The North West Golf Guide

Complimentary

Issue 1 路 April - May 2010

THE NORTH WEST

First Edition Your guide to courses in the North West, including directions for locating each one

Featured Course Mere Golf & Country Club, a haven of fine food, relaxation and world class golf

Plus Features, Latest news, Where to eat...

www.golfguidepublications.com

6

Welcome North West Golf Guide

A Warm Welcome to the first North West Golf Guide Welcome to the first ever issue of the North West Golf Guide. This magazine has been designed to help the local and National golfer in selecting and finding the course they wish to play in the North West of England. It gives each golf club the chance to showcase their course and facilities with superb photography and enough information to wet the appetite of any golfer or group of golfers who wish to visit.

The North West Golf Guide has been brought to you by the people who publish the Costa del Sol Golf Guide. This formula has worked for many years and will prove a similar success in the North West of England. This bimonthly magazine will contain in depth reviews of Golf Clubs, Local and International News items, and special promotions. A select number of courses each month will have editorial describing the course, the facilities and signature holes and contain the directions to the course.

These editorials are the chance for each club to highlight itself and detail any offers and deals they have running during that period.

The magazine is split into 4 areas. Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire. These areas are colour coded, containing a map highlighting where each course can be found. Whilst in our first issue we will feature a number of the courses in each region, this will increase issue by issue.

A full golf course listing will be featured in the magazine containing the address, phone number, email and website of every golf course in the North West of England.

The Golf Guide is aimed at golfers of all levels from professionals, club players, beginners and societies. We hope that you will find this free publication an enjoyable read, and a must for choosing your golfing calendar of events in the North West for 2010.

The next issue will be available from all golf clubs, and select golf shops, driving ranges and hotels from the start of June.

008

News

024

Featured Course

030

Cheshire

060

Greater Manchester

068

Lancashire

080

Merseyside

092

Travel

Issue 1. April - May 2010 Cover Image & Above: Mere Golf & Country Club Published monthly by North West Golf Guide Ltd Reg Office 112-114 Witton Street Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5NW Company No. 7107182 Email: info@golfguidepublications.com Web: www.golfguidepublications.com Publisher: Paul Lambert Telephone: 07786 548629 Email: paul@golfguidepublications.com Director: Kenny Plumb Telephone: 07740 411778 Email: kenny@golfguidepublications.com Printed by: JimĂŠnez Godoy S.A. Ctra. de Alicante, Km.3. 30160 Murcia Tel.: (+34) 968 851 650 Fax: (+34) 968 852 477 Designed by: www.Qreative.es

Happy golfing from all at the North West Golf Guide!

The whole of the text and all of the photographs and illustrations in this publication are protected by copyright.

Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden. While every effort has been made to maintain integrity and check for accuracy, the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for any problems, inconvenience, loss, injury or legal proceedings of any kind arising from information, advice or advertisements contained herein. All rights reserved.

8

News North West Golf Guide

The Ryder Cup Twenty Ten Course

The Twenty Ten Course is shaping up to be in pristine condition to host the biennial contest between Europe and the United States.

Jim McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses and Estates Management at The Celtic Manor Resort, has worked tirelessly with his greenkeeping team over the past few months to ensure the 24 golfers who tee up from October 1-3 will have the best playing conditions available to showcase their talents.

“The Twenty Ten Course is shaping up nicely for both The Celtic Manor Wales Open in June and The Ryder Cup in October, despite the unprecedented cold weather we experienced this winter,” said McKenzie.

“We lost several days in our planned maintenance programme when snow covered the course for days at a time during January and February, but we’ve been working hard and putting in extra man hours to recover that lost time over the last few weeks.

“We’ve been putting in the course refinements discussed with Colin Montgomerie and Ryder Cup Europe, most notably adding a greenside swale to the left of the 11th green, which also involved remodelling the greenside bunkers.

“We have also been redefining the lake edges on the sixth, 12th and 13th holes by adding wooden sleepers to more clearly define the water hazards and we’re very pleased with how this has improved the look of these holes.”

10

News North West Golf Guide

Westwood Academy to visit High Legh Park and Portal An unbelievable opportunity to learn what it takes to become one of the world’s best golfers, at golf clubs nationwide.

Lee has helped put together a coaching programme that will cover every aspect of the game. By using this programme at the fantastic facilities the venues can offer will ensure that every attendee will improve their golf.

There will also be ‘off-course’ sessions including – Etiquette / Rules / Marking Your Card / Nutrition / Fitness /Psychology (some sessions are not applicable for the youngest age groups) A 10:1 coaching ratio ensures every attendee receives excellent coaching attention.

Each attendee will also take away with them a ‘Feedback form’ which will give them a breakdown of their strengths and the areas they need to work on.

Whether you are a beginner or a budding ‘Lee Westwood’ these golf academies will improve your golf whilst having a lot of fun!

Golf academies for boys and girls aged 7-16 years. Groups based on ages, abilities and experience of attendees. Free Golf Academy gifts for every attendee, as well as various spot prizes on offer.

Lee Westwood or another European Tour player to visit every academy, and every attendee will have the opportunity to win a day’s golf with Lee Westwood.

Cheshire Venues High Legh Park Country Club Mere & High Legh, Warrington Rd, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0WA 26th - 28th July Portal Golf Club Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0DJ 3rd - 5th August For more information and a full list of venues visit the Lee Westwood Golf Academy website: www.leewestwoodgolfacademy.co.uk or call (Freephone) 0800 345 7480.

Lightning learner Lee took up the game at the age of 13 after his grandparents bought him a half set of clubs, and less than two years later, he was crowned junior champion of home county Nottinghamshire.

Lee won his first amateur event in 1990, turned pro in 1993 after winning the British Youth Championship and it’s been uphill from there. During his successful career, Lee has won 18 events on the European Tour and has also won tournaments in America, Africa, Asia and Australia. His Official World Golf Ranking peaked at 4th, and in 2000 he won 7 tournaments worldwide and was ranked first on the European Order of Merit, ending Colin Montgomerie’s long run of European Tour dominance.

A regular on the Ryder Cup team, Lee has played in the last five successive competitions. 2006 saw Lee further embellish his magnificent Ryder Cup record when, for the second successive time, he remained unbeaten in all five matches.

Lee enjoyed a spectacular return to form in 2007, winning the Valle Romano Open de Andalucia and The Quinn Direct British Masters, and is now the joint second most prolific English winner with 18 European Tour titles to his name. In 2008 Lee continued to be one of the most consistent players on the European tour and established himself in the top ten of the World Golf Rankings.

Born and bred in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Lee was presented with Honorary degree of Doctor of Science on November 24, 2007 from Nottingham Trent University. He is also a keen fan of local football team Nottingham Forest.

Lee’s manager, ISM Chief Executive, Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, believes Lee has reestablished himself among the current golfing greats and is now ready to win a major.

12

News North West Golf Guide

Mitsubishi Electric Championship Ecco’s New Classic & Golf Street Premier Trusted by Final Pairing ECCO confirms that the winner of the Champions Tour Mitsubishi Championship at Hualalai along with runner-up and staff player Fred Couples relied on the quality, comfort and stability of the brand’s New Classic and Golf Street Premier golf shoes.

Competing in the New Classic Premier, the event’s champion displayed a modern saddle look of high-grade embossed “Tatami” and smooth leather uppers, combined with ECCO’s proprietary direct-injection process to provide optimal support and superior weather resistance. Runner-up Fred Couples opted for a more contemporary look during his Champions Tour debut competing in the Golf Street Premier, a hybrid sport-casual shoe specifically for wear both on and off the course.

“With a victory on the line, two of the sport’s most high-profile players trusted the comfort and performance of ECCO golf shoes,” says Jesper Thuen, Sponsor and Event Manager, ECCO Golf. “One chose a traditional style, the other a more fashion-forward look, but both were confident in the brand’s gameenhancing technology when it mattered most.”

In addition to Couples, ECCO golf shoes are worn in competition by scores of international Tour stars, including Aaron Baddeley, Colin Montgomerie, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, John Bickerton, Bradley Dredge and many others.

Coinciding with the recently introduced 2010 golf collection, ECCO has engaged in a series of major account and customer service initiatives.

These include a supporting partnership of the PGA of America Golf Retirement Plus program, a new ECCO Golf Comfort Tech Van, a web-based retailer training module and the brand’s status as an official member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers.

Guaranteeing a level of quality that cannot be matched by any major footwear manufacturer, each ECCO golf shoe is made using a proprietary, direct-injection process.

Touched by more than 225 sets of highlyskilled hands during production, each model is a testament to the brand’s unrivalled attention to detail that helps discerning players look, feel and play their best.

For more information visit: www.ecco.com

Putting the value back into golf in Spain

15th May - 30th September: Two players & buggy only 78 euro All year round offer: Play 1 week of unlimited golf for just 149 euro

www.esteponagolf.com Telephone: (+34) 952 937 605 · information@esteponagolf.com

Based on the sunny Costa del Sol, Spain

Beautiful rural setting with stunning views

Fantastic greens on a wide variety of holes

Washed by the Mediterranean Sea, with an average of over 325 sunny days a year and a benevolent climate, the “Coast of the Sun” is a paradisiacal place to play golf.

18 holes of peaceful undulating Spanish countryside boasting stunning sea views from many areas of the course, Estepona Golf provides a fair test enjoyed by players of all standards.

Renowned for our superb, consistent putting surfaces, the course features very strong par 3’s which include the difficult but beautiful 14th hole and its Sierra Bermeja mountain range backdrop.

14

News North West Golf Guide

GOLFINO Ladies GOLFINO Ladies sportswear continues to be the European market leader for ladies’ golfwear. Novation in spring 2010: The GOLFINO Cruise Collection – offering this November a taste of the new Spring/ Summer Collections – will be presented in a single collection module. To balance this out, the GOLFINO Resort Collection will be expanded by one more module and will be available in shops from spring 2010.

The CRUISE RESORT Collections for the coming season will boast similar themes for men and ladies. Navy and white represent a nautical influence on lifestyle. The successful relaunch of ON COURSE CLASSICS for men is set to reach the ladies in spring 2010. The Classics are organised according to product groups and therefore divided into two half modules: a selection of polo shirts and trousers form the cornerstone of the ladies collection.

The SPRING RESORT CASUAL Collection is divided into two independent fashion themes: a feminine look featuring

colours such as lipstick and powder pink, and an elegant black and white look, adorned with rhinestone elements.

The elegance of the SPRING RESORT CLUB Collection comes from uniting neo-classical themes with a colour combination of navy, fire and white. The SPRING COSMOPOLITAN module retains its sporty look. Pastels such as sky, powder, lime and white work wonderfully with the soft summer safari shade.

Golf meets chic – SPRING COSMOPOLITAN EXCLUSIVE offers a hint of luxury. Fine gold details add glamour and dynamism to the colours desert, coffee and white. The wave of colour that is SUMMER RESORT will hit you with a fresh fashion explosion. Paisley print, a defining water colour, unites art and sportswear and adds the vitality of colour that is teal, surf, ice, white and greige.

Great escapes without limits

299

euro

...all from an incredible

This has to be one of the Best Value Golfing Packages around 7 days unlimited golf & 7 nights luxury accommodation

www.esteponagolf.com Telephone: (+34) 952 937 605 · information@esteponagolf.com

Knowledgeable, friendly & welcoming staff

Fabulous clubhouse and terrace area

Unbeatable prices & value for money

The English owned golf course has for many years focused on the visiting golfer from overseas, with our multilingual staff always offering a warm friendly welcome.

The clubhouse has recently benefited from a €400,000 renovation, where a superb selection of multinational food, wine and drinks are available in the comfortable restaurant, bar and terrace.

Rory Leader, President of Estepona Golf says: “We have pledged never, ever to be beaten on our price/value for money ratio” Please visit our website for the latest offers.

16

News North West Golf Guide

Join the De Vere Club and change the way you play golf. Forever.

The De Vere group have created a revolutionary individual or corporate golf membership where you become a member of not just one but 11 spectacular golf clubs with 16 inspiring courses. It’s the smart golfers choice.

Situated throughout Britain, they include Championship venues from The Carrick on Loch Lomond to Mottram Hall in leafy Cheshire. By choosing an individual course as your home club, you can play in club competitions, hold a handicap, and receive fantastic benefits on retail, food and beverage, and accommodation.

How it works: 1) Pay only £295 to join 2) You’ll receive your pack within a few days along with your exclusive bag tag and membership card - then you’re free to play at Mottram and any of the additional 15 stunning courses 3) On joining, you’ll get 100 points to pay for your golf - you can then top up whenever you need to at www.devere.co.uk/golf Endorsed by the PGA and BBC golf pundit Peter Alliss, this membership offers tremendous value and flexibility, enabling the golfer to play where and when they desire.

For further information contact De Vere now on 0844 980 8060 or visit: www.devere.co.uk

17

News North West Golf Guide

Eaton Golf Club Open Day, 15th & 16th May Eaton Golf Club is one of Cheshire’s most prestigious golf courses, uniquely designed and a good challenge for players of all abilities.

On May 15th and 16th, the club, in collaboration with the EGU and EWGA is holding an Open Day to promote the sport.

Both days will include fun games, group introductory lessons, and information on how to get started in golf. There will also be an opportunity for established golfers who do not know the course to play 9 holes (pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment).

There will be no fee to attend, but it is hoped that donations may be made to this years Club Charity, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Secretary: office@eatongolfclub.co.uk

18

News North West Golf Guide

Leadbetter’s ‘My Personal Golf Trainer’ is World-First for Nintendo Wii First there was Wii Fit, now it’s time to slim down your golf handicap thanks to the perfect game-improvement partnership: the Nintendo Wii and the world’s bestknown golf coach, David Leadbetter.

With features and functionality which improve on those offered by golf simulators costing thousands, Data Design Interactive’s new ‘My Personal Golf Trainer’, released in March 2010, will take the Nintendo Wii well beyond games and transform it into a training device.

In a world-first, and featuring advice and personalised feedback from the world’s #1 golf instructor, David Leadbetter, ‘My Personal Golf Trainer with IMG Academies and David Leadbetter’ uses the Wii Balance Board and the Wii MotionPlusTM Controller to analyse the full golf swing in 3D space.

Golfers can improve their swing step-bystep in easy stages, following on-screen instructions, and can then graduate from training mode to the practice range, and finally onto a full 18-hole golf game where

the golfer can choose to receive feedback from Leadbetter, including suggested drills for improvement, after each shot played.

The ultra-sensitive, gyroscopically-controlled Wii MotionPlus controller, introduced in June 2009, enables ‘My Personal Golf Trainer’ to become the first home golf product to record and analyze a full golf swing from address to backswing, impact to follow through, in three dimensions and over time – all on a home TV screen.

Golfers can compare their own golf swing with an ‘ideal’ swing, to identify areas for improvement. With 3D replays golfers can view their swing from any angle for detailed analysis. ‘My Personal Golf Trainer’ then goes further and provides step-bystep corrective drills, guiding the golfer through a simple interactive process. It also provides complete analysis of clubhead speed, angle and force through the entire swing process, and includes weight transfer, swing plane and tempo information.

Visit: www.mypersonalgolftrainer.com

Forms long-term relationship with World Golf Tour The United States Golf Association recently announced that it has entered into a long-term relationship with online high-definition golf destination World Golf Tour (WGT), putting golf on the forefront of technology and marketing innovation in the sports industry.

For more information about World Golf Tour visit: www.wgt.com

In this relationship, the USGA recognizes WGT as the exclusive platform provider for its virtual golf championships. Each year, the USGA and WGT will co-host a Virtual USGA Championship, enabling fans to experience “the toughest test in golf” in real time via the USGA Web site, where an official champion will be crowned. Last year’s winner, Wayne Stopak, won a trip to the 2010 U.S. Open as a guest of the USGA.

In 2009, the USGA and WGT co-hosted the inaugural Virtual U.S. Open, which attracted hundreds of thousands of players from more than 180 countries. It also helped drive record visits to USOPEN.com, which provides realtime scoring updates, exclusive live video coverage and a multitude of other features designed to bring the U.S. Open alive online.

WGT is the leader in virtual online sports gaming with its free-to-play browserbased HD golf destination that provides photographic 3D replicas of world class courses for play. WGT requires no download or special plug-ins, and its patented technology offers a rich and realistic playing experience on world class golf courses.

19

News North West Golf Guide

Chester’s finest spa The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall

Located in the stunning grounds of Hoole Hall (now grandly known as The Doubletree

by Hilton Hotel, Chester), you’ll find The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall - a quite stunning new self-contained leisure and health complex at the edge of the private and secluded Victorian walled garden of the 18th century manor house.

Amazing facilities Spa facilities include a lounge and café bar overlooking the terrace and Victorian walled garden. From here, it’s a short stroll to the private couples’ suite, the teuco bath and the meditation room (featuring a wave room sensory experience). You’ll also find a manicure and pedicure room, a post-treatment relaxation space, plus an 18-metre pool with underwater music! And as if that weren’t enough, there’s a steam room and a Hammam room, thermal rooms and sauna. You can even enjoy your spa treatments outside since thespa pool leads to an outdoor thermal Watsu pool and an entrancing waterfall. Oh and by the way, you’ll also find a hydrotherapy pool, a yoga room, a Rasul chamber and a St Tropez Air spray tanning studio.

There is more, but right now, we must head for the gym! This high-spec, extra spacious workout studio features the very latest generation of Technogym equipment including Visio, which is considered to be the most innovative digital platform for whole-body toning. Visio entertains, guides, monitors and communicates with each individual user, providing a personalised, targeted, time-efficient session.

Luxury treatments Treatments in the luxurious spa utilise products from some of the most exclusive and respected beauty brands in the industry, including Haute Couture niche spa and Anne Sémonin Paris. These ultimate made-to-measure beauty treatments include a personal skin assessment and individual beauty prescriptions tailored to the individual client’s needs.

Pevonia is another industry-leading beauty brand offered at theclubandspa at Hoole Hall; the revolutionary range of products and treatments contain the most potent and effective natural source ingredients,

incorporated within technologically advanced formulae, and Pevonia is well known for its remarkable, highly visible results.

Packages available There’s range of luxury packages and treatments available for thespa, which is perfect for a day of solo relaxation, a romantic retreat for couples or a pamper day to be enjoyed with friends and family. All packages include a Day Spa Pass, allowing you access to enjoy access to all spa facilities.

So what are you waiting for? The most amazing spa in Chester beckons - and it’s totally irresistible! thespa at Hoole Hall, Warrington Road, Chester CH2 3PD | Tel: 01244 40 88 41 Email: spa@theclubandspa.co.uk | www.theclubandspachester.co.uk

20

News North West Golf Guide

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill Be amongst the first to join us at the new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill situated in the grounds of the beautiful Doubletree by Hilton Chester.

Marco’s Restaurants are all about the experience – the buzz, the unique atmosphere, and enjoying the company of friends and family in gorgeous, comfortable surroundings.

With Stylish surroundings, a lively atmosphere, exquisite food, delicious cocktails, the ability to cater for private parties of up to 100 people, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill is the perfect venue for any occasion. A stunning private dining room for up to 18 guests is also available.

The Menu at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Chester comprises everything you would expect from a traditional Steakhouse with superior quality you would expect from Marco Pierre White.

Accompanying the A la Carte Menu is a daily Set Menu available lunchtimes and evenings, Monday-Thursday; 2 courses £13.50 (£16.50 evenings) On Sundays we offer a Special Sunday Roast from £11.00 for one course. For further information visit www.mpwsteakhousechester.co.uk Pictured Top: Marco mixing cocktails at the recent launch of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Chester overlooked

by Doubletree by Hilton Chester, General Manager Tony Wright and Branded Development Manager, Francis Carroll.

Above Right: Damian Hesketh, Darren Hesketh, Howard Beasley, Marco and Ian Chilton Below Right: Andrea & John Barnes talking to hostess Jennie Grimes at the launch Photographs by Jason Howard Photography

22

News North West Golf Guide

Snooper Golf www.snoopergolf.co.uk

Open Qualifying New venues for 2013 - including North West venues Mere and Clitheroe

Little Aston, Luffenham Heath, Northumberland, Remedy Oak and The Island golf clubs will be used as Regional Qualifying venues for The 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield. In total there will be 14 venues throughout Great Britain and Ireland, which will be used to help determine the fields for four Local Final Qualifying events.

Little Aston Golf Club, near Sutton Coldfield, was designed by six-time Open Champion Harry Vardon, in 1908. In 1994 it hosted the Boys Home Internationals, the Jacques Leglise Trophy and the Boys Amateur Championship, which it staged again in 2008.

Luffenham Heath, in Lincolnshire, opened in 1911 with a celebrity match between Vardon and five-time Open Champion James Braid, two-thirds of the Great Triumvirate. The site on which the course was built was declared a Site of Special Scientific Significance in 1973, due to the importance of the calcareous grasses which carpet the fairways.

The course at Northumberland Golf Club was designed by eminent golf course architect Harry Colt, with the help of Braid.

Despite having only previously hosted one R&A event, the 1992 Youths Championship, Northumberland has staged a number of other high profile competitions including

the Dunlop Masters, the English Amateur and, most recently, the 2004 English Boys Stroke Play Championship.

Remedy Oak opened in 2005 by John Jacobs, who, in 1979 and 1981, became the first Captain of the European Ryder Cup Team. The course was described as “one of the most superbly constructed new golf courses in the South of England” by eighttime Ryder Cup competitor Peter Alliss.

