North West Golf Guide - Issue 21

Complimentary

Issue 21 ¡ 2016

How to find...

Directions for locating the regions best golf courses and their seasonal offers

Featured Course Sandiway Golf Club, a private members’ club situated in the heart of Cheshire West

Plus North Wales, Cumbria & Costa del Sol

THE NORTH WEST

THE RACE TO

MAURITIUS 2016 FIXTURE LIST

24th March Delamere Forest

22nd April Magnolia Park

29th April Hesketh

6th May Goswick Links

13th May Hunley Hotel & Golf Club

10th June The Astbury

17th June Hexham

1st July Lindrick

5th August Abbeydale

19th August The West Lancashire

16th September Wilmslow

30th September Silloth on Solway

15th & 16th October St Andrews, The Duke’s Course

UK Final - 21st October Hillside

To Enter Book online at www.thegolfguide.co.uk/events-page or email competitions@thegolfguide.co.uk to secure your place

Sponsored by

THE RACE TO

MAURITIUS 2016

In association with

www.chakatravel.com

Rules The format for the competitions is pairs betterball Stableford.

Winners from each event qualify for the european final in Spain in either Nov16 or Feb17.

To enter the race to Mauritius, competitors need to play in a minimum of 4 out of the 12 tour events in 2016.

The 8 pairs with the highest aggregate 4 round stableford total will qualify for the UK finals at Hillside GC on the 21st October.

The winners at the UK finals will qualify for the world final in Mauritius in 2017.

All tour events apart from the tour final in Spain count towards the race to Mauritius.

All golfers must have an active CONGU handicap to win any of the prizes at the events.

T&C’s apply. (Spanish final includes: Flights, 3 nights B&B, 3 rounds of competitive golf, transfers in Spain) Go to www.thegolfguide.co.uk/events-page to book your place at any one of our 2016 events

Tour Sponsors

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North West Golf Guide

THE GOLF GUIDE TOUR

The Golf Guide Tour The Race to Mauritius 2015

The Golf Guide Tour 2015 & The Race to Mauritius Final came to an end in October at none other than the Home of Golf, with 24 pairs battling for a trip to Spain and the incredible golf trip of a lifetime to Mauritius.

The two day event was played on The Duke’s and Eden Course at St Andrews, host to the European Amateur finals in 2014 and in the UK’s top 100 Courses, proved to be everything we expected and more.

One of the highlights of the trip was an overnight stay in the iconic Old Course Hotel, an experience for those who made the trip, following in the footsteps of Golfing legends or sampling a few late night drinks in the Jigger Inn and Road Hole bar (you know who you are).

Our event started with a damp Dukes Course which played every inch of its 6550 yards after an overnight deluge proved to be a tough test in the Autumnal sunshine.

The stunning venue enjoys sweeping views over the town and sea beyond and lived up to its five star billing and left the Golfers breathless in more ways than one.

Winners on the day one and booking their places on the plane in February with a great score of 43 were Steve Aspinall & Adam Priestly pipping Lee McMahon and Dave Shaw by one point who saw a 12 inch miss on the last costing them dearly.

Monday saw our final 18 holes with 3 pairs still in contention for the main prize played in glorious sunshine which allowed us to see the course in all its beauty but still retaining its bite and proving be a real test of Golf.

Scoring proved a lot harder on day two maybe from facing the tough course for a second day or the exertions from enjoying the hospitality

of the previous night in St Andrews, with only 5 pairs breaking par.

Our eventual winners on day two Mark Narey & Ian Cummings with a score of 37 points booking the final seats on the plane for February.

The Full results from both days were Day One 1st prize winning a Spanish Golf trip: Adam Priestly & Steve Aspinall Nearest the pin on Par 3’s: 3rd Luke Eustace 8th Nigel Yates 12th Paul Brerton 16th Craig Penney Nearest the pin in 3 on Par 5’s: 1st Russ Jacques 6th Craig Penny 11th Stuart Nunn Winner of the Callaway prize pack: Craig Gardner Day Two 1st prize winning a Spanish Golf trip: Mark Narey & Ian Cummings Nearest the pin on Par 3’s: 3rd Paul Higginbotham 8th Dave Shaw 12th Lee McMahon 16th Stuart Nunn

Nearest the pin in 3 on Par 5’s: 1st Robert Cooper 6th Simon Brown 11th Craig Penney Winner of the Callaway prize pack: Paul Higginbotham So to our Race to Mauritius...

Wind, rain and sunshine, parkland, heathland and links we had it all... 14 venues, 1200 competitors and finally 2 golfers winning the trip to Mauritius courtesy of Chaka Travel, Constance Resorts and Air Mauritius. 7 nights Half board in the 5 Star Belle Mar Plage and unlimited golf .

Our winners with an average of 44.5 points were Luke Eustace & Rob Cooper who have battled against each course (and each other on occasions) and competitors from the Midlands to Scotland to claim the trophy and magnificent prize. Congratulations guys on a well deserved victory!

A huge thank you from us all at the Golf Guide team for making this year the best by far, the standards of courses and competitors has made it a enjoyable year with a tough act to follow for the 2016 Tour.

A big thank you to our sponsors Martin and Gary at Callaway, Mark & Tim at Chaka Travel, Gary & Etiqus, Simon at Druh Belts, Rob & Fiona at Break90 but most of all the our Golfers old and new, without you the tour would not be the same.

Can we improve on it? We think we already have with the 2016 schedule!

Thanks again to everyone

THE GOLF GUIDE TOUR

North West Golf Guide

The Golf Guide Spain Finals Nov 2015 & Feb 2016

The Venue The Tamisa Golf Hotel in Mijas The Golf Courses Parador, El Chaparral and Cabopino The Weather - Sunny!

The 2015 Golf Guide Tour came to a climax with the European Finals being held in the sunshine of the Costa Del Sol in November and February. Over 50 golfers took part in the finals and certainly enjoyed the social element to the game of golf.

Stepping off the plane and straight into the first round at Parador Golf Club - which has previously held the Spanish Open. Parador is the oldest course on the coast and inaugurated by the Spanish Royal Family in 1925. Now consisting of 27 holes, the original 18 holes were designed by Tom Simpson, of Muirhead and Turnberry fame. This easy to walk course has a mixture of links, seawater lagoons and park land and enables golfers of all abilities to

compete. With views of the mountains, sea and blue skies, this was a great way to start the weekend with the rain only a distant memory!

After some great scores and a few tired ones, it was straight back to the hospitality of John and his team at the Tamisa Golf Hotel.

Our base the Tamisa Hotel is situated in the Mijas Golf Valley along side Mijas Golf course, has hosted our finalists for the past 4 years. The stunning 4 Star boutique Hotel with Golf and mountain views couldn’t be more welcoming to the players and provides a perfect base after the exertions on and off the course.

Playing at El Chaparral Golf Club with its amazing terrace with fantastic views over the Mediterranean - some really took advantage of the great hospitality of the clubhouse - no names mentioned! Known as the Devils’s course this is the only golf course on the Costa Del Sol with 6 par 3’s, 6 par 4’s and 6 par 5’s - with its total length of 6000 meters. This is quite a challenging course requiring high levels of accuracy and skill - and for the less fortunate a lot of balls.

The 3rd course played was the charming Cabopino Golf Course - situated on the border between Marbella and Mijas Costa.

The layout presents spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding pine forest. This course has many spectacular holes including the 3rd where the tee box is perched on the side of a cliff presenting you with a tee shot that has a drop of nearly 80 meters. This course saw some spectacular shots from our finalists, as Golfers we have all experienced a birdie some an eagle, very few an Albatross but this trip will be memorable for the “crane” shot! (checkout our Facebook & Twitter).

The golfers also found time to visit a few of the local eateries and bars on offer during the trip together where friendships were made and cemented with tequila and a spectacular running race.

Many thanks to everyone who attended the finals and we hope to see you all soon on The Golf Guide Tour and maybe Spain again!

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North West Golf Guide

Welcome Issue 21 · 2016

010 News & Features 038 Cheshire 062 Greater Manchester 076 Lancashire 098 Merseyside 116 Cumbria 126 North Wales 138 Travel

Cover image & left Sandiway Golf Club

Welcome to our latest edition of the North West Golf Guide - a leading golf and lifestyle publication distributed across many parts of UK and Europe, you can also find an online copy at www.thegolfguide.co.uk We provide our readers with a top quality printed lifestyle magazine and website. The Golf Guide is aimed at golfers of all levels ranging from Professionals to your casual society golfers. In addition to this publication, we have further Golf Guides in Yorkshire, The North East, The Midlands and Spain.

This North West Golf Guide is split into 6 areas - Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Gtr Manchester, Cumbria and North Wales. At the start of each region, you will find a map highlighting where each feature course can be found and a comprehensive listing of all the golf courses at the back of the region . The Golf Guide provides an opportunity for golf clubs to feature their course, products and services they provide. The aim of the magazine is to provide enough information for any golfer or party planning a visit to the area to select courses they wish to play. Each Golf course page provides images and details about the course, full contact details and any special offers Our 2016 Golf Guide tour sponsored by UBS Facilities, is now in its 5th season with over 100 golfers experiencing the Golf Finals in Spain and 2015 saw our first winners of the Race to Mauritius sponsored by Chaka Travel. This year, we believe the Golf Guide Tour has stepped up a level with 6 Open Qualifying venues, a Ryder Cup Venue, and our penultimate rounds being played in the Home of Golf - St Andrews. In addition to all the superb prizes you can win at

each event courtesy of our Sponsors Callaway, Druh Belts , Devel Golf and ETIQUS watches, we have devised an order of merit competition whereby one lucky pair will qualify for the World pairs final in Mauritius. The individual tour events are a stableford pairs competition with each winning pair on the day qualifying for our European final in either November 2016 or February 2017 in the Costa del Sol, including flights, accommodation and 3 rounds of competitive golf at top quality Spanish courses. To qualify for the Race to Mauritius, each pair must play in a minimum of 4 tour events. The four round stableford points total will be entered onto an order of merit. The leading 10 pairs at the end of the St Andrews event will qualify for a UK final at The Open Final Qualifying venue Hillside for a winner takes all shoot out and a trip to Mauritius for the winners for the World Final.

As a business, our products and services continue to develop at a rapid rate, our digital platform provides an interactive web platform that complements the magazine and allow readers to access our information from anywhere in the world and book their visits online via the Golf Guide. From now on, whether you are reading this in printed format or online, the best golf directory in the UK is never far away.

