The North West Golf Guide

Complimentary

December - January 2011

THE NORTH WEST

How to find...

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

Featured Course

Pryors Hayes, a unique opportunity to enjoy friendly golf in great surroundings

Plus

Features, Latest news, Costa del Sol...

www.golfguidepublications.com

Bask in glorious sunshine after your incredible victory

Event 2 of 9

Hesketh Golf Club Friday, 25th March 2011

Tea/ Coffee & Bacon Roll on arrival. Soup & sandwiches afterwards 18 Holes on the Open Qualifying Course and Joint Amateur championship host course.

Nearest the pin, longest drive and amazing prize table.

Winning pair 4 day Golf trip to Spain.

Entry only ÂŁ75 per pair (Discount for Members of Hesketh Golf Club)

Event 1 of 9

Event 2 of 9

Event 3 of 9

WYCHWOOD PARK

Hesketh Golf Club

Hazel Grove

Event 4 of 9

Event 5 of 9

Event 6 of 9

Winners C Brierly & T Heath

25th March 2011

21st April 2011

Pleasington

Preston Golf Club

MERE GOLF & CC

Event 7 of 9

Event 8 of 9

Event 9 of 9

20th May 2011

De Vere Herons Reach 19th August 2011

17th June 2011

Clitheroe Golf Club 16th September 2011

28th July 2011

FORMBY HALL 6th October 2011

Join us on The Golf Guide Tour for the chance to win a golf trip to the Costa del Sol. Format is Pairs better ball stableford, and the winners from each event are invited to the final on the Costa del Sol in November 2011, including a 3 night stay at The Tamisa Hotel Mijas, flights, all transfers and 3 competitive rounds of golf at Mijas, Santana and El Chaparral.

To enter call: 07885 748415, email: competitions@golfguidepublications.com or send us your entry via the form you will find in this magazine.

Hotel Tamisa Golf

6

Welcome North West Golf Guide

008 Featured Course

012 News & Features 038 Cheshire

070 Greater Manchester 080 Lancashire

098 Merseyside 118 Travel

Welcome to the North West Golf Guide Welcome to the fifth edition of the North West Golf Guide, a magazine designed to help local and National golfers select and find 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 is brought to you by the people who publish the Costa del Sol Golf Guide using a formula which has worked for many years in Spain and is already proving to be a similar success in the North West of England. This bi-monthly magazine features local and international news items, with specialist editorial on a select number of courses each month. Including useful information and directions to the course, these editorials are the chance for each club to highlight themselves and detail any offers and deals they have running during that period.

The magazine is split into 4 areas. Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Lancashire.

These areas are colour coded, containing a map highlighting where each course can be found. Whilst our early editions will feature a number of the courses in each region, this will increase issue by issue. A full golf course listing is also featured in the magazine, containing the address, telephone 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 & 2011.

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

Issue 5. December - January 2011 Cover Image & Above: Pryors Hayes Published bi-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: Buxton Press Limited Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6AE Telephone: 01298 21 2000 Email: sales@buxpress.co.uk Designed by: www.Qreative.es

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Featured Course North West Golf Guide

Pryors Hayes

More than just an award winning golf club.

Situated in the heart of rural Cheshire, this picturesque 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.

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Featured Course North West Golf Guide

Well renowned for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming nature, Pryors Hayes has won several awards this year, wining Club Mirror’s ‘Golf Club of the Year 2010, Golf Club of the Year Awards 2010 for the ‘North of England’ and Golf Club of the Year Awards 2010 ‘Best Club for Societies’ it was nominated for Golf Club of the Year in 2009 and Friendliest Golf Club of the Year 2009 narrowly missing out on the top prize.

With the addition of a state of the art teaching facility, brand new marquee and celebration garden makes it one of the most complete facilities in Cheshire.

At Pryors Hayes we pride ourselves on our very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you walk through the door you will see the smiling faces of the members and staff who welcome everyone with open arms.

Membership is open all year round with joining fees suspended at the moment and with many different offers available throughout the season.

Pryors Hayes is a modern golf club with a modern outlook on how golfers should be looked after. Why not check us out at www.pryorshayes.com

Improvements to the course Pryors Hayes is also implementing a number of improvements that will undoubtedly be appreciated by members and visitors. The aim of which is to attain a course of high quality ensuring it is in good condition all year round.

To do so, a medium term project has been planned to substantially improve the various club facilities. Pryors Hayes is aware that the attention to detail improves the overall impression given to members and visitors alike and has worked diligently over the past months to ensure that visiting Pryors Hayes becomes a much more enjoyable experience.

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Featured Course North West Golf Guide

And the winner is…Pryors Hayes!

Corks are popping at the Cheshire based golf club. The established 18 hole parkland club has won the prestigious Club Mirror ‘Golf Club of the year Award’ for 2010.

Following on from last years second place award in the same event the club went one better in 2010 winning the top UK Golf Club accolade. Pryors Hayes won against stiff competition from the cream of the UK golf clubs.

This year’s annual award ceremony was held on November 10 at the Palace Hotel Manchester where, during a sparkling occasion the awards were presented by BBC TV sports personality Steve Rider. Pryors

Hayes proprietor Martin Redrup was delighted to receive the winners’ commemorative plate which he says will occupy pride of place in the club house.

Martin continued “Being chosen as runner up in 2009 was an absolute honour, to win the top award for 2010 is just fantastic. The award justifies all the hard work undertaken by the whole team who always strive to deliver the very best service for everyone, and in partnership with members and visiting players uphold the great traditions of golf and companionship. In that respect this award is for all of us and I would like to publically thank my staff, the committees, members and regular visitors for their ongoing support and loyalty”.

When making their deliberations the Club Mirror judging committee take into account submitted reports from a team of anonymous ‘mystery shoppers’. The judges examine every aspect of club life and in addition to the obvious sporting aspects they pay particular attention to all important off course facilities and activities.

Contact Details 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

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Featured Course North West Golf Guide

Winter Bunker Lesson

by Freddy Valenti

3

2

1

3 2 1

Unfortunately in the great British winter, no matter how well our bunkers are designed, we very often have to play out of hard, compact wet sand.

A very common question my pupils ask me is how must they play this bunker shot differently than a standard ‘fluffy’ bunker lie.

The first thing I recommend is that you use your most lofted wedge. Sometimes your standard 56 degree ‘sand wedge’ isn’t quite enough to slide under the ball and often bounces off of the firm sand. A 58 or 60 degree wedge is more suitable for the wet sand especially with a low bounce (6 or 8 degrees) The average sand wedge has 10 to 15 degrees of bounce.

When playing the bunker shot itself there are a few minor changes to the set up to consider.

1. As the sand is firm we can’t set our feet in the sand as in a normal shot so a wider stance and more flex in the knees will allow you to stay down and help get under the ball. (picture 2) 2. I recommend to set the hands ahead of the ball so that the butt end of the shaft points out past your left trouser pocket. (picture 1)

3. During the swing you must try and accelerate through the shot holding the clubface open for as long as you can. (picture 3)

The most important thing is to readjust the swing length to account for the ball going further due to less sand being taken… and don’t fear it.. If you panic and decelerate you are in trouble!!

Good luck

Freddy Valenti Head Professional Pryors Hayes Golf Club Mobile - 07971928939

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News North West Golf Guide

www.europeantour.com

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News North West Golf Guide

Martin Kaymer

Sits Proud on European Summit

A golfing odyssey of 48 tournaments across 26 destinations ended with one victor when Martin Kaymer succeeded Lee Westwood as The Race to Dubai champion.

Kaymer became only the fourth continental European to win the Harry Vardon trophy, following in the footsteps of the legendary Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and the man who won the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World on Sunday, Robert Karlsson. And, at 25 years of age, he is the youngest European Number One since Ronan Rafferty 21 years ago.

A quick glance at his record this year underlines the sheer brilliance of his 2010 season. Victory in his first event of the year in Abu Dhabi – the second time he had won the event in three years – was backed up by a fourth place in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic two weeks later and then third in the WGC – CA Championship. Top tens in the US Open and the Open Championship then set him up for a remarkable hat-trick of titles towards the end of the summer.

First on the list was his maiden Major Championship success, holding off American Bubba Watson to win the US PGA Championship at Whistling Straits after a playoff. Indeed, his nerveless 15 foot downhill putt on the last to get into the play-off will rank as one of the shots of the year.

In the process, Kaymer was following in some particularly large footsteps. Only the great Bernhard Langer had previously tasted Major success for Germany with his two Masters titles, but Kaymer is catching him fast.

With success in his next two events – at the KLM Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – he became the first European since Sir Nick Faldo in 1989 to complete a hattrick of victories.

by finishing fourth on the Rankings in just eight events, winning two of them.

His rise to the summit of European golf and pursuit of excellence has been unrelenting.

Indeed, Kaymer could have won The Race to Dubai last year but for a go-karting accident which forced him out of the game for two months with four broken bones in his foot. In the end he came third in the inaugural Race to Dubai, but there was a determination to win the title this year and he duly delivered.

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell bravely fought his way back into contention for The Race to Dubai but Kaymer was not to be denied, finishing the season with a record €4,461,011, which included the €1,092,418 he secured from the Bonus Pool for the top 15.

He took up the game of golf at the age of ten when a club opened near his family home in Mettmann, east of Düsseldorf. His father, Horst, already played but here was an opportunity for the whole family and he and his older brother, Philip, as well as his mother, Rina, all got the golfing bug.

By the age of 15 Kaymer had already become a scratch golfer. He also played football, showing talent as a striker for the youth side Fortuna Düsseldorf and a keen supporter of FC Köln, but he decided golf was where his future lay.

The golfing world first began to sit up and take notice of a potential new force when he shot 59 on the Satellite EPD Tour in 2006. By August of that year he had joined the Challenge Tour and comfortably secured his European Tour card

Twelve months later he was crowned The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year – the first time a German golfer had won the award – after a season of five second places. He then followed that up with two victories in 2008, two more in 2009, when he won back-to-back titles in the height of the summer, and then four wins in 2010 including his first Major title and his anointment as European Number One.

His success has put golf on the front page of the German newspapers for the first time in years and television stations are sitting up and taking notice. Germany has a new golfing idol.

Marco Kaussler, Tournament Director of the BMW International Open in Germany – an event won by Kaymer in 2008 - has witnessed Kaymer’s development first-hand, both through the Munich event and also his role as BMW Golfsport Ambassador.

“It is phenomenal what he does,” admitted Kaussler. “It is just so nice to see this young

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News North West Golf Guide

www.europeantour.com

his win to his mother, but sadly she passed away two weeks later.

Kaymer has been with the same coach, Gunter Kessler, for 12 years, and Kessler admits that he did not see a world beater from the start.

“When [Martin] began taking lessons from me at the age of 12, he didn’t stand out among his peers right away,” Kessler said in an interview with the Observer newspaper last month.

“And we certainly had no reason to expect that he would become one of the world’s finest players. But from the very beginning, we did notice that he worked harder than the others.”

A perfectionist, Kaymer practises yoga to improve his golf technique. “He is always thinking a lot about his golf and different ways on how to improve his game,” his brother Philip, who gave up a career in golf to caddie for his younger brother in the early years, told the Observer. The two still play together when Kaymer is at home.

man being successful and exceeding his personal expectations.

“There is now more interest from the media, he is on the front page, and television interest is increasing. Crews were sent to Dubai for the season’s finale. He has made that happen, and younger people have a new idol.”

Despite his success his year, his performance at the 2008 BMW International Open in particular stands out for Kaussler. His mother was terminally ill with cancer, and at the start of the week it looked like he might not compete. But after missing the practice days and pro-am to be with his family, Kaymer played like the champion he has become.

Playing the first two days with Langer, Germany’s greatest golfer, Kaymer was five strokes clear at the halfway stage. Even then, he turned to the golfing legend immediately after signing his scorecard and asked for his advice on how he could improve.

“All he wants to do is learn and improve,” says Kaussler. “Asking Bernhard which areas of his game he should work on showed that, and he was five clear of the field at the time. He is still getting better and better.”

After a play-off, he become the first German to capture the BMW International Open title, made all the sweeter by the fact it was the tournament’s 20th anniversary. He dedicated

“Our father told us that we should hit the driver without tees to become more comfortable in tournaments. Martin still does a lot of such things like playing practice rounds without woods, the next round without wedges, the next one just with odd-numbered irons and the next one with even-numbered irons.

That helps to imagine and create new shots, get a feeling for different situations, hit irons weaker or stronger than normal. It broadens your range of shots.”

He spends some of this time practising in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has an American girlfriend, Alison Micheletti, who is also attempting to find her way as a professional golfer, competing in the Ladies European Tour Pre-Qualifying School at La Manga this week – with the new Race to Dubai Champion arriving to caddie for her in time for the

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News North West Golf Guide

second round. But the World Number Three has no intention of playing in American full time and announced last week his decision to stick to The European Tour.

Kaymer only has Tiger Woods (pictured right bottom) and Lee Westwood (pictured right top) ahead of him now in the World Ranking and if he maintains his current progress, he could follow Langer and sit on top of the world. But he is taking it one step at a time.

“Of course it would be nice to be the Number One in the world but my goal was to win The Race to Dubai and then become the Number One in world. Lee did the same, he won The Race to Dubai last year and then became

Number One in the world; that would be fine with me, too.”

Westwood, last year’s winner of The Race to Dubai, was gracious in handing over his European crown. “He’s had a great year,” he said. “He’s achieved I think all he wanted to achieve. As he said, he wanted to win a Major Championship and he wanted to win the money list. He’s done both of those so he has every right to be pleased. I’d be cracking over the champagne if I were him.”

Dubai World Champion Karlsson (pictured above), the European Number One in 2008 who shares the same management company, Sportyard, was also swift to praise the new

Race to Dubai champion. “I’ve been around his whole career, and he’s a fantastic player and a player I expect will go on and keep doing great things in the future.

“The way he played during that play-off in the US PGA is truly a sign of a champion. I think probably his biggest challenge and probably the things that he needs to get used to before he takes the next step is to handle these sorts of situations and start to like all of the attention and all those sort of things.

“It’s not going to be a problem but might take a bit of time. But he’s definitely a great, great player and he’s going to do a lot of good in the future.”

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News North West Golf Guide

The Golf Guide Tour Off to a Flyer

The Golf Guide Tour had its first event of the season on Tuesday November 23rd.

The stunning Championship course of Wychwood Park in Crewe was the venue, and an excellent turnout of 39 Betterball Teams took part.

The weather could not have been better for the time of year, and with nearest the pins, longest drives, beat the pros and other competitions throughout the day, all agreed it was a huge success.

With great prizes such as sets of Taylor Made irons, Nike drivers, Nike carry bags, plus many other prizes on offer, there was plenty to be played for.

There was also a BMW 1-series car on offer

for a hole in one on the par 3 6th hole, but unfortunately this wasn’t won. However, Blue Bell and the BMW group were extremely impressed with the day and have pledged their continued support for our future events.

The event was eventually won by Chris Brierley and Tony Heath from Wychwood Park with a betterball score of 43 points.

They are the first successful pair to book their place in the Grand Final on the Costa del Sol in November 2011. With 8 future events to take place throughout 2011 (see page 4 for full list) there is plenty of time to join them.

All at the Golf Guide would like to thank their main sponsors Blue Bell BMW and Golfino for their continued support, and of course all at Wychwood Park who made the day the great success it was.

Chris Brierly, Tony Heath and Barry Holt of main sponsors BMW Blue Bell.

ENTRY FORM

Pairs Better Ball Competitions

To enter call: 07885 748415 Email: competitions@golfguidepublications.com or send this entry form to: North West Golf Guide Ltd Reg Office 112-114 Witton Street Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5NW

28th April 2011

DATE

COURSE

PRICE PER PAIR*

12th May 2011

25-03-2011

Hesketh Golf Club

£75

.................

6th June 2011

20-05-2011

Pleasington Golf Club

£75

.................

Caldy Golf Club

HEYSHAM GOLF CLUB

Pryor’s Hayes GOLF CLUB 11th August 2011

De Vere Herons Reach

1st Prize Golf Spa Package for 2 at a De Vere Hotel

Prizes for 2nd, 3rd, Nearest pins & Longest drive from GOLFINO

PRIZE DRAWS AND VOUCHERS FOR ALL PLAYERS

Please indicate the event(s) you are interested in with a tick ✔

21-04-2011 17-06-2011 28-07-2011 19-08-2011 16-09-2011 06-10-2011

Hazel Grove

Preston Golf Club Mere Golf & CC

De Vere Herons Reach Clitheroe Golf Club Formby Hall

£75 £75 £95 £75 £75

£80

................. ................. ................. ................. ................. .................

*Discounts are available for members of the respective golf clubs

Name:....................................................................................................................

Address:............................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................

E-mail Address:.................................................................................................