Founded in 1890, The Island Golf Club, just outside Dublin, is a natural links course which, until 1973, was accessed mainly by boat. The 11th hole is named ‘Cricket Field’ in honour of famous England cricketer WG Grace, who once played a challenge match on the links. The club has hosted the Irish Ladies Close Championship, the Irish Close Championship and the Irish PGA Championship, in addition to Regional Qualifying in 2005.

The full list of 14 Regional Qualifying venues for the 2013 Open Championship is as follows: Abridge, Bruntsfield Links, Buckinghamshire, Clitheroe, East Sussex National, Hankley Common, Little Aston, Luffenham Heath, Mere, Moortown, Northumberland, Remedy Oak, The Island and The London.

It is now widely recognised that having a GPS device with you on the golf course is a sure fire way of lowering your scores. And the Shotsaver S320 from Snooper is a prime example that really lives up to its name.

The Shotsaver uses top-of-the-range GPS technology to provide you with quick and accurate yardages to all parts of the hole to ensure you are never guessing again.

Whether you want to know how far it is to the green or a hidden hazard the Shotsaver lets you know instantly, allowing you to select the correct club to do the job.

Unlike many of Snooper’s pay-per-download rivals the Shotsaver instantly saves you money as golf course downloads, are completely FREE of charge. Up to 100 courses can be stored on the handset, which can be easily updated by downloading from a fast growing database of over 3,500 UK & WORLDWIDE golf courses. The fully Waterproof Shotsaver features a clever and innovative full colour touch screen which is one of the brightest on the market making it easy to use in even the worst of conditions. You can also use Shotsaver to record and analyse your scores with its unique electronic scorecard facility. This great looking device comes in two colour options black or white and is also available with optional full UK & EU road satellite navigation.

S320 JUST £199.99 / UKSAT NAV £249.99 / UK & EU SAT NAV £289.99 + FREE DELUXE TROLLEY BRACKET WORTH £29.99 & P&P For more info please visit www.snoopergolf. co.uk or call us on 01928 714872

PRYORS HAYES TEACHING ACADEMY Come and visit one of Cheshires finest state of the art teaching facilities set in the heart of the tranquil Chester countryside HEAD PROFESSIONAL FREDDY VALENTI PGA PROFESSIONAL RICK COLLINGE

STATE OF THE ART COVERED TEACHING BAY HITTING OUT TO A FLOODLIT RANGE HI TECH VIDEO SWING ANALYSIS EQUIPMENT TOP QUALITY GRASS SHORT GAME FACILITY CUSTOM FITTING WORKSHOP WITH LOFT AND LIE MACHINE TOMI PUTTING LAB WITH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PUTTING GREEN GRASS PRACTICE FACILITIES AS WELL AS INDOOR MATS MOST COMPETETIVE LESSON PRICES IN THE AREA LESSONS AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE FOR PLAYING LESSONS 15 YEARS COACHING EXPERIENCE

“I have played all over the world and coached at several facilities and now feel at Pryors Hayes we can offer everything you could want for coaching or custom fitting your clubs”

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A LESSON CALL FREDDY ON 07971928939 Or visit www.valentigolf.com

Willington Road, Oscroft, Tarvin, Chester, CH38NL

24

Featured Course Mere Golf & County Club

Mere

Golf & Country Club

Mere Golf & Country Club’s magnificent setting in the rolling Cheshire countryside is unsurpassed. Its mature trees, manicured fairways and hand-cut greens together with the famous Mere glistening in the sunlight brings both drama and beauty to this superb 18 hole course.

This is further complemented by extensive leisure and conference facilities, and a busy social calendar.

REGIONAL QUALIFYING COURSE 2009 - 2013

25

Featured Course Mere Golf & County Club

Course History

Membership at Mere

Mere Golf and Country Club has been welcoming golfers since 1934, celebrating it’s 75th anniversary in 2009. The 6907 yard, Par 71 championship course, designed by the former open champions James Braid and George Duncan, is set around the Mere and is renowned for its interesting water features, numerous bunkers and famous last four holes which are always a challenge towards the end of the round.

Golf Members of Mere enjoy the benefits of both a traditional members club (with separate ladies and gents sections) and a country club with full leisure facilities.

Recent investment of over £0.75 million on the golf course has produced excellent results and for the first time in the club’s history, Mere has been selected by the R&A to host regional qualifying for the Open Championships 2009-2013.

Please call for membership rates and current offers. Quote Ref: MEM06

• 4 Days each week reserved specifically for members only • Weekly Member Competitions • Full use of Health Club • Full Social Events Calender • Invitation and Festival Days • Start sheet available for pre booking everyday • Scratch and Handicap Inter Club Tournaments • Popular Mixed Section • Large Junior Section with regular competitions • Members Clubhouse and Dining available all day everyday • Excellent practice Facilities - Unique 8 Bay floating golf ball driving range - 2 Putting Greens - 9 Hole Chipping Green - Bunker Practice Area - 5 PGA Qualified Professionals

26

Featured Course Mere Golf & County Club

Mere Golf & Country Club. Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford,Cheshire, WA16 6LJ Telephone: 01565 830 155 · play@meregolf.co.uk · www.meregolf.co.uk

Corporate Golf Days A Corporate Golf Day is a great way to entertain potential clients, to unwind and network after a conference, reward staff for sales and excellence or to build your team with fun and competitive activities. Whatever the occasion, our professional team can arrange a full Corporate Golfing Programme for you.

Today’s business successfully revolves around enhancing corporate image and reputation, through the development of relationships with key decision makers. Away from the pressures of the office, the relaxed atmosphere of Mere provides the perfect opportunity to network when guests are at their most receptive.

Mere not only offers the perfect environment and stunning surroundings, but also an unsurpassable standard in the co-ordination and management of your corporate event. A golfing experience at Mere will be a memorable occasion to delight your guests, and is a must for any enthusiast.

The Corporate Golf Team is dedicated to the organization and success of your event.

Every detail of the day will be discussed and arranged to your specification, ensuring that your day is the right mixture of business and pleasure. Facilities for your day include a Private Suite with Bar, Deluxe Changing Facilities, a Starter on the Tee, Halfway House and a superbly stocked Professional Golf Shop.

27

Featured Course Mere Golf & County Club

Mere Corporate Golf Open Mere also offers an exceptional range of practice facilities including a unique eight bay driving range where golfers are encouraged to practice driving floating golf balls into the lake, a two putting green, practice bunkers, short game area and extensive professional advice from our 5 PGA professionals.

Our high profile Corporate Client list includes Manchester City Football club, Bentley, Ian Botham and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Telephone: 01565 830 155 Email: play@meregolf.co.uk Web: www.meregolf.co.uk

Let Mere take the stress out of organising your day. Registration and gift pack, practice, lunch, 18 hole team competition, buffet dinner and prize presentation with fantastic team prizes.

• Competitive Golf in a Business Environment • Spend quality time with your key clients • Open Qualifier Conditions • The perfect destination for a memorable business event Tuesday 15th June 2010 Tuesday 28th September 2010 Team of 4 - £360 + vat (or 2 events - £640 + vat) To reserve a place or more details contact: karen@meregolf.co.uk. Quote Ref: CO05

28

Rick Shiels PGA Golf Professional, Mere Golf & Country Club

Hit the perfect shot on the tricky 15th Hole at Mere Golf & Country Club

To book a lesson with Rick Shiels T: 01565 830219, M: 07952 514656, Email: proshop@meregolf.co.uk

The elevation on the 15th hole makes aiming the ball on the correct line very difficult. Picking out a target 1-2feet in front of the ball such as a twig, broken tee peg or even a blade of grass makes aiming a whole lot easier. Â The ideal ball flight for the doglegged 15th is a draw. Before taking your shot visualise the golf ball moving right to left in the air, this will build confidence in your golf swing and will produce a positive shot. Use visualisation in all areas of your game and see how positive your golf becomes. Â The last key ingredient for the perfect shot is a committed follow through this shows believe and trust in your golf swing. This will result in a golf shot that has been hit with passion and positive thoughts! Try these tips not just at Mere but anytime you are faced with a tricky tee shot.

30

Cheshire INTRODUCTION

Cheshire Cheshire is a diverse county, marked by its canal networks and its industrial history - notably silk in Macclesfield and of course the salt in Northwich.

Perhaps the jewel in Cheshire’s crown, however, is the city of Chester. Nicknamed ‘Capital of Style’. Chester was originally settled by the Romans in the First century AD and is surrounded by Roman Walls (all walkable) and features a vast Roman Amphitheatre in the centre.

Chester’s history is long and rich. The fact that the River Dee runs through Chester gives it extra character. Many festivals are held in Chester throughout the year including folk & fringe festivals, literature and racing at the ancient Chester Races. But don’t miss out some of the other market towns like Macclesfield, Congleton and Knutsford, which all have their own unique charm.

Contemporary Cheshire has much to offer the visitor, with designer shopping outlets at Cheshire Oaks, to Chester Zoo, to the famous Jodrell Bank 76m Lovell radio telescope and Science Centre to the awe inspiring Blue Planet Aquarium.

Rural Cheshire is today a pleasant and sought after location to live but it offers more than that to the millions of visitors who come every year to appreciate one of the most diverse counties in the United Kingdom where it is home to more millionaires than anywhere else in the country.

From a golfing perspective, with over 100 courses to choose from, you are spoilt for choice in Cheshire.

31

Cheshire INTRODUCTION

M-6 M-62

M-56

Warrington

Lymm

19 M-53

10

Runcorn 16

11

02 09

Frodsham 18 Ellesmere Port

06

08 17

M-56

04

Chester

21 05

Wimslow Knutsford

13 Macclesfield

Northwich 20 Winsford

15 14

Congleton

Tarpley

03

Sandbach

01

Crewe Nantwich

22 07

Malpas M-6 Whitchurch

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

11.

Aldersley Green Antrobus Carden Park Delamere Forest Eaton Golf Club Frodsham Gorstyhill Hartford Heyrose High Legh Mere

12

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

Mottram Hall Peover Portal Pryors Hayes Runcorn Sandiway Sutton Hall The Warrington Vale Royal Vicars Cross Wychwood Park

32

Aldersey Green Golf Club

18 holes, Par 71 6145 • 5983 • 5541 Facilities: Pro Shop, Putting Green, Trolley Hire, Changing Rooms, Club Repair & Custom fitting, Bar & Restaurant

How to find...

01

From Warrington & Manchester Take the M56 west and follow the signs for Chester. At Junction 15 (Ellesmere Port), join the M53 South to Chester (left hand lane).

At Junction 12 (Hoole), the M53 becomes the A483. Take the next exit sign posted for A41 & A51 (Christleton & Huntington), and take the third exit on the roundabout (right) and follow the signs to the A41. After approximately six miles, Aldersey Green Golf Course is sign posted on the right hand side.

Set in 200 acres of Cheshire countryside, Aldersey Green Golf Club has a golf course that is envied by many but rivalled by few in terms of sheer enjoyment to play.

Many of the fairways are tree-lined and narrow making accuracy from the tee absolutely pivotal to scoring well. The course is also home to 14 lakes so be warned that any stray shots can, and on many occasions will be punished. Packing a few extra balls in your bag might be a good idea!

The course is superbly laid out and offers some fine panoramic views. Why not enjoy them after your round by relaxing in the fine clubhouse, the perfect place for some post-match unwinding.

Aldersey Green Golf Club Aldersey Nr Chester CH3 9EH Telephone: 01829 782157 bradburygolf@aol.com www.alderseygreengolfclub.co.uk

Twilight Special Offer Any Day After 3 pm Weekends Included

Only £10 per player Tel: 01829 782157

Signature Hole 3rd hole 205 yard par 3, recently voted 2nd hardest par 3 in the country by top golf magazine.

The Green has a lake at the back a bunker guards the right front corner, water to the left side, and two lateral water hazards run up both sides of the hole. A challenge for any golfer.

The 15th Hole is a par 4 slight dog leg right, and features an original bomb crater. The raised green is protected by a stream / pond at the front and a steep wall of sleepers.

A beautiful hole, but can cost shots if the water is not cleared on the second shot.

33

Antrobus Golf Club

18 holes, Par 71 6,220 yards Facilities: Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Course Guide There is little doubt ... Antrobus is a challenge! Set in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, the course has been cleverly designed and built around existing natural features, and both the plentiful water hazards and wooded areas ensure your round is never dull. Off the back tees even the better golfers will feel the pressure, with narrow fairways and well protected greens. Antrobus certainly requires more in your bag than a big driver, and whilst off the normal tees the course is relatively short, it will certainly bite back at anything off-line. ... and one word of caution, be confident on the 8th, anything short will surely be damp!

As you enjoy this course, imagine the landscape as it was in 1992 before the course was built – 100 acres of open farmland with just a few mature trees along its boundries for shelter. Now after the addition of 1000’s more trees plus lakes and other water hazards the result is a versatile and challenging Par 71 Course of 6220 Yards from the back tees, which enjoys maturity beyond its years. The fact that it is one of the new gems of the Cheshire Countryside, the course appeals to many players from around the country.

Located in the heart of the Cheshire Countryside between Northwich and Warrington with easy access from the M56 at junction 10, this superbly laid out 18 hole course is suited for its now 500 members, visiting golf societies and corporate golf day’s, having excellent clubhouse facilities complementing this most relaxing and enjoyable golfers paradise.

How to find...

02

Easily accessible from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Birmingham and of course Northwich and Warrington.

The club is located only 2 miles from Junction 10 of the M56, and near to the M6 motorway.

Follow A559 towards Northwich.

Turn left 500 yds after the ‘Birch and Bottle’ Pub. 100 yds on take first immediate left (Foggs Lane), the club is signposted.

Antrobus Golf Club Foggs Lane Antrobus Cheshire, CW9 6JQ Telephone: 01925 730 900 admin@antrobusgc.com www.antrobusgolfclub.co.uk

34

Carden Park CHESHIRE COURSE

18 holes, Par 72 • 6824 ° 6653 • 6348 • 5646 Facilities: Jacks Bar serving a variety of snacks and hearty meals; Golf Shop, Saunas in the golf changing rooms; Clubs & trolley hire; Secure bag storage; Halfway houses on both courses; 13 bay covered driving range; Fleet of 60 GPS buggies; Custom fit service, Golf lessons; Ropes course; Outdoor activities; 196 bedrooms; Choice of Restaurants including Private dining; 13 spa treatment rooms; Free Car Parking

How to find...

03

Carden Park is easy to find from the M6. From the South, join the M54 at Junction 10A, then onto the A41 towards Chester. From the North, leave the M6 at Junction 20A and follow the M56 and M53 to the A41 for Whitchurch. At Broxton turn towards Wrexham on the A534 - the hotel is 1.5 miles along on the left.

Sat Nav Coordinates: Lat: 53.074. Long: -2.8076 or enter the village name “Broxton”.

Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort and Spa Nr Chester Cheshire CH3 9DQ Telephone: 01829 731 000 reservations.carden@devere-hotels.com www.cardenpark.co.uk

Set in 900 acres of stunning Cheshire Countryside, Carden Park is the ideal location to enjoy a round of golf. The two Championship Courses offer two very different but equally challenging experiences. The Cheshire Course is reminiscent of the finest British parkland courses; set to the rear of the Carden Park Estate it offers stunning panoramic views across the Cheshire countryside to the mountains of Wales.

A wealth of natural hazards makes this a highly technical course and will test your skills throughout. Building to a dramatic and scenic finish, with tough 16th and 17th holes followed by the 18th tee atop sandstone cliffs overlooking the resort and Welsh hills. It certainly ensures a round of golf to remember. An average fourball can expect to complete the Cheshire Course in 4 hours.

Signature Hole The testing 351 yard par 4, 18th may only have a stroke index of 14 but don’t let this fool you.

The elevated tee will take your breath away with the spectacular scenery across the Welsh Hills. Using your 3 wood or driving iron form this elevated tee would be the right club to insure your second shot is a nice 9 iron onto the green.

If the driver is taken off this tee you could get in to trouble. The perfect tee shot would be to land short left which in return would leave an approach shot into a generous green. Remember everyone is watching your final hole from our stunning clubhouse balcony, no pressure!

35

Carden Park NICKLAUS COURSE

18 holes, Par 72 • 7045 • 6628 ° 6302 • 5906 • 5211 Facilities: Jacks Bar serving a variety of snacks and hearty meals; Golf Shop, Saunas in the golf changing rooms; Clubs & trolley hire; Secure bag storage; Halfway houses on both courses; 13 bay covered driving range; Fleet of 60 GPS buggies; Custom fit service, Golf lessons; Ropes course; Outdoor activities; 196 bedrooms; Choice of Restaurants including Private dining; 13 spa treatment rooms; Free Car Parking

Signature Hole When major championships are played on the Nicklaus course the 17th hole provides the back drop for a fantastic grand stand finish. The back tee demands a great drive, you need to stay high to the right hand side of the fairway which would reward you with an approach second shot to the elongated green. Then depending on your position a 6 to a 9 iron over the lake will be required. Be careful not to be short or this could cost you dearly. The other option is to Tee for the green if you’re brave enough but be careful a precise tee shot with your driver is paramount if a bath in the lake is to be avoided!

The Nicklaus Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve, it is a rewarding challenge, with several ‘double option’ holes such as the 7th and 15th which offer a choice of dual option fairways from which to approach the green.

The Nicklaus course offers a scenic yet strategic test of golf where position more then length is crucial. As Jack said it certainly is “a thinking man’s golf course”. The half way house on the Nicklaus is passed twice so you will never be short of a snack or drink. An average fourball can expect to complete the Nicklaus Course in around 4 hours.

The testing 378 yard par 4 dog-leg on the 17th demands the utmost accuracy. This hole was chosen as the Nicklaus Signature hole for the challenge and the views it provides from the drive through the estate and from the hotel.

How to find...

03

Carden Park is easy to find from the M6. From the South, join the M54 at Junction 10A, then onto the A41 towards Chester. From the North, leave the M6 at Junction 20A and follow the M56 and M53 to the A41 for Whitchurch. At Broxton turn towards Wrexham on the A534 - the hotel is 1.5 miles along on the left.

Sat Nav Coordinates: Lat: 53.074. Long: -2.8076 or enter the village name “Broxton”.

Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort and Spa Nr Chester Cheshire CH3 9DQ Telephone: 01829 731 000 reservations.carden@devere-hotels.com www.cardenpark.co.uk

36

Delamere Forest GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 71 6817 • 6330 • 5680 Facilities: Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

How to find...

04

From M6 Junction 19 take the A556 and head in the direction of Chester and after approximately 15 miles look for Harrington’s Caravans. Take the next right turn at the Abbey Arms Public House. DFGC is about a mile on the right hand side of the road (opposite the entrance to Delamere Forest and the Station).

Delamere Forest was founded in 1910, reputedly in a hunting field and the early list of members reads like an extract from the Cheshire Hunt register. It was the venue for the first Cheshire County Championship in 1912, an event that has been held at the club on a further seven occasions, most recently in 2004.

In 1967, Delamere forest was one of the two qualifying courses for the Open Championship when it was held at Hoylake.

At that time Maurice Bembridge posted the professional course record of 63, which stands to this day. Despite the word ‘forest’ in its title, Delamere is a natural heath land course. Certainly trees are part of the strategy on several holes, but in general Delamere Forest provides a glorious backdrop to the panoramic views from the higher parts of the course. The course was designed by W H Fowler.

Signature Holes The sixth is a short hole from an elevated tee to a small, well bunkered, green set at an angle to the tee with enticing views over the pond below the green to the left, with woods and fields in all directions.

The 8th requires a long straight tee shot over a hollow and then a second shot in to a steeply sloping green. The hole was reached from the medal tee in the 1970s by one of our past members, Mr George Johnson, a feat repeated on the 19th April 2003 by Mr David Blockley whilst playing in the company of the Captain and Vice Captain.

Delamere Forest Golf Club Ltd Station Road, Delamere, CW8 2JE Telephone: 01606 883800 sec@delameregolf.co.uk www.delameregolf.co.uk

Delamere Forest Golf Club Ltd. Station Road, Delamere, CW8 2JE · Telephone: 01606 883800 · sec@delameregolf.co.uk · www.delameregolf.co.uk

37

Eaton Golf Club

18 holes, Par 72 (Mens) 73 (Ladies) 6580 • 6414 • 5642 Facilities: Driving Range, Putting Green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Signature Hole 12th: This hole is a gem. Played properly it is relatively easy, make the slightest mistake and you may wreck your card. Longer hitters may take a fairway wood or even a long iron for the tee shot.

Hit it as close to the right hand bunker as you dare, to leave a simple pitch across a large ditch to the steeply sloping green facing you. The green is protected on each side by mature Oaks, so drive on the left and you will face a tough decision – take on the trees, or lay up? Go through this green, and you are faced with the prospect of watching your well struck chip roll down the steeply sloping green towards the beckoning ditch below.

Designed by Donald Steele, the celebrated golf architect, as an enjoyable challenge for players of all abilities.

Located some four miles from the historic city of Chester and with views of Cheshire and North Wales, Eaton Golf Club offers a wide range of high quality facilities for members and the many visitors who take part in open tournaments, society events and charity days.

At Eaton we are very proud of our golf course which is often praised for its immaculate presentation and the challenge of its contoured greens built to USGA standards, which are fast, firm, and true. Beautifully situated beside the Shropshire Union Canal, it features a wealth of mature oaks, a picturesque brook and several ponds and copses, all of which add to the golfing challenge and provide rich habitats for wildlife in abundance.

How to find...

