can learn more about Palmer Advantage® at www.PalmerAdvantage.com/CitrusClub