Daytime Telephone:........................................................................................

To enter call: 07885 748415 Email: competitions@golfguidepublications.com

Evening Telephone:.........................................................................................

Golf Club Member? ..................................Handicap:..................................

Name of Club:....................................................................................................

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News North West Golf Guide

GOLFINO

The European Golfwear Brand When the first European golfwear brand was founded, the mission was very clear: to create both fashionable and functional outfits for modern golfers. To this day, GOLFINO remains the undisputed no.

1 on the European golfwear market.

www.golfino.com

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News North West Golf Guide

The road to the perfect garment The experience of over 20 years as a manufacturer of high-quality golfwear is mirrored in the products themselves. Back in 1991, GOLFINO set a new milestone by creating the first Windstopper Sweater for golf. Since then, the items of clothing produced have boasted improved technical innovations from season to season. Each item in the collections has a special function.

However, several steps must be taken during the process of creating garments of such high quality. Firstly, the designers search for the latest trends and current high tech innovations in performance fabrics, which are then adapted to fit the GOLFINO style.

The finest trimmings and linings are chosen carefully, and patterns are drafted exclusively for the collections by the designers every season. Once the first samples have been produced, the test phase can begin.

A rigorous inspection process lasting several months involving washing, stretching and pulling is then instigated, which is keenly monitored by the CEO. At the fitting stage, designers, technicians and clothing engineers meet to analyse every style in detail. Before the styles are produced, pages of instructions are written, including drawings and figures that define every line, measurement and size, right down to individual buttons, yarns and labels. Nothing is left to chance and both the production and the logistics matters are organised in meticulous detail. There can be no compromise in the quality of a great premium product which is still affordable for golfing enthusiasts.

When fashion meets function The world of golfwear makes for the ideal place to combine the needs of fashion and function. As Dr Bernd Kirsten, the founder and Managing Director, says, “Our clothing is functional but you don’t see it, you feel it.

Making the clothes comfortable to wear is absolutely crucial to us.”

The fashion of GOLFINO can be defined as being sportily elegant clothing that people can wear in their free time and when out in the town. At GOLFINO, great importance is attached to the classic, timeless style and the theme of sporting elegance. The casual G+ collection stands for unconventional golfwear in a more informal look.

A particular feature of both brands is the use of high-tech materials. They both feature the latest, high-quality fabrics and offer outstanding comfort to wear in all weather conditions. Materials such as Dry Comfort and Extra Dry ensure the fast removal of moisture away from the body and the polo shirts, in contrast to simple cotton shirts, always retain their shape. “Once again, we have been very careful in our selection of materials for the current Autumn/Winter collections.

For example, the Windshield Jacket for men combines high-tech with style, enabling a fleece jacket to become a special item of clothing”, says Paul Rees, GOLFINO’s Creative Director with overall responsibility for the team of designers. A British national, Rees left Lyle & Scott in 2008 to join GOLFINO AG and spent 7 years earlier in his career at Burberry as head of product design for the company’s golf collections.

What do you think is so special about GOLFINO clothing?

PR: Well, our clothes serve a certain niche market. We offer essential golfwear with a performance base. Take the polo shirts, for example. The fit is very important, as are the kinds of fabric used and the colours.

Rigorous testing is applied to find out what makes GOLFINO articles fit best. The fabric helps to ensure that the shirts do not lose their shape. What’s more, GOLFINO refuses to compromise in quality. It is a brand which offers really fashionable leisure wear plus a good deal of function.

Do you think function-based fashion is a growing area in golfwear?

PR: Absolutely! A lot of brands focus either on fashion or on function with a very sporty design. Great performance-related clothes combined with a sophisticated look are precisely what demanding customers look for. First-class leisure wear that is not only made to be worn on the course is very hard to find. In this sense, we follow brands in the US where there is a huge gap in the market for luxury brands.

What makes GOLFINO a first-class brand?

PR: In basics like trousers and polo shirts, the fitting and the colours are very important. We carry this over to our fashion modules. I can also see an improvement in all the collections from the past few seasons: they are brightened up by being given a touch of colour. In ladies wear, for example, we also have more luxury details. The performance base – the quality of the product – is mixed with luxury and elegant adornments and details. For instance, the

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News North West Golf Guide

embroidery is important and carefully placed.

Furthermore, we re-invent our patterns every single season, which is what makes them so exclusive. Different checks and patterns can be found in every module.

The collections are always very comprehensive – how exactly are they developed?

All the GOLFINO Men’s and Ladies collections have the following modules: the On Course Classics by GOLFINO are the absolute essentials for every golfer. Thanks to their classic style, they are must-haves for every wardrobe. When it comes to trousers, the focus is more on colour, function and the perfect fit.

A great success story over the last few years comes in the form of our waterproof microfibre trousers which are made of an elastic stretch fabric. These trousers are breathable and are also available as shorts or as a skort. Trousers and polo shirts incorporate and combine the colours used in the other modules. In the coming year, this module will be expanded to include more variations, so that we can all look forward to even greater choice in the basic collections.

The GOLFINO Cosmopolitan modules for men and ladies stand for stylish casual wear for a dignified day of shopping in the city, with a touch of fashionable elegance. The GOLFINO Cruise modules provide clothes for between the seasons, while the GOLFINO Resort modules represent classic on-course golfwear with a high degree of sophisticated fashion.

For the ladies, there are also the Resort modules in an elegant club theme and a sporty casual theme.

www.golfino.com

GOLFINO Rainwear is a year-round collection for playing in wet or windy conditions and is always presented together with the new Spring/Summer items, featuring waterproof yet breathable jackets and trousers for men, ladies and children. The collection boasts a laminated, elastic rain material with a high stretch function to allow optimal freedom of movement. Sporty and ultra-functional, this range is completed by matching hats for ladies to round off a modern and tasteful line of rainwear. Additional highlights such as small packages, matching laminates, drawstrings, two-way zips, store-away pockets, elastic bands in the hem, adjustable sleeve widths thanks to Velcro fasteners on the cuffs, removable hoods and laminated seam seal tapes ensure the greatest possible functionality.

The GOLFINO Junior module is half for boys and half for girls. No compromises are made on the quality of the materials used in this module either. With prices totalling between 2/3 and 3/4 of the men’s and ladies collections and hardly any differences in the production costs, GOLFINO Junior can be said to offer excellent value for money.

What about the insider’s tip – Casual Golfwear Label G+ by GOLFINO? PR: In earlier golfing times, there were more rules and more technical designs. G+ is the premium sporty golfwear brand with a casual, vintage aesthetic. All items can be worn on a night out in a bar as well as on the golf course because of the high performance of their materials. With the G+ label, GOLFINO joins the brands that successfully combine the world of golf with a casual lifestyle.

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News North West Golf Guide

Company history GOLFINO AG was founded on 1 March 1986

by Christel and Dr Bernd Kirsten, who recognised that there was room on the market for a fashionable collection of golfwear, provided that its price did not rise above the upper middle of the market and that it could find customers away from the golf course, too. Starting out as specialists for knitwear, the company soon developed into a supplier of complete outfits for golfers, both on and away from the course. GOLFINO made its name in golfwear because of the intricate embroideries and applications. This style came from Italy and had been created and successfully introduced during the 1980s.

GOLFINO is a European company with its headquarters in Glinde near Hamburg and now has staff and shops in a total of 13 countries. With subsidiaries in Great Britain, Portugal and Spain as well as branches in the most important foreign markets, GOLFINO is Europe’s market leader in the field of golf fashion.

It was only natural that GOLFINO, the first European golfwear producer, should choose Great Britain as the location for its second shop, which was opened back in 1997 at the

cradle of golf, St. Andrews, within the Old Course Hotel. From that point onwards, the international expansion in both wholesale and retail has developed continuously.

The purchasing and production centre is located in Porto, Portugal, and the materials used come from all around the world. The company employs just over 200 members of staff. Christel and Dr Bernd Kirsten each hold 50% of the shares in this owner-managed company, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in the coming year.

According to the latest surveys, GOLFINO AG has a market share of approx. 8% in the field of golfwear in Europe, making the company the clear market leader. Since being founded in 1986 and entering the European market from 1994, GOLFINO has experienced continued international growth. In the 2007/2008 business year, GOLFINO grew by almost 11% and increased its annual turnover from €28m to €31m. The company has also just acquired its first sales partners in South Korea. Stable results were also posted in the crisis year of 2009 with a turnover of around €30m. Plans are already underway for the coming years to improve on the market share in many European countries as well as in Asia.

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News North West Golf Guide

Henrik Stenson at The Open Championship, Turnberry, 2009.

Henrik Stenson

Swedish ace recently visited Formby Tour ace Henrik Stenson made a special trip to see PGA coach and putting expert Phil Kenyon at his new headquarters at Formby Hall Golf Resort.

The six-time European Tour and two-time PGA Tour winner was visiting the Harold Swash Putting School which has relocated to the Southport venue.

Stenson also took advantage of the facilities at Formby’s PGA Golf Academy where under the expert eye of head professional Mark Williams and the Swede’s coach Mike Walker, he used force-plate and Trackman to measure ball flight and balance dynamics at the same time.

While there Stenson also enjoyed a flash back in time when he relived his Ryder Cup exploits of 2006 at The K Club.

“When Henrik arrived and called into the academy to introduce himself we were showing the official film of the 2006 Ryder Cup in the Golf Shop,” said Williams.

“It obviously still means a lot to him because he stood there glued to the matches and commentated on the golf and gave us an interesting insight, it clearly still holds very fond memories for him.”

Since opening in 2008, the PGA Golf Academy has welcomed and entertained golfers from around the world and even had the honour of staging a clinic hosted by the most successful golfer of all time - Jack Nicklaus.

As its reputation and awareness continues to blossom, the resort is attracting further

interest from current high profile players with several players already attached to the club including Southport-based European Tour player Lee Slattery and English Amateur Champion and Walker Cup player, Tommy Fleetwood.

In addition to visits from the likes of Stenson and Chris Woods, the PGA Golf Academy has also established itself as favourite for Premier League footballers. New Liverpool signing Joe Cole is a regular visitor and is proving as adept on the resort’s challenging par three course as he is on the pitch at Anfield.

For more details on residential breaks and training packages contact head professional, Mark Williams on 01704 876599 or email golfmanager@formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

26

News North West Golf Guide

Clitheroe Golf Club

Continues to produce outstanding young Lady Golfers In the past, Jane Forrest set the standard when she progressed through the Amateur ranks with honours to become a top quality Professional and still coaches at the highest level.

Kirsty Taylor carried on the tradition amongst the best golfers in the world and recently retired from the Professional Circuit after a long and successful career.

Kim Andrew won every honour in the Amateur Game for her Club, County and Country.

The future looks bright for Clitheroe as this year two more future stars have emerged, with Elizabeth Stebbings and Sophie Lamb finishing the season on a high!

Elizabeth (pictured left) has gone to Abu Dhabi for the finals of the Daily Telegraph sponsored Junior Championship.

Peter Alliss

Twelve year old Sophie (pictured right) has been selected for the English Girls Birdie Squad. Sophie has made rapid progress this year, reducing her handicap from 23 to 11 and

Visits Sandiway Golf Club On the last leg of his marathon tour, Peter Alliss took time out to visit Sandiway Golf Club and rekindle fond memories of having played the course many years ago. The Captain and Chairman hosted a small private lunch for him at the Golf Club before he set off to prepare for his final event in Northwich.

Peter said ‘Sandiway is such a beautiful course located in a magnificent setting. It has to be one of the finest courses I have played in the North West’.

Peter is pictured (from left to right) with the Vice Captain, John Millington, Secretary Manager Yvonne Bould, Professional Bill Laird, Club Chairman Graham Sayers, Peter, Keith Brian, the Captain Richard Taylor, the President John Clegg and Alan Barker.

promises to be another star representative of Clitheroe Golf Club in the future.

Visit: www.clitheroegolfclub.com

28

News North West Golf Guide

Rare Cheshire Vineyard Enjoys Another Bumper Crop

ONE of Europe’s most northerly commercial vineyards has enjoyed another successful crop this year, harvesting almost eight tonnes of grapes.

The three-acre Carden Park vineyard, in the grounds of the luxury four-star hotel, golf resort and spa of the same name, near Chester, has gone from strength to strength since its revival in 2006 following a six year break. The vineyards were re-established when property entrepreneur Steve Morgan bought back the hotel he had previously sold to De Vere.

This year, the vineyard produced close to eight tonnes of Seyval Blanc grapes, equating to around 6,000 bottle of sparkling white wine.

The crop is harvested in early November, when their sugar content is at the perfect level for transforming the fruit into wine.

Hotel general manager Hamish Ferguson said: “We‟re delighted with another bumper crop this year following four years of hard work by the estates team to bring the vineyards back to their best.

“Seyval Blanc is particularly well suited to the British climate and produces a light, nutty and crisp sparkling wine.”

Estates manager Peter Pattenden and a 22-strong team picked and packaged the grapes over two days from more than 4,000

vines on the south-west facing slopes. The fruit was then transported to Halfpenny Green Vineyards in Staffordshire, where it will be pressed before beginning the fermentation process using champagne yeast in a classic process called “methode champagnois”, which gives the wine its sparkle.

disease. From a humble first harvest in 2008, which produced 560 bottles, to a bumper crop of 17 tonnes over the last two years alone, the hard work has paid off.

Carden ‘Old Gold’ is named after the famous ‘Old Gold’ of Wolverhampton Wanderers and is exclusively sold at Carden Park and Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, also owned by Steve Morgan, who is executive chairman of UK housebuilder Redrow Homes.

Part of the 1,000 acre Carden Park estate, the vineyards are open to visitors and hotel guests can sample the 2008 vintage currently on sale.

The drink will be bottled in spring next year and then matured for a further nine months before the delicious vintage – called Carden ‘Old Gold’ - can finally be purchased.

But not ones to rest on their laurels, the Carden Park team have introduced a red grape to the vineyards. Peter said: “This vine was planted in May this year and will eventually yield a fabulous Pinot Noir grape, which we‟re hoping will produce a Rosé wine in about three years time.”

Winemaker Clive Vickers, who owns Halfpenny Green Vineyards with his father Martin, said: “Creating Carden „Old Gold‟ is a process that takes 18 months from picking the grape to producing a wine that is ready to drink.”

For more information about facilities at Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa visit www.cardenpark.co.uk or call 01829 731000 to speak to a member of the events team.

You can also follow Carden Park on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/cardenparkhotel www.twitter.com/cardenpark

Since 2006, the estates staff at Carden Park have worked tirelessly to revive the fortunes of the vineyard, which was originally planted in 1988, but subsequently ceased production in 2000. May to September is the main growing season, but it requires year-round care to keep the vines in peak condition and free from

30

Golf Lesson North West Golf Guide

Awareness

by Paul Eales

Awareness is something you will not read too much about in Golf Instruction articles. This I find truly amazing as to me it is one of the most important skills you need to play good golf consistently. Let me explain.

I often hear golfers say they are concentrating on “keeping their head down” or “swinging slowly” or “keeping width in the back swing” or things like that. Your attention/awareness needs only to be on one thing and that is the CLUBFACE!

The clubface will tell the ball where to go and I’m sorry to inform you that the golf ball doesn’t tell lies and it goes where you tell it to go. So what are you telling the clubface to tell the ball?

Here are a couple of exercises you may wish to try when yon next visit the range. The first of two exercises considers direction, the second strike.

Exercise 1 – Direction.

The next time you are on the range I want you to set up three “goals” 5 yards in front of you.

I use flags to create the goals (see below), but you can use brollies or even just yellow golf balls to mark out the targets.

The flags should be about 3 feet or a good stride apart.

Play the game initially with a three wood or rescue club.

At address have the clubface aiming at the centre “goal”. Your task is to then hit the ball intentionally through one of the other goals.

Decide which target you are going to go for before you swing. As you start the club back you should be sensing how you will need to alter the backswing to find an appropriate position that will allow you to carry out the task.

Now it’s at this moment that you have a couple of options to choose from. Different ways of carrying out the same task. You could simply change the clubs path and swing it towards the new target (left or right), or you could keep the club swinging towards the middle

goal and manipulate the clubface open or closed. Try both to see how different they feel. You might discover that your particular grip makes one side easier than the other, this could be particularly relevant if you are a slicer of the ball.

Once you master how to do that, then aim at the centre goal and hit the ball at that goal.

The disguise shots will have increased your awareness and you should now be applying the club far more consciously than before.

This is you playing shots with what we call “feel” and the exercise will make you really aware of the feel require to hit a straight shot.

By repeating this routine a number of times, switching between disguise and straight, you continue developing more and more awareness. What we are looking for here is you applying the club consciously in a manner that your experience tells you will effectively carry out the task.

When you are faced with the shot for real on the course then you must commit to applying the club consciously with the appropriate feel.