Golf course is three miles south east of Chester off A41, from Chester, take the A51/ The Bars, turn right at A51/ Challinor Street, turn left at A5115/Christleton Road.

At roundabout take 2nd exit onto A41/Whitchurch Road, turn left at Eggbridge Lane, continue onto Guy Lane, course on the right.

Easy access from M56 & M53.

Eaton Golf Club Guy Lane, Waverton, Chester Cheshire CH3 7PH Tel : 01244 335885 Fax: 01244 335782 info@eatongolfclub.co.uk www.eatongolfclub.co.uk

05

38

Frodsham GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 70 6328 • 6068 • 5316 Facilities: Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, Putting Green, Practice Ground, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Club Fitting, Pro shop

How to find...

06

Exit M56 at junction 12, A557 for Frodsham/Widnes. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto A557 to Frodshm/A56.

Turn right at Sutton Causeway, continue to follow A56. Turn left at B5152/Church Street.

Turn right at Manley Road, Turn right at Simons Lane.

Amidst 130 delicious acres of Green Cheshire countryside, Frodsham Golf Club plays host to a magnificent 18-hole par-70 course, offering a great challenge to golfers of all ages and levels of ability. Greens and tees are constructed to USGA specifications and benefit from free-draining soil structure on a sandstone base, with excellent manicured, dry conditions all year round.

The course well deserves its widespread reputation for quick, undulating greens, where strategy, driving and putting skills are constantly put to the test – and this, combined with the panoramic vistas over the Mersey estuary and spectacular distant views of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, makes Frodsham Golf Club one of the most sought-after and popular golf clubs in the whole of the area.

Toughest Hole 16th, 404 yards. Par 4 stroke index 1.

Tee shot to carry over a small valley, fairway runs right to left to an undulating green.

Pro Shop Graham Tonge has been the PGA Professional at Frodsham GC since the club opened in 1990. Over the past 18 years he has carved a unique niche in the world of golf. He has managed to mix the skill of golf professional and clubmaker giving him the kind of insider information required to produce his own competitive custom golf club company. Graham and his team aslo offer a specialist club repair and alteration service.

Frodsham Golf Club Simons Lane, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 6HE Telephone: 01928 732159 paulw@frodshamgolf.co.uk www.frodshamgolf.co.uk

Frodsham Golf Club · Simons Lane · Frodsham · Cheshire · WA6 6HE · Telephone: 01928 732159 · paulw@frodshamgolf.co.uk · www.frodshamgolf.co.uk

39

Gorstyhill Golf Club

18 holes, Par 72 • 6456 ° 6120 • 5859 • 5414 Requirements: Soft spikes only Facilities: Practise Area, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys and Electric Trolleys, Clubhouse with Bar and Catering overlooking the 9th green, Pro-Shop, Lessons, Club Repairs

Signature Holes There are many memorable holes at Gorstyhill including the 6th, with an intimidating tee shot over the lake. Two stunning par 3’s, the 13th and 17th, need accurate tee shots over lovely valleys to greens that are well protected by bunkers. The 15th and 16th can easily spoil your card as they are partly unsighted. On the 15th a change in elevation for the 2nd shot makes this hole a tricky one. Only a drive to the end of the fairway will get a view of the green and leave a mid iron approach. The 16th, the toughest hole on the course, has a slight dogleg left.

Try to keep your tee shot right of fairway to leave an uphill, long iron approach to a treacherous green.

Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur and golf enthusiast David Holmes, Gorstyhill Golf Club is located in undulating Cheshire countryside near Crewe. At just over 6,400 yards from the main competition tees it is intended to test a golfer’s course management ability. Gorstyhill, designed by one of England’s premier designers, Hawtree Ltd, is a parkland course but the shaping of the long rough and beautifully contoured USGA greens coupled with a northerly breeze can produce a links feel. There are natural conservation areas and water hazards to negotiate, with strategically positioned bunkers to ensure that you think about your shot. Although a young course, Gorstyhill is maturing quickly and has gained an excellent reputation for both the USGA greens and winter golf. The course has also established itself on the Cheshire Union map, having already hosted a county event and team matches.

How to find...

Wychwood Village off the A531 between Weston and Betley - Opposite Wychwood Park. From Jn 16 M6 take A500 towards Crewe, Nantwich and Keele. At the first Roundabout take First Exit left on the A531 towards Keele. At the second Roundabout take First Exit left onto A531. After 300m take the First Exit left at the roundabout onto the new development. The clubhouse is the first building on the left

Gorstyhill Golf Club Abbey Park Way, Wychwood Village, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5SQ Telephone: 01270 829166 info@gorstyhillgolf.co.uk www.gorstyhillgolf.co.uk

2 Players + 1 buggy Quote “Northwest”

for £48 deal!

MONDAY - FRIDAY ...Set your game alight at Gorstyhill in 2010...

07

NORMALLY £60 saving 20%

Abbey Park Way, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5SQ · Email: info@gorstyhillgolf.co.uk · Web: www.gorstyhillgolf.co.uk

40

Hartford GOLF CLUB

9 holes, Par 35 2770 • 2602 • 2309 Facilities: Driving Range, Clubhouse, Putting Green, bar, catering, function rooms

How to find...

08

Easily accessible from Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Birmingham and of course Northwich and Warrington.

M56 take Jnc 10 A49 Whitchurch, for approx 4 miles, turn right on to A533 for 5 miles over Winnington Bridge, turn left at Golf Club sign by garden center.

Approx one mile on the left.

Hartford Golf Club offers an inviting layout for all levels of golfers. You will find plush flat tee boxes and smooth quick greens. Tight lush fairways lined with ponds and trees challenge the low handicapper but at the same time play fairly for the high handicapper. Hartford is a golf course where you are treated like an old friend, it is a golf course where we have not forgotten that golf is a game that should be played for fun and enjoyment.

Signature Holes

Hartford also boasts a 26 bay floodlit Driving Range, a teaching facility, a large Pro-Shop staffed by PGA Professionals offering a wide variety of top golf apparel and equipment. The amenities along with the full service clubhouse add up to a first class experience at Hartford for golfers of all levels of play.

It has also been likened to Augusta’s sixth hole, there is a 50 metre elevation drop from tee to green through woodland down to a green guarded by bunkers and water left and right; it is a pleasure to play this hole. It is one tee shot where you would love to be able to hit ball after ball.

Many people ask what the signature hole is at Hartford – the answer is all nine, but perhaps the favourite for many is the 187 yard 7th hole. It has been written about the 7th as “this hole would not look out of place on any championship golf course”.

Hartford Golf Club Burrows Hill Hartford, Northwich Cheshire CW8 3AP Telephone: 01606 871162 info@hartfordgolf.co.uk www.hartfordgolf.co.uk

Hartford Golf Club Start of season membership offers Full 7 Day £560 · Full 5 Day £400

Pay & Play 7 Day £150 · Pay & Play 5 Day £100 Junior from £25 · No Joining Fee!

Get fitted properly with our PGA Professionals

41

Heyrose Golf Club

18 holes, Par 73 6499 • 6308 • 5513 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Undercover driving range, Practice Bunker, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Signature Holes 13th, Par 5, 477 yards, white tees A great hole. This dogleg right par 5 requires you to drive the ball between 2 sets of bushes that are encroaching the fairway on either side.

If you manage to drive past them you have the big decision of laying up or going for it in 2.

16th, Par 3, 236 yards, white tees Signature hole and probably one of the hardest par 3’s you will find anywhere. It is very long and very tight. From an elevated tee, you have a stream and out of bounds all down the left, and a ditch and red stakes all down the right.

Heyrose Golf Club, Cheshire’s best kept secret. Set in beautiful parkland with ancient woodlands and many water features Heyrose is not an ordinary golf club.

Established over 19 years ago the course is continually modified making it one of the most respected and professionally managed golf courses in the North West.

It has been adapted over recent years so it challenges the experienced and rewards the beginner. Set in tranquil parkland and full of wildlife this course cannot be beaten on quality. Unlike others it is playable in all but adverse conditions, with ancient woodland and water features this is a course to join and enjoy, don’t settle for the ordinary, experience Heyrose.

How to find...

Heyrose Golf Club is signposted from M6 Junction 19, head for Northwich/ Chester and turn right directly after the Windmill pub. Then just follow the brown tourist signs to the course. We are just 19 miles from Manchester and 22 miles from Chester.

Heyrose Golf Club Budworth Road Tabley, Knutsford Cheshire, WA16 0HZ Office: 01565 733664 Pro Shop: 01565 734267 info@heyrosegolfclub.com www.heyrosegolfclub.com

09

42

High Legh Park Golf & Country Club

18 holes · Par 70 • 6406 ° 5785 • 5557 • 5321 Facilities: 2 Practice Putting Greens, Approach Play Green with 40yd fairway, Short game green with bunkers, Mark James Academy 300yds x 200yds practice ground, Members practice area Irons only 200yds x 200yds, Complementary ball facility for members, Buggies, trolleys, pro shop, Restaurant, Conference rooms

How to find...

10

From North: Leave M56 at junction 7, onto A556 Chester Road. At roundabout take 2nd exit onto A56/Lymm Road, turn left at B5159/High Legh Road, turn left onto A50/ Warrington Road. Course is on your left after ½ mile.

From South: Exit M6 at junction 19, at the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto A556/ Chester Road. Slight left at A50 towards Lymm/Warrington, course is 2 miles on your right.

Opened in 1998, High Legh Park Golf Course was co-designed

by Mark James and Steve Marnoch, International Golf Course architect. It now offers 20 holes of outstanding golf together with superb practice facilities including 3 putting greens and a 300 yard driving range. Together with a large modern clubhouse, a top class restaurant, bar and fully stocked pro shop, High Legh is the friendly golf venue you will want to return to time and again.

Signature Holes

The greens have been constructed to the highest standard using USGA Green Specifications. The layered construction of each green ensures optimum drainage and minimises damage to the greens. This helps High Legh to keep the course open all year round without the need for temporary greens.

The greenkeeping staff take great pride in ensuring that the greens are kept up to their high standards all year round.

Hole 16 ‘Marl Pit’s’, par 4, 464 yards blue tee A long par 4 with a difficult right turn half way down the fairway. The biggest of hitters may be able to cut the corner and clear the lake making the second shot around 160 yards to the green. Even then, there is still a large pond to the front right of the green to avoid.

Leave this hole with a par and it will feel like a birdie.

Hole 3 ‘The Belfry’, par 4, 360 yards blue tee The Belfry is a challenging par 4 with water hazards comprising of two ponds between the tee and the green. The green can be approached either over the ponds for the big hitters or using the dog leg fairway.

1

3

Summer Golf Day Packages 1st April 2010- 31st October 2010

To book call Sam Barnes on 01565 830 012

18 Holes (minimum 12 golfers) Bacon Rolls & Coffee 18 Holes of Golf Weekday: £30 per golfer Sunday: £35 per golfer

18 Holes (minimum 12 golfers) Bacon Roll & Coffee on arrival 18 Holes of Golf 2 Course Dinner* (Choice of Menus) (Sunday - 2 Course Carvery Dinner) Weekday: £41 per golfer Sunday: £45 per golfer

2

4

18 Holes (minimum 12 golfers) Homemade Soup & Sandwiches 18 Holes of Golf Weekday: £34 per golfer Sunday: £39 per golfer

27 Holes (minimum 12 golfers) Bacon Roll & Coffee on arrival 9 Holes of Golf Homemade Soup & Sandwiches 18 Holes of Golf 2 Course Dinner (Choice of Menus) £50 per golfer

Golf Days are usually held on Thursdays and Fridays and Sundays, other days are available, we can tailor to your individual requirements, prices on request.

High Legh Park Country Club Mere & High Legh Warrington Road, Knutsford Cheshire WA16 0WAP Telephone: 01565 830 888 info@highleghpark.com www.highleghpark.com

43

Mere Golf & Country Club

18 holes, Par 71 6887 • 6330 • 5680 Facilities: Floating Golf Ball Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Green, Golf Tuition, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant, Member’s Leisure Club The Open Championship Regional Qualifying Course 2009 - 2013

Signature Holes The last four holes are particularly memorable...

The 15th is a 393 yard par 4 and is tough from the first stroke- a dogleg left from a raised tee with a carry of more than 215 yards over a stream. Three times open winner Henry Cotton named the 441 yard par 4 16th hole at Mere as one of his favourites. The 371 short par 4 17th has been described a s a card- wrecker.

The par 5 eighteenth requires a straight tee shot from a raised tee to the top of a hill. If you decide to go for it in two a lofted shot over a tree is required – a particular favourite with Colin Montgomerie on his recent visit.

Designed by James Braid, Mere is as famous for its beauty as it is for the challenges it presents. It would be hard to find a more picturesque course than Mere, with its parkland setting alongside the beautiful lake which gives the course its name.

Mere offers cleverly sited hazards and some of the best greens in Britain. The 6,887 yard, par 71 course was created out of 150 acres of Cheshire parkland in 1934. Mature trees, rhododendron bushes and the lake add considerable charm to a day’s golf but they are also there to test you!

Water, ravines and thick vegetation have been incorporated into the layout so that care and accuracy are demanded on many holes. Sky Sports commentator Steve Beddoes has described Mere as ‘The Wentworth of the North’.

How to find...

From the South M6 – junction 19. Take the A556 (right) towards Altrincham and Manchester Airport. Less than one mile on the right hand side is the entrance to club.

From Manchester (M62/M56) M56 – Junction 7. Take the A556 filter lane following Tatton Park signs. After approx. 1 mile, at the first set of traffic lights continue across. At the next set of lights after approx. ¾ mile, turn sharp left into club entrance.

Mere Golf & Country Club Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6LJ Telephone: 01565 830 155 play@meregolf.co.uk www.meregolf.co.uk

the experience 01565 830155 play@meregolf.co.uk · www.meregolf.co.uk

11

44

Mottram Hall GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 72 7006 • 6675 • 5929 Facilities: Hotel & Spa, Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Function/Meeting Rooms

How to find...

12

From M56, exit junction 6 towards Wilmslow/ Macclesfield. Turn left at A538/Wilmslow Rd. Turn left at A538/Alderley Rd. At roundabout take 3rd exit onto A538 and next roundabout take 2nd exit onto A34/Handforth Bypass. At A538 take the 1st exit onto A538/ Prestbury. Mottram Hall is on your left after 2 miles.

Mottram Hall Championship course was designed by Dave Thomas, who previously designed the Brabazon course at the Belfry. It is a challenging 7006 yard par 72, perfect for a weekend golf break or a golf society outing. Set in 270 acres of Magnificent Cheshire parkland, fairways dotted with oak and beech trees. Tricky, well-guarded greens. This is golf at its best.

The Championship is a course of 2 loops; The front 9 are played on relatively flat meadowland, with generous fairways giving you the chance to pull the driver out of the bag without too many worries. The back 9 is tougher and makes you think on every tee. The holes are more densely wooded with undulating fairways and carpet like greens. The Clubhouse has an impressive brasserie type bar area with sunny terraces that overlook the course.

Signature Holes Hole 13 Par 4, 453 yards Yellow Tee. Stroke index 1 hole, and an absolute brute.

Only the very longest hitters will reach this hole in 2, with a right to left fairway that goes uphill and downhill, before having a sharp incline to the large undulating green. A par here will feel like a birdie.

Hole 17 - Par 4, 445 yards Yellow Tee Another long par 4 that doglegs left to right round heavy woodland on either side of the fairway. If you can fade your drive and hit it long enough it will put you in a good position behind the small stream to reach the green comfortably in 2.

Mottram Hall Wilmslow Road Mottram St Andrew Cheshire SK10 4QT Telephone: 01625 828135 DMH.Sales@Devere-hotels.com www.devere.co.uk

Summer Group Golf from £30.00 per person. Call (01625) 820 064 for details.

45

Peover GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 72 6702 • 6339 • 5640 Facilities: Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Signature Holes Hole 10, Par 4.

446 • 420 • 395 The feature hole. A drive between 2 sycamores will run down an undulating fairway.

Although the river protects the left hand side, the green is generally unprotected.

Peover Golf Club is a challenging parkland course, covering 165 acres of varied terrain, and is considered one of the country’s sternest tests for any golfer. The course is situated in picturesque surroundings where the course and its fairways make the most of their natural features without exploiting them. The ponds and the Peover Eye River that runs through the course are havens for wildlife, but attractive as they are, they have no respect for the wayward drive or that misplaced approach shot.

Hole 14, Par 5.

530 • 497 • 416 Only the brave will take on the Peover Eye, leaving the green reachable in two. Safest to lay up leaving a long iron or fairway wood for the second shot, then an easier shot into the green.

There is an excellent mix of holes varying in design and character with many doglegs and water hazards including the Peover Eye River which three of the fairways cross. The undulating landscape has been enhanced with thousands of new trees which, with the existing mature trees and woodland, give aesthetic appeal as well as privacy, safety and space between holes.

How to find...

13

From M6 junction 19, exit onto the A556/Chester Road towards Northwich/ Chester. At The Smoker traffic lights turn left onto Plumley Moor Road. Golf course is after 2 miles on the right.

Peover Golf Club, Plumley Moor Road, Lower Peover, Near Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9SE Telephone: 01565 723337 mail@peovergolfclub.co.uk www.peovergolfclub.co.uk

Plumley Moor Road, Lower Peover, Near Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9SE Tel: 01565 72 33 37 · mail@peovergolfclub.co.uk · www.peovergolfclub.co.uk

46

Portal Championship Golf Course

18 holes, Par 73 7058 • 6577 • 5928 Facilities: Hotel, Spa, Largest indoor golf academy in Europe, Lounge Bar, Restaurants, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Pro shop

How to find...

14

From the M6: Leave the M6 at Junction 18. Take the A54 towards Middlewich/Winsford. Turn Left onto the A49 and travel through Cotebrook. Signposts for the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa appear on the left hand side approx. one mile after Cotebrook.

From the North: Take the A49, cross the junction with the A54, travel through the village of Cotebrook. Signposts for the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa appear on the left hand side approx. one mile after Cotebrook.

With 210 acres of idyllic parkland and water features, the 18-hole Portal Championship Golf Course offers a rewarding game to golfers at every level.

Three holes which particularly encapsulate The Portal Championship Course are the Par 5 3rd hole with its elevated tee, 602 yards challenge and lake fronted green; the picturesque Par 3 14th surrounded by landscaped water features and the dramatic 18th with its cascading waterfall backdrop.

Take a well-earned comfort break at the Halfway House, stop for on-course refreshments at weekends and relive your game on the balcony of the Private Members’ Lounge which has a bar, TV and stunning views across the course.

Golf Academy If you’ve never played golf before or want to improve your game, book in for golf lessons with our resident golf professionals. Using their expertise and the advanced technology of our indoor golf academy, they will enhance your long and short game techniques, concentrating on pitching, chipping, putting and bunker play.

The Academy features leading ‘A Star’ Swing Analysis Software, a Smart Golf simulator with over 20 courses, a 6-hole putting green and bunker. PGA Professionals are available for individual or group tuition.

Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0DJ Telephone: 0870 194 2235 golf.portal@macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Championship: 2010 Resort Memberships Now Available Allowing you not only to enjoy some of the best golf in Cheshire but also become a member of our exclusive Leisure Club and Spa

Contact our golf sales team on 0844 879 9082

47

Portal Premier Course

18 holes, Par 71 6582 • 6293 • 5688 Facilities: Spike Bar, Putting Green, Practice nets, Buggies, Trolleys, Pro shop

Signature Holes 15th Hole, Par 3, “Platt’s Wood” At only 157 yards off the yellow tee this isn’t the longest or most difficult of holes, but it is the sheer height of the tee above the green, possibly 50 feet, that makes it stand out. Club selection is tricky as the ball can be greatly affected by the wind.

18th Hole, Par 5, “Your Round” A great par 5 to finish. A tough drive to a fairway that slopes right to left. Then either a solid lay up or big second can get you close enough for a birdie chance.

However, the huge green in front of the impressive clubhouse will always give you pause for thought.

Just 2 minutes from the hotel, the scenic 18-hole parkland Premier Course provides a feast for the eye as well as a challenge to golfers of all levels. With the panoramic views of the 15th overlooking the Cheshire plains and the beautiful water feature on the 17th, the course builds up to a spectacular finish with the par 5 18th hole. At 493 yards the 18th is designed for the long hitters, and you can be sure of a warm welcome at the award-winning clubhouse, where wholesome bar meals, drinks and snacks are served from 11am until closing.

Arderne Course Our 9-hole Arderne Course presents a superb challenge for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

How to find...

14

From the M6: Leave the M6 at Junction 18. Take the A54 towards Middlewich/Winsford. Turn Left onto the A49 and travel through Cotebrook. Signposts for the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa appear on the left hand side approx. one mile after Cotebrook.

From the North: Take the A49, cross the junction with the A54, travel through the village of Cotebrook. Signposts for the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa appear on the left hand side approx. one mile after Cotebrook.

Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa Forest Road, Tarporley Cheshire CW6 0JA Telephone: 01829 733884 golf.portal@macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Golf Societies Welcome from £27 per person

Contact our golf sales team on 0844 879 9082

48

Pryors Hayes Golf Club

18 holes • Par 69 5915 • 5524 • 4996 Facilities: Pro Shop, Marquee, Celebration Garden, Covered Video Teaching Bay, Short Game Area

How to find...

15

Pryors Hayes Golf Club is situated 6 miles east of Historic Chester, just off the A54 on the main road between Chester and the M6 junction 19. Turn off the A54 at Shay Lane, this turns into Willington Road and the course is after a mile.