We hope you will find this free publication an enjoyable read and a valuable source of information when planning your golfing trips in the region. Our magazine’s aim is simple “you’ll be lost without it”.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and welcome your feedback.

Publisher Golf Guide Digital Media Ltd High Legh Golf & Country Club High Legh, Knutsford Cheshire, WA16 0WA info@thegolfguide.co.uk www.thegolfguide.co.uk Managing Director - Paul Lambert Telephone: 07786 548629 paul@thegolfguide.co.uk Printed by Deltor Communications Long Acre, Saltash, Parkway Saltash, Cornwall PL12 6LZ Telephone: 01752 841717 www.deltoruk.com Designed by Nick Senior www.nicksenior.com

/golfguidehq @golfguidehq 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.

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North West Golf Guide

FEATURED COURSE

Sandiway Golf Club

Sandiway Golf Club is an 18 hole private members’ club situated in the heart of Cheshire West. It is one of the finest Clubs in England and considered by many to be one of the top courses in the North West of England.

Established in 1920, it quickly earned and kept it reputation as a welcoming club with a thought provoking course. It has staged many major events in the past including the British Girls Championship and regional British Open qualifiers.

Whether you are an established player or just starting your golfing career, we offer a wide range of membership options.

We are also very popular for societies and organisations wishing to arrange a golf day.

We have an active social programme, with a wide variety of events being enjoyed at the Club throughout the year.

On behalf of the management board, members and staff, may I offer you the warmest welcome. We all look forward to seeing you enjoying your golf.

The Course and its History Sandiway Golf Club did not come into existence until after the War, the history of the Club really goes back to twenty years earlier, for the Sandiway Club is the spiritual successor of the old Mid-Cheshire Club, which was formed by Northwich golfers as long ago as 1902. In 1921, when the Mid-Cheshire Club was threatened with the loss of the nine-hole course at Winnington, where they had been since 1908, they were fortunate to find a new home in a wonderful bit of country, an unusual combination of park and moorland, on the estate of Lord Delamere. Ted Ray was called in to plan the layout of the new eighteen-hole course, which was opened for play in 1922.

The situation of the course is ideal. It lies on the main Manchester-Chester road, about

four miles west of Northwich. The nearest stations are Hartford, half-way between Crewe and Warrington on the L.M.S. main line to the North, and Cuddington, on the ManchesterChester line, each of these being a mile from the Club House.

Nature has been amazingly generous to the Sandiway golfers. In the first place the course is laid out practically entirely on sand. “You will never get anything to grow there”, the local farmers declared when W.S. Collins, the Club professional, set his merry men to carve the course out of the bracken and the woods, and doubtless from their own point of view the farmers were right. But that sour, sandy soil favours the growth of the finest golfing turf, as the fairways and greens sufficiently demonstrate. Nature is also responsible for

FEATURED COURSE

the bold picturesque contours which give us a different setting for almost every hole, and for the rolling fairways, that approach closely to the traditional seaside type. That, however, does not lessen the credit due to Ray for making such excellent use of the natural features in his layout, nor to Collins, who has been the Club professional from its Mid-Cheshire days, for the success of his construction work. Mr H.S. Colt has been called in once or twice since the course was first laid out to advise on the rearrangement of one or two holes, but in the main Sandiway remains as Ray and Collins first planned and constructed it, and a very fine job they made of it.

The total length of the course is a little under 6,200 yards. This includes one long hole of 520 yards and two more of about 460 yards, five short holes, one hole of the drive-and-pitch type, and two medium-length two-shotters of 360 yards or so. The remaining seven holes are all of round about 400 to 430 yards, and it is this wealth of testing two-shot holes that from the playing point of view constitutes the conspicuous merit of the course.

Membership Sandiway Golf Club is a Private Members Club, having almost 700 Members, made up of Men, Ladies, Clergy, Colt, University Students and juniors. It is a very welcoming and friendly Member’s Club, with no need for advanced

North West Golf Guide

bookings. There are reserved tee times for Members and selected days and times for visiting parties.

Sandiway is a Club which prides itself on the quality of its course. It is most challenging, whilst at the same time being a glowing tribute to the Cheshire countryside. As the Club’s name indicates, the course subsoil is sand and hence drainage is excellent, allowing year round golfing in excellent conditions.

Sandiway is, without doubt, one of the top two golf courses in the County and as such is dedicated to competitive golf having staged numerous international, national and regional championships. This is reflected in the number of Category One golfers at the Club and the size and strength of the Junior Section, which begins from the age of nine.

Anyone interested in joining Sandiway Golf Club, should apply in writing to the General Manager, giving details of age, handicap and any previous golfing experience.

Visitors Visitors, whether the guest of a member or playing a full green fee, are welcome to the Club throughout the week, subject to availability. It is not necessary to show a handicap certificate, but the Club reserve the right to refuse permission if the player’s lack of ability seems likely to spoil the enjoyment of others on the course. Visitors must check in at

the Pro-Shop before teeing off.

We are a friendly club, but we do ask visitors to observe the normal rules of etiquette and our dress code (for details refer to our website or contact the office). Mobile phones may be used in the changing room and car park, but not in the clubhouse or on the course.

Societies Sandiway Golf Club is the ideal setting for societies and corporate days. Whatever the size of the group, we can offer a great day out.

18 Holes of golf, excellent facilities and a wide choice of menus ensure that everyone has a memorable day. Our staff are on hand to assist you and our Pro Shop can offer a range of stylish prizes.

Contact Us We are always pleased to meet new members, visitors and guests. If we can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact us. For general enquiries you can use the form on our website.

Sandiway Golf Club Ltd Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2DJ Main switchboard: 01606 883247 Email: generalmanager@sandiwaygolf.co.uk Website: www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

The View is unbeatable at The Open Making its first appearance at The 145TH Open at Royal Troon, ‘The View’ is the prestigious on-course hospitality choice designed especially for client relationship building.

NEWS & FEATURES

North West Golf Guide

With its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious setting, this à la carte restaurant on the upper level of the Hospitality Pavilion becomes your own theatre overlooking the 15th hole and Firth of Clyde beyond.

The atmosphere is a deliberate mix of VIP first class lounge and starred contemporary fine dining restaurant. From arrival, guests will be treated to the finest selection of food and drink, including a full Scottish breakfast, four course lunch featuring local produce and signature wines, afternoon tea and a complimentary bar throughout the day including wine, beer, Champagne, house spirits and soft drinks. From this sophisticated setting guests will enjoy an unparalleled view of the world’s best golfers as they compete for the coveted Claret Jug. The Open now offers four distinct ticket and hospitality inclusive experiences, all situated right at the heart of the action. In addition to

The View restaurant, The Premier Suites also offer elevated views and a private retreat for groups of 30 or more. The 1860 Club captures the heritage of the Championship amidst a historic clubhouse design, while The Champions Club features a casual made-to-order menu perfect for guests looking to relax and enhance their day at golf’s greatest Championship.

All of The Open hospitality experiences include parking and Fast Track entry privileges, easy access to live TV coverage, private washrooms and golf related entertainment. Only official hospitality includes tickets and over 10 hours of entertainment on-course. Prices start from £345ex vat on Championship days.

To book your official hospitality experience for The 145TH Open or for further details please contact our hospitality advisors at Hospitality@TheOpen.com or by calling +44 (0) 844 371 0883

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

The Arnold Palmer Cup Formby Golf Club, June 24-26, 2016

The Arnold Palmer Cup is named in honour of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer and seeks to pass Mr. Palmer’s values to the next generation of golfers.

Past Venues: 1997 Bay Hill 1998 St Andrews Old and New Courses 1999 The Honours Course 2000 Royal Liverpool 2001 Baltusrol 2002 Doonbeg 2003 Classique 2004 Ballybunion 2005 Whistling Straits 2006 Prestwick 2007 Caves Valley 2008 Glasgow Gailes 2009 Cherry Hills 2010 Royal Portrush 2011 Stanwich 2012 Royal County Down 2013 Wilmington 2014 Walton Heath 2015 Rich Harvest Farms 2016 Formby Golf Club

Past players include: Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell, Matt Kuchar, Francesco Molinari, Dustin Johnson, Ben Curtis, Webb Simpson, Lucas Glover, Robert Karlsson, Bo van Pelt, Oliver Wilson, Nick Watney, Brandt Snedeker, Rory Sabattini, Hank Kuehne, Charles Howell III, JJ Henry, Jonas Blixt, Bryce Molder, Bill Haas, Ryan Moore, JB Holmes, Billy Horschel, Hunter Mahan, and Formby Golf Club member, Geoff Harris.

Bryson Dechambeau, 2014 Arnold Palmer Cup player, this year became only the fourth golfer to win the NCAA Championship and US Amateur Championship in same year. The others are Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson and Jack Nicklaus.

Four Arnold Palmer cup players have won Major Championships.

Since its inception in 1997, 91 former Arnold Palmer Cup participants have gone on to earn cards on either the PGA or European Tours.

Snedeker, Haas & Horschel have claimed the FedEx Cup while Donald won The Race to Dubai.

Formby Golf Club Golf Road, Freshfield,Liverpool, L37 1LQ Telephone: 01704 872164 teetimes@formbygolfclub.co.uk www.formbygolfclub.co.uk

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

SGH Sports Management Like Tiger Woods’ iron play and the price of a green fee, retirement from professional golf just isn’t what it used to be.

Gone are the days when a sleepy retirement as a club pro was the only option, a fact never truer than in the case of former European Tour pro turned sports travel entrepreneur Simon Hurd, a journeyman of just over 100 pro events spanning a 13 year career and now director of SGH Sports Events.

After graduating the Tour School at the first attempt in 1995, Hurd found early Tour life difficult, having to wait until 2002 to win his first Challenge Tour title at the Rolex Swiss Open. This helped propel him into the bright lights of the European Tour, where a career highlight came in the form of a 10th place finish at the 2007 Johnnie Walker Classic.

“I shot a third round 66 that week, which I think was only bettered by Brad Kennedy first up,” he remembers, “I played with Ernie on the final day which in itself was a pretty special experience, and it was great to look up at see my name on the scoreboard with guys like Monty and Retief.”

He appreciates how lucky he was to live the dream for so many years, and though it was tough at times, only has fond memories.