Do not concern yourself with the outcome, simply absorb yourself in controlling what you can control... the feel of the shot!

31

Golf Lesson North West Golf Guide

“Almost every pupil I have the pleasure of coaching asks me to help them improve their consistency.”

Exercise 2 – Strike.

Almost every pupil I have the pleasure of coaching asks me to help them improve their consistency. And one of the biggest areas of concern is that of inconsistent striking on the shortest of chips and pitches. One minute shots are being duffed a few feet, and then thinned through the back of green the next.

Being able to consistently strike the ball is a pre-requisite for attaining consistent outcomes, so lets look at how we can bring your short game to life and develop some real consistency.

I would use one of your wedges for this particular exercise. Pick a target some 10 yards away, but before you hit any shots I want you to place two clubs on the ground 18 inches apart and 2 feet in front of the ball.

When you stand behind the ball it should look as if you are hitting the ball down an 18 inch channel towards the target 10 yards away.

Next I want you to make a number of practice swings in the vicinity where the ball will be, but I want these swings to a specific intent attached to them.

From your regular pitching set-up I want you to intentionally apply the club in a wristy scooping manner that sees the club brush the ground at least 3 or 4 inches behind where the ball will be. This in turn would result in the club swinging up as it hits the ball impacting it around the equator or above. This would be one way of hitting an intentional thin shot.

Once you get a feel for how to apply the club appropriately to hit your intentional thin try it on the ball. The perfect swing should see the ball come out low and fly way too far. Remember you are endeavouring to intentionally hit a poor shot, and if you hit a good shot by accident then you have not applied the club as intended. Good shots are bad in this game!

Once you feel you could thin the ball consistently then I want you to try and “fat” it. Once again take up your regular address position, but this time your intention is to stick the leading edge of your wedge into the ground well behind the ball and have it move only a couple of feet or so along your channel.

It can be incredibly challenging to hit these shots intentionally, but if you can learn to do it then you can also learn to hit quality shots intentionally.

As you can imagine the final challenge is to apply the club in a manner that will brush the ground in the right spot, hit the ball the right distance and in the right direction. Make some practice swings and really pay attention to how the swing feels to do so. Observe the contact point on the ground and the direction that the club is travelling on and tie this into how this really appropriate swing feels, because when it comes to hitting the ball for real the task that faces you is not one of hitting a great shot, but one of getting lost in applying the club consciously and with the feel that you know will get the job done. The shots then take care of themselves.

Once you develop these skills you simply won’t be able to stop developing more and more consistency and control.

Good luck, and let me know not only how you’re getting on, but also if there are any other issues that you would like me to cover in future articles.

I can be contacted by e-mail me at: paul.eales@talk21.com or by phone 07801 477 348

32

News North West Golf Guide

The Wilmslow Golf Club

Appoints its fourth ever Club Professional in 121 years!

Founded in 1889, Wilmslow Golf Club is a prestigious parkland golf course in the north west of England with magnificent views and a heritage to match. Remarkably over its 121 year history, this traditional private members’ club has only employed 3 people in the post of Club Professional. With the retirement of John Nowicki, who has served the club for 40 years, 2010 will see the appointment of its fourth ever Club Professional in the shape of 29 year old Matt Gillingham.

Formerly the senior golf professional at Gleneagles, Matt is used to working at the very top level of the industry and will be moving to the area with his fiancée whose family is from nearby Southport. As well as maintaining the current high standards and expectations of the golf club, Matt’s main role will be to enhance the golf club’s standing as a leading venue and to bring the retail and commercial elements of the golf club up to date.

Matt’s experience at Gleneagles together with his earlier role as assistant at Taunton and Pickeridge will prove invaluable in achieving these aims as he explains, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Gleneagles and this

combined with my time at Taunton, has taught me a lot about balancing the expectations of club members with the commercial aspects of running a successful Pro Shop business. I am relishing the opportunity that Wilmslow Golf Club offers me and it really is quite remarkable that I will the only the fourth person to have ever held the post!”

Over its 121 year history The Wilmslow Golf Club has hosted professional tournaments, been a regional qualifying course for The Open and whilst it presents a fine test of golf for the low handicapper, it also provides an enjoyable experience to golfers of all ability.

With only 3 men having helped guide and support the club through this time, choosing the right candidate to take the club forward was no easy feat.

“We needed to find an individual who demonstrated genuine entrepreneurial spirit but appreciated the professionalism required to support the needs of a traditional but progressive golf club. We feel that Matt has all of the qualities that we were looking for. The Committee and club members are delighted to welcome him and his family and are confident

that he will share the same successful – and long - career as his predecessors,” commented Terry Barnes, Wilmslow Golf Club Captain.

(Pictured above with Matthew Gillingham)

34

News North West Golf Guide

Ged Fury

25 Years as Pro at Pleasington In January the club held a presentation in recognition of his 25 years service as Club Professional. Ged is a very unassuming man and doesn’t really seek the limelight but I know he was surprised and honoured to be recognised in this way.

Unfortunately Ged’s days of being able to play to his own very high standards have sadly gone due to a spinal injury. However it is only right that to mark this occasion we look back on what has been a memorable career, some of the highlights include:

Professional Events: * Played in the Open Championship at Royal Lytham in 1988 * Represented GB&I in the PGA Cup * Represented England in the European Championship Team * Played for the winning European Team in the Coughlan Cup (captained

by Tony Jacklin MBE) * European Tour School pre-qualifier winner * European Tour Player 1999 * Lancashire Open winner 5 times in 1991, 95, 96, 97 & 2000 * Lancashire Matchplay Champion in 1990 & 1993 * Lancashire Strokeplay Champion in 1991 & 1992 * Manx Classic Champion 1989, 2001 & 2004 * Leeds Cup winner in 1993 * North Region Champion 1995 & 1998 * Tobago International Champion 1997 Professional / Amateur Events: * Volvo Pro/Captain Challenge Champions at Wentworth with Brian Marsden * Volvo Pro/Captain Qualifier winners at Hillside with Nick Lomas * Hennessey National Pro-Am runners up at Grand Bahama with Mike Barratt

* Lombard Top Club Champions at San Lorenzo with Geoff Wilson Open Regional Qualifying: * In 20 attempts got through to final qualifying on 18 occasions * Was a combined 14 under par for rounds at Carlisle & Fairhaven x 2 yet was still only a reserve for The Open!!

Course Records: At some stage Ged held or tied the following course records; Belmont 72 (par), Branston 69 (-3), Ludlow 66 (-5), Castletown 66 (-6), Ashton & Lea 66 (-5), Royal St David’s 66 (-3), North Berwick 65 (-6), Wilpshire 64 (-5), Herons Reach 66 (-6), North Manchester 65 (-6), Darwen 66 (-4), Blackburn 68 (-3), Ulverston 64 (-7) and Crompton & Royton 63 (-7)

Ged has also been readily available to represent the club in events like the Dunham Forest Trophy - he played in the winning side of 2003 - and the Town League. Those captains and team members that have seen Ged play at close quarters know how good he is. Best wishes from all at Pleasington Golf Club. www.pleasington-golf.co.uk

A different kind of club Becketts... for all your financial needs Telephone: 01253 881920 www.beckettsca.com

36

Promotion North West Golf Guide

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Promotion North West Golf Guide

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38

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 h ome 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.

39

Cheshire INTRODUCTION

M-6 M-62

M-56

Warrington

Lymm

17 M-53

Runcorn 14

08

02

Knutsford

Frodsham Ellesmere Port

07 15

M-56

04

18 Chester

20 05

16 Macclesfield

Northwich 19 Winsford

13 12

Congleton Sandbach

01

Crewe Nantwich

22 06

Malpas M-6 Whitchurch

01. Aldersey Green 02. Antrobus 03. Carden Park 04. Delamere Forest 05. Eaton Golf Club 06. Gorstyhill 07. Hartford 08. Mere 09. Mobberley 10. Mottram Hall 11. Peover

10

09

11

Tarpley

03

Wimslow

21

12. Portal 13. Pryors Hayes 14. Runcorn 15. Sandiway 16. Barcel贸 Shrigley Hall 17. The Warrington 18. Upton-by-Chester 19. Vale Royal 20. Vicars Cross 21. Wilmslow Golf Club 22. Wychwood Park

40

Contact Details Aldersey Green Golf Club Aldersey, Nr. Chester CH3 9EH

Telephone: 01829 782157 bradburygolf@aol.com

01. How to Find

Aldersey Green 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 postmatch unwinding.

Signature Holes: 3rd. 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 beautiful 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.

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.

Facilities Pro Shop, Putting Green, Trolley Hire, Changing Rooms, Club Repair & Custom fitting, Bar & Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6145 • 5983 (70) • 5541 (73) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Twilight Special Offer Any Day After 3 pm Weekends Included

Only £10 per player Tel: 01829 782157

4 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 5

Yards

413 161 217 351 510 290 341 372 484

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 3 4 4 3 4 4

Yards

273 189 551 216 397 318 167 379 354

41

Contact Details Antrobus Golf Club Foggs Lane, Antrobus Cheshire, CW9 6JQ

Telephone: 01925 730 900 antrobusgolfclub@gmail.com www.antrobusgolfclub.co.uk 02. How to Find 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.

Facilities Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6220

Antrobus 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.

Course Guide: There is little doubt... Antrobus is a challenge! The course has been cleverly designed and built around existing natural features, with both the plentiful water hazards and wooded areas. 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.

42

Contact Details Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort & Spa Nr Chester, Cheshire CH3 9DQ

Telephone: 01829 731 000 reservations.carden@devere-hotels.com www.cardenpark.co.uk 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, Golf lessons, Ropes course, Outdoor activities, 196 bedrooms, Choice of Restaurants including Private dining, 13 spa treatment rooms, Free Car Parking

CARDEN PARK Set in 1000 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. Driver could get you in trouble.

The perfect tee shot would be a 3 wood or long iron to land short left which in return would leave an approach shot into a generous green.

Cheshire Course 18 holes, Par 72 • 6824 • 6653 • 6348 • 5646 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3 5 4 4 4 5 4 3 4

Yards

155 542 365 338 389 524 374 206 432

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 4 4 5 3 4 3 4

Yards

340 555 359 342 425 126 381 181 314

43

03. How to Find 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 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.

Nicklaus Course 18 holes, Par 72 • 7045 • 6628 • 6302 • 5906 • 5211

Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 3 5 4 4 4 3 5

Yards

383 285 138 479 373 305 358 120 515

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 5 4 4 3 4 5

Yards

369 387 177 501 287 341 115 317 456

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.

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 shot over the lake to the elongated green. Be careful not to be short or this could cost you dearly.

44

Contact Details Delamere Forest Golf Club Ltd Station Road Delamere, CW8 2JE Telephone: 01606 883800 sec@delameregolf.co.uk www.delameregolf.co.uk 04. How to Find 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 Designed by W H Fowler, Delamere Forest was founded in 1910, reputedly in a hunting field.

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 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.

Signature Holes: The 6th 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, with woods and fields in all directions. The 8th requires a long straight tee shot over a hollow and a second shot in to a steeply sloping green. It 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.

Facilities Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6817 • 6330 • 5680 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 4 3 4 3 5 4 4

Yards

420 428 399 206 424 131 438 411 321

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 5

Yards

323 492 145 302 364 295 188 356 458

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

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Contact Details 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. 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 Designed by Donald Steele, the celebrated golf architect, as an enjoyable challenge for players of all abilities. Located some 4 miles from the historic city of Chester 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.

Facilities Driving Range, Putting Green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6580 • 6414 • 5642 (73) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 4 3 5 3 4 5 4

Yards

357 370 414 166 488 178 322 476 429

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 4 5 4 5 3 4

Yards

386 170 340 342 518 379 503 145 431

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.

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?

Contact Details Gorstyhill Golf Club Abbey Park Way, Wychwood Village Weston, Crewe Cheshire, CW2 5SQ Telephone: 01270 829166 info@gorstyhillgolf.co.uk www.gorstyhillgolf.co.uk 06. 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 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.

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.

Facilities Practise Area, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys and Electric Trolleys, Clubhouse with Bar and Catering overlooking the 9th green, Pro-Shop, Lessons, Club Repairs Course Information

18 holes, Par 72 • 6456 • 6120 • 5859 • 5414 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 5

Yards

506 337 141 403 119 351 281 304 475

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 5 3 4 4 4 3 5

Yards

273 283 467 176 318 385 350 167 523

Green fee rates from:

£15 Mon-Fri £20 Sat-Sun-B.Hol ...Set your game alight at Gorstyhill in 2010...

Great for Winter Golf

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

Contact Details Hartford Golf Club Burrows Hill, Hartford, Northwich Cheshire, CW8 3AP Telephone: 01606 871162 info@hartfordgolf.co.uk www.hartfordgolf.co.uk 07. How to Find 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 right at Golf Club sign by garden center. Approx one mile on the left.

Facilities Driving Range, Clubhouse, Putting Green, bar, catering, function rooms

Course Information 9 holes, Par 35 • 2770 • 2602 • 2309 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 3 5 4 3 4 3 4 4

Yards

466 158 488 246 125 247 172 340 353

Hartford 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.

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.

Signature Holes: 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”. 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.

Hartford Golf Club Play cheshire’s best drained golf course with USGA greens and sand based fairways, Harford plays exceptionally well all winter Green fees

18 holes: Weekday £12.50 - Weekend £14.50 9 Holes: Weekday £8.50 - Weekend £10.50 driving range open 8am - 9 pm

Lessons and custom fitting available

48

Contact Details Mere Golf & Country Club Chester Road, Mere, Knutsford Cheshire, WA16 6LJ Telephone: 01565 830 155 play@meregolf.co.uk www.meregolf.co.uk 08. 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.

Mere 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’.

The last four holes are particularly memorable.

The 15th is a tough par 4 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 par 4 16th hole as one of his favourites. The short par 4 17th has been described as a card-wrecker. The par 5 18th requires a straight tee shot from a raised tee to the top of a hill. A particular favourite with Colin Montgomerie on his recent visit.

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.

Facilities Floating Golf Ball Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Green, Golf Tuition, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant, Member’s Leisure Club Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6887 • 6330 • 5680

The Open Championship Regional Qualifying Course 2009 - 2013

Membership applications invited

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

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Contact Details Mobberley Golf Club Burleyhurst Lane, Mobberley Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7JZ Telephone: 01565 880188 enquiries@mobgolfclub.co.uk www.mobgolfclub.co.uk 09. How to Find From M56.

Exit M56 at junction 6 (Wilmslow/ Hale/A538). Turn left at Wilmslow Road/A538. Turn right at Morley Green Road, Turn right at Mobberley Road. Continue onto Burleyhurst Lane. Golf club is on your right.

Mobberley Mobberley Golf Club is deliberately called the ‘Friendly Golf Venue’. We cater for all level of golfers, from raw beginners to seasoned players, apart from the club competitions we have social golf roll ups on most days and all are welcome, including non members.

Our membership has gone up threefold in under two years and we have obtained planning permission for 18 holes, a much enlarged clubhouse a driving range and a 6 hole academy course. The old “farmer’s field with 9 flags” as Mobberley was unkindly known is now a thing of the past. The general course condition in particular the greens

and fairways are as good as you will find anywhere, not only when we have a big event, but on a day to day basis as we believe in value for money, and at our membership and green fee rates you’ll find it certainly is that.

Our owners, golf director and captain are all very approachable and they will be happy to tell you first hand, about our exciting plans.

Why not come down to Mobberley and see for yourself why we are the Friendly Golf Venue!

3rd Hole, Par 3. “Wee Flick”. Not as easy as you might think, just a short iron but it’s very difficult to get it close.

FREE GOLF!

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Buggies, Practice Ground, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 9 holes, Par 34 • 2783 • 2622 (36) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 3

Yards

599 360 118 422 252 153 292 414 173

Until the end of December, Limited to 1 round per person per day maximum.

Tee time must be booked

51

Contact Details Mottram Hall Wilmslow Road Mottram St Andrew Cheshire, SK10 4QT

Telephone: 01625 828135 DMH.Sales@Devere-hotels.com www.devere.co.uk 10. How to Find 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.

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 5

Yards

485 364 158 377 414 347 190 376 490

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 3 4 4 4 4 3 4 5

Mottram Hall

Yards

545 193 405 453 361 343 209 445 520

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: 13th, Par 4. S.I. 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. 17th. Another long par 4 that doglegs left to right round heavy woodland on either side of the fairway.

Winter Society Packages From £20.00 Per Person - Groups Of 10 Or More Superb Drainage - Superb Winter Golf. Ring Golf Sales On (01625) 828135 For Full Details

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Contact Details Peover Golf Club Plumley Moor Road Lower Peover, Near Knutsford Cheshire, WA16 9SE Telephone: 01565 723337 mail@peovergolfclub.co.uk www.peovergolfclub.co.uk 11. How to Find 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 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.