Situated in the heart of rural Cheshire, this flat parkland golf course offers far more than meets the eye. Although short in length Pryors Hayes’ small greens and well designed layout provides a fair test for all levels of golfer.

Well renowned for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming nature, Pryors Hayes was nominated for Golf Club of the Year in 2009, narrowly missing out on the top prize.

With the addition of a state of the art teaching facility, marquee and celebration garden makes it one of the most complete facilities in Cheshire. With a recent refurbishment the overall look of the club is warm and homely with the pleasant staff very welcoming to both members and visitors alike. Pryors Hayes is a golf club with a modern outlook on how golfers should be looked after. Why not check us out at www.pryorshayes.com.

Membership Unlike other golf clubs, Pryors Hayes members enjoy a lot of benefits to their membership fees. The ladies section have two formal and one friendly competitions a week, meeting on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The senior’s have a thriving section with up to one hundred playing every Tuesday, along with home and away team matches. Male members and juniors play Wednesday and Saturday competitions and with the freedom to play at their preferred tee times.

Membership is open all year round with no joining fees or waiting lists and with many different offers available throughout the season.

Pryors Hayes Golf Club Willington Road, Oscroft, Tarvin Chester CH3 8NL Tel : 01829 741250 / 740140 Fax: 01829 749077 info@pryors-hayes.co.uk www.pryorshayes.com

RUN N ER U P I N

GOLF CLUB OF

THE YEAR

Golf’s in full swing at

AWARD 2009

1/2 PRICE GOLF OFFER Play for half price when producing this advert

COMMENDED FOR

COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE

YEAR 2009

YEAR 2008

WEEKENDS

(Normally £60)

(Normally £80)

2 for £30

FINALIST IN MOST

WELCOMING CLUB OF THE

WEEKDAYS To book call 01829 741250 or email info@pryors-hayes.co.uk

2 for £40

Call: 01829 741250 to book quoting reference: NWGG or email info@pryors-hayes.co.uk

49

Runcorn Golf CLub

18 holes, Par 69 6048 • 5877 • 5402 Facilities: Putting Green, Practice Nets, Practice area, Professionals Shop, Golf Lessons, Club House/ Locker room etc, Restaurant, Snooker Room

Signature Hole Hole 9. Par 4, 341yds (White Tee) Probably one of the best viewing tees on the course; this tee gives the golfer a panoramic view of the 9th and 10th fairway. However, do not be fooled by the view, many dangers lie ahead. Slice the ball to the right and it will be a certain dropped shot, that’s if you manage to find the ball! For the low handicap big hitter a ditch secretly guards the green waiting for those who take it on. For the golfer who plays to the left of the fairway and is pleased with his drive, a shock awaits when he arrives at his ball only to find a giant tree on the fairway obscuring the view of the hole and the way in. Surely a magnificent hole.

Runcorn Golf Club was established in 1909 as a 9-hole course on heath land and is currently celebrating its Centenary Year.

The course continued as 9 holes until the early 1970’s when it was extended to 18 holes, this being completed in 1977.

The course, which is situated on the highest part of Runcorn, has now matured into a fine tree-lined parkland course giving easy walking with views over the Mersey and Weaver Valleys. The undulating course has superb greens that will test the best of putting skills having a variety of excellent designs and features. The course is a thorough test for all golfers and is truly a ‘hidden gem’ with visitors and societies returning annually. A friendly welcome awaits visitors and new members with fantastic food, good company and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a drink and a meal with friends or family.

How to find...

From the South via M56 exit at junction 12. Follow expressway signed Liverpool/Airport. Leave at 2nd exit following sign for Weston Village/The Heath. After 1 mile turn right at traffic lights into Clifton Road.

The Club is 300 yards on your right.

From the North via M62 head through Widnes and accross the Runcorn Widnes bridge exiting left following the Northwich sign onto the Expressway. After ½ mile take slip road exit turning left at the Polar Ford Garage onto Heath Road for one mile to traffic lights.

Turn left into Clifton Road Runcorn Golf Club The Heath, Clifton Road, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4SU Telephone: 01928 574214 Email enquiries via website www.runcorngolfclub.co.uk

RUNCORN GOLF CLUB WELCOMES New members, societies and visitors

Contact Hon secretary · 01928 574214 · secretary@runcorngolfclub.co.uk · www.runcorngolfclub.co.uk

16

50

Sandiway Golf Club

18 holes, Par 70 6404 • 6019 • 5632 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range, Buggies, Trolleys, Custom fitting, Lessons, Pro shop

How to find...

17

From M6 junction 19 take A556 (Chester) and the entrance is 10.5 miles on the left hand side of the A556.

From Chester take A51 and then A556. Bear left onto A559 to tee junction in 800 metres. Turn right over bridge & take next right that is the slip road to A556 (Chester). The entrance driveway is the next turning left in 250 metres.

Drive along the A556 on the Manchester to Chester route between the villages of Hartford and Sandiway on the Northwich bypass and you could be forgiven for missing a sign on the left that denotes Sandiway Golf Club. If you missed the sign you would have driven past the entrance to one of the finest clubs and one of the highest quality inland golf courses in the region.

Its fairways are generous, but tree-lined with mature oak, beech and birch; the classic inland course trees dominate, and the picturesque back nine offers unrivalled views of Petty Pool, an old Cheshire mere, which forms a stunning backcloth, particularly on the eleventh and twelfth holes.

The greens, although small by modern standards, are of the quality expected on a championship course.

The Clubhouse The Clubhouse was originally built in 1926 with the financial assistance of Brunner Mond and Company. Its external style followed that of a traditional Cheshire farmhouse; an insurance policy for the time. As the game thrived and the membership increased extensions and facilities were added particularly in recent years.

But the environmentally friendly appearance has been kept. It is a Clubhouse for golfers.

Sandiway has been singled out to host international, national, regional and local championships including qualifying events for the Open Championship and many more.

Sandiway Golf Club Limited The Clubhouse, Chester Road Sandiway, Northwich CW8 2DJ Telephone: 01606 883247 information@sandiwaygolf.co.uk www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk

Sandiway Golf Club Limited offer 4 ball on a Tuesday £99 – Golf only Subject to availability

Sandiway Golf Club, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich CW8 2DJ · Tel: 01606 883 247 · information@sandiwaygolf.co.uk · www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk

51

Sutton Hall Golf CLub

18 holes, Par 72 6618 • 6301 • 5643 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Practise range, Buggies, Trolleys, Changing rooms with lockers, Pro shop

Signature Holes Hole 5, 362 Yards, Par 4, “Shaws Brow” Be careful not to find one of the six bunkers on the fifth hole, which demands an accurate tee shot to set up a tough approach to a well protected green. The views of the Weaver Valley from the fifth green are truly breathtaking.

Hole 11, 455 Yards, Par 5, “Hall View” At the eleventh hole you will again experience magnificent views of the weaver valley and Frodsham Hill. A long par five downhill, don’t go right off the tee otherwise you will find dense woodland.

Sutton Hall is a beautiful parkland 18 Hole, 6618 yard, par 72 golf course. The course offers superb views over the Weaver Valley which creates an attractive backdrop to many of the holes.

Construction of Sutton Hall golf Club commenced at the beginning of 1994 with the design work undertaken by Ace Golf Ltd and course building by Michael Lowe and Associates. The course opened for play on October 14th 1995 with the clubhouse open for use in October 1996.

A great test for golfers of all ability, every hole offers a distinct challenge and you really will want to play here again. Excellent drainage means the course is playable all the year round.

How to find...

18

Sutton Hall is situated about 1 mile from the M56, between Frodsham and Runcorn. Take junction No.12, follow the sings for Frodsham. At the first set of traffic lights turn left.

Follow the road for 1/4 mile take the first right at the top of the hill (Aston Lane) the Golf Club is on your right.

Sutton Hall Golf Club, Aston Lane, Sutton Weaver Runcorn Cheshire WA7 3ED Telephone: 01928 790747 info@suttonhallgolf.co.uk www.suttonhallgolf.co.uk

Sutton Hall Golf Club

Sutton Hall Golf Club, Aston Lane, Sutton Weaver, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 3ED · Telephone: 01928 790747 · Email: info@suttonhallgolf.co.uk · Web: www.suttonhallgolf.co.uk

52

The Warrington GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 71 (73 Ladies) 6211 • 5930 • 5700 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Pro shop, Trolleys, Custom fitting, Lessons

How to find...

19

Warrington Golf Club is ideally situated on the south side of Warrington, within easy access from the M56 motorway. Its location midway between Manchester and Liverpool gives access to all major transport routes.

From the M56 junction 10 take the A49 towards Warrington.

Travel through one set of lights and across a roundabout before coming to Warrington Golf Club’s entrance on the left hand side.

The Warrington Golf Club was founded in 1903 and is located on the south side of the town. Recent improvements to the course and its woodland areas have created a course that is both a challenging test of golf and an enjoyable experience for all. The imposing clubhouse also has excellent bar and catering services for the hungry and thirsty golfer at the end of a round.

Situated less than a mile from the M56, Warrington Golf Club is easy to find and an excellent choice for the visiting golfer.

The heathland course is noted for its natural surroundings, including fine views of Lancashire, Cheshire and the Welsh hills. Superb drainage makes play possible for 52 weeks of the year, and an experienced pro shop, clubhouse and administration team ensure you will get a warm welcome and that your day will be one to remember.

Signature Holes 7th - Steeple: Teeing off from the highest part of the course, the golfer can enjoy magnificent views across Warrington and the adjoining countryside.

Although this is a relatively short Par 4, the golfer takes on the fairway bunkers at his peril.

17th - Hill Warren: Named after the land on which the course is built, this Par 5 hole challenges the golfer with bunkers and gorse making for a testing drive.

The pond just short of the green then requires the golfer to decide on whether to go for the green or lay up. Coming late in the round, this hole is a potential birdie opportunity but can also wreck the card !!

The Warrington Golf Club Hill Warren, London Road Appleton, Warrington WA4 5HR Club: 01925 261 775 Pro: 01925 265 431 secretary@warringtongolfclub.co.uk www.warringtongolfclub.co.uk

The Warrington Golf Club Secretary - 01925 261775 secretary@warringtongolfclub.co.uk www.warringtongolfclub.co.uk

Societies and visitors are assured of a warm welcome at The Warrington Golf Club

53

Vale Royal Abbey Golf CLub

18 holes, Par 71 6463 • 6160 • 5581 Facilities: Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, Banqueting Hall, Conference Facilities, Chipping Area, Putting Green, Practice Ground, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Swing Room, Pro shop

Signature Hole A worthy, but close, victor against the stunning backdrop of the 18th hole, the signature hole is the 7th. A tough dog leg left at stroke index 1.

A raised tee provides the first challenge with an intimidating drive with water to the left and woodland to the right – a mishit to either side and you are resigned to laying up short of the green with your next shot. The approach shot is to a small green, particularly for the length of the hole at 467 yards off the competition tee, which is framed by sharp contouring to the right and the beautiful Rookery Pool on the left and behind. Walk off this hole with a par and your card will be in good shape.

Vale Royal Abbey is renowned for its extremely friendly and relaxing atmosphere, welcoming visiting golfers and parties throughout the year. The course was designed by renowned British Golf Course Architect Simon Gidman, and is set amidst beautiful rolling Cheshire countryside. As such, the course enjoys breathtaking views throughout the round.

All greens are constructed to USGA specifications, which along with the naturally free draining site, enables the course to remain open all year round, irrespective of the weather conditions. All tees remain in use throughout the year eliminating the need for winter tees or mats. Each hole is individually characteristic and provides a true golfing test, requiring imaginative shot making with every club in the bag whilst remaining enjoyable to play for all standards of golfer.

How to find...

20

From junction 19 M6, take the A556 west towards Chester for approx. 10 miles, crossing the ‘Blue Bridge’ over the River Weaver, through the Pelican Crossing (right turn for Hartford).

Continue for just over a mile and move into the right hand lane.

At the bottom of the hill turn back up the other carriageway to branch off left after 400 yards (signposted Hartford, Winsford and Whitegate). At the T-junction turn right to Whitegate, Winsford and Vale Royal Abbey.

Vale Royal Abbey Whitegate Northwich Cheshire CW8 2BA Telephone: 01606 301291 events@vra.co.uk www.vra.co.uk

54

Vicars Cross Golf Club

18 holes, Par 72 6446 • 6191 • 5641 Facilities: Bar, Clubhouse Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range (covered and open bays), Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Function/Meeting Rooms

How to find...

21

From M6 junction 19 take A556 (Chester). After 15 miles A556 turns into A51 Tarvin Road and course is on the right hand side after 2 miles.

Four miles east of Chester City Centre on A51 Tarvin Road.

Vicars Cross Golf Club is a mature 18 hole parkland course of almost 6500 yards from the white tees and has a par of 72. In recent years many improvements have been made including extensive tree planting, improving fairway drainage and rebuilding the greens to USGA standards.

Members and visitors alike can now enjoy year-round golf on one of Cheshire’s most attractive courses.

The golf course architect Ken Moodie designed and oversaw the entire project using all his knowledge and experience. He introduced some very interesting, not to mention challenging, putting surfaces with bunkers strategically placed in just the right places in order to encourage accurate approach shots.

The new USGA standard greens are establishing themselves well and have received a lot of complimentary remarks.

Signature Holes Hole 7, Par 4: Considered as one of the harder par 4’s on the course, this dogleg right carries an abundance of hazards. Trees to both the left and right threaten the drive whilst a stream crossing the fairway and to the left of the green demand an accurate approach. The green is one of the largest and most undulating on the course.

Hole 18, Par 3: A short par 3 in front of the clubhouse to finish. The steeply sloping green means you have to land on the correct tier avoiding the 3 large bunkers protecting the front and sides. Anything long means one of the hardest ‘up and downs’ on the course.

Vicars Cross Golf Club Tarvin Road Great Barrow, Chester Cheshire CH3 7HN Club: 01244 335 174 Pro: 01244 335 595 manager@vicarscrossgolf.co.uk www.vicarscrossgolf.co.uk

Play 3 rounds & recieve 4th FREE (Weekday only) Quote GGNW10

Societies (12 or more) receive 2 complimentary greenfees (Weekday only) Valid for 3 months after your society visit. Quote GGNW11

Entrance Fee For a limited period we will waive our entrance fee (£500) for any new applications for Full Membership. Quote GGNW12

55

Wychwood Park Golf CLub

18 holes, Par 72 • 7213 ° 6722 • 6320 • 5618 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Driving range, chipping area and putting green, Buggies, Electric Trolleys, Equipment hire, Custom fitting, Lessons and clinics, Pro shop, Conference facilities, Hotel and Spa

Signature Holes 7th Hole, par 5, 555 yards (from blue tees) A tough par 5. This hole requires nerve off the tee, your drive must clear a nature reserve onto split fairways either side of a stream. Long second shot to a narrow target means it may be safer to lay up.

Big numbers can easily be found on this hole.

17th Hole, par 3, 216 yards (from blue tees) A long par 3 when played off the back tees, it requires a full carry of almost 200 yards to clear the water. The elevated position of the tee box makes the hole appear shorter than it is. A visually stunning hole.

Just 5 minutes from Junction 16 of the M6, Wychwood Park enjoys stunning views of the Cheshire countryside in a location accessible to both the North and South.

This European PGA tour standard course opened in 2002, and provides the ultimate challenge for golfers.

Water features throughout the course, with a number of protected wildlife areas scattered throughout.

Wychwood also contains the latest computer irrigation system ensuring the course is in the best playing condition and well presented throughout the year.

The elegant Clubhouse provides a relaxing setting before and after your game, and features the Wychwood Suite - the perfect base for Corporate days and client entertaining.

How to find...

22

From the M6 Junction 16, take the A500 toward Nantwich. At the roundabout take the A531 towards Keele and Nantwich. At the next roundabout turn left onto the A531 towards Keele.

The entrance is at the right exit on the next roundabout.

From Chester take the A51 to Nantwich until you reach the Burford Crossroads. Turn left, towards Stone and follow A500 through Shavington and Hough.

At the next roundabout take 3rd exit onto A531 towards Keele.

Wychwood Park Golf Club Weston, Crewe Cheshire CW2 5GP Telephone: 0844 980 2323 wychwood@deverevenues.co.uk www.devere.co.uk

Special mid week offer, April & May. 4 ball inc 2 buggies £120

56

Cheshire Directory

Alder Root Golf Club Alder Root Lane, Winwick Warrington, WA2 8RZ Telephone: 01925 291919 enquiries@alderrootgolfclub.com www.alderrootgolfclub.com

Astbury Golf Club Peel Lane, Astbury, Congleton, CW12 4RE Telephone: 01260 272772 admin@astburygolfclub.com www.astburygolfclub.com

Chester Golf Club Curzon Park, Chester, CH4 8AR Telephone: 01244 677760 secretary@chestergolfclub.co.uk www.chestergolfclub.co.uk

Alderley Edge Golf Club Brook Lane, Alderley Edge SK9 7RU Telephone: 0162 585583 office@aegc.co.uk www.aegc.co.uk

Birchwood Golf Club Kelvin Close, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7PB Telephone: 01925 818819 facilitiesmanager@birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk www.birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Congleton Golf Club Biddulph Road, Congleton, CW12 3LZ Telephone: 01260 273540 info@congletongolfclub.co.uk www.congletongolf.co.uk

Aldersley Green Golf Club Aldersey, Nr Chester CH3 9EH Telephone: 01829 782157 bradburygolf@aol.com www.alderseygreengolfclub.co.uk

Bramall Golf Club Ladythorn Road, Bramall, S tockport, SK7 2EY Telephone: 0161 439 6092 secretary@bramhallgolfclub.com www.bramhallgolfclub.com

Crewe Golf Club Fields Road, Haslington, Crewe, CW1 1TB Telephone: 01270 584227 secretary@crewegolfclub.co.uk www.crewegolfclub.co.uk

Altrincham Municipal Golf Club Stockport Road, Timperley, Altrincham, WA15 7LP Telephone: 0161 928 0761 enquiries@altrinchamgolfclub.org.uk www.altrinchamgolfclub.org.uk

Bramall Park Golf Club 20 Manor Road, Bramall, Stockport, SK7 3LY Telephone: 0161 485 3119 secretary@bramhallparkgolfclub.co.uk www.bramhallparkgolfclub.co.uk

Davenport Golf Club Worth Hall, Middleswood Road, Poynton, SK12 1TS Telephone: 0162 876951 Email enquiries via website www.davenportgolf.co.uk

Alvaston Hall Golf Club Middlewitch Road, Nantwich, CW5 6PD Telephone: 01270 624341 warnerweb@warnerleisurehotels.co.uk www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk

Brookfield Golf Club Hankelow, Audlem, Nr Nantwich Cheshire CW3 0JE Telephone: 012708 12991 info@brookfieldgolfclub.co.uk www.brookfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Delamere Forest Golf Club Station Road, Delamere, Northwich, CW8 2JE Telephone: 01606 883264 info@delameregolf.co.uk www.delamergolf.co.uk

Antrobus Golf Club Foggs Lane, Antrobus, Northwich, CW9 6JQ Telephone: 01925 730890 admin@antrobusgc.com www.antrobusgolfclub.co.uk

Carden Park Golf Club Carden Park, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ Telephone: 01829 731000 golf@devere.co.uk www.devere.co.uk/golf

Disley Golf Club Stanley Hall Lane, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2JX Telephone: 01663 762071 secretary@disleygolfclub.co.uk www.disleygolfclub.co.uk

Ashton-On-Mersey Golf Club Church Lane, Sale, M33 5QQ Telephone: 0161 973 3220 golf.aomgc@dbhmail.co.uk www.ashtononmerseygolfclub.co.uk

Cheadle Golf Club Shiers Drive, Cheadle Road, Cheadle, SK8 1HW Telephone: 0161 428 2160 cheadlegolfclub@msn.com www.cheadlegolfclub.com

Dukinfield Golf Club Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield, SK16 5DB Telephone: 0161 338 2340 dgclub@tiscali.co.uk www.dukinfieldgolfclub.co.uk

57

Cheshire Directory

Eaton Golf Club Guy Lane, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7PH Telephone: 01244 335885 info@eatongolfclub.co.uk www.eatongolfclub.co.uk

Hazel Grove Golf Club Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 6LU Telephone: 0161 483 3217 secretary@hazelgrovegolfclub.com www.hazelgrovegolfclub.com

Knutsford Golf Club Mereheath Lane, Knutsford, WA16 6HS Telephone: 01565 633355 secretary@knutsfordgolf.com www.basickey.com/knutsfordgolf

Ellesmere Port Golf Club Chester Road, Childer Thornton, South Wirral, CH66 1QF Telephone: 0151 339 7689 Email n/a Website n/a

Heaton Moor Golf Club Mauldeth Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3NX Telephone: 0161 432 2134 heatonmoorgolfclub@yahoo.co.uk www.heatonmoorgolfclub.co.uk

Leigh Golf Club Kenyon Hall, Culcheth, Warrington, WA3 4BG Telephone: 01925 763130 golf@leighgolf.fsnet.co.uk www.leighgolf.co.uk

Frodsham Golf Club Simons Lane, Frodsham, WA6 6HE Telephone: 01928 732159 paulw@frodshamgolf.co.uk www.frodshamgolf.co.uk

Helsby Golf Club Tower’s Lane, Helsby, Warrington, WA6 0JB Telephone: 01928 722021 secretary@helsbygolfclub.org www.helsbygolfclub.org

Lymm Golf Club Whitbarrow Road, Lymm, WA13 9AN Telephone: 01925 752177 lymmgolfclub@btconnect.com www.lymm-golf-club.co.uk