“I loved tour life. Being paid to do what we love is everybody’s dream, and I lived it to the full, but it was towards the end of my time on the tour that I realised that there is life after golf.”

Hurd was a hugely popular figure on tour and remains close friends with household names such as John Daly, Jamie Donaldson and Ian Poulter, with whom a chance conversation grew into a whole new chapter in his life.

“Poults and I were talking about a well-known belt manufacturer and how we thought the quality of their brand was pretty shoddy. They were very expensive too, and within weeks I set about filling the gap in the market for high quality, affordable golf belts.”

What materialised was Druh, an affordable golf fashion brand that now supplies its products not only to individuals such as Lee Westwood and Robert Karlsson, but also the European Ryder and Solheim Cup teams.

But like all great entrepreneurs, Hurd isn’t done there. With fellow Yorkshireman and lifelong friend Andrew Jennings, he has formed SGH Sports Events, a sports travel company that is rapidly growing a reputation for offering incredible access to some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.

“I always had the mickey taken out of me by mates who couldn’t quite get hold of the tickets I could, through friends or contacts I’d made through golf and Druh, and it struck me that there wasn’t a company out there that would provide this level of access for a reasonable price.”

Alongside Hurd, former British Amateur Ladies Champion and Curtis Cup winner Kelly Tidy has joined the company as an ambassador and will accompany Hurd and the rest of the touring party to the Masters next year.

“It’s great to have Kelly on board, and we can’t wait to get across to Augusta again next April.

The packages we’ve been putting out have been hugely popular and already we’ve got 45 people joining us on the trip.”

“Followers of golf don’t need me to tell them, but The Masters really is something special.

You’re watching history with every stroke and to actually be there to witness Tiger’s chip or Bubba’s wedge, well it’s priceless.”

2016 SGH Masters packages are still available, and the difference, Hurd says, is in how bespoke the service is.

“At the end of the day, it’s your experience, so the itinerary is entirely up to you. Our job is simply to make sure that we’re there to help you every step of the way.”

Would you like to sample the experience of a lifetime at the 2016 Masters? Take a look at www.sghsportsmanagement.com for more information, or drop them a line at enquiries@sghsportmanagement.com

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

THE SIMPLE BUT SOMETIMES OVERLOOKED IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG SET UP

By Phil Archer European Tour Pro - Players Golf Academy

Having played hundreds of Pro Ams throughout my professional playing career and played many times in the club competitions at my local club to play with the members, it amazes me the amount of times I see people working on their swing while on the golf course, with the weakest of set ups.

I’m sure they are having lessons or have had some advice from a professional at some time or other, and I’m also sure that the professional didn’t send them away with a weak set up, it’s just something that the amateur golfer does not regard as important or just forgets to implement it before each shot, whether at the range or on the course There are 5 fundamentals to the set-up, AIM, GRIP, POSTURE, BALL POSITION and BODY ALIGNMENT. These have to be correct before we even take the club away to be begin the SWING. All faults in the actual golf swing will probably stem from something wrong in the set-up.

“It amazes me the amount of times I see people working on their swing while on the golf course, with the weakest of set ups.”

It’s all well and good me showing you these pictures of the perfect set-up and there are things you can take from these pictures when you take a picture of your own set up and see if there are any weaknesses, however we will be going into more depth in these issues on our website which you can see at the bottom of the page and also there is a link straight from the golf guide website which we will be adding more features to as we go along.

We hope you can take something from this first article of ours and hope you tune in for more tuition in the future.

Pictured above left: Showing the neutral grip and club head pointing straight away from the golfer showing its pointing straight at the target, stance is nice and shoulder width wide to create a firm solid base with a slight spine tilt to make it easier to get the top half of the body behind the ball at the top of the back swing, hands slightly ahead of the club face so the club is in its natural position.

(The club shaft shouldn’t be vertical!)

Pictured above right: Showing the positions for a great posture and body alignment, with spine in a lovely straight line and knees slightly bent enabling the arms to hang straight down from the shoulders and you can see the knees hips and shoulders are all in a straight line to target.

Here are some before and afters of our pupils in the teaching studios

Happy golfing and kind regards Phil Archer and Freddy Valenti www.thepgagolfacademy.co.uk

NEWS & FEATURES

North West Golf Guide

Q&A Getting to know Freddy and Phil

What is your best ever round?

Freddy - Probably a 10 under par 62 in the PGA north region championship in 2000 where I had 2 three putt pars in the round so could have been even better!

Phil - I would have to say the 9 under I shot in the Abu Dhabi Championship 1st Round with 2 bogeys, as the course was playing 7500 yards long, with deep rough and led by 4 shots after round one, however the 4 ft putt I had for first ever 59 was special round also at Celtic Manor GC in Wales Open Who is the best player you have ever played with?

Freddy - I had the pleasure of playing 2 rounds with Justin Rose at European Tour school and was so impressed with his golf swing and the fact he is a genuinely great guy. I bumped into him at Wentworth 5 years later when he was European No1 and he came out of his way to say hello and ask how I was. Not surprised he has done so well.

Phil - Tough question as have played with many world class players, so I’m going to mention 2, I would say ADAM SCOTT for the way he took the course apart in Scandanavian Masters and won, and SERGIO GARCIA for his shot playing ability, he seemed to never hit the same shot twice What is your favourite club in your bag right now?

Freddy - My old Odyssey Tri-hot putter I acquired from The Scottish PGA at Gleneagles

in 2001 and its still in the bag 15 years later. It’s the only club in the bag I don’t throw!

Phil – I would have to say my Callaway X2 Hot driver, straightest and longest club I’ve ever had in the bag

Vergara caddying for me!

Phil - My dream fourball, would be Seve to pick his brains about short game, Peter Kay to bring the banter and the laughs and Sir Alex Ferguson so we could talk everything Man Utd!

What’s your favourite course in the world that you have played?

Freddy - That’s a hard one but I would have to say Loch Lomond or Castletown in the Isle of man I always love going back to visit even though the weather is normally always awful, I love links golf!

Phil - I’m torn between 2 again, Royal Melbourne for the sheer quality of condition and test of golf, but would say Leopards Creek GC in South Africa, set in the Kruger safari Park is my favourite place as it is so unique.

What is you greatest playing result in golf?

Freddy - I regard one of my favourite times in golf was a 5 week spell in South Africa for my first ever visit there. I had entered 5 prequalifying events including 2 European tour events, I qualified for all 5 including winning 3 of them having never played one course before.

Phil - I would say representing my country in The Seve Trophy 2007 and also getting the winning point in front of captains Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo

What is the best part of your game?

Freddy - I would probably say that my strength has always been off the tee. I have always been pretty long and these days I hit a lot of fairways too!

Phil - My driving is pretty solid , but I would say my putting has been my strongest part over my playing career and still gets me out of trouble today What would be your dream fourball?

Freddy - Ooh that’s a tough one. I would have to be boring and say Seve, Tiger and Jack Nicklaus. I would probably shoot a 100 just watching them all day. I would have Sophia

What do you regard as your greatest achievement in golf?

Freddy - I take great satisfaction in my coaching achievements over the last 10 years or more.

Because most of a Pro’s coaching database comes from ‘word of mouth’ I am really proud of the top quality players I have coached onto great success and they have been referred to me by other people. It’s the best compliment you can have by having your peers recommend you as a coach.

Phil - Gaining my European Tour card for first time when my father was very ill, I went through all 3 stages of tour school knowing it was the last time he would see me try.

He is buried with my first tour badge!

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

The Golf Guide Winter Series 2015/16

HESWALL

CONWY GOLF CLUB

BULL BAY GOLF CLUB

Our first Winter Tour event took place at the fantastic Heswall Golf Club on Friday, nestled between North Wales & The English Golf Coast with its breathtaking views of the Dee estuary to the Welsh Hills. This par 72, 6,882 yard course was a great test of real winter golf and a great challenge to players of all abilities.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day vowing to return to test their skills again.

With lots of prizes and ultimately a trip to Spain to play for, the first group teed off at 09:30 in bright sunshine before experiencing all four seasons during their 18 hole round, a test for all.

Winners on the day with 42 points from Dukinfield Golf Club were Martin O’Keefe and Steve McClure (on the left of the picture) winning an Odyssey putter each and becoming the early leaders of the winter series order of merit. In second place, with 41 points winning a Callaway umbrella were Bob Radcliffe and Alan Naylor. In 3rd place losing out on count back also with 41 points was Dave Sheppard and Brian Newman, both winning Callaway Balls and a Devel pitchfork.

A huge thank you to Graham Chambers and the team at Heswall GC for their hospitality and preparing the course for the launch of our Winter series, we couldn’t have asked for a better location for the first event.

Conwy Golf Club played host to the 2nd of the 3 Golf Guide Tour Winter Series events. With a gentle Welsh breeze mixed with a few blustery gusts from Storm Gertrude, the field certainly had all their cobwebs blown away. With the amazing views of the Welsh mountains and the odd white seahorse, a challenging game of golf was enjoyed by all!

The course was in great condition even though we have just experienced the wettest December on record. Playing off the winter green tees, the course played to 6,249 yards and yet still giving a true test of winter Links Golf with the 13th Hole par 3 160 yards requiring a driver to reach the green!

The winners on the day and picking up their first 37 points of the Winter Series is Ian Appleton and Neil Stableford, taking home an Odyssey Putter each. In Second place winning a Callaway Umbrealla each, with 36 points is Dean Osborne and John Lee. In 3rd place is Brian Newman and Dave Sheppard with a score of 33 points which puts them at the top of the leader board in the Race to Spain and also winning Callaway balls and a Devel pitchfork.

The secretary, staff and members of Conwy Golf Club were so welcoming and friendly and really helped to make the day a huge success so a big thank you to Chris Chance and his team for that.

The final event of The Winter Series came to an exiting climax at the fabulous Bull Bay Golf Course on Friday. After previous events at Heswall GC and Conwy GC, there were several pairs in contention for the trip to Spain - there was certainly a little tension in the air!

The weather conditions were perfect - a real gentle breeze (not like Conwy!!), sunshine and a clear view of the Isle of Man, distant hills of the Lake District and the snow topped mountain of Snowdonia. This was Links golf at its kindest.

The heavy rainfall experienced in December and January seems to have had no impact on this championship course which is in great condition with many golfers experiencing quick greens and playing off grass for the first time in 2016.

Bull Bay Golf Club is a must play course with its lush fairways, superb greens and amazing panoramic views of the coast. Once played, you are certain to return.