Facilities Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6702 • 6339 • 5640 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 4 3 5 5 4 4 3

Yards

375 289 348 230 506 558 362 320 176

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 5 5 3 4 4 4

Yards

420 423 168 491 497 144 381 381 270

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.

Signature Holes: Hole 10, Par 4. 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. Hole 14, Par 5. Only the brave will take on the Peover Eye, leaving the green reachable in two.

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

54

Contact Details 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 Facilities Championship Golf Course Hotel, Spa, Largest indoor golf academy in Europe, Lounge Bar, Restaurants, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Pro shop

Premier Course Spike Bar, Putting Green, Practice nets, Buggies, Trolleys, Pro shop Arderne Course 9-holes

PORTAL 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’re new to the game, or want to improve, our PGA Professionals are available for individual or group tuition. 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.

Championship Course 18 holes, Par 73 • 7058 • 6577 • 5928 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 5 5 3 4 4 4 4

Yards

275 321 557 524 197 344 383 387 340

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 5 4 3 4 3 4 4

Yards

425 411 507 382 125 379 176 379 392

3 Months Free Membership Are you a member of a club looking to move?

If you have time left on your current membership we will give you up to 3 months free membership Quote: North West Golf Guide

Contact our Golf Sales Team on 01829 734161

55

12. How to Find 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.

PORTAL Just 2 minutes from the hotel, the scenic 18hole 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.

Premier Course 18 holes, Par 71 • 6582 • 6293 • 5688

Hole Par

Yards

Hole Par

Yards

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

306 591 292 336 152 340 152 367 387

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

414 421 335 404 408 157 519 160 476

4 5 4 4 3 4 3 4 4

4 4 4 4 4 3 5 3 5

Our 9-hole Arderne Course presents a superb challenge for golfers of all levels.

Winter Offer £80 per fourball Including bacon roll & coffee Quote: North West Golf Guide

Contact our Golf Sales Team on 0844 879 9082

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.

56

Contact Details 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 13. How to Find 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.

Facilities

Pryors Hayes

Pro Shop, Marquee, Celebration Garden, Covered Video Teaching Bay, Short Game Area

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 & 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 very

welcoming staff to both members and visitors alike. Pryors Hayes is a golf club with a modern outlook on how golfers should be looked after.

Membership: The ladies section have two formal and one friendly competition a week, meeting on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Up to one hundred seniors play every Tuesday, along with home and away team matches.

Male members and juniors play Wednesday and Saturday competitions 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.

Golf’s in full swing at

RUNNER UP IN GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD 2009

COMMENDED FOR COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR 2009 FINALIST IN MOST WELCOMING CLUB OF THE YEAR 2008 Course Information 18 holes, Par 69 • 5915 • 5524 • 4996 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 3

Yards

437 444 178 382 407 328 117 370 155

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 4 3 4 3 5 4

Yards

334 275 387 324 156 302 161 444 323

1/2 PRICE GOLF OFFER Play for half price when producing this advert Valid until 31st March 2011

WEEKDAYS

WEEKENDS

(Normally £60)

(Normally £80)

2 for £20

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

2 for £30

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

57

Contact Details Runcorn Golf Club The Heath, Clifton Road, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4SU

Telephone: 01928 574214 Email enquiries via website www.runcorngolfclub.co.uk 14. 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 Facilities Putting Green, Practice Nets, Practice area, Professionals Shop, Golf Lessons, Club House/ Locker room etc, Restaurant, Snooker Room Course Information 18 holes, Par 69 • 6048 • 5877 • 5402 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 4 4 3 4 5 3 4

Yards

368 159 377 346 175 330 539 192 331

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 4 5 4 3 4 3

Yards

397 414 400 346 521 261 156 447 118

Runcorn 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.

Hole 9, Par 4. Surely a magnificent hole. Do not be fooled by the panoramic views of the 9th and 10th fairway as many dangers lie ahead.

Slice the ball to the right and it will be a certain dropped shot. For the big hitter a ditch secretly guards the green. For those with a good drive to the left of the fairway, a giant tree obscures the view of the hole and the way in.

RUNCORN GOLF CLUB WELCOMES New members, societies and visitors No joining fees and Special Introductory Offer to new Lady Members of 50% subscription.

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

58

Contact Details Sandiway Golf Club Limited The Clubhouse, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, CW8 2DJ

Telephone: 01606 883247 information@sandiwaygolf.co.uk www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk 15. How to Find 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.

Sandiway 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 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

Sandiway Golf Club

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

The Clubhouse: Originally built in 1926 with the financial assistance of Brunner Mond and Company, it has recently been refurbished in the bar and lounge areas to provide a more comfortable and relaxing environment to complete the perfect golfing experience. The external style follows that of a traditional Cheshire farmhouse which has stunning views over the course. It is a clubhouse for golfers and the addition of disabled access facilities to cater for all has made it more inclusive.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range, Buggies, Trolleys, Custom fitting, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70. SSS 72 • 6404 • 6019 • 5632 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 3 5 4 3 4 4 4

Yards

385 499 169 478 361 150 391 326 393

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 3 4 4 5 4 3

Yards

455 197 405 123 393 350 498 283 164

4 Ball Winter Special

Packages

Available on any Tuesday from November to March

Any Tuesday between October 2010 and March 2011

18 holes GOLF + Coffee

‘Sandiway Oak’. 18 holes Golf 2 course meal Numbers 12-20 - £35pp

& Bacon Roll – 4 persons. £99 inclusive

18 holes of Golf. 2 course meal Numbers above 21 - £32pp

To book your places please contact Yvonne Bould on 01606 883247 Option 4 Or alternatively e-mail information@sandiwaygolf.co.uk

59

Contact Details Barceló Shrigley Hall Golf Club Pott Shrigley, Shrigley Nr. Macclesfield Cheshire, SK10 5SB

Telephone: 01625 575626 shrigleyhall.golfretail@barcelo-hotels.co.uk www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk 16. How to Find From the South; exit the M6 at Junction 17. Take A534 then A536 to Macclesfield.

From the North; exit the M6 at Junction 20. Take A50 then A537 to Macclesfield. At Macclesfield follow A523 towards Stockport for approx. 4 miles. Turn right into Brookledge Lane, Barceló Shrigley Hall is 2 miles on your left.

Facilities Hotel, Spa, Bars, Restaurants, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Practice Ground, Lessons, Pro shop, Conference, Leisure & Beauty Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6241 • 5984 • 5241 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 3 5 4 4 5 3 4

Yards

329 274 130 527 382 383 471 150 407

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 4 3 4 3 4 5

Yards

299 372 376 381 176 357 213 303 557

Barceló Shrigley Hall Set in 262 acres of glorious Cheshire countryside, Barceló Shrigley Hall offers a true Championship course, and a real test of skill and stamina, whatever your handicap.

Our 18-hole, par-71 course takes you through magnificent woodland and open parkland, and was designed by celebrated architect Donald Steel, who has worked on every Open Championship venue in the country.

It’s greatest rewards, though, are the stunning views over five counties, and the warm welcome you’ll receive at our historic Country House Hotel and Health & Leisure Club. Built in the 19th Century, it combines Victorian grandeur

with the finest contemporary comfort. And with a range of day, short break, corporate and membership packages to choose from, Barceló Shrigley Hall has everything you need to relax and enjoy some of the best golf in Britain.

Barceló Shrigley Hall is the perfect venue for entertaining colleagues, clients or business associates. We tailor packages to suit different budgets for groups of 8 or more, and include free use of the hotel’s leisure facilities & the Clubhouse’s private function room. We will happily place your chosen signs or banners around the course during the event. Our club pros will be at your disposal on the day.

Society Winter Special. Coffee + bacon roll + 18 holes = £17.50. 15th Oct. - 28th Feb. Min. 12 people. Ref. SOCGG

60

Contact Details 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 17. How to Find 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.

The Warrington 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 all year, and an experienced pro shop, clubhouse and administration team ensure you will get a warm welcome and a day to remember.

7th. “Steeple.” Teeing off from the highest part of the course, you can enjoy magnificent views across Warrington and the adjoining countryside. Although a relatively short Par 4, you take on the fairway bunkers at your peril.

17th. “Hill Warren.” Named after the land on which the course is built, is a challenging Par 5.

Bunkers and gorse make for a testing drive. A pond short of the green requires a decision on whether to go for the green or lay up.

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.

Facilities

Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Pro shop, Trolleys, Custom fitting, Lessons

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6211 • 5930 • 5700 (73) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3

Yards

407 353 327 352 471 158 332 348 148

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 4 5 3 5 4

Yards

286 414 239 149 401 484 149 490 422

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

61

Contact Details Upton-by-Chester Golf Club Upton Lane, Upton-by-Chester CH2 1EE Telephone: 01244 381183 secretary@uptongolf.co.uk www.uptongolf.co.uk 18. How to Find From the M53 Junction 12 Follow the signs for Chester on the A56 for 0.4 mile. At the round-about turn right onto the A41. Travel north for approx.1.4 miles to the second set of traffic lights in Upton and turn left (Old Petrol Station on left hand side just before the lights). Fork right after about 250 yards into Upton Lane opposite the “Wheatsheaf” pub. The Club entrance is about 500 yards on the left hand side at the end of a tall brick wall.

Facilities Bars, Restaurant, Snooker Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 69 • 5807 • 5628 • 5253 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3 4 4 3 4 3 4 4 5

Yards

147 400 268 141 324 171 398 254 506

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 4 5 4 3 5 3 4

Yards

130 358 432 477 390 191 499 233 309

UPTON BY CHESTER Discover historic Chester’s gem of a golf course in Upton’s leafy suburbs. Set in delightful parkland this is not the longest course but it is a true test for the thinking golfer.

In its 75-year history many fine golfers have honed their skills at Upton including an English Amateur champion, a British Senior champion, English and Welsh internationals, Open qualifiers, Cheshire county players and county trophy winners.

The course is in fine condition and the USGA specification, cunningly designed greens ensure you enjoy your golf all year-round.

The City of Chester has much to offer for day and short break visitors. Whether it’s shopping, history, racing or the zoo you can complete your visit with a round at Uptonby-Chester.

Packages are available for individuals, groups and societies who are all welcome. Please call for details or check our website.

After your game enjoy the ambiance of a refreshing drink on the patio overlooking the 18th green. The club is two miles from Chester city centre with easy access from the M56, M53 and A41.

62

Contact Details Vale Royal Abbey Whitegate, Northwich Cheshire CW8 2BA

Telephone: 01606 301291 events@vra.co.uk www.vra.co.uk 19. How to Find 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 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.

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 S.I. 1.

An intimidating drive with water left and woodland right. The approach 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 left & behind.

Facilities Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, Banqueting Hall, Conference Facilities, Chipping Area, Putting Green, Practice Ground, Trolleys, Lessons, Swing Room, Pro shop Course Information

18 holes, Par 72 • 6463 • 6160 • 5581 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 4 4 4 3 4 4 4

Yards

372 493 248 364 355 165 449 326 377

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Open to winter golfers and societies for £40 per person (Minimum 12). To include Bacon Rolls, Tea/ Coffee, Two Course Meal. Available Monday, Wednesday and Friday. To book call 01606 301291 Valid from 1st November to 31st March 2011 cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and subject to availability.

3 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 5

Yards

191 289 417 294 307 570 134 409 463

63

Contact Details 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 20. How to Find 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 Facilities Bar, Clubhouse Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range (covered and open bays), Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Function/Meeting Rooms Course Information

18 holes, Par 72 • 6446 • 6191 • 5641 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 4 5 4 4 4 3 4

Yards

311 513 371 508 358 411 403 161 254

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 5 3 4 5 3

Yards

336 393 335 155 533 172 387 460 130

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. One of the harder par 4’s on the course, this dogleg right carries an abundance of hazards. Trees threaten the drive whilst a stream crossing the fairway and left of the large, undulating green demand an accurate approach. Hole 18. 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.

T WILIGHT GOLF ONLY £15.00 p.p.

Everyday - subject to availablility Call the Professional on 01244 335174 Ext 4

64

Contact Details The Wilmslow Golf Club Great Warford, Mobberley Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7AY

Telephone: 01565 872148 admin@wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk www.wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk 21. How to Find From North: Leave the M56 at junction 6 and bear right onto the A538 towards Wilmslow. Take the first turning on the right at the top of the hill signposted Mobberley and at the T-junction turn right, again signposted Mobberley. Continue for two miles and turn left at the junction onto the B5085 towards Alderley Edge - the ‘Bird in Hand’ pub is on your left. Continue for one mile and turn right at the crossroads onto Warford Lane. The Wilmslow Golf Club is 400yds on the left.

WILMSLOW This Cheshire Golf Club was founded in 1889 and is located just outside Wilmslow in the North West of England.

The fine parkland golf course measures over 6,635 yards and the Clubhouse offers a comfortable environment both before and after golf with magnificent views over the course. The Club has hosted major professional tournaments and has been a regional qualifying course for The Open.

Whilst the course is a fine test of golf for the low handicapper it also provides an enjoyable experience to golfers of all ability. Rated one

of the finest inland courses in the North West of England, always in first-class condition and playable in all but the most extreme of weathers, The Wilmslow Golf Club is a perfect haven from the stress of business and the cares of daily life.

Toughest Hole: Hole 8. Par 4, 437 yards (competition tee). S.I. 1 A handsome and strong par 4. The drive is the key. Obviously the road and trees on the left must be avoided but shots are easily lost in the bunker and trees on the right. Cross-bunkers threaten many second shots, and the green repels all but the truest of approaches.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Putting Green, Chipping area and extensive practice ground.

Electric buggies available for hire.

Visitors personal buggies not permitted Course Information

18 holes, Par 72 • 6635 • 6311 • 5828 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 5 4 4 3 5 4 3

Yards

357 426 489 389 359 163 451 416 124

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 5

Yards

346 318 400 484 147 407 397 158 480

65

Contact Details Wychwood Park Golf Club Weston, Crewe Cheshire, CW2 5GP

Telephone: 0844 980 2323 wychwood@deverevenues.co.uk www.devere.co.uk 22. How to Find 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.

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 Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7213 • 6736 • 6320 • 5618 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 3 4 4 4 3 5 4 4

Yards

524 139 332 440 365 175 519 347 369

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 4 4 4 4 3 5

Yards

321 127 512 388 331 376 396 188 471

Wychwood Park 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.

Signature Holes Hole 7, Par 5. A tough hole that 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.

Hole 17, Par 3. A long hole 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.