Gatley Golf Club Styal Road, Heald Green, Cheadle, SK8 3TW Telephone: 0161 437 2091 secretary@gatleygolfclub.com www.gatleygolfclub.com

Heyrose Golf Club Budworth Road, Tabley, Knutsford, WA16 0HY Telephone: 01565 733664 info@heyrosegolfclub.com www.heyrosegolfclub.com

Macclesfield Golf Club The Hollins, Macclesfield, SK11 7EA Telephone: 01625 423227 Email enquiries via website www.maccgolfclub.co.uk

Gorstyhill Golf Club Wychwood Village, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 5SQ Telephone: 01270 829166 info@gorstyhillgolf.co.uk www.gorstyhillgolf.co.uk

High Legh Park Golf Club Mere & High Legh, Warrington Road, Knutsford, WA16 0WA Telephone: 01565 830888 info@highleghpark.com www.highleghpark.com

Malkins Bank Golf Course Malkins Bank, Sandbach, CW11 4XN Telephone: 01270 765931 malkins.bank@congleton.gov.uk www.congleton.gov.uk

Hale Golf Club Rappax Road, Hale, WA15 0NU Telephone: 0161 980 4225 secretary@halegolfclub.com www.halegolfclub.com

Houldsworth Golf Club Houldsworth Street, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 6BN Telephone: 0161 442 9611 houldsworthsecretary@hotmail.co.uk www.houldsworthgolfclub.co.uk

Marple Golf Club Barnsfield Road, Hawk Green, Marple, Stockport, SK6 7EL Telephone: 0161 427 2311 secretary@marple-golf-club.co.uk www.marplegolfclub.co.uk

Hartford Golf Club Burrows Hill, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 3AP Telephone: 01606 871162 info@hartfordgolf.co.uk www.hartfordgolf.co.uk

Knights Grange Golf Club Grange Lane, Winsford, CW7 2PT Telephone: 01606 552780 mail.knightsgrangegolfclub.co.uk www.knightsgrangegolfclub.co.uk

Mellor & Townscliffe Golf Club Tarden, Gibb Lane, Mellor, Stockport, SK6 5NA Telephone: 0161 427 9700 secretary@mellorgolf.co.uk www.mellorgolf.co.uk

58

Cheshire Guide

Mere Golf & Country Club Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford, WA16 6LF Telephone: 01565 830155 enquiries@meregolf.co.uk www.meregolf.co.uk

Portal G & C C Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley, CW6 0DF Telephone: 01829 733933 Email enquiries via website www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Reddish Vale Golf Club Southcliffe Road, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 7EE Telephone: 0161 480 2359 admin@rvgc.co.uk www.reddishvalegolfclub.co.uk

Mersey Valley Golf Club Warrington Road, Bold Heath, Widnes, WA8 3XL Telephone: 0151 424 6060 Email enquiries via website www.merseyvalleygolfclub.co.uk

Portal Premier Golf Club Forest Road, Tarporley, CW6 0JA Telephone: 01829 733884 Email enquiries via website www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Ringway Golf Club Hale Mount, Hale Burns, Altrincham, WA15 8SW Telephone: 0161 904 9609 fiona@ringwaygolfclub.co.uk www.ringwaygolfclub.co.uk

Mobberley Golf Club Barleyhurst Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7JZ Telephone: 01565 880188 enquiries@mobgolfclub.co.uk www.mobgolfclub.co.uk

Poulton Park Golf Club Dig Lane, Cinnamon Brow, WA2 0SH Telephone: 01925 812034 secretary@poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk www.poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk

Romiley Golf Club Goosehouse Green, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4LY Telephone: 0161 430 2392 office@romileygolfclub.org www.romileygolfclub.org

Mollington Grange Golf Club Townfield Lane, Mollington, Chester, CH1 6NJ Telephone: 01244 851185 gail@mollingtongolfclub.co.uk www.mollingtongolfclub.co.uk

Prestbury Golf Club Macclefield Road, Prestbury, Macclesfield, SK10 4BJ Telephone: 01625 829388 office@prestburygolfclub.com www.prestburygolfclub.com

Runcorn Golf Club Clifton Road, Runcorn, WA7 4SU Telephone: 01928 572093 Email enquiries via website www.runcorngolfclub.co.uk

Moorend Golf Course & Driving Range Woodford Rd, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 1QE Telephone: 0161 440 7788 info@moorendgolf.com www.moorendgolf.com

Pryors Hayes Golf Club Willington Rd, Oscroft, Tarvin, Nr Chester, CH3 8NL Telephone: 01829 741250 info@pryors-hayes.co.uk www.pryors-hayes.co.uk

Sale Golf Club Sale Lodge, Golf Road, Sale, M33 2XU Telephone: 0161 973 3404 mail@salegolfclub.com www.salegolfclub.com

Mottram Hall Hotel Golf Club Wilmslow Road, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury, SK10 4QT Telephone: 01625 828135 Email enquiries via website www.devere-hotels.com

Queens Park Golf Club Queens Park Drive, Crewe, SW2 7SB Telephone: Email enquiries via website www.gczcg.co.uk/queenspark

Sandbach Golf Club Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1FH Telephone: 01270 762117 sec@sandbachgolfclub.co.uk www.sandbachgolfclub.co.uk

Peover Golf Club Plumley Moor Rd, Lower Peover, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 9SE Telephone: 01565 723337 mail@peovergolfclub.co.uk www.peovergolfclub.co.uk

Reaseheath Golf Club Reaseheath College, Reaseheath, Nantwich, CW5 6DF Telephone: 01270 625131 enquiries@reaseheath.ac.uk www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Sandiway Golf Club Chester Road, Sandiway, CW8 2DJ Telephone: 01606 883247 information@sandiwaygolf.co.uk www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk

59

Cheshire Guide

Shrigley Hall Hotel & C C Shrigley Park, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield, SK10 5SB Telephone: 01625 575757 shrigleyhall.golf@barcelohotels.co.uk www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk

Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club Whitegate, Northwich, CW8 2BA Telephone: 01606 301291 enquiries@vra.co.uk www.vragc.co.uk

Woodside Golf Club Knutsford Road, Holmes Chapel, CW4 8HJ Telephone: 01477 532388 info@woodsidegolf.co.uk www.woodsidegolf.co.uk

Stamford Golf Club Oakfield House, Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, SK15 3PY Telephone: 01457 832126 Email n/a www.stamfordgolfclub.co.uk

Vicars Cross Golf Club Tarvin Road, Great Barrow, Chester, CH3 7HN Telephone: 01244 335174 www.vicarscrossgolf.co.uk manager@vicarscrossgolf.co.uk

Wychwood Park Weston, Cheshire, CW2 5GP Telephone: 01270 820336 wychwood@deverevenues.co.uk www.deverevenues.co.uk

Stockport Golf Club Offerton Road, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 5HL Telephone: 0161 427 2001 info@stockportgolf.co.uk www.stockportgolf.co.uk

Walton Hall Golf Club Warrington Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 5LU Telephone: 01925 266775 pro_shop@waltonhallgolfclub.co.uk www.waltonhallgolfclub.co.uk

Styal Golf Club Station Road, Styal, SK9 4JN Telephone: 01625 531359 gtraynor@styalgolf.co.uk www.styalgolf.co.uk

Warrington Golf Club Hill Warren, Appleton, WA4 5HR Telephone: 01925 261620 duncan@warringtongolfclub.co.uk www.warringtongolfclub.co.uk

Sutton Hall Golf Club Aston Lane, Sutton Weaver, WA7 3ED Telephone: 01928 790747 info@suttonhallgolf.co.uk www.suttonhallgolf.co.uk

Werneth Low Golf Club Werneth Low Road, Gee Cross, Hyde, SK14 3AF Telephone: 0161 368 2503 admin@wernethlowgolf.co.uk www.wernethlowgolf.co.uk

The Tytherington Golf Club Macclesfield, SK10 2JP Telephone: 01625 506000 Email enquiries via website www.theclubcompany.com

Widnes Golf Club Highfield Road, Widnes, WA8 7DT Telephone: 0151 424 2440 office@widnesgolfclub.co.uk www.widnes-golfclub.co.uk

Upton-By-Chester Golf Club Upton Lane, Chester, CH2 1EE Telephone: 01244 381183 secretary@uptonbychestergolfclub.co.uk www.uptonbychestergolfclub.co.uk

Wilmslow Golf Club Great Warford, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7AY Telephone: 01565 872148 info@wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk www.wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk

60

Greater Manchester INTRODUCTION

Greater Manchester The area of Greater Manchester takes in the city itself, but also the surrounding towns of Bolton, Bury, Wigan, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Altrincham, and Oldham. A few short years ago it would have been laughable to suggest that the Manchester area could provide an enjoyable tourism experience, but a cultural renaissance has taken place that has transformed this industrial region into a vibrant centre of culture and the arts.

Sophisticated and stylish, Manchester is the original 24-hour party city. From fine dining and chic hotels to cutting-edge clubs and bars and the world’s most progressive music scene, Manchester is always buzzing.

The shopping here is legendary. With exclusive independent boutiques in the

61

Greater Manchester INTRODUCTION

M-6

M-61 Rochdale

Bury

M-66

M-62

Bolton Oldham

Wigan & Leigh

M-60 Salford

M-58

Tameside

M-602 Manchester

01 Trafford

M-62

M-60 Stockport

02 M-56

01.

02.

03.

Didsbury Dunham Forest Withington

M-67

03

M-6

funky Northern Quarter, prestigious designer stores lining the handsome King Street and every conceivable type of market, you can shop to suit any budget. The is also the large indoor “Trafford Centre�, which has over 250 shopping outlets, a large food hall and impressive 20 screen cinema complex.

The past, the present and the future are intertwined in this city; historical landmarks complement bold, contemporary designs.

World-class live events, international sporting competitions, and award-winning museums and galleries make Manchester one of the most entertaining places in the world. Add to this the passion of two top premiership football clubs, and it’s no wonder Manchester is a place like no other.

62

Didsbury GolF Club

18 holes, Par 70 (72 Ladies) 6212 • 6010 • 5618 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Practice Area, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Conference Facilities

How to find...

From the M56, continue towards Manchester until M56 turns into A5103. Take the exit toward Northenden/ B5166. Turn right at B5167/ Wythenshawe Road, turn right at B5166/Church Road.

Continue onto Ford Lane

01

Didsbury Golf Club is an attractive and ‘easy walking’ 18-hole parkland course located alongside the River Mersey. Founded in 1891, Course Architects include Alistair MacKenzie (1921), with redesigns by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas (1973). As well as being one of the busiest private member clubs in South Manchester , Didsbury GC is a popular venue for visiting parties with its relatively flat terrain and friendly atmosphere offering a good golfing challenge to all levels and handicaps.

Didsbury Golf Club is renowned for its friendly yet competitive atmosphere. It enjoys some of the best practice facilities in South Manchester, together with professional tuition supervised by the England & Cheshire County PGA Coach, Peter Barber. Didsbury Golf Club offers its Members and Visitors alike a haven of tranquillity within the city boundaries.

New USGA specification greens In May 2009 Didsbury GC proudly opened two new greens on Holes 1 and 13. The new greens have been built to USGA specification and designed by leading UK agronomist Peter Jones.

The first hole is 173 yards in length with a tree lined approach. Peter Jones designed a generous sized green for the golfer’s first shot of the day, however two large riveted bunkers guarding the approach and run-offs into swales to the rear of this raised green have been strategically positioned to catch the golfer who is not quite warmed up!

Didsbury Golf Club Ford Lane, Northenden, Manchester M22 4NQ Club: 0161 998 9278 Pro: 0161 998 2811 golf@didsburygolfclub.com www.didsburygolfclub.com

Great reasons for Ladies to join our club • Active Ladies Section with equal opportunities • Didsbury GC offer Ladies the opportunity to join as Full Members and play 7 days a week • Ladies compete with Men in all Club Events • Currently 25% discount offer on 2010/11 Subscription for all new lady members Didsbury Golf Club offers some of the best Teaching and Practice Facilities in the South Manchester area. Group Coaching Classes for Ladies

Visit our website www.didsburygolfclub.com for more details, or call us on 0161 998 9278

63

Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club

18 holes, Par 72 6630 • 6322 • 5769 Facilities: Driving range, Practice ground, Practice and Putting green, Golf lessons, Buggies and Trolleys for hire, Clubhouse with restaurant

Signature Holes 4th: When the trees are in full leaf the drive at this exacting par four, seems narrower than it really is.

A perfect tee shot presents you with a superb view looking toward the green and the clubhouse. Stray off line with your long approach and strategically placed bunkers left and right are waiting.

14th: This par 5 is often thought of as the signature hole. A long draw gains the benefit of added run down the hill making the hole in range. The beautiful setting of the two tiered green may not be appreciated after a wayward shot. Deep bunkers and dense undergrowth can soon rack up a bogey or worse on this hole.

This stunning 18 hole championship parkland golf course was designed by John Bealey and modified by ex-Ryder Cup player and top international golf course designer Dave Thomas. He designed it to follow the picturesque contours of the natural landscape you would expect in Cheshire.

Dunham Forest will excite, tantalize, frustrate, intrigue and, if given due consideration and treated patiently, reward golfers of all levels and capabilities. It is set amongst some truly stunning wooded parkland with tree-lined fairways that demand accuracy from the tee.

The approaches to the greens are no easier, as they are well-guarded overall, and will test your approach shots. Sprawling for 6630 yards, the par of 72 is a good indication of the challenges to be found on this course.

How to find...

02

From the M56 signposted Altrincham, take exit 7 ignoring the signs for Dunham Massey.

Continue along the A556 until you see the signs for Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club, on your left hand side.

From the M6, take junction 19 towards Altrincham. Continue along the A556 until you see the signs for Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club, on your left hand side.

Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club Oldfield Lane, Altrincham Cheshire WA14 4TY Club: 0161 928 2605 Pro: 0161 928 2727 enquiries@dunhamforest.com www.dunhamforest.com

Visitors welcome during the week & weekends.

To check availability, please telephone the Professional Shop on 0161 928 2727.

Please quote GG10 when booking for a 20% discount Monday to Friday or 10% discount at the weekends.

April & May offers

Society and Corporate packages available.

For further information please telephone the Club office on 0161 928 2605 ext. 3 or email enquiries@dunhamforest.com

64

Withington GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 71 6388 • 6072 • 5692 Facilities: Buggies, Trolleys, Putting green, Pro shop, Golf lessons, Bar and catering

How to find...

03

Next to the M60 and M56, on the B5167 (Palatine Road) from Northenden to Manchester.

A splendid parkland course located along the winding and very picturesque River Mersey, just 5 miles from the City centre with easy access from the motorway system and Manchester International Airport. A par 71 at 6,388 yards in length it offers a challenge to the most discerning player and at the same time is a pleasure for the higher handicapper.

The lush tree lined fairways and manicured greens have been described as the best in the Greater Manchester area.

Withington Golf Club is a perfect venue for Society and Company Days or even a day away from your own club with your usual Four-Ball. Packages can be tailored to suit all your requirements, however large or small. Help and advice is available with regard to the format of your golf competition, your catering and even the services of our PGA Professional.

The Course The first hole is a moderately short but tricky par 3 of 156 yards followed by two longish par 4s. The par 5 fifth is considered one of the finest golf holes in the North West which requires a combination of both skill and accuracy.

From hereon you will begin to settle down and enjoy your game and the beauty of your surroundings until you arrive at the daunting 14th, the stroke index 1, where Withington Golf Club begins its sting in the tail. The 16th is one of the longest par 5s in Cheshire and requires three good shots to the green and the 17th and 18th are two particularly good par 4s to finish.

Withington Golf Club 243 Palatine Road West Didsbury Manchester M20 2UE Telephone: 0161 445 9544 secretary@withingtongolfclub.co.uk www.withingtongolfclub.co.uk Pro Shop: 0161 445 4861 stevemarrgolf@btinternet.com

Withington

Memberships available

No Joining Fee. Subscriptions frozen for 2010

Half Price Subscription for Ladies

There’s never been a better time for ladies to become a full member of Withington Golf Club. When two Ladies join at the same time, they pay just 50% each of the normal subscription.

Golf Societies in 2010

Golf Club

Book your Golf Society or Corporate Golf Day Monday to Thursday and receive free bacon sandwich & coffee on arrival. Please quote SGP10.

the way golf should be...

65

Greater Manchester Directory

Ashton-In-Makerfield Golf Club Garswood Park, Liverpool Road, Ashton-In-Makerfield, WN4 0YT Telephone: 01942 727267 secretary@aston-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk www.ashton-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Breightmet Golf Club Red Bridge, Ainsworth, Bolton, BL2 5PA Telephone: 01204 527381 secretary@breightmetgolfclub.co.uk www.breightmetgolfclub.co.uk

Deane Golf Club Off Junction Road, Deane, Bolton, BL3 4NS Telephone: 01204 61944 sandy@deanegolfclub.com www.deanegolfclub.co.uk

Ashton-Under-Lyne Golf Club Gorsey Way, Hurst, Ashton-Under-Lyne, OL6 9HT Telephone: 0161 330 1537 info@ashtongolfclub.co.uk www.ashtongolfclub.co.uk

Brookdale Golf Club Medlock Road, Woodhouses, Failsworth, M35 9WQ Telephone: 0161 681 4534 Email enquiries via website www.brookdalegolf.co.uk

Denton Golf Club Manchester Road, Denton, M34 2NU Telephone: 0161 336 3218 info@dentongolfclub.com www.dentongolfclub.com

Blackley Golf Club Victoria Avenue, Manchester, M9 6HW0 Telephone: 0161 643 2980 office@blackley golfclub.com www.blackleygolfclub.com

Bury Golf Club Unsworth Hall, Blackford Bridge, Bury, BL9 9TJ Telephone: 0161 766 4897 secretary@burygolfclub.com www.burygolfclub.com

Didsbury Golf Club Ford Lane, Northenden, Manchester, M22 4NQ Telephone: 0161 998 9278 golf@didsburygolfclub.com www.didsburygolfclub.com

Bolton Golf Club Lostock Park, Bolton, BL6 4AJ Telephone: 01204 843067 secretary@boltongolfclub.co.uk www.boltongolfclub.co.uk

Castle Hawk Golf Club Chadwick Lane, Castleton, Rochdale, OL11 3BY Telephone: 01706 640841 Email enquiries via website www.castlehawk.co.uk

Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club Oldfield Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4TY Telephone: 0161 928 2605 enquiries@dunhamforest.com www.dunhamforest.com

Bolton Old Links Golf Club Charley Old Road, Monsterrat, Bolton, BL1 5SU Telephone: 01204 842307 secretary@boltonoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk www.boltonoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk

Chorlton-Cum-Hardy Golf Club Barlow Hall, Barlow Hall Road, M21 7JJ Telephone: 0161 881 3139 chorltongolf@hotmail.com www.chorltoncumhardygolfclub.co.uk

Dunscar Golf Club Longsworth Lane, Bromley Cross, Bolton, BL7 9QY Telephone: 01204 598228 dunscargolfclub@uk2.net www.dunscargolfclub.co.uk

Boysnope Park Golf Club Liverpool Road, Barton Moss, Eccles, Manchester, M30 7RF Telephone: 0161 707 6125 boysnope@btconnect.com www.boysnopegolfclub.co.uk

Crompton & Royton Golf Club High Barn, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6RW Telephone: 0161 624 2154 secretary@cromptonandroytongolfclub.co.uk www.cromptonandroytongolfclub.co.uk

Ellesmere Golf Club Old Clough Lane, Worsley, Manchester, M28 7HZ Telephone: 0161 790 2122 honsec.egc@btconnect.com www.ellesmeregolfclub.co.uk

Brackley Municipal Golf Club Bullows Road, Little Hulton, Worsley, M38 9TR Telephone: 0161 790 6076 secretary@blackleygolfclub.com www.blackleygolfclub.com

Davyhulme Park Golf Club Gleneagles Road, Davyhulme, M41 8SA Telephone: 0161 748 2260 info@davyhulmeparkgolfclub.co.uk www.davyhulmeparkgolfclub.co.uk

Fairfield Golf & Sailing Club Booth Road, Audenshaw, Manchester, M34 5GA Telephone: 0161 370 1641 manager@fairfieldgolfclub.co.uk www.fairfieldgolfclub.co.uk

66

Greater Manchester Directory

Flixton Golf Club Church Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 6EP Telephone: 0161 748 2116 flixtongolfclub@mail.com www.flixtongolfclub.co.uk

Hindley Hall Golf Club Hall Lane, Hindley, Wigan, WN2 2SQ Telephone: 01942 525020 Email enquiries via website www.hindleyhallgolfclub.co.uk

Northenden Golf Club Palatine Road, Manchester, M22 4FR Telephone: 0161 998 4738 manager@northendengolfclub.com www.northendedgolfclub.com

Great Lever & Farnsworth Golf Club Plodder Lane, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0LQ Telephone: 01204 656493 Email enquiries via website www.greatleverfarnworthgolfclub.co.uk

Horwich Golf Club Victoria Road, Horwich, BL6 5PH Telephone: 01204 696980 Email n/a Website n/a

North Manchester Golf Club Rhodes House, Manchester Old Road, Middleton, Manchester, M24 4PE Telephone: 0161 634 9033 tee@nmgc.co.uk www.northmanchestergolfclub.co.uk

Greenmount Golf Club Greenmount, Bury, BL8 4LH Telephone: 01204 883712 secretary@greenmountgolfclub.co.uk www.greenmountgolfclub.co.uk