The winners on the day with 44 points and taking home Odyssey putters is Jimmy Lunt and Liam Round. Second place goes to Martin Pritchard and Dave Roberts who take home Callaway umbrellas after a score of 43 points. In 3rd place and winning Callaway balls and a Devel pitchfork is John Aikenhead and Andy Moran.​ A big thank you to John and the team at Bull Bay Golf Club who were as always very welcoming and amazing hosts.

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

High Legh Park Academy Course Update and Men may play from the front. We also plan to have a second scorecard for beginners and children which adds a shot to every hole making the course a par 42 instead of the existing par 33. This addition gives every golfer the chance to par a hole and improve their confidence on the course.

New Features We have several new features to be added to the course ready for the April opening. The first This Winter we are making some alterations to our Academy 9 hole course to improve holes and make the course enjoyable for every level of golfer. When the course opens in April we plan to have three different types of tee’s, a front, middle and back on all holes. Unlike the main course anyone can play on any of these tees meaning that rather than having a tee set to a specific gender or age, the golfer can choose what challenge they want on the day.

Ladies and Children may play from the back

is the new green on the 8th that will be 80% surrounded by water. This challenging alteration will turn the existing 8th into a 444 yard par 5 and make it a signature hole on the course.

Players will have two options, play the hole safe and lay up for an accurate chip onto the green or aim to get there in 2 shots and risk straying into the pond.

There will also be two new tees on the second hole of the course shortening the length by up to 40 yards. This much needed addition will help higher handicaped golfers and shorter hitters to get on the green in one.

We will also be significantly re-shaping the rough on the majority of holes creating wider fairways and decreasing the punishment for stray balls. The rough will be cut on holes such as the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 8th.

Finally depending on the weather throughout the early months of the year we plan to remove some of the pond reeds on the 2nd, 4th, 7th and 8th as well as add water hazard posts to all ponds on the course.

KEITH READY FOR THE NEW CHALLENGES AT DPGC Keith Melia is delighted to return to the North West golfing world as the new General Manager of Davyhulme Park Golf Club (DPGC).

He brings a great range of administrative, golfing and leisure skills to his new role which will serve his new club superbly.

Keith has enjoyed management roles at Sandiway and Wilmslow Golf Clubs and also as Leisure Manager with De Vere - working on a

major £1million refurbishment of the leisure club and spa and prior to that he served for 23 years at numerous leisure and sporting facilities in various roles.

He is qualified as an FA coach, Personal Trainer and also a swimming teacher, his professional qualifications include a Professional Diploma in Management Studies, Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management and he is a member of the Golf Club Managers’ Association where he served for three years as the North West Region’s representative on the National Committee.

He began his golf at the age of 17 at Walton Hall GC reaching a lowest handicap of four and he was a prominent playing member of Birchwood Golf Club for over 20 years.

There he has captained both first and second teams at different times in the North West Cheshire League and also reached the national final of the Daily Telegraph Match play three times, narrowly missing out on winning a place in the grand final at Vale de Lobo.

Keith has also played in numerous pro-am events over the years as well as Manchester Alliance events.

Keith said: “I am very excited about the challenges ahead and look forward to working with the board of directors at DPGC under the

new management structure as well as other club officials and committees etc. in driving the club forward.

“DPGC” is ideally located close to the Trafford Park area of Manchester and the course offers a very fair test to suit golfers of all abilities with a mixture of long and short holes and it can be described as a ‘risk and reward’ course.

“There is very much a friendly, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at the club which has an iconic ‘art deco’ clubhouse on two levels.

“This means that as well as being a first-class clubhouse for the members it is also an ideal venue for weddings and other private hire functions with the function room itself able to accommodate 150 guests comfortably with superb and diverse catering available.

“The club is currently open to membership in all categories and with no joining or entrance fees providing excellent value for money.” A unique opportunity exists for Junior Golfers (aged 8 to 15) where membership is available at a cost of just £4 per year! We also very much welcome membership enquiries from, couples, families and corporate organisations.”

Anyone wishing to view the club and/or tour the facilities should ring 0161 748 2260 and speak to a member of the DPGC team.

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

Hartford Performance Studio Hartford Golf Club At Hartford Golf Club we are passionate about the importance of custom fitting the correct clubs to a golfer. Every player is different and we firmly believe that no matter what your ability you will benefit greatly from custom fitting. Many golfers mistakenly believe that they ‘aren’t good enough for custom fitting’ when in fact the opposite is true - amateur golfers can benefit the most from having the right equipment to suit their game - an accomplished player will have the skill to make an ill-fitting club work whereas a less advanced golfer will really struggle with the wrong equipment so the question should be ‘are you good enough NOT to be custom fitted?’

“Amateur golfers can benefit the most from having the right equipment” Just the other day we had a senior golfer in the Performance Studio who played a stiff shaft in his driver as he had always done for the last twenty years and he thought as he was a low handicapper this was the right shaft for him, but he noticed his distance had dropped off a lot recently. We gave him a much lighter, more flexible ladies shaft but didn’t tell him what it was, immediately he picked up an extra 25 yards. When we told him what the shaft was he said ‘I don’t care I’ll have it as I will be out driving my playing partners again - it will be worth every penny!’ If you’ve not been custom fitted before you too could be missing out on that extra 25 yards on your drives.

“I want to buy one now as I will be out driving my playing partners again”

We provide a full custom fitting experience for you at Hartford - we invited Paul Lambert from The Golf Guide magazine to have a look at what we offer and how we can help a golfer improve. Paul is a very typical occasional player who despite the fact that he’s played the game for years is one of the 60% of golfers who have never taken part in a custom fitting session.

First of all we asked Paul a few questions about his game such as how often he played, what kind of scores he usually gets and what he thought about his game and what his bad shots were. He explained that distance wasn’t really an issue for him as he hit the ball a reasonable distance but he wanted more accuracy and consistency on his iron shots, also he didn’t carry a driver in his bag as every time he tried to use one he had real trouble controlling his drives and knowing where the ball would go!

Paul said: “I’ve always struggled with consistency in my game and I don’t get a chance to practice a great deal so I would love to have a set of clubs that I can have confidence in even if I’ve not played for a while.”

We got Paul to hit a few 7 iron shots with his current club which was a Callaway X Hot iron

and we soon realised that his swing speed was high at an average of 88.6pmh and ball speed of 120.6mph with an average carry distance of 161.3 yards, the dynamic loft and shot height were very high as Paul was quite ‘handsy’ through impact which meant that he added loft and lost a lot of distance - especially with iron shots into the wind and the overall dispersion was quite high with a lot of shots flying mainly left of target.

“Paul lost a lot of distance with iron shots into the wind and the overall dispersion was quite high” From the initial few shots we immediately knew that because of his high swing speed Paul needed a heavy and stiff shaft which would also get his ball flight down, we tried the Callaway XR Pro iron first and the Ping i Series iron and although he liked the clubs Paul said he would prefer a slightly softer feeling iron. This lead us to try the Callaway Apex Pro and it was fitted with a Dyanmic Gold X100 shaft, at first we tried a standard length shaft but because of Paul’s height (6 foot 1”) we decided a club 1/2” longer than standard was better for him. With the longer shaft and firmer shaft we tried a few different models and soon came upon a great fit for Paul - with the Callaway Apex Pro iron his swing speed increased by nearly 5 mph to 93.3 and with this he saw a distance increase of 13 yards to 174.2 yards. The firmer shaft meant that dynamic loft dropped to 24.9 yards so the ball was flying lower and further but the main thing is that dispersion was decreased to less than 10 yards so all the shots were flying a lot more accurately. Paul also saw a massive improvement with the Titleist 716AP2 irons and he said that this and the Callaway forged irons felt the best to him but they also gave him much improved performance.

NEWS & FEATURES

North West Golf Guide

bought off the shelf. In fact custom fitting can save you money, we may recommend you only need a set starting at a 5 iron through to a Pitching Wedge for example and this set could be ordered for you if you buy a set off the shelf you may have to get a standard set make up including a 4 iron that you’ll probably never use.

“Paul saw a distance increase of 13 yards on his 7 iron to 174.2 yds”

“The perception is that club fitting will be an expensive process for the golfer - this simply isn’t true”

We decided that the best shaft for Paul was an X-Stiff Dyanmic Gold X100 shaft, he had previously never even tried this shaft but because of his high swing speed and the high launch tendencies of his swing he had always struggled for consistency with his old clubs, once he had a firm enough and heavy enough shaft at the correct length his accuracy improved massively. Once we got the shaft dialled in Paul picked the club head he most liked and then we checked the lie angle to make sure that this was correct to allow the club to return to impact in a square position. We decided a lie angle of 1 degrees upright was the most beneficial as Paul is quite tall but also to keep shot height down we recommended the clubs lofts were made 2 degrees stronger than standard, finally we measured his hand size and decided that he needed a slightly thicker grip.

Paul said: “Probably like most golfers I always believed that a bad shot was all down to me making a bad swing but now I can see that using the wrong clubs makes it very hard to have any consistency in your game, I immediately felt like I had a much better chance of hitting good shots when I tried some of the new fitted irons.”

The perception is that club fitting will be an expensive process for the golfer - this simply isn’t true, even though he’s a pretty average golfer when we came up with Paul’s club specifications they were far from standard.

The ideal set for Paul requires clubs made with a stiffer custom shaft, longer length, more upright lie angle, stronger lofts and thicker grips - but the thing you need to remember is that the clubs would arrive within seven days built to his exact specifications and at no extra cost to a standard set in the same model

Once we picked the iron set up that Paul liked he hit a few hybrids that would complement his set and give him the right distance gaps within the set, it was then on to the challenge of getting Paul to hit a driver that he liked and had confidence with. Paul had tried drivers before but could never hit them with any consistency and he basically had no confidence in hitting a driver as he had no idea where the ball would go so he didn’t even own one. Having fitted Paul for the irons we knew he needed a stiff heavy shaft in a driver that he could control, he also launches the ball very high so we gave him a driver designed to keep ball flight down with a forward slightly higher centre of gravity.

The results were phenomenal - having not dared use a driver for years Paul hit a Callaway Big Bertha driver set up for him and hit all six drives straight down the target line and with an average distance of 280 yards with a longest shot of 295!

Paul was hugely impressed with the driver, ‘having gone from never daring to use a driver to hitting those shots I think the driver could be my favourite club in the bag - you might have to prise it out of my hands now!’