66

Cheshire Directory

Alder Root Golf Club Alder Root Lane, Winwick Warrington, WA2 8RZ Telephone: 01925 291919 enquiries@alderrootgolfclub.com www.alderrootgolfclub.com Alderley Edge Golf Club Brook Lane, Alderley Edge SK9 7RU Telephone: 0162 585583 office@aegc.co.uk www.aegc.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disley Golf Club Stanley Hall Lane, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2JX Telephone: 01663 762071 secretary@disleygolfclub.co.uk www.disleygolfclub.co.uk Dukinfield Golf Club Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield, SK16 5DB Telephone: 0161 338 2340 dgclub@tiscali.co.uk www.dukinfieldgolfclub.co.uk

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

67

Cheshire Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heaton Moor Golf Club Mauldeth Road, Heaton Mersey, Stockport, SK4 3NX Telephone: 0161 432 2134 heatonmoorgolfclub@yahoo.co.uk www.heatonmoorgolfclub.co.uk Helsby Golf Club Tower’s Lane, Helsby, Warrington, WA6 0JB Telephone: 01928 722021 secretary@helsbygolfclub.org www.helsbygolfclub.org

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

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

Houldsworth Golf Club Houldsworth Street, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 6BN Telephone: 0161 442 9611 houldsworthsecretary@hotmail.co.uk www.houldsworthgolfclub.co.uk Knights Grange Golf Club Grange Lane, Winsford, CW7 2PT Telephone: 01606 552780 mail.knightsgrangegolfclub.co.uk www.knightsgrangegolfclub.co.uk Knutsford Golf Club Mereheath Lane, Knutsford, WA16 6HS Telephone: 01565 633355 secretary@knutsfordgolf.com www.basickey.com/knutsfordgolf Leigh Golf Club Kenyon Hall, Culcheth, Warrington, WA3 4BG Telephone: 01925 763130 golf@leighgolf.fsnet.co.uk www.leighgolf.co.uk

Lymm Golf Club Whitbarrow Road, Lymm, WA13 9AN Telephone: 01925 752177 lymmgolfclub@btconnect.com www.lymm-golf-club.co.uk Macclesfield Golf Club The Hollins, Macclesfield, SK11 7EA Telephone: 01625 423227 Email enquiries via website www.maccgolfclub.co.uk

Malkins Bank Golf Course Malkins Bank, Sandbach, CW11 4XN Telephone: 01270 765931 malkins.bank@congleton.gov.uk www.congleton.gov.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 Mellor & Townscliffe Golf Club Tarden, Gibb Lane, Mellor, Stockport, SK6 5NA Telephone: 0161 427 9700 secretary@mellorgolf.co.uk www.mellorgolf.co.uk

68

Cheshire Directory

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

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

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

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

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

Portal Golf & Country Club Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley, CW6 0DF Telephone: 01829 733933 Email enquiries via website www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Portal Premier Golf Club Forest Road, Tarporley, CW6 0JA Telephone: 01829 733884 Email enquiries via website www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Poulton Park Golf Club Dig Lane, Cinnamon Brow, WA2 0SH Telephone: 01925 812034 secretary@poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk www.poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk Prestbury Golf Club Macclefield Road, Prestbury, Macclesfield, SK10 4BJ Telephone: 01625 829388 office@prestburygolfclub.com www.prestburygolfclub.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

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

Reaseheath Golf Club Reaseheath College, Reaseheath, Nantwich, CW5 6DF Telephone: 01270 625131 enquiries@reaseheath.ac.uk www.reaseheath.ac.uk Reddish Vale Golf Club Southcliffe Road, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 7EE Telephone: 0161 480 2359 admin@rvgc.co.uk www.reddishvalegolfclub.co.uk

Ringway Golf Club Hale Mount, Hale Burns, Altrincham, WA15 8SW Telephone: 0161 904 9609 fiona@ringwaygolfclub.co.uk www.ringwaygolfclub.co.uk Romiley Golf Club Goosehouse Green, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4LY Telephone: 0161 430 2392 office@romileygolfclub.org www.romileygolfclub.org

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

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

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Cheshire Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vicars Cross Golf Club Tarvin Road, Great Barrow, Chester, CH3 7HN Telephone: 01244 335174 www.vicarscrossgolf.co.uk manager@vicarscrossgolf.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 Werneth Low Golf Club Werneth Low Road, Gee Cross, Hyde, SK14 3AF Telephone: 0161 368 2503 admin@wernethlowgolf.co.uk www.wernethlowgolf.co.uk Widnes Golf Club Highfield Road, Widnes, WA8 7DT Telephone: 0151 424 2440 office@widnesgolfclub.co.uk www.widnes-golfclub.co.uk

Wilmslow Golf Club Great Warford, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7AY Telephone: 01565 872148 info@wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk www.wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk Woodside Golf Club Knutsford Road, Holmes Chapel, CW4 8HJ Telephone: 01477 532388 info@woodsidegolf.co.uk www.woodsidegolf.co.uk

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

70

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 funky Northern

71

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

M-67

02 Trafford

M-62

04 M-60 01

Stockport

03

01. Cheadle 02. Didsbury 03. Hazel Grove 04. Sale

M-56 M-6

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.

72

Contact Details Cheadle Golf Club Shiers Drive, Cheadle Cheshire, SK8 1HW

Telephone: 0161 428 9878 cheadlegolfclub@msn.com www.cheadlegolfclub.com 01. How to Find Exit M60 at Jct 2 towards A560/ Cheadle. At roundabout, take the 5th exit onto Stockport Rd/A560 heading to Cheadle. Turn left at Wilmslow Rd/A5149. Turn left at Shiers Drive.

CHEADLE Cheadle Golf Club was established in 1885 and is the second oldest golf club in Cheshire (the oldest is Royal Liverpool at Hoylake). It is well known as a very friendly club where new members and visitors are made welcome.

Cheadle is a challenging nine hole golf course that is suitable for all categories of golfers.

The clubhouse has a bar, lounge and snooker room. A wide range of social activities take place including socials, dinners, whist drives, and snooker competitions. Details of social events are posted on the notice board in the stud bar. Meals and bar snacks are available in the clubhouse.

The Club Professional is Anthony Millar, who is a fully qualified PGA Professional and a regular tournament competitor in the Northern Region. Anthony competed in The Open Championship at Troon in 2004.

Lessons are provided for beginners and all level of golfer.

An excellent range of golf equipment and clothing is available in the shop. Members can sign in guests to use clubhouse facilities, attend social events, or to play golf at reduced green fees. Cheadle Golf Club also features an extensive programme of golf competitions which take place every year.

Cheadle Golf Club Cheadle Road, Cheadle, Cheshire

Invites you to celebrate our 125th anniversary (Cheadle Golf Club rules & standard of dress apply at all times.)

Please ring or call at the Pro Shop to check availability Pro Shop: 0161 428 9878. Secretary: 0161 491 4452.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Snooker Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Custom fitting, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 9 holes, Par 32 • 2495 • 2356 • 2311 (33) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 4 4 3 4 3 4 3

Yards

296 168 296 411 97 431 161 351 145

A Round of Golf for £12.50

73

Contact Details Didsbury Golf Club Ford Lane, Northenden, Manchester, M22 4NQ

Club: 0161 998 9278 Pro: 0161 998 2811 golf@didsburygolfclub.com www.didsburygolfclub.com 02. 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

Didsbury 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.

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3 4 5 3 4 3 4 4 5

Yards

166 436 519 152 297 138 377 386 462

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 4 4 4 4 4 3

Yards

362 182 531 313 427 389 338 362 156

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.

In May 2009 Didsbury GC proudly opened two new greens on Holes 1 & 13, built to USGA specification and designed by leading UK agronomist Peter Jones. The 1st hole is 173 yards in length with a tree lined approach. Peter Jones designed a generous sized green for the first shot of the day, however 2 large riveted bunkers guarding the approach and run-offs into swales await those who are not quite warmed up!

Enjoy a days golf at Didsbury Golf Club • Ideal South Manchester golfing venue • Easy access from M60 and M56 • Food & Beverage facilities open all day • See website for competitive Membership details & Open Events Didsbury Golf Club offers some of the best Teaching and Practice Facilities in the South Manchester area. Group Coaching Classes available for Ladies

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

74

Contact Details Hazel Grove Golf Club, The Club House, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK7 6LU

Telephone: 0161 483 7272 professional@hazelgrovegolfclub.com www.hazelgrovegolfclub.com 03. How to Find From the M60, Stockport Junction 27 follow signs for A6 Buxton, 5 miles south of Stockport town centre, on the A6 is Hazel Grove. Where the road splits at the famous Rising Sun Pub, keep left towards Buxton and 300 yards on the left hand side you will see the entrance for HGGC.

HAZEL GROVE With 2013 Centenary planning well on its way, the beautiful and well-appointed Alister MacKenzie parkland course at Hazel Grove Golf Club in Cheshire is a visitors dream. It is characterised by several natural water hazards. Add to these the planting of a further 6,500 trees to supplement the existing ones and you can understand why careful course management is required by golfers of all levels.

On the course, with true USGA specification greens HGGC is privileged to offer its members and visitors year round golf on full greens.

The par 5 third ranks amongst the best in Cheshire, while the best of the par 3’s is

arguably the eleventh, both for its degree of difficulty and picturesque layout.

Equally, the eighteenth finishing hole with its MacKenzie tiered green and backdrop of the chalet-style clubhouse ranks with the best on the course where you can eat, drink and sit with friends and partners musing over what might have been.

The 15th, dominated by a large sweeping lake, which runs along the left edge of the fairway, across the front and left of the green, must take the signature honour. At 280 yards, this par 4 represents the ultimate risk or reward hole.

Facilities Lounge Bar, Spikes Bar, Restaurant, Snooker Table, Practice Area and Putting Green, Trolleys, Buggies, Lessons, Video Analysis, Pro-shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6234 • 5933 • 5249 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 5 4 3 4 5 4 3

Yards

351 164 524 376 161 377 480 332 176

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 3 5 3 4 4 4 4 4

Yards

514 162 481 203 371 262 324 309 366

Society Golf in Cheshire just doesn’t get any better than this!

• Limited number of memberships in all categories available now no joining fee.

Dr. Alister MacKenzie designed course, no temporary greens, a challenging parkland course with water.

• Large function room available for weddings, parties and conferences.

EARLY BIRDIE SOCIETY OFFERS!

Only £60 per 4 ball

2011 Corporate & Large Society Golf Days Green Fees just £1,000 (60-80 players) 2011 Full Day Society Packages from just £40pp To book ring the Pro Shop (option 1):

0161 483 7272

75

Contact Details Sale Golf Club Sale lodge, Golf Road, Sale Cheshire M33 2XU

Telephone: 0161 973 1638 mail@salegolfclub.com www.salegolfclub.com 04. How to Find Exit M60 at Jct 6 and head for Sale, Old Hall Rd (A6144). After 0.3 mile turn left into Wythenshawe Rd (B5397). After 0.2 mile the road bends to the right. Turn left on this bend into New Hall Close and after 75 yds straight on at mini roundabout, onto Fairy Lane. Cross over the Motorway and next left at the roundabout onto Golf Rd. After 0.2 mile the clubhouse entrance is on the right.

Sale Golf Club, founded in 1913, is a well established parkland course with a standard scratch of 70. The lodge of Sale Old Hall circa 1830, is steeped in tradition and has a well-earned reputation for good food and hospitality.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Snooker Room, Putting Green, Practice Areas, Buggies, Trolleys, Custom fitting, Lessons, Pro shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6301 • 5944 • 5488 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4

Yards

486 423 186 297 431 327 318 292 381

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 4 3 4 5 3 4

Sale

Yards

392 144 380 362 160 355 538 112 360

Famous for our ‘Open Champion’, Richard Burton, who was the last ‘Club Professional’ to win the Open Championship, we have been home to many great golfers including Joanne Morley, currently on the Ladies professional circuit.

Set in an idyllic rural location next to Trafford

Water Sports Centre, Sale Golf Club offers a gently undulating parkland course that presents an enjoyable challenge to both high and low handicap golfers. Providing ‘year round’ play, the course is maintained to the highest standards using the latest equipment.

Signature Hole: 4th, Par 4. “Bridle Path”. With the tee only a few feet from the river Mersey and the green right next to the bridle path, this hole demands accuracy, judgement and great nerve. A drive left of centre will leave a pitch to one of the smaller well bunkered greens on the course. A tough shot especially when the ground is firm in summer time.

77

Greater Manchester Directory

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

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

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

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

Bury Golf Club Unsworth Hall, Blackford Bridge, Bury, BL9 9TJ Telephone: 0161 766 4897 secretary@burygolfclub.com www.burygolfclub.com Castle Hawk Golf Club Chadwick Lane, Castleton, Rochdale, OL11 3BY Telephone: 01706 640841 Email enquiries via website www.castlehawk.co.uk

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

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

Brackley Municipal Golf Club Bullows Road, Little Hulton, Worsley, M38 9TR Telephone: 0161 790 6076 Email n/a Website n/a

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

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

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

Davyhulme Park Golf Club Gleneagles Road, Davyhulme, M41 8SA Telephone: 0161 748 2260 info@davyhulmeparkgolfclub.co.uk www.davyhulmeparkgolfclub.co.uk Deane Golf Club Off Junction Road, Deane, Bolton, BL3 4NS Telephone: 01204 61944 sandy@deanegolfclub.com www.deanegolfclub.co.uk

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

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

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

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

78

Greater Manchester Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haigh Hall Golf Club Haigh Hall Country Park, Haigh, Wigan, WN2 1PE Telephone: 01942 255991 secretray@haighhall-golfclub.co.uk haighhallgolfclub.users.btopenworld.com

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

Hart Common Golf Club Wigan Road, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 2BX Telephone: 01942 818445 secretary@hartcommongolfclub.co.uk www.hartcommongolfclub.co.uk Harwood Golf Club Springfield, Roading Brook Road, Bolton, BL2 4JD Telephone: 01204 522878 info@harwoodgolfclub.co.uk www.harwoodgolfclub.co.uk

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

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

Oldham Golf Club Lees New Road, Oldham, OL4 4EN Telephone: 0161 624 4986 info@oldhamgolfclub.com www.oldhamgolfclub.co.uk

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

79

Greater Manchester Directory

Pike Fold Golf Club Hills Lane, Pole Lane, Unsworth, Bury, BL9 8QP Telephone: 0161 766 3561 Email enquiries via website www.pikefold.co.uk Prestwich Golf Club Hilton Lane, Prestwich, M25 9XB Telephone: 0161 773 2544 prestwichgolf@btconnect.com www.prestwichgolf.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

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

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

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

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

Stand Golf Club The Dales, Ashbourne Grove, Whitfield, Manchester, M45 7NL Telephone: 0161 766 2388 Email enquiries via website www.standgolfclub.co.uk Swinton Park Golf Club East Lancashire Road, Swinton, Manchester, M27 5LX Telephone: 0161 794 1785 info@spgolf.com www.spgolf.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

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

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

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

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

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

80

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-on-Sea 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.

81

Lancashire INTRODUCTION

M-6

Area Map 08 Morecambe Lancaster 05

Fleetwood

Poulton-Le-Fylde

Colne

03 Nelson

02 04

Blackpool 11 Lytham

M-55

01

Burnley

10

07 04

Preston

Blackburn 09

M-65 Leyland

Eccleston

Chorley

06 M-61 M-6 Skelmersdale

01. Royal Lytham & St. Annes 02. Blackpool North Shore 03. Clitheroe 04. Herons’ Reach 05. Heysham 06. Hurlston Hall 07. Lytham Green Drive 08. Morecambe 09. Pleasington 10. Preston 11. St. Annes Old Links

Accrington

82

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.

83

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 quality of greens. It should be used as a model for future Opens. Everyone who knows Lytham

Royal Lytham & St. Annes

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’.

Contact Details Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club Links Gate, Lytham St Annes, FY8 3LQ Telephone: 01253 724206 bookings@royallytham.org www.royallytham.org 01. 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.

84

Contact Details Blackpool North Shore Golf Club Ltd Devonshire Rd, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 ORD

Telephone: 01253 352054 office@blackpoolnorthshoregolfclub.com www.blackpoolnorthshoregolfclub.com 02. How to Find

Blackpool North Shore Just 500 yards from the North Promenade, this links course is relatively flat compared to most as it uses natures elements to make the rolling fairways and large greens testing to all handicappers. It has been used as an Open Championship qualifying course on more than one occasion and is a real gem of the north.

The renowned H S Colt designed the course in 1920 with very few changes being made since to this entertaining track.

Since 1920 the course has hosted the Great Britain match with the Rest of the World in 1963, the PGA Penfold Tournament in 1967 and a number of occasions has been a

qualifying course when The Open has been held at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Currently it is the venue for the Lancashire PGA Championship.

Signature Holes The three par-five holes are all in excess of 500 yards, with the 10th green being closely guarded by a pond. There are many testing par-4s which use the undulations to good effect and the par-3s all play long off the back tees. The green at the closing hole, just over 400 yards, is approached through a narrow neck of fairway and has bunkers to protect it on each side.

From Blackpool: Make your way on to the Promenade and head North.

Go past the Tower and North Pier two miles down there is a roundabout (the only one on the promenade) - continue along the Queens Promenade heading north and take the 7th right into Shaftesbury Avenue (Castle Casino on the corner). Go to the top of this road (about ½ mile) crossing all junctions, and turn left at the T junction into Devonshire Road. BNSGC is the first on the left BEFORE you go down the hill.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Buggies, Lessons, Pro shop, Golf Teaching Academy, Sky Sports, WIFI, Function Room, Practice Ground, Buggy Storage Course Information

18 holes, Par 71 • 6431 • 5878 • 5657 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 5 4 4 4 3 4 3

Yards

436 400 524 367 429 385 175 303 196

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 3 4 4 5 4 3 4

Yards

533 435 178 296 341 537 309 172 415

SEASIDER SPECIAL

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85

Contact Details Clitheroe Golf Club Whalley Road, Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 1PP

Telephone: 01200 422292 Pro Shop: 01200 424242 secretary@clitheroegolfclub.com www.clitheroegolfclub.com 03. How to Find From Preston Clitheroe Golf Club is situated just off the A59 1mile to the west of Clitheroe. When proceeding from Preston take the first exit to Clitheroe by turning left at the roundabout.

Take the first road on the left and the Club will be seen on your right.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Function/ Conference Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

The Open Championship Regional Qualifying Course 2010-2014 Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6504 • 6337 • 6124 • 5585 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4

Yards

448 352 432 286 134 337 421 161 365

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 5

Yards

360 384 433 506 176 373 310 140 506

Clitheroe Clitheroe Golf Club was formed in November 1891 and moved to its present site when ninety six acres of land were purchased for £5,000 at Barrow Gardens in 1932. The generosity of the Southworth family made possible the erection of a fine clubhouse building, as well as the establishment of a full 18 hole course rather than the 9 holes originally planned.