Lobden Golf Club Whitworth, Rochdale, OL12 8XF Telephone: 01706 343228 golf@lobdengolfclub.co.uk www.lobdengolfclub.co.uk

Oldham Golf Club Lees New Road, Oldham, OL4 4EN Telephone: 0161 624 4986 Email n/a www.oldhamgolfclub.com

Haigh Hall Golf Club Haigh Hall Country Park, Haigh, Wigan, WN2 1PE Telephone: 01942 833337 secretray@haighhall-golfclub.co.uk haighhallgolfclub.users.btopenworld.com

Lowes Park Golf Club Hilltop, Lowes Road, Bury, BL9 6SU Telephone: 0161 764 1231 secretary@lowesparkgc.co.uk www.lowesparkgc.co.uk

Pennington Golf Club Pennington Country Park, Leigh, WN7 3PB Telephone: 01942 682852 info@penningtongolfclub.co.uk www.penningtongolfclub.co.uk

Hart Common Golf Club, Wigan Road, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 2BX Telephone: 01942 818445 secretary@hartcommongolfclub.co.uk www.hartcommongolfclub.co.uk

Manchester Golf Club Hopwood Cottage, Rochdale Road, Middleton, Manchester, M24 2QP Telephone: 0161 643 3202 secretary@mangc.co.uk www.mangc.co.uk

Pike Fold Golf Club Hills Lane, Pole Lane, Unsworth, Bury, BL9 8QP Telephone: 0161 766 3561 Email enquiries via website www.pikefold.co.uk

Harwood Golf Club Springfield, Roading Brook Road, Bolton, BL2 4JD Telephone: 01204 522878 info@harwoodgolfclub.co.uk www.harwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Manor Golf Club Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8SF Telephone: 01204 701027 Email enquiries via website www.manorgolfclub.co.uk

Prestwich Golf Club Hilton Lane, Prestwich, M25 9XB Telephone: 0161 773 2544 prestwichgolf@btconnect.com www.prestwichgolf.co.uk

Heaton Park Golf Club Heaton Park, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 5SW Telephone: 0161 654 9899 secretary@heatonparkgolfclub.co.uk www.heatonparkgolfclub.co.uk

Marland Golf Club Springfield Park, Bolton Road, Rochdale, OL11 4RE Telephone: 01706 49801 Email n/a www.spgc.org

Regent Park (Bolton) Golf Club Links Road, Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL2 9XX Telephone: 01204 844170 regent.park@btopenworld.com www.regentparkgolfclub.co.uk

67

Greater Manchester Directory

Rochdale Golf Club Edenfield Road, Bagslate, Rochdale, OL11 5YR Telephone: 01706 646024 Email enquiries via website www.rochdalegolfclub.co.uk

Walmersley Golf Club Garrett’s Close, Walmersley, Bury, BL9 6TE Telephone: 0161 764 1429 Email enquiries via website www.walmersleygolfclub.co.uk

Withington Golf Club 243 Palatine Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2UE Telephone: 0161 445 3912 secretary@withingtongolfclub.co.uk www.withingtongolfclub.co.uk

Saddleworth Golf Club Mountain Ash, Uppermill, Oldham, OL3 6LT Telephone: 01457 873653 secretary@saddleworthgolfclub.org.uk www.saddleworthgolfclub.org.uk

Werneth Golf Club Green Lane, Garden Surburb, Oldham, OL8 3AZ Telephone: 0161 624 1190 secretary@wernethgolfclub.co.uk www.wernethgolfclub.co.uk

Worsley Golf Club Stableford Avenue, Monton Green, Eccles, Manchester, M30 8AP Telephone: 0161 789 4202 secretary@worsleygolfclub.co.uk www.worsleygolfclub.co.uk

Stand Golf Club The Dales, Ashbourne Grove, Whitfield, Manchester, M45 7NL Telephone: 0161 766 2388 Email enquiries via website www.standgolfclub.co.uk

Westhoughton Golf Club Long Island, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3BE Telephone: 01942 811085 Nonsec.wgc@btconnect.com www.westhoughtongolfclub.co.uk

Worsley (Marriott) Park Golf Club Worsley Park, Manchester, M28 2QT Telephone: 0161 975 2000 Email enquiries via website www.marriott.co.uk

Swinton Park Golf Club East Lancashire Road, Swinton, Manchester, M27 5LX Telephone: 0161 794 1785 info@spgolf.com www.spgolf.co.uk

Whitefield Golf Club Higher Lane, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 7EZ Telephone: 0161 351 2700 enquiries@whitefieldgolfclub.com www.whitefieldgolfclub.co.uk

Tunshill Golf Club Kiln Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale, OL16 3TS Telephone: 01706 342095 tunshillgolfclub@btconnect.com www.tunshillgolfclub.co.uk

Whittaker Golf Club Littleborough, OL5 0LH Telephone: 01706 378310 admin@whittakergolfclub.co.uk www.whittakergolfclub.co.uk

Turton Golf Club Wood End Farm, off Hospital Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton, BL7 9QD Telephone: 01204 852235 info@turtongolfclub.com www.turtongolfclub.com

Wigan Golf Club Arley Hall, Haigh, Wigan, WN1 2UH Telephone: 01257 421360 info@wigangolfclub.co.uk www.wigangolfclub.co.uk

Valynette Golf Club Grimeford Road, Blackrod, Bolton, BL6 5LD, Telephone: 01257 480485 Email n/a Website n/a

William Wroe Golf Club Pennybridge Lane, Flixton, Manchester, M31 3DL Telephone: 0161 748 8680 info@traffordleisure.co.uk www.traffordleisure.co.uk

68

Lancashire INTRODUCTION

Lancashire With two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty full of dramatic scenery and quiet lanes, the summer months provide the perfect opportunity to explore Lancashire’s undiscovered countryside.

This Royal Duchy is full of ancient castles and picturesque stone-built villages.

It’s also home to some of the country’s favourite seaside resorts, including Blackpool - Europe’s biggest and brightest, and the perfect destination for families.

Make sure you work up an appetite too, as Lancashire is packed with award winning restaurants and inns with brilliant beer gardens. From Morecambe Bay potted shrimps to Bowland beef, Lancashire’s skilled chefs know how to make the most of the abundant store cupboard on their doorstep.

Just six miles from the bright lights of Blackpool, Lytham and St Annes-on-Sea, Fylde, are worlds apart in both character and atmosphere.

The dual seaside towns are nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline lined with well tended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks. The rolling sand dunes of St Annes-onSea and the Ribble Estuary adjacent to Lytham make a safe haven for more than 250,000 migrating birds that flock here in winter.

Some of the world’s most famous golf tournaments take place at Lancashire’s celebrated Links Courses, which stretch along the renowned Lancashire Golf Coast.

Luckily for any golf enthusiasts out there, many of the best courses are also open to the public, so you can test your ability with the challenges that links courses are famous for – tricky winds, sand dunes, small, deep bunkers, uneven fairways and thick rough.

69

Lancashire INTRODUCTION

M-6

Area Map

Morcambe Lancaster

Cleetwood

Poulton-Le-Fylde

Colne Nelson

03

Blackpool 06 Lytham

M-55 Burnley

05 01

02

Preston

Blackburn

M-65 Leyland

Eccleston

Chorley

04 M-61 M-6 Skelmersdale

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

Royal Lytham & St. Annes Fairhaven Herons’ Reach Hurlston Hall Lytham Green Drive St. Annes Old Links

Accrington

70

Open Championship Course Royal Lytham & St. Annes

Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club

Venue for The Open Championship in 2012 and the Walker Cup in 2015, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club sits between the two seaside resorts of Lytham St Annes and Blackpool, and is one of the most unique venues to host the British Open. A truly magnificent course situated in the heart of a stunning Victorian estate, and one which locals are extremely proud of.

71

Open Championship Course Photographs by Alan C. Birch

The layout of Royal Lytham & St Annes has remained faithful to the original created by the clubs first professional, George Lowe, over a century ago. The only significant changes were made in 1919 when the club asked Harry Colt, the pre-eminent course designer of the time to make recommendations for improvement.

Over the next four years he repositioned some of the greens and tees added numerous bunkers and lengthened the course. It is not a conventionally beautiful golf course, surrounded as it is by suburban housing and flanked by a railway line, but it has a charm all of its own. It is a Links course that is a long way from the sea yet close enough for the sea breeze to have an effect on one’s game and was aptly described by Bernard Darwin, the leading golf writer of the thirties, as ‘a beast of a course, but a just beast’. He went on to say that ‘no one could fail to be impressed by its difficulties, which sets a golfer just about as ruthless as an examination as any course of my acquaintance’.

Ryder Cup Captain Mark James wrote “ And Lytham was set up magnificently in 2001 (for the Open Championship), perfect for the world’s premier golfing event. I do not think they could have prepared that course better. It was a perfect combination of width of fairways, length of rough and pace and

Royal Lytham & St. Annes

quality of greens. It should be used as a model for future Opens. Everyone who knows Lytham knew that it would be the one course where Tiger Woods would not have a big advantage because of the distance he hits, as there are relatively few holes where you can carry the trouble. Tiger could not tame it”.

It is renowned as a course on which it is hard to scramble a good score, after all, there are

200 bunkers peppering the fairways and surrounding the greens. It may not be the longest of courses but it is one where careful thought and accurate shots are required.

As Darwin wrote, ‘hit your ball to the right place and the way to the hole is open to you, but hit your ball to the wrong place and every kind of punishment, whether immediate or ultimate, will ensue’.

How to find...

From the M55 direction of Airport Progress Way to Squires Gate Land (A5230) At 3rd set of Traffic Lights turn left for Lytham St Annes you are now on the A584 proceed past Pontins Holiday Centre, at the 3rd set of traffic lights (St Thomas Road) turn left over railway bridge, Royal Lytham situated on your right at next junction Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club Links Gate, Lytham St Annes, FY8 3LQ Telephone: 01253 724206 bookings@royallytham.org www.royallytham.org

01

72

Fairhaven Golf Club

18 holes · Par 73 (72 Blue, 75 Red) • 7015 ° 6787 • 6562 • 6002 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Function/Meeting Rooms

How to find...

02

From the M6, exit junction 32 to M55/Blackpool. Leave M55 at junction 4, take the A583 exit.

At roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A583/Preston New Rd, at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Lytham Saint Annes Way. At 2nd roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto School Road. Turn left at B5261 onto Common Edge Road at lights. At next traffic lights turn right at B5261 onto Blackpool Rd. Turn left, immediately after zebra crossing, at Forest Drive. Turn 1st left at Oakwood Ave. Turn 1st right into Fairhaven Golf Club.

Recognised by the hierarchy of golf as one of the best courses in Northern England, Fairhaven has much to offer visiting golfers, whatever their handicap. Fairhaven is not only a beautiful place to play golf but fully lives up to its designation as a ‘Championship’ course originally designed by James Braid. Professional golf at Fairhaven started back in 1934 when the course played host to the ‘Penfold’ Tournament.

Signature Holes

The course is an unusual blend of links and parkland which is relatively flat. This makes it not too strenuous to walk around and allows complete vision of each hole from tee to green.

It is consistently maintained and presented to the highest standard, presenting a fair challenge to golfers of all abilities, featuring the ‘risk & reward’ elements of negotiating the 118 deep revetted bunkers for which Fairhaven is famous.

18th - Kendbal’s Lodge - 515 yds - par 5 A classic finishing hole, it can reward the brave and punish the nervous. For long hitters a good line is over the right edge of the left-hand bunkers. This brings the green into range for a second shot, which must be hit straight to avoid trees, bunkers and the out of bounds.

1st - Hall Drive - 520 yds - Par 5 Listed and described in ‘Golf World’ as one of the top ten opening holes in Great Britain & Ireland.

In many ways this past Open Championship final qualifying course’s opener is the perfect par 5.

Fairhaven Golf Club Oakwood Avenue, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 4JU Telephone: 01253 736 741 info@fairhavengolfclub.co.uk www.fairhavengolfclub.co.uk

Golf Day’s - Summer 2010 Parties of 12 or more. Monday - Friday. 1st April - 30th September 2010.

Please contact the Club Secretary who can tailor your day to suit your requirements.

Steer Golf Day. £65 per person

Braid Golf Day. £80 per person

• Coffee & Breakfast Sandwich on arrival • 18 holes • 2 course dinner

• Coffee & Breakfast Sandwich on arrival • 9/18 holes • Golfers lunch • 18 holes • 2 course dinner

73

Herons’ Reach golf Club

18 holes · Par 72 6628 • 6330 • 5680 Facilities: Memberships Available, Society Golf, Corporate Golf Days, Professional Tuition, USGA Standard, Practice Facility, PGA Golf Academy, 17 Bay Floodlit Driving Range, Chipping and Putting Greens, Buggy and Trolley Hire

Signature Holes The signature hole 16th – Although just a Par 3, the course signature hole is the start of the final 3 holes that could make or break a great score. The 16th is 167 yards off the medal tees and normally played into the prevailing wind.

Stood on the tee you are faced with a hole that has out of bounds on the left and right and a lake that is situated down the entire left side of the hole. There are also two bunkers guarding the green, front right and mid left. The hole location can play anything from 157yds to 193yds due to the 40 yard long, undulating green that slopes quite severely down towards the lake.

Set amongst 236 acres of Parkland and lakes and designed in 1994 by former Ryder Cup player and current BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss and former Ryder cup player and course architect Clive Clark. A true test of golf. A par 72 with narrow fairways and USGA specification greens with subtle breaks and borrows. The course also boasts 12 water features and has three tee colours to challenge every level of player.

Located just 4 miles from Blackpool’s town centre and the famous Blackpool Tower can be seen at various points of the course – with the best view when playing the 14th hole.

Herons’ Reach has held numerous PGA North Region Championship events over the past decade, with previous winners such as Paul Eales and Phillip Archer.

It will also see a return of the championship in 2010.

How to find...

03

Exit the M55 motorway at junction 4, signposted North Shore and A583. Keep left and move into the inside lane. Go straight over the roundabout (pass a B & Q store on the right), at the first set of traffic lights turn right, then immediately left down Peel Road. Continue until you reach a T-junction, turn right onto Ballam Road, and the club is 1½ miles on the left.

Herons’ Reach Golf Club East Park Drive Blackpool Lancashire FY3 8LL Telephone: 01253 838 866 Email enquiries via website www.devere.co.uk

FROM £100 per four ball* Includes a warm up basket of balls

Offer ends 31st May 2010. Quote “Spring10” *Subject to availability

74

Hurlston Hall Golf Club

18 holes · Par 72 (75 Ladies) • 6701 ° 6540 • 6328 • 5882 Facilities: Spa, Leisure Club, Bar, Restaurant, Spike Bar, Bistro, Floodlit Driving Range, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

How to find...

04

From M6, exit at junction 26 onto M58 Skelmersdale/ Liverpool. Exit junction 3 to St Helens/Southport. At roundabout take 3rd exit onto A570/Rainford Road heading to Southport/Ormskirk. Turn left at A577/Park Road. Turn left at A577/Church Street. Continue onto A570/Southport Road, turn right at Hurlston Lane.

Classical golfing values underpin the philosophy of Hurlston Hall designer Donald Steel. His desire to blend his courses imperceptibly into the surrounding landscape is never more evident than here. The emphasis of this 18 hole, 135 acre, par 72 course is enjoyment. The strategic use of natural elevation, well placed traps and the finely sculptured contours of the greens present an inspiring challenge.

There is always the opportunity to card a personal best, however the slightest hint of a hook or slice could result in a battle for respectability. The beautifully manicured practice putting area and a driving range fully equipped with Power Tee© capability provide the perfect pre-match limber up. To satisfy your undoubted appetite the clubhouse provides a diverse range of dining options with which to round out the perfect day of golf.

Signature Holes 10th, Par 4, 421 yards, ‘Hallowed Ground’ An extremely difficult par 4 with a pond down the right hand side of the fairway and then a pond in the middle of the fairway which you have to carry for your second shot. The green is a two tier green with a huge bunker on the right hand side. One to remember!

15th, Par 4, 420 yards, ‘The Long Furlong’ From the tee the views are rather special. Down the gentle slope this fairway goes right and then left into the largest green on the course. There are trees down both sides of the fairway. It is out of bounds the full length of the hole down the left hand side.

Hurlston Hall Golf & Country Club Hurlston Lane, Scarisbrick, Lancashire, L40 8HB Telephone: 01704 840 400 info@hurlstonhall.co.uk www.hurlstonhall.co.uk

SPECIAL

CLASSIC

Coffee and Bacon Baps 18 Holes of Golf 2 Course Meal

Coffee and Bacon Baps 18 Holes of Golf 2 Course Meal

Weekday £41.50 · Weekend £46.50

Weekday £48.00 · Weekend £52.00

CHALLENGE

PRESTIGE

Coffee and Bacon Baps 18 Holes of Golf 2 Course Meal

Coffee and Bacon Baps 9 Holes of Golf · Soup and Sandwiches, 18 Holes of Golf · 3 Course Dinner

Weekday £44 · Weekend £50

For further information telephone: 01704 840400 Email:info@hurlstonhall.co.uk. – www.hurlstonhall.co.uk

Weekday £52.00 · Weekend £57.00

75

Lytham Green Drive

18 holes, Par 70 (Men) 74 (Ladies) 6817 • 6330 • 5680 Facilities: Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Signature Holes The front nine is arguably easier than the back nine but the first hole could start the round off on the wrong foot. This 398-yard gentle dog-leg has an out of bounds on the right, trees to the left and a well-bunkered green with a pond at the rear. Two well-placed bunkers on the right of the fairway will catch any crooked drives.

The thirteenth hole is named “Harold’s Beck” after the club’s famous professional and renowed club maker Harold Beck.

It is an extremely picturesque Par-3 and worthy of being the signature hole.

Laid out by 1902 Open Champion, Alex Herd, and re-designed

by James Steer in the 1940’s, at first sight Lytham Green Drive is a pleasant tree-lined course, which although within a mile of the Irish Sea still retains parkland characteristics.

The greens are small by modern standards, and very well bunkered. This parkland course also has links-like undulating fairways that can fool the eye when it comes to judging distance. Despite its modest length, the course demands a wide variety of golf shots and will make you use just about every club in your bag, with its assortment of different challenges and approaches to most greens. This formidable little test was officially recognised when it was used as a Final Qualifying course for the 1974, 1979 and 1988 Open Championships held at nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.

How to find...

05

Exit the M55 motorway at junction 4, signposted North Shore and A583. Keep left and move into the inside lane. Go straight over the roundabout (pass a B & Q store on the right), at the first set of traffic lights turn right, then immediately left down Peel Road. Continue until you reach a T-junction, turn right onto Ballam Road, and the club is 1½ miles on the left.

Lytham Green Drive Golf Club, Ballam Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 4LE Telephone: 01253 737390 secretary@lythamgreendrive.co.uk www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk

Open Day Sunday 25th April 2010 Renowned for having the friendliest welcome in the Fylde, call in and visit our beautiful course and facilities.

Membership packages available for Families & Couples.

1913

For further information please contact the Secretary: Telephone: 01253 737390. Email: secretary@lythamgreendrive.co.uk

76

St. Annes OLD LINKS

18 holes, Par 72 6684 • 6410 • 6177 Facilities: Golf studio, Clubhouse, Putting Green, Bar, Catering,Function Rooms

How to find...

06

From the M55 direction of Airport Progress Way to Squires Gate Land (A5230) At 3rd set of Traffic Lights turn left for Lytham St Annes you are now on the A584 proceed past Pontins Holiday Centre take the 3rd road on the left (Highbury Road), over the Railway Bridge, Old Links Golf Club is situated immediately on your left.

Since 1901, St Annes Old Links Golf Club has offered the purest of links experiences, its fairways nestled between dunes and subject to the unpredictable weather. As early as 1910, Golf Gossip spoke of the club’s “atmosphere of hospitality” - and little has changed to this day. The quintessential links course has seen action as an Open Qualifying Course for Royal Lytham since 1926 and has also staged tournaments such as the English Ladies Amateur Championship.

Golfers of all levels will be put to the test by the westerly winds, as well as four ponds which influence six of the course’s holes. St Annes Old Links is a demanding course and as traditional and historic as they come. The Professional shop at St Annes Old Links Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the best stocked golf outlets in the North West.

Signature Holes Every hole has its own characteristics, of which the 9th, par 3, 173 yards (extended from 169 yards in 2010) is perhaps the best known. Bobby Jones, when playing here (and winning) in the 1926 Open, was so impressed with this hole that, according to reports of the day, took detailed measurements in order to reproduce a hole of similar nature in America. The green is 46 yards long and 15 yards at its widest point, surrounded by sand dunes and eight pot bunkers. Perhaps at Augusta there is a hole that owes something to the 9th at the Old Links! The purists often rate the 447-yard 7th hole as the most difficult on the course, particularly when played into the teeth of the prevailing westerly wind.