Our Performance Studio is a private heated room fitted with three cameras to provide views of your swing from various angles and we also use the famous Trackman radar used by leading tour players and the Foresight GC2 launch monitor. We stock many of the leading brands including Ping, Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, Nike, Cleveland and Benross and the best thing about our fitting room is that you can hit good quality 2 piece golf balls out onto the driving range so you can see the improved ball flight for yourself - you’re not just hitting balls into a net.

“You can see the improved ball flight for yourself” We have now custom fitted over 500 golfers in our Performance Studio in the last two years and we’ve helped golfers gain over 1000 yards in total of extra distance – but they’re also hitting much straighter shots and the main thing is that through playing better golf they are enjoying this frustrating game that much more!

Paul summed up his experience ‘I’d always struggled along with my equipment thinking it couldn’t make that much difference but having spent an hour in the Performance Studio at Hartford my eyes have been opened to the huge improvement that can be made by simply using clubs that actually suit me - without changing my swing in any way I was hitting better shots and even using clubs that I had not used before - I’ve never hit a ball 295 yards before in my life and I can’t wait to get out onto the golf course now!’

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

PC Nicola Hughes Memorial Fund Turning horror into hope

The aims of the charity are to provide assistance to those children left behind following the loss of a parent or sibling through violent crime.

Our purpose is a simple and clearly defined one: to make sure that the secondary victims of violent crime don’t remain victims.

We honour the memories of those robbed of their life by giving the people touched by its loss a better one. In any way we can.

Big or small.

We can’t prevent meaningless deaths.

We can prevent meaningless lives.

For more information please visit us www.pcnicolahughesmemorialfund.co.uk Following the horrific events that occurred in Manchester 2012 Nicola’s father, Bryn Hughes established the charity in March 2014. The aims of the charity are to provide assistance to those children left behind following the loss of a parent or sibling through violent crime.

‘We, as adults, are slightly more able to deal with the after effects of losing family members than children are, I have witnessed at first-hand how devastating this can be to children and young people. My son was 20 years old at the

time his “big sister” was murdered. I saw how he completely lost his way or direction in life and how much he struggled to continue with any normal sense of purpose.’

As each year passes the memory of what happened that day on 18th September 2012 will no doubt fade over time for many people.

For myself and my family, for Nicola’s friends & colleagues that memory will never fade and neither will the determination for us a charity to continue to strive to make a difference in the lives of those people affected by murder.

We aim to help those young people by providing both educational or employment opportunities so they can ‘normalise’ their lives.

Why not make a 50p per month donation?

Your 50p per month could make all the difference in a child’s life.

Or text NIKY23 (+ amount) to 70070 Registered as a charity in England & Wales 1156398

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

European Tour Coach heads up new Cheshire academy

Damian Taylor, European Tour coach too many of the world’s leading players both past and present has recently chosen to base himself at the brand new golf complex at High Legh Park Golf Club in Knutsford, Cheshire. Damian along with fellow coach Mike Donald will both operate from the club on a full time basis providing golf coaching throughout the year where their schedules dictate. Needless to say the academy is fitted with the latest swing analysis technology trackman and v1 camera systems.

Damian still travels to most of the European Tour events working with his current players one of which ‘Bernd Wiesberger” who’s success this year in earning over €2,000,000 and lying 7th in the race to Dubai, certainly has to be given some recognition to Damien’s swing knowledge and expertise.

Mike is also working with a young crop of professional players and is looking, in the future, to travel to European Tour Events with Damian as he continues to improve his coaching under the guidance and knowledge of Damian at the academy. When we spoke to Mike he was extremely excited about the prospect of the new teaching facility that has been set up and what is now on offer to the public.

“It’s great to be able to offer our clients such a high class experience, offering a great customer experience and service is defiantly a common factor both Damian and myself share, the facilities we have in place are definitely up there with the best in the north of England and it goes to show as the England girls squad are now using the complex for their winter training.

I personally am a big believer in the Trackman launch monitor, a system both myself and Damian use that allows us to track not only the ball but also what the club head does through the impact area. This gives precise feedback to the golfer who can see and with some tuition from us, understand what they need to change in their swing in order to get better. We accompany this with report sheets from each session and operate a goal setting system so each individual has an improvement plan to move forward with. Many people think this is something exclusively for elite players but amateur golfers rarely get time in today’s modern world to practice, so when they do they need to be working to an objective in order to progress. We often see lessons from fellow professionals given, but without a clear structure going away from the lesson.

We also have the facility to video the entire lesson and send to the customer, we really try to make the swing analysis and lesson structure easy to understand and we have a system in place which will track your performance and show you how each aspect of your game is improving.

It really is a fantastic facility and if you think your game could benefit from either mine or Damian’s advice then please feel free to get in touch through the contact details below.

Both Damian and Mike are fully Qualified PGA teaching professionals.

Damian Taylor European Tour Coach / PGA Professional www.damiantaylorgolf.co.uk Info@damiantaylorgolf.co.uk 07731481139 @golfdtaylor Mike Donald PGA professional www.mikedonaldgolf.co.uk info@mikedonaldgolf.co.uk 01565325008 / 07738332790 @MikeDonaldgolf

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North West Golf Guide

NEWS & FEATURES

Devel Golf The future of pitch mark repair You may not have heard of Devel Golf given that they only launched in November 2015.

However, given their creative designs, it is a brand you will soon be hearing lots more about.

With a focus on innovation and quality, Devel Golf aim to break from conventional golfing traditions and create products with a functional difference. Their first product, The Devel Pitchfork, epitomises this ideology.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, The Devel Pitchfork is a revolutionary new type of pitch mark repair tool. Comprising a unique three prong design, The Devel Pitchfork delivers improved pitch mark repair by ensuring only damaged turf is repaired.

Duncan Campbell, the founder of Devel Golf, said: “The three prong design corresponds to the shape of a pitch mark. The longer central prong penetrates to the base, while the two outer prongs repair the edges of the mark.

The result is less damage to the soil surrounding the impact area and faster repair.”

“The technique for effective pitch mark repair remains the same with The Devel Pitchfork.

Simply insert the Pitchfork at the edge of the pitch mark and gently pull the edges inwards.

Repeat this several times and the pitch mark will be fully repaired with minimal damage to the greens.”

“We believe The Devel Pitchfork is the future of pitch mark repair. We spent over 8 months developing the product, constantly refining and improving to get it to where it is today.

Whether it be the three prong design, the high quality anodised aluminium, laser etched logo or chamfered prongs, we believe The Devel Pitchfork is the essential accessory for any golfer.”

“The Devel Pitchfork is the first of many new accessories the company hopes to launch – with further products planned for 2016.”

The Devel Pitchfork comes with magnetic ball marker and is packaged in a beautiful presentation tin, making it the perfect gift for any golfer. For corporate and society orders the ball marker and packaging sleeve can be customised with a chosen logo or text (min order required).

The Devel Pitchfork is available to buy now from the Devel Golf website for £7.99.

Further information and purchase details can be found at www.develgolf.com

North West Golf Guide

Cheshire Introduction

Photos courtesy VisitBritain

©Britainonview / Adrian Houston

38

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’.

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.

radio telescope and Science Centre to the awe inspiring Blue Planet Aquarium.

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

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

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.

©Britainonview / Rod Edwards

©Britainonview / Rod Edwards

©Britainonview / Adrian Houston

North West Golf Guide

Cheshire Introduction

M-6 M-62 1

11

M-56

Warrington

M-53

Lymm

8 9

Runcorn

Wimslow

17 Knutsford

Frodsham

Ellesmere Port

14

7 Macclesfield

Northwich 15

M-56

13

5 16 Chester

12

6

Winsford 10 Congleton

Tarporley

3

Sandbach

Crewe

4

Nantwich 2

Malpas

M-6 Whitchurch

1. Birchwood 2. Brookfield 3. Carden Park 4. Crewe 5. Delamere Forest 6. Eaton 7. Hartford 8. Hazel Grove 9. High Legh Park

10. Portal 11. Poulton Park 12. Pryors Hayes 13. Sandiway 14. The Tytherington 15. Vale Royal Abbey 16. Vicars Cross 17. Wilmslow

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Contact Details

40

Birchwood Golf Club Ltd Kelvin Close, Birchwood Warrington, WA3 7PB Telephone: 01925 818819 Professional: 01925 825216 enquiries@birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk www.birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

BIRCHWOOD

Birchwood Golf Club is ideally located less than a mile from Junction 11 of the M62. Leaving the M62 at Junction 11 proceed to the first roundabout and take a right.

You will then come to a series of roundabouts, go straight over the next 3 roundabouts, passing Birchwood Business Park on your left hand side.

At the next roundabout the Golf Club is signposted taking a Right turn.

Birchwood Golf Club is located next door to Carphone Warehouse.

Welcome to Birchwood Golf Club, Warrington one of the finest and friendliest golf clubs in the county of Cheshire. Our very picturesque 18 hole championship standard course was designed and built in the 1970’s on 240 acres of rolling parkland. It has an abundance of unique features, the various lakes, water hazards, bunkers and tree lined fairways adding to the golfing challenge. The fantastic undulating greens that have a reputation for being the best in the area adding further to a very pleasurable golfing experience.

Birchwood offers a challenge to all levels of golfer with a par of 71 and a standard

scratch of 72 off the white tees the 6596 yards course provides the player with a variety of shot making opportunities which will test the use of all fourteen clubs in the bag. Our course provides a fair test of golf where course management and not just shot making ability is the secret to a good round.

The club is forward thinking with a terrific atmosphere in the clubhouse on competition days, yet also respecting the traditions of the game of golf. It is also an excellent venue for weddings, parties and conferences whatever your need, please dont hesitate to contact the club to see what we can do for you.