Clitheroe is a beautiful 18 hole parkland golf course located in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

The Club hosted the Regional Open Qualifying for the first time in 2010 and will continue to do so until 2014. Designed by the legendary

Scottish designer, James Braid, the course has been on its present site since 1932. The course is a challenge to all levels of golfer with a premium on straight driving without being too demanding physically. The views from the course are quite spectacular, with Longridge Fells and Waddington providing the backdrop to Stonyhurst College and Mitton Church. To the east is Pendle Hill, scene of many witch trials so legend states. Clitheroe is a course of considerable prestige and regarded as one of the top 10 courses in Lancashire. The County Championship has been hosted three times in the last 29 years and twice in the last 8 years.

At national level, the Club has hosted the EGU County Champions Tournament and most recently the Schools Team Championship.

Societies: Clitheroe Golf Club welcomes visitors either as Golf Club away days, company days or organised parties. The Club caters for visiting parties Monday to Friday (subject to availability) and can accommodate from small groups to large corporate golf days throughout the year. Contact the Secretary who can provide details of packages available to meet your needs.

Winter offer November – March

£20 per person

86

Contact Details Herons’ Reach Golf Club East Park Drive, Blackpool Lancashire, FY3 8LL

Telephone: 01253 838 866 Email enquiries via website www.devere.co.uk 04. How to Find Herons’ Reach is easy to find from the M6. Take junction 32 for the M55 and then exit at junction 4 for Blackpool North (A583). Beware of speed cameras on this 30mph dual carriageway. Follow the signs for Blackpool Zoo into South Park Drive and East Park Drive and keep an eye out for the hotel on the right.

Herons’ Reach Facilities 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.

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. There is out of bounds on the left and right and a lake that is situated down the entire left side of the hole. Two bunkers also guard the green, front right and mid left. The 40 yard long, undulating green slopes quite severely down towards the lake.

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 Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6628 • 6205 • 5848 • 5289 (71) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 4 3 5 5 4 3 4

Yards

348 241 419 146 472 473 353 152 381

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 5

Yards

461 353 149 296 353 399 154 259 439

From £60 per tee time October - January 2011 Subject to availability. Pre payment required.

To book directly please call: 01253 832505 Please quote North West Golf Guide offer on booking to confirm all details

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Contact Details Heysham Golf Club Trumacar Park, Middleton Road Heysham, LA3 3JH

Telephone: 01524 851011 secretary@heyshamgolfclub.co.uk www.heyshamgolfclub.co.uk 05. How to Find From M6: Leave the M6 at junction 34 and take the A683 to Lancaster/ Lonsdale/Morecambe/Heysham.

Turn right at Caton Rd/A683 (signs for Heysham). Continue onto Greyhound Bridge Rd/ A589, keep left at the fork. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on Morecambe Rd/A589. At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A683. At roundabout, take first exit onto Middleton Road.

Heysham

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, 6 bay driving range, State of the art professional teaching building, Practice putting greens, Chipping & pitching practice greens, Well stocked golf shop, Golf buggies available for hire Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6355 • 6090 • 5637 (73) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 3 5 3 4 4 4 4

Yards

434 321 144 503 166 432 381 335 331

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 3 5 4 3 4 4

Yards

416 143 475 194 443 402 150 332 428

Heysham Golf Club is a parkland course situated at the extreme west of the Morecambe/Heysham boundary close to the coast and covers an area of approx. 130 acres and is within easy reach of the M6 motorway.

Long holes and open fairways characterise our course together with the introduction of a number of water features to complement the extended 6360 yard par 70.

The elevated part of the course has stunning views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland Hills in the North and the Pennines to the East.

Heysham Golf Club has an active membership

with mens, ladies and junior teams in many local and club competitions.

The Art Deco Clubhouse has panoramic views of the course from all the lounges and is host to a licensed bar and games room.

With a floodlit driving range, state of the art training facilities and practice areas, it makes Heysham Golf Club the ideal place to spend time golfing and socialising.

For more information, and to find out about our Open Competitions for 2011, please visit our website at: www.heyshamgolfclub.co.uk

Winter 2010-11 Monday-Friday: £25.00 per person Saturday: £32.50 per person Both options include coffee and bacon bun on arrival, 18 holes of golf followed by a delicious 2 course meal.

All prices apply to a minimum party of 8 persons

HEYSHAM GOLF CLUB C E L E B R AT I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S

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Contact Details Hurlston Hall Golf & Country Club Hurlston Lane, Scarisbrick, Lancashire, L40 8HB Telephone: 01704 840 400 info@hurlstonhall.co.uk www.hurlstonhall.co.uk 06. How to Find 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.

Hurlston Hall 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.

10th, Par 4. 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 has two tiers with a huge bunker on the right hand side. One to remember! 15th, Par 4. 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.

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 4 4 4 5 3 5 4

Yards

403 156 331 362 399 454 137 483 385

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 5

Yards

408 523 181 358 343 407 156 359 483

WINTER PACKAGES FROM OCTOBER - MARCH 2011 For further information telephone: 01704 840400 Email:info@hurlstonhall.co.uk. – www.hurlstonhall.co.uk

Winter Packages available from £28.00 Societies Welcome Parties of 8 and over

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Contact Details Lytham Green Drive Golf Club Ballam Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 4LE

Telephone: 01253 737390 secretary@lythamgreendrive.co.uk www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk 07. How to Find 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.

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.

Facilities Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Clubhouse, Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6305 • 6159 (69) • 5750 (74) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 4

Yards

383 382 329 348 510 177 335 336 392

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 5

Lytham Green Drive

Yards

450 343 336 152 442 142 397 200 505

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.

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 13th hole is named “Harold’s Beck” after the club’s famous professional and renowed club maker Harold Beck.

Winter 4 Ball Special £80 To include Bacon Barm & Coffee

1913

For more information please contact the Secretary Manager on 01253 737390 Opt 4 Or visit our website at www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk

90

Contact Details Morecambe Golf Club Limited The Clubhouse, Bare Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 6AJ

Telephone: 01524 412841 secretary@morecambegolfclub.com www.morecambegolfclub.com 08. How to Find From M6: Leave the M6 at junction 34 and head into Lancaster on the A683. Follow the signs for Morecambe and carry straight on through two large roundabouts. At the 3rd “shrimp” roundabout(Toby Pub) bear right onto Broadway.

Keep straight on until you reach the promenade at the Broadway Hotel. Turn right onto promenade for half a mile until you see the clubhouse elevated on your right.

MOReCAMBE Morecambe Golf Club is a private members club situated on the north-west tip of the Lancashire coast. The course is just over a mile from the centre of the popular coastal resort of Morecambe, over-looking magnificent Morecambe Bay and 3 miles from the historic city of Lancaster.

Justifiably recognised as the gateway to the English Lake District, Morecambe offers the ideal stopping off point for visitors to this picturesque corner of the British Isles.

As a golfing destination, Morecambe Golf Club has gained an enviable reputation for both the quality of its clubhouse facilities and

Morecambe

18 hole golf course offering visiting golfers a wholehearted welcome. Time after time visitors comment that “...they never realised this little gem of a course existed!”

4th, Par 4, 440 yards (competition tee) Morecambe’s signature hole. A testing double “dog-leg” with out-of-bounds all the way down the left. A good drive will carry the corner to give a better line into the green but hit it too well and two sand traps await. The green is very tight, sandwiched between the out-ofbounds and a steep bank. Four hungry bunkers collect any unfortunate kicks from the right hand banking.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Lounges, Snooker Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Wheelchair access Course Information 18 holes, Par 67 • 5791 • 5551 • 5391 (72) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4

Yards

330 432 136 422 187 361 379 343 360

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4

Yards

191 314 174 356 389 406 161 333 277

WINTER OPENS

WINTER PACKAGES

£25.00 per pair includes twos sweep 9.00 – 12.30

Parties of 8+ 1st October 2010 – 30th April 2011 FROM £27.50pp

Golf Club

FRIDAY, 21ST JANUARY 2011 FRIDAY, 25TH FEBRUARY 2011 FRIDAY, 25TH MARCH 2011

Play Golf on this superb Alister MacKenzie designed course

Please book with the Professional on 01524 415596

SEASIDE SPECIAL £80 per 4 BALL Subject to Availability

91

Contact Details Pleasington Golf Club Pleasington, Blackburn Lancashire, BB2 5JF

Telephone: 01254 202 177 secretary-manager@pleasington-golf.co.uk www.pleasington-golf.co.uk 09. How to Find From M65 Junction 3 Follow signs to Blackburn. Turn right at traffic lights. Follow A674 for 1 mile. Take lane on left signposted to Pleasington Priory and Railway Station.

Pleasington Golf Club is located on left hand side, at 400 yards.

Pleasington Formed in October 1890, Pleasington is without doubt one of the best tests of golf in the North-West of England, with a superb layout, being part heathland in character with some heather. This beautiful and picturesque golf course is within 2 miles of exit 3 of the M65 Motorway in Pleasington, a rural village area on the outskirts of Blackburn, with magnificent country views.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Practice Ground, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6562 • 6402 • 6177 • 5807 (74) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 4 4 4 4 5 3 5

Yards

378 341 318 423 335 346 507 149 468

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 4

Yards

169 531 156 449 379 352 147 353 376

The course is a regular venue for County matches and has hosted numerous prestigious competitions. These include top class amateur events and The Open Regional Qualifying returning annually again to Pleasington for

W inter S pecial

£25 per person Including coffee and bacon roll Contact the professional on 01254 201630 or the office on 01254 202177 www.pleasington-golf.co.uk

6 years from 2004. Pleasington can cater for the small, medium or large visiting party. Set in 140 acres of rolling wooded countryside and with many holes in individual valleys, this most picturesque of courses offers a tough challenge of golf, even to the best golfers.

Signature Holes: Hole 6, Par 4. “Priory”. This fine golfing hole is full of interest and character.

One drives over rough ground to a sloping fairway. The green is guarded by deep bunkers in front and on both sides, whilst the ground slopes away behind. The approach shot must be well pitched up with plenty of stop. It is a difficult shot and one prone to disappointment.

92

Contact Details Preston Golf Club Fulwood Old Hall, Fulwood Hall Lane Fulwood, Preston PR2 8DD Telephone: 01772 700011 Ext 1 secretary@prestongolfclub.com www.prestongolfclub.com 10. How to Find Leave M6 at junction J31 in direction PRESTON. From the roundabout leave at the 1st exit onto Preston New Road (A59). Enter the roundabout and turn right by leaving at the 2nd exit onto Blackpool Road (A5085).

Leave Blackpool Road (A5085) and turn right into Sir Tom Finney Way (B6241). Turn left into Watling Street Road. Turn right into Duchy Avenue.

Turn right into Fulwood Hall Lane.

Proceed along Fulwood Hall Lane, past Preston Barracks on the right.

Turn left into Preston Golf Club.

Preston Preston Golf Club, a must play Lancashire gem, is situated in the Fulwood District of Preston. It was established in 1892 and modified by famous designers such as James Braid, Harry Vardon, Alistair Mackenzie and Sandy Herd over the years. It is a very testing parkland course where water hazards, treelined fairways and about 75 bunkers provide many challenges to play to your handicap.

Added to this are excellent dining and drinking facilities in the Clubhouse, a very well-stocked pro’ shop and a 16 bay, 250 yard flood-lit driving range where you can warm up before beginning your round.

Signature Hole The 17th is a truly remarkable hole and a real test of the golfing brain. An elevated tee provides excellent views of the first 300 yards.

With the fairway bending left to right and sloping gently the same way, care must be taken to find the left of the fairway to avoid being blocked out.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Function/Conference Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Video room for all players, Junior academy with after school classes and holiday activities Course Information

Most golfers can swing their entire bag at the second shot, but “long hitters” be warned, water is looming! Once past the fairway cross bunker there is 198 yards to the green. Lay up or go for it?

18 holes, Par 71 • 6312 • 6029 • 5378 (73) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Summer Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 08.30am-9pm Sat-Sun: 08.30am-5pm

Winter Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 9am-9pm Sat-Sun: 9am-4pm

SPECIAL OFFER (QUOT E NWGSPEC) 100 balls £3.50 Unlimited Balls £7.00 The Range. Preston Golf Club Fulwood Hall Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 8DD (01772) 700011 Opt2

www.prestongolfclub.com

3 4 4 4 4 5 5 3 4

Yards

137 340 420 430 332 508 491 162 310

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 4 3 4 4 5 4

Yards

351 342 117 301 186 326 409 500 377

THE RANGE Preston Golf Club

Golf Academy & Driving Range

93

Contact Details 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 11. How to Find From the M55 direction of Airport Progress Way to Squires Gate Lane (A5230) At 3rd set of Traffic Lights turn left for Lytham St Annes you are now on the A584. Take the 3rd road on the left (Highbury Road), over the Railway Bridge, Old Links Golf Club is situated immediately on your left.

Facilities Clubhouse with restaurant, bars, snooker and full conference facilities.

Large practice ground, chipping and putting green, Golf Shop and Studio, Buggies and Trollies for hire.

The Open Championship Final Qualifying Course 2012 Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6684 • 6410 • 6177 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 3 4 5 5 4 4 3

Yards

332 389 163 404 533 509 432 354 157

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 4 4 3 5 5

Yards

312 328 398 189 363 367 166 526 488

St. Annes Old Links 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.

Every hole has its own characteristics, of which the par 3, 9th 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 8 pot bunkers.

Winter 4 Ball Special £160 including Breakfast or Dish of the Day 11.00am-12noon Winter Society £45 per person 31 Mar 2011 includes Hot Drink on arrival and 2 course Meal after play

Winter Golf Ticket £400 from 2 Nov 2010 to 25 Mar 2011 Monday to Friday Pro-rata cost for other dates

St Annes Old Links Golf Club

Green Fees £40 from 18 Oct 2010 to 31 Mar 2011 When booking, please quote reference GG4

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

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The travelling golfers ideal companion is available online

95

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fleetwood Golf Club Golf House, Princes Way, Fleetwood, FY7 8AF 01253 773573 secretary@fleetwoodgolf.co.uk www.fleetwoodgolf.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club Bowgreave, Garstang, PR3 1YE 01995 600100 reception@ghgc.co.uk www.garstanghotelandgolf.com Gathurst Golf Club Miles Lane, Shevington, Wigan, WN6 8EW 01257 252861 secretary@gathurstgolfclub.ltd.uk www.gathurstgolfclub.co.uk

96

Lancashire Directory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morecambe Golf Club Bare, Morecambe, LA4 6AJ 01524 418050 secretary@morecambegolfclub.com www.morecambegolfclub.com Mytton Fold Golf Club Whalley Rd, Langho, Blackburn, BB6 8AB 01254 240662 golfshop@myttonfold.co.uk www.myttonfold.co.uk

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

97

Lancashire Directory

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

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

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

Preston Golf Club Fulwood Hall Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 4DD 01772 700011 secretary@prestongolfclub.com www.prestongolfclub.com Rishton Golf Club Eachill Links, Hawthorn Drive, Rishton, BB1 4HG 01254 884442 Rishtongolfclub.co.uk www.rishtongolfclub.co.uk

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

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

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

St. Annes Old Links Highbury Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 2LD 01253 723597 secretary@stannesoldlinks.com www.stannesoldlinks.com Stonyhurst Park Golf Club Stonyhurst, Hurst Green, Blackburn, BB6 9QB 01254 826478 Email n/a www.stonyhurstpark.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

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

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

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

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

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

98

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 illfated 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.

99

Merseyside INTRODUCTION

Area Map 10 Southport 01 11 13

07

08 M-58

M-6

12

Ashton-in-Makerfield

Crosby

03 St. Helens

Knowsley

Bootle

09

Newton-le-Willows

06

M-62

Prescot Wallasey 14

M-57

Liverpool

04

M-6

Birkenhead 02

Widnes

05

Ellesmere Port M-53

01. Royal Birkdale 02. Royal Liverpool 03. Ashton in Makerfield 04. Blundells Hill 05. Caldy 06. Eccleston Park 07. Formby

08. Formby Hall 09. Haydock Park 10. Hesketh 11. Hillside 12. Houghwood 13. Southport & Ainsdale 14. Wirral Ladies

100

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.

101

Open Championship Course Photographs by Alan C. Birch

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 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.

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.

Royal Birkdale

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 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.

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.

Contact Details Royal Birkdale Golf Club Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LX Telephone: 01704 568857 secretary@royalbirkdale.com www.royalbirkdale.com 01. How to Find

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.

102

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.

103

Open Championship Course Photographs by Alan C. Birch

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

ROYAL LIVERPOOL

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.

Contact Details Royal Liverpool Golf Club Meols Drive, Hoylake Wirral CH47 4AL

Telephone: 0151 632 3101 bookings@royal-liverpool-golf.com www.royal-liverpool-golf.com 02. How to Find

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.