St Anne’s Old Links Golf Club Ltd Highbury Road East St Anne’s On Sea Lancashire FY8 2LD Telephone: 01253 723 597 secretary@stannesoldlinks.com www.stannesoldlinks.com

Available Tee Times in Forthcoming Open Competitions: Ladies Summer Open Team (4) – Weds 9 June £50 per team Ladies Autumn Open Team (4) – Weds 8 Sept £50 per team Summer Open Mixed – Sunday 25 July £40 per pair Autumn Open Mixed – Sunday 26 Sept £40 per pair The Old Links Trophy – Sun 5 Sept £30 Handicap 3 to 9 The Ashton Trophy – Sun 12 Sept £30 Category 1 Handicap

St Annes Old Links Golf Club

New for 2010 – Individual Gents Comp for Handicaps 10-18: The Kilgrimol Trophy – Monday 30 Aug £20 per person

St Anne’s Old Links Golf Club Ltd. Highbury Road East, St Anne’s On Sea, Lancashire FY8 2LD · Tel: 01253 723 597 · secretary@stannesoldlinks.com · www.stannesoldlinks.com

77

Lancashire Directory

Accrington & District Golf Club West End, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, BB5 4LS 01254 232734 info@accringtongolfclub.com www.accringtongolfclub.com

Blackpool Park Golf Club North Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8LS 01253 397916 secretary@blackpoolparkgc.co.uk www.blackpoolparkgc.co.uk

Dean Wood Golf Club Lafford Lane, Up Holland, Skelmersdale, WN8 0QZ 01695 622219 secretary@deanwoodgolfclub.co.uk www.deanwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Ashton & Lea Golf Club Tudor Avenue, Blackpool Road, Lea, Preston, PR4 0XA 01772 726480 info@ashtonleagolfclub.co.uk www.ashtonleagolfclub.co.uk

Burnley Golf Club Glen View, Burnley, BB11 3RW 01282 421045 Email n/a www.burnleygolfclub.org.uk

De Vere Herons Reach Golf Club East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8LL 01253 832505 golf@devere.co.uk www.devere.co.uk

Bacup Golf Club Maden Road, Bankside Lane, Bacup, OL13 8HN 01706 873170 secretary@bacupgolfclub.co.uk www.bacupgolfclub.co.uk

Charnock Richard Golf Club Preston Road, Charnock Richard, near Chorley, PR8 5LE 01257 470707 Email n/a www.crgcc.co.uk

Duxbury Park Golf Club Duxbury Hall Road, Duxbury Park, Chorley, PR7 4AS 01257 265380 customerservice@glendale-services.co.uk www.glendale-golf.com

Baxenden & District Golf Club Wooley Lane, Baxenden, Accrington, BB5 2EA 01254 234555 baxgolf@hotmail.com www.baxendengolf.co.uk

Chorley Golf Club Hall O’ Th’ Hill, Heath Charnock, Chorley, PR6 9HX 01257 480263 secretary@chorleygolfclub.freeserve.co.uk www.chorleygolfclub.co.uk

Fairhaven Golf Club Lytham Hall Park, Ansdell, Lytham St Annes, FY8 4JU 01253 736741 secretary@fairhavengolfclub.co.uk www.farhavengolfclub.co.uk

Beacon Park Golf Club Beacon Lane, Dalton, Up Holland, WN8 7RU 01695 627500 proshop@beaconparkgolf.com www.beaconparkgolf.com

Clitheroe Golf Club Whalley Road, Clitheroe, BB7 1PP 01200 422618 secretary@clitheroegolfclub.com www.clitheroegolfclub.com

Fishwick Hall Golf Club Glenluce Drive, Farringdon Park, Preston, PR1 5TD 01772 798300 fishwickhallgolfclub@supanet.co.uk www.fishwickhallgolfclub.co.uk

Blackburn Golf Club Bearwood Brow, Blackburn, BB2 7AX 01254 51122 info@blackburngolfclub.com www.blackburngolfclub.com

Colne Golf Club Law Farm, Skipton Old Road, Colne, BB8 7EB 01282 863391 colnegolfclub@hotmail.co.uk www.colnegolfclub.com

Fleetwood Golf Club Golf House, Princes Way, Fleetwood, FY7 8AF 01253 873114 secretary@fleetwoodgolfclub.org.uk www.fleetwoodgolfclub.org.uk

Blackpool North Shore Golf Club Devonshire Road, Blackpool, FY2 0RD 01253 351017 office@blackpoolnorthshoregolfclub.com www.blackpoolnorthshoregolfclub.com

Darwen Golf Club Winter Hill, Darwen, BB3 0LB 01254 701287 admin@darwengolfclub.com www.darwengolfclub.com

Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club Bowgreave, Garstang, PR3 1YE 01995 600100 reception@ghgc.co.uk www.garstanghotelandgolf.com

78

Lancashire Directory

Gathurst Golf Club Miles Lane, Shevington, Wigan, WN6 8EW 01257 252861 secretary@gathurstgolfclub.ltd.uk www.gathurstgolfclub.co.uk

Knott End Golf Club Wyreside, Poulton-Le-Fylde, FY6 0AA 01253 810254 louise@knottendgolfclub.com www. knottendgolfclub.com

Marsden Park Golf Club Townhouse Road, Nelson, BB9 8DG 01282 661912 Email n/a www.marsdenparkgolfclub.co.uk

Ghyll Golf Club Ghyll Brow, Barnoldswick, Colne, BB8 6JH 01282 842466 secretary@ghyllgc.co.uk www.ghyllgc.co.uk

Lancaster Golf Club Ashton Hall, Ashton-WithStodday, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ 01524 752090 enquiries@lancastergc.co.uk www.lancastergc.co.uk

Morecambe Golf Club Bare, Morecambe, LA4 6AJ 01524 418050 secretary@morecambegolfclub.com www.morecambegolfclub.com

Great Harwood Golf Club Harwood Bar, Great Harwood, BB6 7TE 01254 884391 Email n/a www.greatharwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Lansil Golf Club Caton Road, Lancaster, LA4 3PE 01524 39269 secretary@lansilgolfclub.org.uk www.lansilgolfclub.org.uk

Mytton Fold Golf Club Whalley Rd, Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8AB 01254 240662 golfshop@myttonfold.co.uk www.myttonfold.co.uk

Green Haworth Golf Club Green Haworth, Accrington, BB5 3SL 01254 237580 enquiries@greenhaworthgolfclub.co.uk www.greenhaworthgolfclub.co.uk

Lobden Golf Club Whitworth, Lancashire 01706 343228 golf@lobdengolfclub.co.uk www.lobdengolfclub.co.uk

Nelson Golf Club Kings Causeway, Brierfieid, Nelson, BB9 0EU 01282 614583 info@nelsongolfclub.co.uk www.nelsongolfclub.co.uk

Heysham Golf Club Trumacar Park, Middleton Road, Heysham, Morecambe, LA23 3JH 01524 851011 secretary@heyshamgolfclub.co.uk www.heyshamgolfclub.co.uk

Leyland Golf Club Wigan Road, Leyland, PR5 2UD 01772 436457 manager@leylandgolfclub.co.uk www.leylandgolfclub.co.uk

Hurlston Hall Golf Club Hurlston Lane, Southport Road, Scarisbrick, LA40 8JD 01704 840400 membership@hurlstonhall.co.uk www.hurlstonhall.co.uk

Longridge Golf Club Fell Barn, Jeffrey Hill, Longridge, Preston, PR3 2TU 01772 783291 secretary@longridgegolfclub.co.uk www.longridgegolfclub.co.uk

Ingol Golf Club Tanterton Hall Road, Ingol, Preston, PR7 7BY 01772 734556 Email n/a www.ingolgolfclub.co.uk

Lytham Green Drive Golf Club Ballam Road, Lytham, FY8 4LE 01253 734782 secretary@lythamgreendrive.co.uk www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk

79

Lancashire Directory

Ormskirk Golf Club Cranes Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 5UJ 01695 572112 mail@ormskirkgolfclub.com www.ormskirkgolfclub.com

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club Links Gate, Lytham St Annes, FY8 3LQ 01253 724206 bookings@royallytham.org www.royallytham.org

Towneley Golf Club Towneley Park, Todmorden Road, Burnley, BB11 3ED 01282 451636 secretary@towneleygolfclub.co.uk www.towneleygolfclub.co.uk

Penwortham Golf Club Blundell Lane, Penwortham, Preston, PR1 0AX 01772 744630 secretary@penworthamgc.co.uk www.penworthamgc.co.uk

St Annes Old Links Highbury Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 2LD 01253 723597 secretary@stannesoldlinks.com www.stannesoldlinks.com

Whalley Golf Club Long Leese Barn, Clerkhill, Whalley, Blackburn, BB7 9DR 01254 822236 secretary@whalleygolfclub.com www.whalleygolfclub.com

Pleasington Golf Club Pleasington, Blackburn, BB2 5JF 01254 202177 secretarymanager@pleasingtongolf.co.uk www.pleasington-golf.co.uk

Shaw Hill Hotel G & C C Preston Road, Whittle-Le-Woods, Chorley, PR6 7PP 01257 269221 info@shaw-hill.co.uk www.shaw-hill.co.uk

Wilpshire Golf Club 72 Whalley Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn, BB1 9LF 01254 248260 admin@wilpshiregolfclub.co.uk www.wilpshiregolfclub.co.uk

Poulton-Le-Fylde Golf Club Myrtle Farm, Breck Road, Poulton-Le-Fylde, FY6 7HJ 01253 892444 greenwood-golf@hotmail.co.uk www.poultonlefyldegolfclub.co.uk

Silverdale (Carnforth) Golf Club Redbridge Lane, Silverdale, Carnforth, LA5 0SP 01524 701300 info@silverdalegolfclub.co.uk www.silverdalegolfclub.co.uk

Preston Golf Club Fulwood Hall Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 4DD 01772 700011 secretary@prestongolfclub.com www.prestongolfclub.com

Staininglodge Golf Course Chain Lane, Staining, Blackpool, FY3 0DE 01253 891336 enquiries@staininglodge.co.uk www.staininglodge.co.uk

Rishton Golf Club Eachill Links, Hawthorn Drive, Rishton, BB1 4HG 01254 884442 Rishtongolfclub.co.uk www.rishtongolfclub.co.uk

Standish Court Golf Club Rectory Lane, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0XD 01257 425777 golfprostu@hotmail.com www.standishgolf.co.uk

Rossendale Golf Club Ewood Lane, Head Haslingden, Rossendale, BB4 6LH 01706 831339 admin@rossendalegolfclub.net www.rossendalegolfclub.net

Stonyhurst Park Golf Club Stonyhurst, Hurst Green, Blackburn, BB6 9QB 01254 826478 Email n/a www.stonyhurstpark.co.uk

80

Merseyside INTRODUCTION

Merseyside Merseyside comprises of the boroughs of Liverpool, Knowsley, Wirral, Sefton and St Helens, and as the name suggests straddles the River Mersey. The county has been the birthplace of many famous names throughout its history, with Liverpool’s bustling port at its heart Merseyside was always a cosmopolitan place for both artist and artisan.

From TV legends Cilla Black and Tom Baker, to sporting heroes like Wayne Rooney and Stephen Gerrard, the area has long been a cultural hotbed and no-one typifies this more than its biggest export: The Beatles. To this day a source for much of the area’s tourism,

The Beatles went from humble beginnings at The Cavern Club to global acclaim in the 60’s and many favourite spots for tourists today owe their fame to The Fab Four: the original Cavern was demolished in the 70’s but an exact replica was built in 1984 even using some of the bricks from its predecessor and this houses The Beatles museum; Strawberry Fields cemetery also lies within the city.

Historically Merseyside has grown from a rural community to a bustling urban sprawl, and much of this growth is down to the county’s docks. The city of Liverpool, Birkenhead and Bootle docks were all

massively enriched by the slave-trade in the 18th century and by ship-building until more recent times, as well as being the first step on the road to America in the 19th and early 20th centuries: the ill-fated Titanic was constructed in Liverpool’s ship-yards.

With Liverpool’s Capital of Culture status the area has seen large investment recently, which can only add to its draw for tourists; although a county that can boast the biggest band in history, two of the nation’s biggest football clubs, the world’s largest Anglican cathedral, Tate Liverpool and Wayne Rooney probably needs little help.

81

Merseyside INTRODUCTION

Area Map 05 Southport 01 06

04 M-58

M-6

Ashton-in-Makerfield

Crosby

Knowsley

Bootle

St. Helens

Newton-le-Willows M-62

Prescot Wallasey

M-6

M-57

Liverpool

Birkenhead 02

Widness

03

Ellesmere Port M-53

01.

02.

03.

04.

05.

06.

Royal Birkdale Royal Liverpool Caldy Formby Hall Hesketh Sothport & Ainsdale

82

Open Championship Course Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Royal Birkdale, one of Britain’s finest golf clubs has been voted the No 1 course in England and is among the best in the World. Having previously hosted two Ryder Cups, the Walker and Curtis Cups, the Women’s British Open and on nine occasions the Open Championship, they will be hosting the RICOH Women’s British Open again in 2010.

83

Open Championship Course Photographs by Alan C. Birch

Royal Birkdale

The stunning coastal resort of Southport is host to the finest links courses in England.

This is the home of Royal Birkdale, for many golfers, quite simply, the best of all the great golf courses to have staged The Open Championship. Among the many great courses along the Northwest coast, Royal Birkdale stands out as a perfect example of links golf. It is currently voted by Golf Monthly as the best course in England and the 4th best course in the British Isle and in a survey commissioned by Planet Golf for Golfing Digest it was listed as the 18th best courses outside of the United States.

The growing stature of the club was acknowledged in 1951 when the King gave his permission for the club to be known as The Royal Birkdale Golf Club. The course has been the stage for many great golf championships including the Amateur Championship, the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup, the Ryder Cup and the Women’s British Open. On nine occasions the greatest championship, The Open, has been played here, the most recent in 2008. In 2005, the club was the venue for both the Amateur Championship and the Women’s British Open which Royal Birkdale will host again in 2010.

The Club was formed in 1889, starting life as a nine hole course. In 1897 the decision was taken to move to Birkdale Hills where an 18 hole course was constructed. The course underwent considerable changes in the mid 1930’s when the current Clubhouse was built. There was further restructuring in the 1960’s and in the early 1990’s all of the greens were reconstructed and redesigned.

In preparation for the Open Championship in 2008 and as a part of the Club’s on going improvement there have been some significant alterations carried out from 2005 to 2007 which have enabled the Club to retain its position as one of the finest links courses.

The Championship Course now measures 7.180 yards. Visitors generally play the yellow tees which at 6.381 yards is a test in itself even for the most accomplished golfer. The wind, whistling down the fairways when it comes from the sea, adds to the challenge.

Each hole runs through a landscape of high dunes, the fairways are flat and fair and from the tee there is generally a clear view of the task ahead. Each hole is memorable, from The Open Championship tee the 13th measure 498 yards, one of the longest par 4s in championship golf.

Even in the early days, the Birkdale Club was forward-thinking, with the members voting in favour of allowing ladies to use the links from 1889. Indeed, one of the first tournaments held was the 1909 Ladies’ British Open Match play Championship.

Visitors to the course can walk in the footsteps of many of golf’s legends, among them Open Winners, Peter Thomson, a double winner at Royal Birkdale, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Tom Watson. On the 16th hole, a plaque commemorates Arnold Palmer’s great shot in appalling weather conditions, on the way to his Open win 1961.

The clubhouse was designed to resemble an Ocean Liner cruising through the sand hills of Birkdale. It too has undergone significant changes over the years but it has retained its distinctive art-deco style. The balconies and handrails have been replaced with enormous bay window in providing spectacular views of the 18th green and it is the only place to be on the last afternoon of The Open.

How to find...

01

The club is one and half miles south of Southport town centre on the A565 Waterloo Road between Southport and Ainsdale.Drivers approaching from the North should use the M6, exit at Junction 29, Leyland, to the A582, A59 and A565.

Drivers from the South, via the M6, M62, M57 and A5147. Traffic from Central Lancashire should use the M58, exit at Junction 3, Rainford, to the A570. Traffic from Wales and the Wirral should use the M53, Queensway Tunnel to the A565.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LX Telephone: 01704 568857 secretary@royalbirkdale.com www.royalbirkdale.com

84

Open Championship Course ROYAL LIVERPOOL

Royal Liverpool Golf Club

The Hoylake links can be, by turns, beautiful, uplifting, awe inspiring and, on occasion, soul-destroying. They were created to be a demanding test of golf and remain so, and they lie at the very heart of the history and development of golf in Great Britain.

85

Open Championship Course ROYAL LIVERPOOL

Built in 1869, on what was then the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club, Hoylake is the oldest of all the English seaside courses with the exception of Westward Ho! in Devon, which was established just a few years earlier. Robert Chambers and George Morris were commissioned to lay out the original Hoylake course, which was extended to 18 holes in 1871. This was also the year in which the Club was granted its Royal designation thanks to the patronage of His Royal Highness The Duke of Connaught.

For the first seven years of its life the land still performed its original function, doubling as a golf course and a horse racing track - indeed, echoes of this heritage can be found today in the names of the first and eighteenth holes, Course and Stand, while the original saddling bell still hangs in the club house.

Once the horses had been dispatched to pastures new Hoylake began to take its place in the history of golf in general and of the amateur game in particular.

In 1885 the links hosted the first Amateur Championship; in 1902 the first international match between England and Scotland, later to become the Home Internationals; and, in 1921, the first international match between Great Britain and the United States of America, which we now know as The Walker Cup. In fact, it is Royal Liverpool Golf Club’s contribution to the amateur game that has set it apart from all other clubs in England.

Although, at the end of the nineteenth century, it was the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews that took on the role of the governing body in golf as the game developed, it was at Hoylake that the rules of amateur status were laid down. Ironically it was John Ball, who was to become the Club’s greatest player, who almost fell foul of them.

In 1878, when he was just sixteen years old, Ball had finished tied for 4th place in the Open Championship with Bob Martin of St Andrews. Although Ball lost the play-off for fourth place the following day there was still a money prize due to him from the purse.

The sum involved was only one pound but John Morris advised the young John Ball to put the money in his pocket. It was this incident, recalled seven years later, that

came back to haunt Ball when he wanted to enter the Amateur Championship. Ball had accepted prize money and therefore was technically a “professional”. The rules were, however, diplomatically but conveniently adjusted to enable Ball to play.

John Ball’s influence on amateur golf, together with that of Harold Hilton who was also a Hoylake player, cannot be over emphasised.

Between them they dominated the amateur game of that era and the pair was also a major influence on the professional game, each of them winning the Open Championship as amateurs. John Ball won the Amateur Championship eight times between l888 and l9l2 and was runner-up twice. He won the Open Championship in l890, the first Englishman and the first amateur to do so, and also took the amateur title the same year.

Harold Hilton’s record was just as impressive.

He won the Open twice, in l892 (the first year the Open was played over 72 holes) and again five years later, making him the only amateur apart from John Ball and Bobby Jones to win the title. His victory at Hoylake in 1897 was marked 100 years later by the creation of a new, annual Harold Hilton Medal tournament open to amateur golfers aged 30 or more and handicap 5 or less.

Hilton also won the Amateur Championship four times, was runner-up on three occasions and won the US Amateur Championship in 1911, the year in which he also held the British title. The man was obviously no slacker - in the same year he still found time to become the first editor of the new Golf Monthly magazine.

No history of Hoylake would be complete without mention of the legendary Bobby Jones. In 1930 the club was privileged to host his winning of the Open Championship, a victory that would become the second leg of his remarkable Grand Slam - the winning in the same year of the Amateur and Open Championships of both Great Britain and the United States.

Shortly afterwards, a mere twenty-eight years old, Bobby Jones found himself with no golfing peaks left to conquer and he retired from the game.

Much time has passed since then, but the Hoylake links, despite their at first glance flat and benign appearance, are still very much among the toughest and most demanding tests of golf. Work is currently ongoing and almost finished on the links to improve the playability of the same for players of all standards. This work is being carried out under the direction of the eminent Architect Dr. Martin Hawtree.

In July 2006 the fabled mighty winds did not blow. But there was no denying that another mighty champion was born... in the shape of one Eldrick “Tiger” Woods.

How to find...

02

Royal Liverpool Golf Club is situated on Meols Drive (A540) between Hoylake and West Kirby, 10 minutes from Junction 2 of the M53 and less than 1 hour from Manchester International Airport.

Leave M53 at Junction 2, follow A551 to Moreton and then A553 to Hoylake. Continue straight ahead at the roundabout in Hoylake (railway station is on the left) and the Club is 300 yards along Meols Drive on the right.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club Meols Drive, Hoylake Wirral CH47 4AL Telephone: 0151 632 3101 bookings@royal-liverpool-golf.com www.royal-liverpool-golf.com

86

Caldy GOLF CLUB

18 holes, Par 72 6707 • 6324 • 5798 Facilities: 2 Lounges, Bar, Restaurant, Snooker Room, Driving Range, Putting Green, Practice Bunker, Buggies, Trolleys, Club Hire, Pro Shop

How to find...

03

Exit Jct. 2 from the M53 and follow the Upton By-pass (A5027) onto Frankby Road (B5139) before turning left onto Hillbark Road (B5140). Turn left again onto Montgomery Hill (B5141), this road leads onto Caldy Road (B5140). Then turn left onto Croft Drive East and left again onto Links Hey Road.

Playing at Caldy is one of the most rewarding golfing experiences one can enjoy on the beautiful Wirral Peninsula. Golfers from the UK and abroad are always welcome to share the Club’s challenging course, vast Practice Ground and Excellent Clubhouse facilities.

From the often breezy cliff top holes, breathtaking views can be enjoyed over the River Dee Estuary towards the three Hilbre Islands and the mountains and coastline of Wales. In contrast, the heathland inner holes offer a more tranquil rural vista towards Thurstaston Hill and adjacent farmland. This glorious combination of links and inland holes make for a memorable game for golfers of all standards.

Signature Holes Hole 3, Par 4, 409 yards, “Sands of Dee” A superb dog-leg right. The fairway sweeps around two sets of bunkers well placed to catch both short and long hitters. A good tee shot will leave a demanding approach to a well guarded green and a stunning backdrop over the Dee Estuary.