Visit www.birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk for the latest news & offers

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Practice Ground, Chipping Green, Golf Simulator Studio, Electric Trolleys, Pull Trolleys, Lessons, Pro Shop, Buggies available March- October Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6596 • 6242 • 5682 (74) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 353

10

3

179

2

5 557

11

5

521

3

4 461

12

3

163

4

3 191

13

4

293

5

4 378

14

4

415

6

4 355

15

4

461

7

3 141

16

4

457

8

5 532

17

3

211

9

4 433

18

5

495

Contact Details

41

Brookfield Golf Club Hankelow, Audlem, Nr Nantwich Cheshire, CW3 0JE Telephone: 01270 812991 info@brookfieldgolfclub.co.uk www.brookfieldgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

The 18 hole 6,128 yard par 70 course first opened in 2002. Built in one hundred and twenty seven acres of Cheshires Finest countryside, the course is fast maturing to become one of Cheshire’s premier golf venues and features all the elements needed for a player’s maximum enjoyment.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, 16 Bay Floodlit Range, Golf Academy, Club Hire, Trolley Hire, Lessons, Pro Shop

The course with tees and greens of USGA standard offers a real challenge to golfers of all levels. Brookfield has been honored by hosting a number of Cheshire County events and in 2004 was the venue for the Tamsel Professional Tour.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6128 • 5825 • 5154 H OLE

PAR

BROOKFIELD

From M6, exit at Junction 16: At the roundabout, take the exit onto A500 heading to Crewe/A5020/Nantwich/ Chester/A51/Weston. At A525, take the 1st exit onto A531. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit. Turn left onto Cobb’s Ln. Turn right onto Wrinehill Rd. Turn left onto Main Rd/B5071. Continue to follow B5071.Slight right onto Wybunbury Ln/B5071. Turn right onto London Rd/ A51. Take the 1st left onto Crewe Rd/ B5071. Turn left to stay on Crewe Rd/ B5071. Slight left onto Audlem Rd/ A529. Turn right onto The Nook.

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 366

10

5

474

2

5 450

11

4

434

3

4 392

12

3

161

4

3 192

13

4

374

5

4 329

14

3

174

6

3 205

15

4

366

7

4 330

16

3

168

8

5 594

17

4

431

9

3 206

18

5

482

The Clubhouse has a function room which can seat 120 guests, in addition there is also a spacious lounge, and the premises is licensed to perform civil marriage ceremonies.

Catering is of the highest standard with our resident chef available to satisfy all culinary tastes and requirements.

Signature Hole The Ninth hole at Brookfield Golf Club is regarded by many as our feature hole. It is one of six challenging par 3s, measuring 195 yards off the yellow tees and 205 yards from the competition tees, all of which is carry over a large lake.

Contact Details

42

Carden Park Hotel - Cheshire’s Country Estate Nr Chester, Cheshire CH3 9DQ Telephone: 01829 731 000 reservations@cardenpark.co.uk www.cardenpark.co.uk Facilities

CARDEN PARK

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 buggies, Golf lessons, Ropes course, Outdoor activities, 196 bedrooms, Choice of Restaurants including Private dining, 13 spa treatment rooms, Free Car Parking

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

3 5 4 4 4 5 4 3 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

155 542 365 338 389 524 374 206 432

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 4 4 5 3 4 3 4

340 555 359 342 425 126 381 181 314

How to Find

43

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.

CARDEN PARK

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

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 3 5 4 4 4 3 5

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

383 285 138 479 373 305 358 120 515

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 5 4 4 3 4 5

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 4½ 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.

Contact Details

44

Crewe Golf Club Fields Road, Haslington, Crewe Cheshire CW1 5TB Telephone: 01270 584099 secretary@crewegolfclub.co.uk www.crewegolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

CREWE

From North, M6 Junction 17 Turn right onto the A534 over the motorway bridge, follow this road through traffic lights and turn left at roundabout. Follow A534 to the next roundabout and turn left for Haslington. In 1.5 miles at the centre of the village left turn into Waterloo Road opposite the Broughton Arms, follow this road straight through into the visitors car park.

One of the most attractive elements of the Golf Course is that, although Haslington is close by and Crewe itself only some two miles distant, there are open vistas in every direction, with scarcely a building to be seen.

The course is 18 holes occupying some 150 acres of rolling Cheshire countryside. From the men’s white tees it measures 6469 yards with a par and standard scratch of 71, consisting of 2 par 5s, 3 par 3s and 13 par 4s.

Each hole has its individual characteristics. The fairways are for the most part generous, but in some instances tight and tree-lined with

tall oaks often providing a difficult obstacle for the wayward drive. A number of holes are strategically designed to provide a testing second shot over or round a pond. The greens are well bunkered, some are particularly narrow and should not be missed on the wrong side.

A “halfway house” by the 11th tee is used to provide light refreshments on selected competition days and weekends.

Hole 8, Par 3, 159 yards. Great short hole!

Nothing but accurate medium/short iron does on this tricky par three with bunkers right and significant drop on other three sides of green.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Extensive Practice Ground, Putting Green, Chipping Green, Trolley Hire, Buggy Hire, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6469 • 6220 • 5513 (72) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

305 422 421 329 148 363 317 145 371

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 5 3 4 5 4 4

410 382 284 483 174 322 540 393 414

Contact Details

45

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

DELAMERE FOREST

How to Find From M6 Junction 19 take the A556 and head in the direction of Chester and after approximately 15 miles look for J & S Accessories. 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).

Facilities Driving range, Putting green, Golf Lessons, Buggies, Restaurant The original clubhouse built over 100 years ago to the Cheshire ‘black and white’ design has been substantially improved in recent years providing excellent facilities for members and visitors.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6580 • 6326 • 6101 • 5588 H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 420

10

4

323

2

5 428

11

5

492

3

4 399

12

3

145

4

3 206

13

4

302

5

4 424

14

4

364

6

3 131

15

4

295

7

5 438

16

3

188

8

4 411

17

4

356

9

4 321

18

5

458

Founded in 1910, Delamere Forest was the fifth golf course designed by the distinguished architect Herbert Fowler. It is widely regarded as one of the finest traditional heathland golf courses in England. The club’s current rating as the best inland course in Cheshire and 56th in England by Top 100 Golf Courses is well deserved.

Situated in the heart of rural Cheshire but with easy access, Delamere features rolling fairways interspersed with heather and gorse, crowned by fast, subtle greens which are typical of Fowler’s early designs. As a result the course offers a fair but tough challenge to visitors and members alike.

Casual Golfers, Societies & Groups - All Welcome.

Sample our excellent course and facilities.

In 2012 the club took the momentous decision to strengthen the course and reinstate its original heathland character. The renowned golf architects Mackenzie and Ebert who had recently completed the remodelling of Royal Lytham and St Anne’s for the Open Championship were commissioned to carry out the task. Every bunker has been returned to the original Fowler design and all greens have been increased in size to provide additional options and run-off areas. As a result the century-old character of Delamere has been reinstated and a new Blue Course of over 6600 yards including 8 new tees is available for County and National events.

Please book with the Professional, Martin Brown on 01606 883800.

Email: delamerepro@btconnect.com

Contact Details

46

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

EATON GOLF CLUB

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.

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.

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.

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?

2016 Open Competitions Mens 1 AM AM Open FULLY BOOKED Mixed 1 Team Open Ladies 1 AM AM Open Mens 2 4BBB Open Seniors 1 4BBB Open Ladies 2 AM AM Open Seniors 2 AM AM Open Mixed 2 4BBB Open Seniors 3 4BBB Open Mens 3 Bowmaker Open Ladies 3 Team of 3 Open

09-Apr-2016 08-May-2016 02-Jun-2016 05-Jun-2016 05-Jul-2016 29-Jul-2016 04-Aug-2016 07-Aug-2016 13-Sep-2016 01-Oct-2016 14-Oct-2016

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

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6714 • 6580 • 6414 • 5642 (73) H OLE

PAR

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

1

4 357

10

4

386

2

4 370

11

3

170

3

4 414

12

4

340

4

3 166

13

4

342

5

5 488

14

5

518

6

3 178

15

4

379

7

4 322

16

5

503

8

5 476

17

3

145

9

4 429

18

4

431

Membership There are limited memberships available.

Details can be found by visiting the membership section at www.eatongolfclub.co.uk

Contact Details

47

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

How to Find

HARTFORD

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 Teaching and Training Studio, Fitting Suite, Trackman Launch Monitor, Foresight GC2 Launch Monitor Driving Range, Clubhouse, Putting Green, Bar, Catering, Function rooms Course Information 9 holes, Par 35 • 2770 • 2602 • 2309 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

5 3 5 4 3 4 3 4 4

YARDS

466 158 488 246 125 247 172 340 353

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.

Contact Details

48

Hazel Grove Golf Club The Club House, Hazel Grove Stockport, SK7 6LU Telephone: 0161 483 7272 professional@hazelgrovegolfclub.com www.hazelgrovegolfclub.com

How to Find

HAZEL GROVE

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.

With the 2013 Centenary course and clubhouse enhancements completed, the beautiful and well-appointed Alister MacKenzie parkland course at Hazel Grove Golf Club in Cheshire, 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.

both for its degree of difficulty and picturesque layout. With so many outstanding holes, it’s hard to highlight any one as a ‘signature’ hole. However, the fifteenth, dominated by a large sweeping lake, which runs along the left hand edge of the fairway, and across the front and down the left of the green, must take the honour. At 285 yards, this par 4 represents the ultimate risk or reward hole.

The course has a number of feature holes each presenting its own individual MacKenzie challenge. The par 5 third is as testing as any and ranks amongst the best in Cheshire, while the best of the par 3’s is arguably the eleventh,

Golfers who enjoy and appreciate the challenge of MacKenzie Courses will love the welcome they get at Hazel Grove and we trust they will leave saying “Golf in Cheshire just doesn’t get any better than this!”

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 H OLE

PAR

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

1

4 351

10

5

514

2

3 164

11

3

162

3

5 524

12

5

481

4

4 376

13

3

203

5

3 161

14

4

371

6

4 377

15

4

262

7

5 480

16

4

324

8

4 332

17

4

309

9

3 176

18

4

366

Society bookings are available from April to October Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

From only £30pp (Minimum 12 golfers to qualify) 1 in 12 go free on green fees. Exclusive to the Golf Guide.

Contact the professionals shop on 0161 4837272 to book your day with us!

Contact Details

49

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

HIGH LEGH PARK

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

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

Facilities 2 Practice Putting Greens, Approach Play Green with 40yd fairway, Short game green with bunkers, 300yds x 200yds practice ground, Members practice area Irons only 200yds x 200yds, Complementary ball facility for members, Buggies, trolleys, pro shop, Restaurant, Conference rooms

There are few more glorious natural settings in Cheshire than this stretch of parkland surrounded by woodland of pine, oak and birch; the vibrant rhododendrons adding a splash of colour. The great architects Mark James and Steve Marnoch took full advantage of these many attributes when they created High Legh Park. Fairways turn both ways and there is a wonderful flow and variety to the course, with different length par-3s, par-4s and par-5s. It is a design that will stand the test of time.