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Contact Details Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club (Established 1902) Garswood Park, Ashton in Makerfield Wigan, WN4 0YT Telephone: 01942 727267

secretary@ashton-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk

www.ashton-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk 03. How to Find

Ashton-in-Makerfield Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club is a great 18 hole course, famous not only for its welcome to first time visitors, but for its striking panoramic views towards Manchester and beyond. The inward nine holes are particularly demanding (especially on a windy day) with some difficult driving holes through heavily wooded areas. Special care should be taken on the 5th, 11th and 16th holes.

The course was founded by long time cricketing pals Tom Mayall and Andrew Molyneux, and celebrated its Centenary back in 2002. Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club has certainly taken giant steps in the quest

to produce a top quality golf course, with excellent facilities and staff to deliver those aspirations. The developments range from 2 new holes being designed and constructed to enable the club to play 18 holes during a United Utilities pipeline project, a Professional who ‘went back to school’ and achieved full playing privileges on the Senior European Tour and a Manager with almost 30 years County playing experience.

All of this adding to the existing assets of a vibrant Club which welcomes Societies, visitors, wedding and anniversary functions and provides a wide range of entertainments.

From The North M6 exit at junction 24. Turn right at top of slip road. At next set of lights (Ashton Cross) turn 180° left into the Golf Club drive.

From The South & East M6 exit at Junction 23. Follow signs for Ashton / Wigan. Pass entrance to Haydock Park Race course. At the next set of lights turn left onto theA58 to St Helens. Through the next set of lights over the M6 & at the next set of lights (Ashton Cross) turn 180° left into the Golf Club.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6205 • 5918 • 5306 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 5 3 4 4 3 4 4

Yards

362 404 480 184 371 366 145 368 292

Golf Society Packages Available All tailored to your requirements

WINTER WARMER DEAL

BACON / COFFEE ON ARRIVAL. SOUP FOLLOWED

BY MAIN COURSE. 18 HOLES OF GOLF.

ALL FOR £22.00 Per Player Monday 4 Ball offer ONLY £60 per 4 ball

LIMITED Memberships now available.

For full information please contact the manager, Garry Lacy: 01942 719330

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 4 3 4 5 4

Yards

340 383 337 165 356 153 444 484 284

105

Contact Details Blundells Hill Golf Club Blundells Lane, Rainhill, Prescot Merseyside, L35 6NA Telephone: 0151 430 0100 enquiries@blundellshill.co.uk www.blundellshill.co.uk 04. How to Find Take the Junction 7 exit from the M62 and head towards Rainhill and Prescot, along the A57.

Turn left into Mill Lane, immediately after the Texaco Garage, and follow the road for approximately half a mile (passing the Manor Farm on the left and Hall Lane, also on the left). After Hall Lane, take the next left into Blundells Lane.

Blundells Hill Golf Club is situated approximately 300 yards on the left, just behind the trees.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Buggies, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6366 • 5863 • 5526 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 5

Yards

337 462 147 400 351 285 131 433 494

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 3 4 4 3 4 3 5

Yards

499 319 149 325 377 161 348 174 471

Blundells Hill Opened in 1994 the course is set in mature parkland with views that take’s one’s breath away on a clear day. The elevated clubhouse overlooks a panoramic vista stretching from the hills of Frodsham to the Welsh mountains.

The course caters for all abilities, though accuracy is paramount; a real thinker’s delight. Many fairways are tree-lined and the greenside bunkers can pose a serious obstacle.

The competition tees offer a real challenge as do the five par-3’s which if the wind blows, can play havoc with club selection. The water features add hesitation, as do the large and undulating greens.

Winter Special

2 for 1

Monday to Thursday 1st November 2010 to 28th February 2011 Except 27th to 30th December 2010 Subject to tee time availability Call the Proshop on 0151 426 9040 (Option 1) to book

Many courses leave the impression of sameness in respect to the holes, but not so here. This is a beautiful course accommodating all golfing abilities with one’s first visit unlikely to be one’s last.

Signature Hole Hole 12, “Beauty”, Par 3, 149 yards (yellow tee) The Beauty is the signature hole of the course, a Par 3 with no compromise. With the green guarded by a pond, and burn running around the front of the green, as well as two bunkers, it makes this hole that little bit harder when you also have to clear the pond in front of the tee.

Miss the green at your peril.

106

Contact Details Caldy Golf Club Limited Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral Merseyside, CH48 1NB Telephone: 0151 625 5660 golfcaldygc@btconnect.com www.caldygolfclub.co.uk 05. How to Find 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 right 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.

Caldy 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

1907

make for a memorable game for golfers of all standards.

Hole 3. Par 4, “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, “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.

Winter Warmer

Facilities 2 Lounges, Bar, Restaurant, Snooker Room, Putting Green, Practice Range, Buggies, Trolleys, Club Hire, Pro Shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6707 • 6324 • 5792 (70) • 5798 (74) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 4 4 5 4 5 3 4

Yards

369 152 346 331 532 376 479 142 404

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 5

Yards

179 509 425 337 368 334 401 145 495

1st November - 31st March (Mondays and Thursdays) 18 holes and an all day breakfast only £29.50 pp When booking please quote reference GGWW

107

Contact Details Eccleston Park Golf Club Rainhill Road, Rainhill Prescot, Merseyside L35 4PG

Telephone: 0151 493 0033 Fax: 0151 493 0044 ecclestonpark@crown-golf.co.uk www.ecclestonparkgolf.co.uk 06. How to Find From The North: From the A58 take the B5413 at the traffic lights signposted ‘Thatto Heath’. Follow the road through Thatto Heath and Nutgrove. Go across the mini roundabout, the road curves to the left and Eccleston Park Golf Club is on the right hand side 150 yards on.

From The South: Take M62 and exit at Junction 7. Then take the exit for St Helens, at the second roundabout take the 1st exit onto Elton Head Road, at the end of this road you will come to a T junction, turn right and the golf club is on the left hand side after 200yds.

Facilities

Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6477 • 6222 • 5977 (74) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 4 3 5 4 5 3 4

Yards

421 472 328 165 511 390 481 190 433

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 5 4 3 3 4

Yards

311 370 401 140 560 375 167 176 331

Eccleston Park Eccleston Park is an 18 hole parkland course providing the perfect location for golf and events of all kinds, and offers excellent value for money. After significant re-development, the course is now a testing 6477 yard par 71. It is reasonably flat and therefore easy going on all golfers, especially the more senior player. The water features and fairway bunkers make this course a challenging test for golfers of all abilities.

The 7th hole has been extended to a par 5 measuring 491 yards, and the 18th has been reshaped and lengthened to make a dog-leg par 4 closing hole. The former 19th

century clubhouse has been redeveloped to combine the original welcoming character of yesteryear, with all the advantages of state-ofthe art facilities for functions and conferences.

Adjacent to the course is the woodland trust, an area set aside for people to get out and enjoy the woodlands that surround the course.

Our signature hole is probably the 15th. A scenic par 4 dogleg left where you have the choice off the tee to either lay up with a long iron or to take on the water and drive over the corner. 16th. A tough par 3 usually played into the prevailing wind making club selection important.

Contact the club for our latest offer of the month. Telephone 0151 493 0044

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Contact Details Formby Golf Club Golf Road, Freshfield Liverpool, L37 1LQ

Telephone: 01704 872164 teetimes@formbygolfclub.co.uk www.formbygolfclub.co.uk 07. How to Find From the Motorway Network at the junction of the M57/M58 take the signposts to Formby. On the A565 from Liverpool turn left at the 2nd roundabout (with BP station) towards Formby Golf Club, Formby Point and Freshfield station.

Immediately after the station turn right into Golf Road and enter the club through the automatic barrier.

Formby Set in the sand dunes and pinewoods of Formby the terrain ensures that accuracy is always at a premium. Heather protects much of the rough and caution is definitely required whether playing off the tee or in approaching the well protected greens. This is a course of contrasts.

Formby has always regarded itself as a top amateur course though it has been used for the Open Championship on 3 occasions (1924, 1971 and 1996). The Amateur Championship has been held here on four occasions, the most recent being 2009. The winner Matteo Manassero is the youngest ever winner of the championship at 16 years of age.

Hole 7, Par 4, 368 yards (yellow tee) This is such a great hole but needs some thought. To hit a good approach to this sloping green your tee shot ideally needs to be central at the top of the hill. With your approach we’d advise trying to leave yourself below the flag stick giving you an uphill putt.

Hole 12, Par 4, 385 yards (yellow tee) Regarded as one of the best holes on the course.

A left of centre tee shot will leave a good angle to approach the green. There is a large bunker on the left side of the green and the main trouble is short, so make sure you take enough club to allow you a possible birdie opportunity.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Accommodation, Snooker Room, Putting Green, Practice Ground, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7028 • 6698 • 6505 • 6052 (70) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 4 5 4 3 4 4 5 4

Yards

394 372 449 310 153 385 368 480 444

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 4 4 4 4 3 5 4

31st OCTOBER 2010 to 3rd APRIL 2011 £180 per Tee Time 9.38am - 11am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Wednesday 10am - 11am £200 per Tee Time 10am - 11am Sunday only Based on whether 2, 3 or 4 people play. To include a soup and sandwich lunch and one round of golf.

Winter Rates GREAT DEALS for 2010/11

GENTLEMAN’S DORMY £45 PER PERSON, PER NIGHT TO INCLUDE BED AND BREAKFAST Green fee dependant upon time of year. Sleeps up to 10 people.

Four twin rooms & two single rooms.

Yards

178 376 385 370 417 393 115 486 380

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Contact Details Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa Southport Old Road, Southport Merseyside L37 OAB

Telephone: 01704 875699 Email enquiries via website www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk 08. How to Find 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 By-pass. Take 3rd exit at roundabout to Southport Old Road.

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 Course Information

18 holes, Par 72 • 7081 • 6833 • 6462 • 5577 (73) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 5 4 4 3 5 4 4

Yards

342 171 476 340 437 178 492 373 352

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 5

Yards

292 373 446 190 558 446 145 341 510

Formby Hall 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 wellplaced-bunkers. Water, in fact, can be found on 16 out of the 18 holes.

The 16th is a picturesque yet extremely testing par 3, with a 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.

Winter Warmer Bacon Rolls, 18 Holes, 1 Course meal

£120 per golfer Mid week until 31/3/11 Quote code GNW4B.

For further information or to make a booking enquiry call 01704 875 699 to speak to a member of our golf events team Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, Southport Old Road, Formby, Merseyside L37 0AB www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk

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Contact Details Haydock Park Golf Club Golborne Park, Newton Lane Newton-Le-Willows Merseyside WA12 0HX

Telephone: 01925 226 944 secretary@haydockparkgc.co.uk www.haydockparkgc.co.uk 09. How to Find From M6, Junction 23 Exit junction 23 towards St Helens/ LiverpoolA580. Road merges onto E Lancashire Rd/A49 (signs for Manchester/A580). At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto A580 heading towards M6/St Helens, turn left at Newton Lane, golf club is on your left.

Haydock Park Founded in 1877, Haydock Park Golf Club is a well-established golf course situated near Haydock Park Racecourse. It is a mature parkland course of just over 6,000 yards.

The course was designed by the famous golf course architect James Braid.

Haydock Park is one of the North West’s premier golf clubs; it’s tree-lined fairways and well bunkered greens make scoring well a real challenge, for both high and low handicappers. We welome visitors every day during the week except Tuesdays (Ladies Only) and weekends. The Club is an excellent friendly venue for a day’s golf offering superb

catering and clubhouse decor. Being very convenient to the M6/A580 junction, the Club is readily accessible from all directions.

Signature Hole Rated by many members as the feature hole on the course, the par 4, 6th has a daunting drive down a funnel of trees from a magnificent three tiered tee. With out of bounds all the way down the right and two bunkers placed perfectly to catch the slightest fade a drive to the left center is ideal as this fairway also slopes from left to right. A very large and high cross bunker 29 yards from the green makes distance judgement difficult.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6073 • 5226 • 5390 • 5097 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 5 3 5 4 4 3 4

Yards

404 166 484 110 503 317 303 170 424

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

WINTER WARMER (November to March) Coffee & Bacon, 18 holes followed by 2 course chef special - only £25 per person (Parties of 8 minimum)

HAYDOCK PARK

4 4 3 4 4 5 4 4 3

Yards

354 370 140 434 282 493 320 369 183

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Contact Details Hesketh Golf Club Cockle Dick’s Lane Southport, PR9 9QQ

Telephone: 01704 536897 Email enquiries via website www.heskethgolfclub.co.uk 10. How to Find 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.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6764 • 6691 • 6115 • 5639 (74) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 4

Yards

363 158 317 155 360 438 433 377 411

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 5 4 4 3 5 4

Yards

298 163 380 466 375 358 174 479 450

Hesketh 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 southwest 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.

15th, Par 4. A blind tee shot over a large sand dune looks imposing. The ideal line is the church spire. With large sand dunes covered in rough on the right and left a straight tee shot is a must. An accurate approach shot is then needed to avoid the pot bunker which guards the right side of the green.16th. Without doubt the most picturesque par 3 on the course. A long iron is usually needed to a green surrounded by bunkers and sand dunes.

Winter Special (Minimum 4 players)

From 1st November 2010 to 31st March 2011 (Excluding weekends, Christmas & New Year weeks)

18 holes followed by Soup & Sandwich inc: (9.00am-10.30am Tee Time) Coffee and Bacon roll inc: (10.30am-12.00pm Tee Time) £35.00 per person.

Chefs Specials also available 1 course £7.50 - 2 courses £10.00 (Pre-bookable for parties over 12)

112

Contact Details Hillside Golf Club The Clubhouse, Hastings Road, Hillside, Southport, PR8 2LU

Telephone: 01704 567169 secretary@hillside-golfclub.co.uk www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk 11. How to Find Hillside Golf Club is located to the south of Southport Town Centre, just off the A565 (Waterloo Road).

From the M6 turn off at Junction 26 onto the M58. Follow the A570 Southport signs off the M58.

From the A570, follow the A565 south, then turn off onto Hastings Road by Hillside Train Station.

Hillside A round of golf at Hillside is a truly memorable experience and many visitors consider the course equal to anything the Open Championship venues have to offer. To sample links golf at its finest, ensure Hillside is on your schedule.

From the white tees the course at Hillside measures just over 7,000 yards meandering through majestic sandhills and tranquil pinewoods. From the blue tees the course is a more manageable 6,558 yards.

Many of the holes have elevated tees with fantastic views over the Irish Sea. After

playing the course, Greg Norman wrote to the Club saying that “The back nine were the best in Britain”, while Jack Nicklaus described the course as “A wild looking links”.

11th, Par 5. Many regard this as Hillside’s signature hole, certainly the view from the tee is worth lingering over, on a clear day the fells of the Lake District can be seen to the North. But it’s also a stern test that’s often played into the wind.

16th, Par 3. This is one of the best par 3’s you will play in England. It’s quite a long way but is often played down wind. A Mackenzie splits the green into two tiers - no bunkers required!

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Driving range, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7029 • 6558 • 6160 • 5888 (75) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 4 3 5 4 3 4 4

Yards

386 493 340 175 482 344 143 365 376

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 4 4 4 4 3 5 4

Yards

135 493 357 336 344 359 149 491 392

113

Contact Details Houghwood Golf Billinge Hill, Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL

Telephone: 01744 89 44 44 houghwoodgolf@btinternet.com www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk 12. How to Find Leave M6 at Junction 23 - Follow signs for A580 Liverpool At 3rd set of lights turn right onto A571 to Wigan (Waterside Inn on your right) Follow this road to Billinge till you reach a mini roundabout. Turn left into Rainford Road Proceed for approx 1 mile till you approach a right fork on a left hand bend.(Gores Lane) Take this fork to a T junction.

Turn right into Crank Road, go over a hump back bridge and start to climb the hill. The golf course is now on your right hand side The entrance is located on the right between a stone barn and a bungalow.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Function/ Conference Room, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6283 • 5870 • 5341 (71)

16th, Par 3. 204 yards (white tee) “Little Cinder”. The view from the tee is worth the green fee alone. A 50ft drop in elevation from tee to green & unpredictable wind directions make club selection here a little tricky. A large undulating green which is protected by a large left hand side bunker accepts a well struck tee shot with anything from a 3 wood to a wedge and two putts gives the golfer a great sense of achievement.

HOUGHWOOD Houghwood was constructed during 1994/95, amidst some 132 acres, and has magnificent panoramic views over the Lancashire plain and the Welsh hills which makes Houghwood an interesting course to play.

At par 70 and 6283 yards for men, and 5341 yards par 71 for ladies, it provides a stimulating and enjoyable test for golfers of all handicaps.

The large greens built to USGA specification are probably the finest in the area and a permanant track allows the use of the large fleet of buggies and trolleys the whole year round.