Hole 6, Par 4, 413 yards, “Donga” An extremely challenging hole, the last one along the cliff edge. Rough and out of bounds over the cliff on the left make the tee shot tight. The ‘Donga’ a dry ditch running in front of the green, will swallow any shot not pitching on the green.

Caldy Golf Club Limited Links Hey Road Caldy, Wirral Merseyside CH48 1NB Telephone: 0151 625 5660 golfcaldygc@btconnect.com www.caldygolfclub.co.uk

Open Events 2010 1907

Thursday 13th May – Ladies’ Open Thursday 8th July – Senior Men’s Open Thursday 22nd July – Caldy Quart (36 holes. Max Hcp 5) Sunday 8th August – Men’s Open

Monday 9th August – Senior Men’s Open Tuesday 10th August – Junior Open (Daily Telegraph Qualifier) Wednesday 11th August – Ladies’ Open Thursday 12th August – Mixed Open

87

Formby Hall golf resort & spa

18 holes, Par 72 7081 • 6330 • 5680 Facilities: 4 star Hotel & Spa, Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, 9 hole par 3 course, PGA Golf Academy, Driving Range, Putting Greens, Short Game Area, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Club Fitting, Pro shop

Signature Hole Hole 16, Par-3, 187 yards. This picturesque yet extremely testing par-3, with its 170-yard carry over water, and 6 well placed greenside bunkers waiting to catch any errant tee shot leaves very little margin for error, and a Par-3 on the card is true reward for selecting the right club.

The Resort enjoyed a £15 million development in 2008 which has resulted in the completion of a stylish new 4-star 62-bedroom hotel and luxury Spa. Residents and visiting golfers also have access to the Resort’s 9-hole par-3 course and the UK’s first PGA National Residential Golf Academy.

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa, opened in 1996, is one of the newest golf facilities on England’s Golf Coast but has already built an enviable reputation, for its two golf courses, its state-of-the-art PGA National Golf Academy and its luxurious 4-star hotel. Hewn from marshland, six miles south of Southport and at the heart of England’s Golf Coast.

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa features a fine 18-hole course and a challenging 9-hole course which is ideal for experienced golfers and beginners alike. The 18-hole course hosted two events on the Challenge Tour, the 2004 ADT English Seniors’ Open, and in 2009 staged its first EuroPro Tour event. Formby Hall’s 18-hole lay-out features a series of testing holes protected by water and well-placed-bunkers.

Water, in fact, can be found on 16 out of the 18 holes.

How to find...

04

From M62: Exit towards M57/ Southport. Turn left at A5036/ Dunnings Bridge Road. Turn right at A5207/Copy Lane. Take 2nd right at A5207/ Northern Perimeter Rd, turn right at Lydiate Lane and right again at A565/Park View. At roundabout, take 3rd exit onto Southport Old Road.

From Liverpool: (14 miles) Head West on A580 towards A59/Byrom Street. Turn left at Leeds Street.

Turn right at A565/Great Howard Street. Turn right at A565/ The Bypass. Take 3rd exit at roundabout to Southport Old Road.

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa Southport Old Road Southport Merseyside L37 OAB Telephone: 01704 875699 Email enquiries via website www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

88

Hesketh Golf Club

18 holes, Par 72 (74 Ladies) • 6764 ° 6691 • 6239 • 5639 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

How to find...

05

Hesketh is at Cockle Dick’s Lane which is off Cambridge Road.

Cambridge Road is the A565, the main road between Southport and Preston. The turn off to Cockle Dick’s Lane is almost 2 miles North of Southport Town Centre along the A565.

To get to Southport from the M6, take J26 exit and continue along M58 until the Southport exit. Follow the A577 and then the A570 through Ormskirk to Southport.

Hesketh Golf Club in Southport is set amidst the towering Victorian villas of Southport’s premier residential area Hesketh Park, & is the town’s oldest golf club, founded in 1885.

Standing alone on the crest of a tall sandhill, the clubhouse dominates the golf course, and the surrounding district.

The course is at the northern end of south-west Lancashire`s sand dune system, which is the home of so many great golf courses. Professional championship golf has been played on these famous old links from the club`s earliest days, and the course is regularly used as a final qualifying course when The Open is played at Royal Birkdale.

The course sets a unique challenge with half of the holes threaded through tall sand dunes; whilst the other holes border the Ribble estuary.

Hesketh Golf Club Cockle Dick’s Lane Southport PR9 9QQ Telephone: 01704 536897 Email enquiries via website www.heskethgolfclub.co.uk

HESKETH Golf Club

Signature Holes 15th Par 4 375 Yards. A blind tee shot over a large sand dune looks imposing. The ideal line is at the church spire. With large sand dunes covered in rough on the right and the left of the hole a straight tee shot is a must. An accurate approach shot is needed to the newly designed complex to avoid the traditional pot bunker which guards the right hand side of the green.

16th Par 3 187 Yards. Without doubt the most picturesque par three on the course. A long iron is needed usually into a strong prevailing wind. The green is surrounded by bunkers and sand dunes often allowing an errant tee shot to finish closer to the pin than it should have!

89

Southport & Ainsdale

18 holes, Par 72 6768 • 6339 • 5912 • 5676 Facilities: Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Signature Hole Hole 16, Par 5. “Gumbleys” 508 • 490 • 427 • 435 Certainly the feature hole on the course, known as “Gumbleys”. A straight tee shot is required towards the sleepers some 300 yards away. A good drive leaves a blind second shot over a 20ft high bank of sleepers.

On reaching the brow of the hill, you will see a long narrow green in front of a high links dune. This very picturesque hole demands respect, offering a birdie opportunity – but many cards have been wrecked here.

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club is a true championship links course, with first class facilities to match. The course is set amongst the dunes on the North West coastline and is another of course designer, James Braid’s great creations.

The club has hosted two Ryder Cup matches in 1933 and 1937 and a number of other prestigious championships including The British Ladies Open and The British Amateur. It remains a final qualifying course for The Open Championship and it has been voted by one golf magazine as among the top 50 courses in Great Britain.

The course is a magnificent test of golf, especially with the sea breeze, profusion of heather and gorse combining to provide you with a challenging and immensely enjoyable experience.

How to find...

06

From M6, exit junction 26, take the M58 to Liverpool/ Southport. Exit at junction 3 to A570/St Helens/Southport.

Turn left at A577/Park Rd, then left at A577/Church Street, continue onto A570 Southport Rd. Turn left at A5147. Turn right at Carr Moss Lane. Continue onto Segars Lane. At roundabout take 3rd exit onto A565/Liverpool Rd. Turn left at Bradshaws Lane.

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3LG Telephone: 01704 578000 Email enquiries via website www.sandagolfclub.co.uk

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club. Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3LG. Telephone: 01704 578000. www.sandagolfclub.co.uk

90

Merseyside Directory

Aintree Golf Centre Melling Road, Aintree, Liverpool, Merseyside, L9 5AS Telephone: 0151 523 5157 Email enquiries via website www.aintree.co.uk

Brackenwood Golf Club Brackenwood Park, Bebington, Wirral, Wirral, Merseyside, L63 2LY Telephone: 0151 608 3093 secretary@brackenwoodgolf.co.uk www.brackenwoodgolf.co.uk

Formby Hall Golf Club Southport Old Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 0AB Telephone: 01704 875 699 Email enquiries via website www.formbyhallgolfclub.co.uk

Allerton Park Golf Club Allerton Manor Golf Estate, Allerton Road, Liverpool, L18 3JT Telephone: 0151 428 7490 Email n/a Website n/a

Bromborough Golf Club Raby Hall Road, Bromborough, Merseyside, CH63 0NW Telephone: 0151 334 4499 enquiries@bromboroughgolfclub.org.uk www.bromboroughgolfclub.org.uk

Formby Ladies Golf Club Golf Road, Formby, Liverpool, Merseyside, L37 1YH Telephone: 01704 873090 secretary@formbyladiesgolfclub.co.uk www.formbyladiesgolfclub.co.uk

Arrowe Park Golf Club Woodchurch, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH49 5LW Telephone: 0151 677 1527 webmaster@arroweparkgolfclub.co.uk www.arroweparkgolfclub.com

Caldy Golf Club Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, Merseyside, CH48 1NB Telephone: 0151 625 1818 secretarycaldygc@btconnect.com www.caldygolfclub.co.uk

Grange Park (St Helens) Golf Club Prescot Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 3AD Telephone: 01744 28785 secretary@grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk www.grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk

Bidston Golf Club Bidston Link Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, L44 2HR Telephone: 0151 630 6650 info@bidstongolf.co.uk www.bidstongolf.co.uk

Childwall Golf Club Naylors Road, Gateacre, Liverpool, Merseyside, L27 2YB Telephone: 0151 487 9871 Email enquiries via website www.childwallgolfclub.co.uk

Haydock Park Golf Club Newton Lane, Newton le Willows, Merseyside, WA12 0HX Telephone: 01925 226944 secretary@haydockparkgc.co.uk www.haydockparkgc.co.uk

Blundells Hill Golf Club Blundells Lane, Rainhill, Merseyside, L35 6NA Telephone: 0151 4300100 enquiries@blundellshill.co.uk www.blundellshill.co.uk

Eastham Lodge Golf Club 117 Ferry Road, Eastham, Wirral, Merseyside, L62 0AP Telephone: 0151 327 3008 easthamlodge.g.c@btinternet.com www.easthamlodgegolfclub.co.uk

Hesketh Golf Club Cockle Dicks Lane, Off Cambridge Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 9QQ Telephone: 01704 536897 secretary@heskethgolfclub.co.uk www.heskethgolfclub.co.uk

Bootle Golf Club 2 Dunnings Bridge Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L30 2PP Telephone: 0151 928 1371 Email n/a Website n/a

Eccleston Park Golf Club Rainhill Road Rainhill, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 4PG Telephone: 0151 493 0033 ecclestonparkgolf.co.uk www.ecclestonepark@crown-golf.co.uk

Heswall Golf Club Cottage Lane, Gayton, Heswall, Merseyside, L60 8PB Telephone: 0151 342 7431 secretary@heswallgolfclub.com www.heswallgolfclub.com

Bowring Golf Club Bowring Park, Roby Road, Huyton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L36 4HD Telephone: 0151 489 1901 Email enquiries via website www.bowringgolfclub.com

Formby Golf Club Golf Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 1LQ Telephone: 01704 873090 info@formbygolfclub.co.uk www.formbygolfclub.co.uk

Hillside Golf Club Hastings Road, Hillside, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LU Telephone: 01704 568360 secretary@hillside-golfclub.co.uk www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk

91

Merseyside Directory

Houghwood Golf Club Billinge Hill, Crank Road, Crank, St Helens, WA11 8RL Telephone: 01744 89 47 54 enquiries@houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Royal Birkdale Golf Club Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LX Telephone: 01704 568857 secretary@royalbirkdale.com www.royalbirkdale.com

Warren (Wallasey) Golf Club Grove Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, L45 0JA Telephone: 0151 639 5730 Email enquiries via website www.wirral.gov.uk

Hoylake Municipal Golf Club Carr Lane, Municipal Links, Hoylake, Merseyside, L47 4BG Telephone: 0151 632 6823 Email n/a www.hoylakegolfclub.com

Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) Meols Drive, Hoylake, Merseyside, CH47 4AL Telephone: 0151 632 6737 secretary@royal-liverpool-golf.com www.royal-liverpool-golf.com

West Derby Golf Club Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HQ Telephone: 0151 220 5478 pmilne@westderbygc.freeserve.co.uk www.westderbygc.co.uk

Huyton and Prescot Golf Club Hurst Park, Huyton Lane, Huyton, Liverpool, L36 1UA Telephone: 0151 489 2022 secretary@huytonandprescotgolf.co.uk www.huytonandprescotgolf.co.uk

Sherdley Park Golf Club Sherdley Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 5DE Telephone: 01744 815516 Email n/a www.sherdleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

West Lancashire Golf Club Hall Road West, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 8SZ Telephone: 0151 924 5662 golf@westlancashiregolf.co.uk www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk

Leasowe Golf Club Leasowe Road, Moreton, Merseyside, L46 3RD Telephone: 0151 678 5460 secretary@leasowegolfclub.co.uk www.leasowegolfclub.co.uk

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3LG Telephone: 01704 577316 secretary@sandagolfclub.co.uk www.sandagolfclub.co.uk

Wirral Ladies Golf Club 93 Bidston Road, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, L43 6TS Telephone: 0151 652 2468 wirral.ladies@btconnect.com www.wirral-ladies-golf-club.co.uk

Lee Park Golf Club Childwall Valley Road, Gateacre, Liverpool, L27 3YA Telephone: 0151 498 4666 office@leepark.co.uk www.leepark.co.uk

Southport Municipal Golf Club Park Road West, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0JR Telephone: 01704 535286 Email n/a Website n/a

Woolton Golf Club Speke Road, Woolton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L25 7TZ Telephone: 0151 486 2298 golf@wooltongolf.co.uk www.wooltongolfclub.com

Liverpool Municipal Golf Club Ingoe Lane, Kirkby, Liverpool, L32 4SS Telephone: 0151 546 5435 paul.thomas@liverpool.gov.uk www.liverpool.gov.uk

Southport Old Links Golf Club Moss Lane, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 7QS Telephone: 01704 228207 secretary@southportoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk www.southportoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk

Prenton Golf Club Golf Links Road, Prenton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, L42 8LW Telephone: 0151 608 1636 Email enquiries via website www.prentongolfclub.co.uk

Wallasey Golf Club Bayswater Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, L45 8LA Telephone: 0151 638 3888 wallaseygc@aol.com www.wallaseygolfclub.com

92

Travel Spain > Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol Spain

The Costa del Sol lies in the province of Andalucia in the south of Spain. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This ‘Sun Coast’ runs for 150 km from Malaga to Estepona, with skies predominantly blue all year round and brilliant sunshine. Costa del Sol offers a series of large beaches, coves hidden amongst cliffs, famous leisure marinas such as ‘Puerto Banus’ and tranquil fishing ports.

In the provincial capital, Malaga, stands the military fortress of the Alcazaba, built by the Moors in the 11th century. At the far end of the Costa del Sol is that geographical and political oddity Gibraltar, with excursions to see the famous Barbary Apes and abundant military history. The Costa del Sol’s great diversity means that it has something to offer for just about everyone, with enough entertainment and variety to please all types of holiday visitor.

The Mediterranean sea is warm and safe and the hills and high mountains shelter the coastline, these elements allow for an all year micro climate making it the perfect location for golf. Known to many as the ‘Costa del Golf’ due to the outstanding choice of luxury golf courses set along this coastline, with over 50 to choose from you will have to keep returning to experience them all.

Special Offer Valid: 1st Jun - 30th Sep & 1st Nov - 31st Dec 2010

Alhaurín Golf Designed by

2 players + shared buggy = €140 (10% discount online)

Seve Ballesteros

www.alhauringolf.com Book on-line, save money and time!

Societies: reservasgolf@alhauringolf.com Telephone: +34 952 595 800

Golf & Country Club

Call: +34 956 613 030 (Ext. 1033) info@sanroqueclub.com · www.sanroqueclub.com

Winter Green Fees. Until 31st May 2010

18 Holes 9 Holes Twilight

Golf Green Fee €65.00 €34.00 €45.50

Buggy Rental €25.00 €12.50 € 17.50

Urb. Elviria, Ctra. Cádiz-Málaga, km 192.

Tel: (+34) 952 831 036 - Fax: (+34) 952 834 797 caddymaster@santamariagolfclub.com - www.santamariagolfclub.com

94

Travel Spain > Costa del Sol

The European Tour announces 2010 Andalucia Masters to be held at Valderrama The European Tour will reinforce its formidable partnership with Andalucía and the magnificent Club de Golf Valderrama in 2010 with the announcement that a new tournament, the Andalucía Masters, will join the Open de Andalucía on next year’s International Schedule.

The €3,000,000 event will be staged at Valderrama from October 28-31, 2010, and will be the last event of the year on The European Tour’s home continent before the season-ending finale of The Dubai World Championship in November.

With the Open de Andalucía playing host to Continental Europe’s first tournament on the 2010 Schedule there will be a symbolic feel to Spain’s glorious Andalucía region next year as it signals the beginning and end of the season on mainland Europe.

A return to Valderrama, the iconic venue that played host to The Tour’s season-ending Volvo Masters for 21 glorious years, can only enhance the appeal of the Andalucía Masters.

Luciano Alonso, Consejero de Tourismo, Comercio y Deportes for Junta de Andalucía (the Andalucían Government), said: “Junta de Andalucía and Club de Golf Valderrama have been working together to bring back a truly great European Tour event to our region and to bring the recognition that Andalucía deserves with an international competition of the very highest quality.

“We at Valderrama consider ourselves privileged to be working with such strong partners in creating an event of this magnitude and we thank Junta de Andalucía not only for their support in this new event but for all their support over the years: without them The Ryder Cup, the WGC – American Express World Championship or the Volvo Masters would not have been possible.”

“The national and international exposure that the Andalucía Masters will bring to our region will show our support of this event to be a worthwhile investment and will have a very positive economic impact to our region.”

Keith Waters, Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce the Andalucía Masters for quite obvious reasons. The European Tour’s partnership with both Junta de Andalucía and Club de Golf Valderrama are among the strongest in golf, so to be able to further strengthen our relationship gives us immense satisfaction.

Felipe Ortiz-Patiño, President of Club de Golf Valderrama, said: “Today is a giant step not only for Valderrama but for tourism in Andalucía. After a year of discussions and meetings, the Junta de Andalucia, The European Tour and Valderrama announce their intention to create a new event which will be one of Europe’s most important and which, over the years, could establish itself as one of the ‘not to miss’ events on The European Tour calendar.

“We look forward to returning to one of the great venues of European golf for what will be one of the highlights of the 2010 International Schedule and we thank our friends at the Junta de Andalucía and the Patiño family at Valderrama for their commitment to The European Tour.”

Promotion Costa del Sol Golf Guide

Two4One Golf Welcome to a new world of benefits...

Hassle Free Golf Trips with GolfClubsXpress

Do you like golf? Neil Juniper from Two4One Golf has been Organising corporate and social golf events for clients living or coming to the Costa del Sol since November 2002. The idea for the Two4One membership came from many customers giving up golf, giving up coming to Spain or playing less because of the expense. The Two4One membership card is a new attractive solution for all golfers including beginners, it introduces you to the golf courses of the Costa del Sol and gets you back playing and having fun.

Transport your Golf Clubs quickly and safely to your golf break in England, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, Scotland or Wales with GolfClubsXpress.

Using our custom carrier, we will take a massive 27 Kilos of your clubs, shoes, balls, waterproofs etc from your home, office or Golf Club to your golf destination.

Our award winning Couriers use the latest technology so you can track your clubs all the way out and back.

Two4One Golf is now in it’s second year and is now widely regarded as the biggest and the best golf memberships on the Costa del Sol. For only 54 Euros a year the Two4One card will save you 100’s of Euros in green fees in over 20 courses on the Costa del Sol.. and much more..- including two for one golf lessons, two for one meals in restaurants, two for one in hotels and golf equipment. You only need to use your card once and you have your money back.. this has got to be the best golf deal available on the coast.

No more struggling with Golf Clubs through airports - no more worries about lost or damaged clubs - check in online at home and be a “Walk on Walk Off” passenger on your Golf Trip.

The Two4One card offers its members weekly competitions at Miraflores and Calanova all Two for the price of one and you won’t get your card marked on these days. The more you play the more you save... Join Two4One today and start saving. Buy them online at www.golftwo4one.com or in any WIN Sports bar up and down the coast, the Two4One office above the Red Dragon golf bar in Fuengirola or call 665 009 811 for more details.

Whether you are a couple on a golf break to Spain, a Golf Society playing in France or a company on a Corporate Golf event in Portugal, GolfClubsXpress will take the stress out of transporting your golf clubs.

Save money taking your golf clubs away with GolfClubsXpress - with no clubs to carry you can take fewer cars to the airport and not hire larger, or more cars than you really need.

No Credit Card Surcharges or Hidden Fees.

GolfClubsXpress - A Premium Service at a Fair Price

Xpress Your

Golf Clubs

£

54.95 Return

Design by www.Qreative.es

From Just

Tel. (+44) (0)1604 505030 · www.xpressyour.com

98

Travel Portugal > Algarve

Algarve Oceânico Golf

Oceânico is a major player in the golf tourism market in Portugal with a portfolio of 8 championship courses, including Vilamoura’s ‘famous five’ in the Algarve.

The Old Course (pictured) is often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pinetrees the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Designed by Frank Pennink, this parkland style layout is one of the oldest in the region. The Pinhal Course was the second golf course built in Vilamoura. Inaugurated in 1976, it is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with umbrella and Atlantic pines that line the fairways. Many of the holes at the Laguna Course convey a links atmosphere, with numerous water hazards and few trees.

The Millennium Course is thought to be one of the most beautiful courses ever designed in Portugal, whilst the Victoria Course designed by Arnold Palmer is one of the most exclusive at the resort, and is host venue to the Portugal Masters on the European Tour.

Location Map

A22

st Ca ro

N125

M im ar

Silves

vir Ta a

ra ou

o

sp

Bi

m

cil

an

m Al la Vi

ra

do

i fe

bu Al

ha

ril

a nt

ca Al

la Vi

s go

La

a go ão

m

La

r

vo Al

rti Po

Loulé

FARO 10 km