The greens have been constructed to the highest standard using USGA Green Specifications. The layered construction of each green ensures

Course Information 18 holes · Par 70 • 6406 • 5785 • 5557 • 5321

optimum drainage and minimises damage to the greens. This helps High Legh to keep the course open all year round without the need for temporary greens. The greenkeeping staff take great pride in ensuring that the greens are kept up to their high standards all year round.

3rd. “The Belfry” is a challenging par 4 with water hazards comprising of two ponds between the tee and the green. The green can be approached either over the ponds for the big hitters or using the dog leg fairway. 16th. “Marl Pit’s”. A long par 4 with a difficult right turn half way down the fairway. The biggest of hitters may be able to cut the corner and clear the lake.

Contact Details

50

Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley Cheshire, CW6 0DJ Telephone: 01829 734 160 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

PORTAL

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

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 5 5 3 4 4 4 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

275 321 557 524 197 344 383 387 340

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 5 4 3 4 3 4 4

425 411 507 382 125 379 176 379 392

How to Find

51

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.

PORTAL

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.

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

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4 5 4 4 3 4 3 4 4

YARDS

306 591 292 336 152 340 152 367 387

HOLE PAR

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 4 4 3 5 3 5

Midweek Society golf

YARDS

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

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.

414 421 335 404 408 157 519 160 476

from £29.95pp

18 holes Champ or Prem including tea/coffee & bacon roll Minimum number of 12 golfers Book before the end of July to receive 1 in 8 go free (quote GG16).

Contact Details

52

Poulton Park Golf Club Crab Lane, Cinnamon Brow Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 0SH Tel : 01925 822802 E-mail: online form www.poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

POULTON PARK

From M6 At junction 21, take the A57 exit to Warrington (Ctr & East)/Irlam.

At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Woolston Grange Ave/ B5210 heading to Warrington (East)/Birchwood/Leigh/A574.

Go through 4 roundabouts. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Crab Ln. Turn right onto Locking Stumps Ln. Take the 1st left onto Dig Ln. Course will be on the right

We are a hidden gem, tucked away on the outskirts of Warrington. The nine holes of narrow tree lined fairways offer a great test to any standard of golfer. Our members have learned to be arrow straight as a well placed tee shot can offer great rewards.

We can also provide a golfer with the best short game practice facilities around. Back in 2008 the club was awarded a grant from Sport England which was used to construct the Chip & Pin Short Game Centre. This consists of two large greens, one that is a synthetic pitching green and the other which can be used to improve your chipping and bunker play.

You will always be well looked after when you visit Poulton Park from when you first arrive at the club to when you travel home, our aim is to make you smile!

Signature Hole: Hole 7, Par 4, 417 yards.

This is our signature hole and what a hole it is, destroying many a good scorecard.

Hitting the fairway is essential if you are to hit the green in regulation. Many play this as a par 5 laying up in to leaving a short pitch over the hidden front ditch onto a green that’s slopes from back to front.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Chip & Pin Short Game Centre, Club Hire, Trolley Hire, Lessons, Pro Shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 68 • 5650 • 5399 • 5188 (70) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

NEW Ladies membership from £400

NEW

4 3 4 4 4 3 4 5 3

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

250 190 429 340 313 193 417 515 177

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 4 4 3 4 4 3

314 144 520 386 289 182 348 440 203

MEMBERSHIP DEALS AVAILABLE

Players Golf Academy with European Tour Pro Phillip Archer coaching alongside Freddy Valenti

NEW Titleist and Scotty Cameron fitting centre

PAR

Pay monthly - FREE test drive on request

AMAZING MARQUEE for weddings, parties and funerals with gorgeous beer gardens

CONTACT THE PRO SHOP ON 01925 825220

Contact Details

53

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.co.uk How to Find

PRYORS HAYES

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 Pro Shop, Marquee, Celebration Garden, Covered Video Teaching Bay, Short Game Area WINNER OF GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR 2010.

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.

WINNER OF BEST CLUB FOR SOCIETIES 2009.

WINNER OF BEST CLUB IN THE NORTH 2009.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 69 • 5961 • 5524 • 4996 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 3

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

445 478 223 434 448 336 122 380 163

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 4 3 4 3 5 4

361 333 398 352 163 313 181 494 337

alike. Pryors Hayes is a golf club with a modern outlook on how golfers should be looked after.

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

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.

With a recent refurbishment the overall look of the club is warm and homely with very welcoming staff to both members and visitors

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

SANDIWAY

54

Sandiway “Sandiway is what you make it, an oasis, a gem, a golfing retreat. I hope you enjoy your time there as much as I have� Peter Alliss (International broadcaster and golf world legend)

Contact Details

55

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

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.

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.

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 3 5 4 3 4 4 4

SANDIWAY

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.

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

385 499 169 478 361 150 391 326 393

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 3 4 4 5 4 3

455 197 405 123 393 350 498 283 164

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

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

The Clubhouse: 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.

Contact Details

56

The Tytherington Club Dorchester Way, Tytherington, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2JP

THE TYTHERINGTON CLUB

Telephone: 01625 506 000 tytherington.info@theclubcompany.com www.thetytheringtonclub.com

How to Find One of the major strengths of The Tytherington Club is it’s location.

Just 30 minutes from M6 Junction 17 south, Junction 19 north

By Rail, 5 minutes from Macclesfield Railway Station.

By Air, 30 minutes from Manchester Airport

Opened in 1986, The Tytherington Club was one of the UK’s first custom-built golf and Health & Fitness clubs. Our 18 Hole Championship Course was designed by Patrick Dawson and Dave Thomas with the lush backdrop of the Pennines. Set within gently rolling parkland in the heart of Cheshire, the course winds through mature woodland and follows the natural contours of the land.

With close to 85 bunkers and a host of water features, it is not difficult to see why The Tytherington Club is considered one of the finest Golf Courses in the North West. An enjoyable challenge for any calibre of golfer.

Our elegant Clubhouse is the perfect place to wind down after a workout or round of Golf, and its vibrant and friendly environment is the perfect place to meet new golf partners, bring your Families, and meet new likeminded friends in exquisite surroundings.

Facilities Full practice area, Trolleys, Buggies, Halfway house, Shop, Lessons, Clubhouse restaurant & bar, Conference facilities, Gym, Spa &Tennis courts.

Our state-of-the-art health & fitness gym, along with the unique personalised service provided by our Wellness Team, are unrivalled in the industry.

Our team promise to create and monitor tailormade programmes to meet your bespoke goals.

The Club also boasts a beautiful Swimming Pool and Relaxation Spa area, 2 Tennis courts and a timetable of studio classes for group exercise.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6765 • 6451 • 6172 • 5669 (74) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 3 4 3 4 4 4 5

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

438 489 147 392 185 352 296 318 468

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 3 4 4 5 4 4

382 199 512 139 427 395 523 407 382

Visit our website www.thetytheringtonclub.com for the latest news & offers

Contact Details

57

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

VALE ROYAL ABBEY

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 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.

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 4 4 4 3 4 4 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

372 493 248 364 355 165 449 326 377

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 4 4 4 5 3 4 5

191 289 417 294 307 570 134 409 463

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.

A UNIQUE & BREATHTAKING GOLF EXPERIENCE

Memberships applications invited.

Visitors & Societies welcome.

We offer a range of packages to suit your needs.

Contact General Manager, Ian Embury or visit the website www.vra.co.uk 01606 301291

www.vra.co.uk

events@vra.co.uk

Contact Details

58

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

How to Find

VICARS CROSS

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

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

Vicars Cross Golf Club is a mature 18 hole parkland course of almost 6500 yards from the white tees and has a par of 72. In recent years many improvements have been made including extensive tree planting, improving fairway drainage and rebuilding the greens to USGA standards. Members and visitors alike can now enjoy year-round golf on one of Cheshire’s most attractive courses.

The golf course architect Ken Moodie designed and oversaw the entire project using all his knowledge and experience. He introduced some very interesting, not to mention challenging, putting surfaces with bunkers

strategically placed in just the right places in order to encourage accurate approach shots.

The USGA standard greens are now well established and receive many compliments.

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.

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

s, ding Wed nces r o f e ater nfer We c ties, co r a p

PAR

4 5 4 5 4 4 4 3 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

311 513 371 508 358 411 403 161 254

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 5 3 4 5 3

336 393 335 155 533 172 387 460 130

2016 Opens Events Ladies Open AM AM Stableford - 13th May Mens Open Fourball Betterball - 4th June Redfern Golf Cup Mixed Open - 5th June Men’s Mid Amateur Open - 26th June Senior Men’s Open - 28th June

Mens Team Open Stableford - 3rd July Junior Open and Team Event - 9th August Ladies Open AM AM Stableford - 12th August Senior Men’s Open - 6th September Mens Texas Scramble Team Open - 11th Sept

Bookings on line on the club website at: www.vicarscross golf.co.uk/brs.aspx

Visitors and Societies always welcome Contact the Professional, Martin O’Connor (Ex 4) for further details

Contact Details

59

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

How to Find

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 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 5 4 4 3 5 4 3

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

357 426 489 389 359 163 451 416 124

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 5

346 318 400 484 147 407 397 158 480

WILMSLOW

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.

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.

SPRING OFFER Spring Crow - £49.00pp For Societies and groups of 12 or more.

Includes bacon roll and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf and a two course meal after play.

Available for morning rounds from 1 April to 31 May 2016 on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

Contact the General Manager’s office 01565 872148 (Option 4)

Rated one of the finest inland courses in the North West of England, always in firstclass 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. Crossbunkers threaten many second shots, and the green repels all but the truest of approaches.