Midweek Winter Deal Tee Times from £14 per person GOLF – BAR – RESTAURANT Open to Non Members

Call 01744 894444

The specially designed stone clubhouse compliments the parkland surroundings and features a spacious Spike bar and terrace overlooking the 18th green. Houghwood provides quality facilities, friendly, professional service and superb value for money.

Corporate Golf Whether a corporate member or visitor to Houghwood we aim to offer a personal service with a professional approach. With our superb venue and convenient location we can ensure that your corporate golf not only promotes your business but is enjoyed and remembered by colleagues and clents alike.

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Contact Details Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3LG Telephone: 01704 578000 Email enquiries via website www.sandagolfclub.co.uk 13. How to Find

Southport & Ainsdale 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.

Hole 16, Par 5. “Gumbleys”. Certainly the feature hole on the course. 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.

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.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6768 • 6339 (71) • 5912 • 5676 Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3 5 4 4 4 4 5 3 4

Yards

185 504 385 313 400 372 478 147 447

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 4 3 4 4 5 4 4

Yards

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

158 426 407 145 380 333 490 430 339

Contact Details Wirral Ladies’ Golf Club 93 Bidston Road, Prenton, Wirral, CH43 6TS

Telephone: 0151 652 1255 wirral.ladies@btconnect.com www.wirral-ladies-golf-club.co.uk 14. How to Find Exit the M53 at junction 3 and follow the signs for Birkenhead.

Follow Woodchurch Road (A552) and turn left onto Storeton Road (B5151) which merges into Ingestre Road then Talbot Road and finally Bidston Road.

Wirral Ladies’

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop.

The Clubhouse has a well known reputation for delicious home made cakes and confectionary; lunches, daily specials and afternoon teas are also available.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 68 • 5185 • 4948 (69) Hole Par

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 4

Yards

378 123 347 291 344 355 331 132 265

Hole Par

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 4 4 4 4 3 4

Yards

276 320 173 422 342 350 257 163 316

Wirral Ladies is a historic venue originally created for the wives and families of Royal Liverpool members. The course was designed by local lad Harry Hilton, a winner in the Open Championship at Muirfield in 1892, winning again at his home club Royal Liverpool in 1897. Hilton’s clever design offers a subtle test of golf which is about so much more than how far you can hit the ball. The course rewards thoughtful play - be cautious and you will score, but only by combining caution with boldness will you score well.

At around 5,000 yards, Wirral Ladies is a compact golf course, and with a round taking

on average a little over three hours, it is perfect for a half day outing, corporate days, or those with limited time to spare. Playing across a gently undulating heathland course with heather, gorse and natural woodland, the golfer will have their game tested and enjoy a walk in a traditional natural setting.

It is hard to single out a “signature hole” but the 15th, a par 4 dog-leg left with the green set amongst woodland, reflects the character of the course. To get a 4 requires a carrying drive to that part of the fairway which leaves you with a clear sight of the green. The green itself is elevated and sloped away at the rear.

Offer valid until end March 2011

Winter Warmer from £22 18 Holes of Golf Bacon roll & Coffee £22

18 Holes of Golf Golfers brunch / Full breakfast £25

Contact the Pro Shop on 0151 652 2468 for offers

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

Arrowe Park Golf Club Woodchurch, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH49 5LW Telephone: 0151 677 1527 webmaster@arroweparkgolfclub.co.uk www.arroweparkgolfclub.com Bidston Golf Club Bidston Link Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, L44 2HR Telephone: 0151 630 6650 info@bidstongolf.co.uk www.bidstongolf.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formby Ladies Golf Club Golf Road, Formby, Liverpool, Merseyside, L37 1YH Telephone: 01704 873 493 secretary@formbyladiesgolfclub.co.uk www.formbyladiesgolfclub.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

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

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Merseyside Directory

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

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

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 Hoylake Municipal Golf Club Carr Lane, Municipal Links, Hoylake, Merseyside, L47 4BG Telephone: 0151 632 6823 Email n/a www.hoylakegolfclub.com

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 Leasowe Golf Club Leasowe Road, Moreton, Merseyside, L46 3RD Telephone: 0151 678 5460 secretary@leasowegolfclub.co.uk www.leasowegolfclub.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

Liverpool Municipal Golf Club Ingoe Lane, Kirkby, Liverpool, L32 4SS Telephone: 0151 546 5435 paul.thomas@liverpool.gov.uk www.liverpool.gov.uk

Prenton Golf Club Golf Links Road, Prenton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, L42 8LW Telephone: 0151 608 1636 Email enquiries via website www.prentongolfclub.co.uk

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

Southport Old Links Golf Club Moss Lane, Churchtown, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 7QS Telephone: 01704 228207 secretary@southportoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk www.southportoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk Wallasey Golf Club Bayswater Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, L45 8LA Telephone: 0151 638 3888 wallaseygc@aol.com www.wallaseygolfclub.com

Warren (Wallasey) Golf Club Grove Road, Wallasey, Merseyside, L45 0JA Telephone: 0151 639 5730 Email enquiries via website www.wirral.gov.uk

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

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

Sherdley Park Golf Club Sherdley Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 5DE Telephone: 01744 815516 Email n/a www.sherdleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

Southport Municipal Golf Club Park Road West, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0JR Telephone: 01704 535286 Email n/a Website n/a

West Lancashire Golf Club Hall Road West, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 8SZ Telephone: 0151 924 5662 golf@westlancashiregolf.co.uk www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk

Woolton Golf Club Speke Road, Woolton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L25 7TZ Telephone: 0151 486 2298 golf@wooltongolf.co.uk www.wooltongolfclub.com

118

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 Nov - 31st Dec 2010

2 players + shared buggy = €140 (10% discount online)

Alhaurín Golf & HO T EL RE S ORT

Designed by

Seve Ballesteros

Golf is not expensive Hotel accommodation + Breakfast + Green Fee only 54 euro per person Check conditions in the hotel.

Bookings made before 30th March 2011

Contact us now!

Telephone: +34 952 595 800 Email: reservasgolf@alhauringolf.com

Book on-line, save money and time!

www.alhauringolf.com

Golf & Country Club

Call: +34 956 613 030 (Ext. 1033) info@sanroqueclub.com · www.sanroqueclub.com

Costa del Sol Golf Holidays

Hotel Tamisa Golf

Incredible Offer Hotel & Golf Package for 3 days stay Bed & Breakfast sharing twin or double room with terrace and golf views.

2 rounds of golf at the following courses: Mijas Golf, Los Lagos, Los Olivos or Calanova Golf.

All with free transfers from Airport and Golf Courses included free of charge.

Amazing Price

â‚Ź249

Per person Including all taxes (min 4 persons)

Avaiability from October 2010 to April 2011.

Extra nights on request.

Hotel Tamisa Golf Camino Viejo de Coin, km 3.3, 29649 Mijas Costa (Malaga), Spain Tel.: (+34) 952 585 988 Fax: (+34) 952 663 893 Email: reservas@hoteltamisagolf.com

www.hoteltamisagolf.com

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News North West Golf Guide

The secret is out!

Or at least so it seems to some

With doom and gloom around every corner it’s refreshing to hear some positive news coming out of Los Arqueros Estates and their on site real estate business in Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club. On the Costa del Sol we meet lots of people involved in the property market but none as positive as Ian Cooper, Managing Director of Los Arqueros Estates.

“We are finding great deals right now in Los Arqueros. UK vendors are cashing in their property and taking advantage of the weak pound and this is driving sales. At the same time, buyers who have been sitting on the fence are now pushing the button to buy.”

So apparently confidence is back, we asked Ian who is buying? “As Los Arqueros was first developed by a Swedish company it has always been popular with Swedish clients and still is. Taylor Woodrow’s involvement over the past 14 years has meant the UK market has also been strong here and now we have seen a number of Dutch and Russian clients buying recently.”

And why? “Well that’s easy, excellent all round value. A community which is consolidated, safe, well established and 100% legal.”

Anyone not familiar with Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club in Benahavis are in for a pleasant surprise. Firstly its location is amazing, offering stunning sea views towards the Mediterranean, with a backdrop of La Zagaleta and Sierra Bermeja and all just a few minutes away from the beach, Marbella and Puerto Banus.

It not all about Seve Ballesteros’ 18-hole golf course either. As Ian points out, “a short drive away is the white village of Benahavis named the gastronomic corner of Andalucia with dozens of great restaurants. Added to this you can find a host of other sports activities and professional instruction all on site.”

Ian has chosen to specialize in selling properties in Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club, with his properties ranging in price

from €159.000 to just over €3.95 million. This allows a wide range of people the opportunity to experience a fabulous lifestyle and to enjoy all the facilities this development has to offer.

For more information contact Ian at Los Arqueros Estates on 669 430 252 / 952 764 067 or email info@losarquerosesates.com

2 bed - 2 bath

2 bed - 2 bath

2 bed - 2 bath

Los Balcones - Ref:165

La Torre - Ref:325

La Finca - Ref:328

Located within the exclusive Los Balcones development this stunning 2 bed apartment benefits from some of the best sea views on the coast.

Presented in first class condition including all furniture and plasma TV’s.

Southwest facing & frontline golf this reduced priced 2 bed first floor apartment is presented in excellent condition with stunning views over the golf course and lake.

Includes underground parking, hot & cold AC and cream marble flooring throughout.

This ground floor property is located in near the club house which offers a host of amenties & services including Golf, Tennis, Squash, Paddle, Gym, and Restaurant/Bar. Only 10 minutes from the beach, Puerto Banus & Marbella.

€220,000

€199,000

€199,000

2 bed - 2 bath

2 bed - 2 bath

2 bed - 2 bath

Las Terrazas - Ref:97

Los Naranjos - Ref:171

Las Jacarandas - Ref:167

This penthouse property is located in an elevated position, built by Taylor Woodrow this project benefits from exceptional views to the Southwest offering vistas to the mountains, golf and Mediterranean sea beyond.

This Los Naranjos apartment is located on the first floor and benefits from stunning sea views. Comprising of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, utility and good size terrace. Offers great value for money in todays market.

Sought after garden apartment in the exclusive Las Jacarandas urbanisation. Complete with underground parking and storeroom.

Great in door space with an ample terrace and garden.

€295,000

€210,000

€195,000

00 34 669 430 252 info@losarquerosestates.com www.losarquerosestates.com Los Arqueros Estates S.L., Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club, 29679 Benahavís, Spain

www.losarqueroslife.com

golden mile properties www.lasolanadenagueles.com

luxury properties www.iancooperestates.com

Variety is the Spice of Life

With 35 different nationalities of members, and 36 holes to play golf on, Atalaya Golf & Country Club extends a warm welcome to new and exisiting members, guests and visitors from all over the world.

Atalaya Old Course is a classical parkland layout formed by a series of superb, wide-open fairways.

Atalaya New Course requires players to plot their way through a natural enclave with stunning views.

Atalaya Golf & Country Club · Ctra. de Benahavís, Km 0.7. 29688 Estepona · Costa del Sol · Spain Tel.: (+34) 952 882 812 · Fax: (+34) 952 887 897 · info@atalaya-golf.com · www.atalaya-golf.com

128

News North West Golf Guide

World Class Field

At the 2011 Volvo World Match Play Championship

Two Major Champions, a Ryder Cup winner and a former Volvo Masters champion are the first four players to qualify and confirm their entry into the 24-man 2011 Volvo World Match Play Championship via the refined qualification criteria devised by Volvo and set to ensure one of the highest quality international fields on the European Tour in 2010.

Major Champions Graeme McDowell and Y E Yang; Ross Fisher, the current Defending Champion who made a successful Ryder Cup debut as part of Europe’s winning Ryder Cup Team; and 2008 Volvo Masters champion Søren Kjeldsen will all head to the Finca Cortesín in Southern Spain for the Volvo World Match Play Championship which takes place from May 19-22, 2011.

Next year’s Championship, which will once again feature the successful round robin group format in the early stages, will see the field increased from 16 to 24 players with a modified qualification criteria guaranteed to gather together one of the highest quality fields in the world. The field will compete for an increased prize fund of €3.4 million and a first prize of €800,000, one of the highest on The European Tour.

Sunday saw five more world class players seal their places in the 2011 Volvo World Match Play Championship at the 2010 European Tour season finale in Dubai. Robert Karlsson secured his place as the winner from the Dubai Golf Championship while 2010 Race to Dubai winner, Martin Kaymer, World Number One, Lee Westwood, World Number Eight, Ian Poulter and winner of the recent WGCHSBC Champions, Francesco Molinari, won their places as the leading four players not otherwise exempt on the final 2010 Race to Dubai Rankings.

Increasing the field from 16 to 24 world class players with a specially revised criteria devised will ensure only the most in-form successful international players will win a coveted place at the 2011 Volvo World Match Play Championship. On arrival at Finca Cortesín the players will be divided into eight groups of three players to be played on Thursday and Friday with 16 players progressing to Saturday in a knock-out format with the semis and final played on Sunday.

Ross Fisher, the first player to secure his place in the 2011 field as the defending Champion, said “The list of past winners of the World

Match Play Championship reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of world golf and having grown up watching the Championship when it was played at its original Wentworth home, it was a dream come true to actually win it. I love the thrill of match play and I am really looking forward to returning to the beautiful Finca Cortesín to defend my title.”

YE Yang, who became the second man to seal his spot in the field by winning the Volvo China Open added, “I have never played in the Volvo World Match Play Championship so I am delighted to include it in my schedule for next year. It is a very prestigious tournament with a lot of history and I hear Finca Cortesín is really luxurious and a fantastic match play course. I am excited to make my debut there in May.”

Graeme McDowell and Søren Kjeldsen are the latest to confirm having finished first and second respectively in the Andalucía Valderrama Masters last month.

The Northern Irishman, who won the 2010 US Open Championship at Pebble Beach and holed the winning putt for Europe in The Ryder Cup, has now reached a career high ranking of 11 on the Official World Golf Ranking.

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News North West Golf Guide

McDowell, who’s first European Tour victory was at the 2002 Volvo Scandinavian Masters, enthused, “I am delighted to have qualified for my first Volvo World Match Play Championship. Fresh from the Ryder Cup I am, of course, already anticipating another match play event with great excitement. As everyone knows, I love match play so this will certainly be one of the highlights on my schedule in 2011. I like the idea of the ‘champions league’ style group format seeing how different player’s styles match up against each other and think it is great for the spectators and the players to have this variety on the schedule in the shape of a match play tournament. I am looking forward to my debut in this historic event and also to enjoying the wonderful hospitality on offer at Finca Cortesín which I recently experienced first hand when I stayed there during the Andalucía Valderrama Masters.”

Denmark’s Søren Kjeldsen, who qualified following his second place finish at the Andalucía Valderrama Masters, continuing the extraordinary run of success he has enjoyed in Spain including wins at the 2008 Volvo Masters and the 2009 Open de Andalucía de Golf. He said, “I don’t know what it is but I always seem to play well in Spain, maybe it is the wonderful climate or the great golf facilities but I arrive in Spain and my golf game just seems to go up a notch. This is the

first Volvo World Match Play Championship I have qualified for so I am really excited. I won the Volvo Masters just down the road at Valderrama so it would be fantastic to be able to do the Volvo double at Finca Cortesín.”

Per Ericsson, President of Volvo Event Management Golf, explained, “This is a great quartet of players and together with the latest qualifiers they represent a fantastic start in our efforts to assemble a world class field that is even better than the all-star 16-man line up we attracted to the 2009 edition of the Volvo World Match Play Championship.”

“We continually strive to improve and enhance the Volvo World Match Play Championship and having taken the bold step to move the event from the UK to Spain last time, we are further improving it by increasing the number of players, and therefore the depth of world class golf on offer, whilst moving to a new, permanent spring date is another big decision that will pay dividends for us.”

“I am sure that everyone who comes to the magnificent Finca Cortesín Golf Club and Hotel next May, players and their families, spectators and members of the media will love the special ambience of a venue fit in every way for champion golfers.”

Guy Kinnings, Managing Director of IMG Golf,

EMEA added ”We were very pleased with the success of the 2009 Volvo World Match Play Championship and are very happy to have such a forward thinking partner as Volvo whereby we continue to work hard together to improve this already great event.”

Vicente Rubio, Managing Director, Finca Cortesín added, “Since hosting the Championship in 2009, our very first European Tour event, we have all been eagerly anticipating the return of so many of the world’s class players to our Resort. We had such wonderful feedback with regards to our golf course and hotel facilities after the first Championship and we are working hard to ensure that everything is, once again, in perfect order for us to host our second World Match Play Championship in May. To get a complete picture of the fantastic venue and all required info from Volvo and Finca Cortesín, each player who qualifies for the Volvo World Match Play Championship will receive an iPad where all of this can be found.

For further information on the Volvo World Match Play Championship, including the Card of the Course, the Prize Money breakdown, the Qualification Criteria in full, and a selection of video interviews, please visit www.volvoworldmatchplay.com