APRIL GREEN FEE OFFER 4 ball offer is £160 Monday to Thursday £180 on Friday and Sunday

2016 OPEN EVENTS

MAY GREEN FEE OFFER

Senior Men’s Open - 14th April Mixed Open - 15th May Wilmslow Crow - 14th July

4 ball offer is £180 Monday to Thursday £200 on Friday and Sunday

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North West Golf Guide

Cheshire Directory

Alder Root Golf Club Telephone: 01925 291919 www.alderrootgolfclub.com

Chester Golf Club Telephone: 01244 677760 www.chestergolfclub.co.uk

Hazel Grove Golf Club Telephone: 0161 483 3217 www.hazelgrovegolfclub.com

Alderley Edge Golf Club Telephone: 01625 586200 www.aegc.co.uk

Congleton Golf Club Telephone: 01260 273540 www.congletongolf.co.uk

Heaton Moor Golf Club Telephone: 0161 432 2134 www.heatonmoorgolfclub.co.uk

Aldersley Green Golf Club Telephone: 01829 782157 www.alderseygreengolfclub.co.uk

Crewe Golf Club Telephone: 01270 584227 www.crewegolfclub.co.uk

Helsby Golf Club Telephone: 01928 722021 www.helsbygolfclub.org

Alsager Golf & Country Club Telephone: 01270 875700 www.alsagergolfclub.co.uk

Davenport Golf Club Telephone: 01625 876951 www.davenportgolf.co.uk

Heyrose Golf Club Telephone: 01565 733664 www.heyrosegolfclub.com

Altrincham Municipal Golf Club Telephone: 0161 928 0761 www.altrinchamgolfclub.org.uk

Delamere Forest Golf Club Telephone: 01606 883264 www.delamergolf.co.uk

High Legh Park Golf Club Telephone: 01565 830888 www.highleghpark.com

Alvaston Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01270 624341 www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk

Disley Golf Club Telephone: 01663 762071 www.disleygolfclub.co.uk

Hooton Golf Course Telephone: 0151 339 7689 www.brioleisure.org

Antrobus Golf Club Telephone: 01925 730890/730900 www.antrobusgolfclub.co.uk

Dukinfield Golf Club Telephone: 0161 338 2340 www.dukinfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Houldsworth Golf Club Telephone: 0161 442 1712 www.houldsworthgolfclub.co.uk

Ashton-On-Mersey Golf Club Telephone: 0161 973 3220 www.ashtononmerseygolfclub.co.uk

Dunham Forest Golf & Country Club Telephone: 0161 928 2605 www.dunhamforest.com

Knights Grange Golf Club Telephone: 01606 552780 www.brioleisure.org/knights-grange

Astbury Golf Club Telephone: 01260 272772 www.astburygolfclub.com

Eaton Golf Club Telephone: 01244 335885 www.eatongolfclub.co.uk

Knutsford Golf Club Telephone: 01565 633355 www.knutsfordgolf.com

Birchwood Golf Club Telephone: 01925 818819 www.birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Frodsham Golf Club Telephone: 01928 732159 www.frodshamgolf.co.uk

Leigh Golf Club Telephone: 01925 763130 www.leighgolf.co.uk

Bramhall Golf Club Telephone: 0161 439 6092 www.bramhallgolfclub.com

Gatley Golf Club Telephone: 0161 437 2091 www.gatleygolfclub.com

Lymm Golf Club Telephone: 01925 752177 www.lymm-golf-club.co.uk

Bramall Park Golf Club Telephone: 0161 485 3119 www.bramhallparkgolfclub.co.uk

Gorstyhill Golf Club Telephone: 01270 829166 www.gorstyhillgolf.co.uk

Macclesfield Golf Club Telephone: 01625 423227 www.maccgolfclub.co.uk

Brookfield Golf Club Telephone: 012708 12991 www.brookfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Hale Golf Club Telephone: 0161 980 4225 www.halegolfclub.com

Malkins Bank Golf Course Telephone: 01270 765931 www.malkinsbankgolfclub.co.uk

Carden Park Golf Club Telephone: 01829 731000 www.devere.co.uk/golf

Hartford Golf Club Telephone: 01606 871162 www.hartfordgolf.co.uk

Marple Golf Club Telephone: 0161 427 2311 www.marplegolfclub.co.uk

North West Golf Guide

Cheshire Directory

Mellor & Townscliffe Golf Club Telephone: 0161 427 9700 www.mellorgolf.co.uk

Ringway Golf Club Telephone: 0161 980 2630 www.ringwaygolfclub.co.uk

Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club Telephone: 01606 301291 www.vragc.co.uk

Mere Golf & Country Club Telephone: 01565 830155 www.meregolf.co.uk

Romiley Golf Club Telephone: 0161 430 2392 www.romileygolfclub.org

Vicars Cross Golf Club Telephone: 01244 335174 manager@vicarscrossgolf.co.uk

Mersey Valley Golf Club Telephone: 0151 424 6060 www.merseyvalleygolfclub.co.uk

Runcorn Golf Club Telephone: 01928 572093 www.runcorngolfclub.co.uk

Walton Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01925 266775 www.waltonhallgolfclub.co.uk

Mobberley Golf Club Telephone: 01565 880188 www.mobgolfclub.co.uk

Sandbach Golf Club Telephone: 01270 762117 www.sandbachgolfclub.co.uk

Werneth Low Golf Club Telephone: 0161 368 2503 www.wernethlowgolf.co.uk

Moorend Golf Course & Driving Range Telephone: 0161 440 7788 www.moorendgolf.com

Sandiway Golf Club Telephone: 01606 883247 www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk

Westminster Park Golf Course Telephone: 01244 680231 www.brioleisure.org/westminster

Mottram Hall Hotel Golf Club Telephone: 01625 828135 www.devere-hotels.com

Shrigley Hall Hotel & C C Telephone: 01625 575757 www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk

Widnes Golf Club Telephone: 0151 424 2440 www.widnes-golfclub.co.uk

Portal Golf & Country Club Telephone: 01829 733933 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Stamford Golf Club Telephone: 01457 832126 www.stamfordgolfclub.co.uk

Wilmslow Golf Club Telephone: 01565 872148 www.wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk

Portal Premier Golf Club Telephone: 01829 733884 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Stockport Golf Club Telephone: 0161 427 2001 www.stockportgolf.co.uk

Woodside Golf Club Telephone: 01477 532388 www.woodsidegolf.co.uk

Poulton Park Golf Club Telephone: 01925 812034 www.poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk

Styal Golf Club Telephone: 01625 531359 www.styalgolf.co.uk

Wychwood Park Telephone: 01270 820336 www.deverevenues.co.uk

Prestbury Golf Club Telephone: 01625 829388 www.prestburygolfclub.com

Sutton Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01928 790747 www.suttonhallgolf.co.uk

Pryors Hayes Golf Club Telephone: 01829 741250 www.pryorshayes.com

The Oaks Mollington Telephone: 01244 852805 www.theoaksmollington.co.uk

Queens Park Golf Club Telephone: www.gczcg.co.uk/queenspark

The Tytherington Golf Club Telephone: 01625 506000 www.theclubcompany.com

Reaseheath Golf Club Telephone: 01270 625131 www.reaseheath.ac.uk

The Warrington Golf Club Telephone: 01925 261620 www.warringtongolfclub.co.uk

Reddish Vale Golf Club Telephone: 0161 480 2359 www.reddishvalegolfclub.co.uk

Upton-By-Chester Golf Club Telephone: 01244 381183 www.uptonbychestergolfclub.co.uk

61

North West Golf Guide

Greater Manchester Introduction

Photos courtesy VisitBritain

©Britainonview / Pawel Libera

62

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.

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.

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

The shopping here is legendary. With exclusive independent boutiques in the funky Northern Quarter, prestigious designer stores lining the handsome King Street and every conceivable type of market, you can shop to suit any budget. The is also the large indoor “Trafford Centre”, which has

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.

©Britainonview / - Britain on View

©Britainonview / Grant Pritchard

©Britainonview / - Britain on View

over 250 shopping outlets, a large food hall and impressive 20 screen cinema complex.

North West Golf Guide

Greater Manchester Introduction

M-6

M-61 Rochdale

M-66

Bury

5

M-62

Oldham

Wigan & Leigh

2

M-60 Salford

4

7

M-58

Tameside

M-602 Manchester

1

M-67 3

Trafford

M-62

6 M-60 Stockport

M-56 M-6

1. Davyhulme Park 2. Hindley Hall 3. Northenden 4. Prestwich 5. Wigan 6. Withington 7. Worsley Park

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

63

Contact Details

64

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

DAVYHULME PARK

How to Find

Set within spectacular grounds, providing beautiful landscaped greens and the home to some of the most interesting and challenging holes in the North West. Our aim is to provide our members with the best and our visitors with a warm welcome, great facilities and a challenging course you will want to re-visit time and time again.

Davyhulme Park Golf Club’s clubhouse and facilities are some of the best in the area.

Comprising of a large comfortable bar with satellite television,(includes Sky sports and BT Sport), lounge and restaurant on the ground floor, which can easily accommodate 100+ guests.

The upstairs bar area includes a separate but open plan TV room (again with Sky sports & BT Sport) bar and lounge containing two snooker tables.

Our bars are well stocked, including best quality local beers and some fine top-shelf malt whiskies for that special celebration. You can be sure you will have a day out to remember at Davyhulme Park Golf Club.

In addition, we have car-parking for 90 cars, with security barrier entry and coded exit systems, an external lawned area to the rear of the clubhouse overlooking the course and an excellent stocked professional shop provided by our resident professional, Dean Butler.

Facilities Bar, Clubhouse, Food, Practice Area, Pro Shop, Putting Green

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6172 • 5881 • 5524 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

3 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 3

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

147 465 309 416 415 468 229 385 156

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 5

385 280 308 463 141 331 392 122 469

HOME

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The Golf Guide have launched an interactive content rich, mobile enabled website that pro actively advertises the golf club as a whole, in a way not currently present in this market sector. This website provides a fresh approach to dynamically advertising golf clubs, their facilities, special offers and complimentary sponsors. Additional areas of the site have been created to publish feature articles about the World of Golf and to keep up with the latest news from the regions.

From a golfer’s perspective, the site provides an environment that will allow them to search for courses, opens events & invitations and book everything directly through one site. The site is underpinned by extensive social media promotions that has over 50’000 impressions per month on average. By optimising our digital platform to compliment the magazine places the business in a very strong position within the golf publications industry.

Try it out now at www.thegolfguide.co.uk

Contact Details

66

Hindley Hall Golf Club Hall Lane, Hindley, Wigan Greater Manchester, WN2 2SQ Telephone: 01942 255 991 Email enquiries via website www.hindleyhallgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

HINDLEY HALL

Leave M61 JUNCTION 6 at roundabout.

Follow signs for A6, 1st exit at next roundabout, again A6, sign posted Westhoughton. At lights turn right onto Dicconon Lane B5239, 1 MILE left at mini roundabout into Hall Lane.

Club is on the right after 1 mile.

Located one mile from Hindley in Lancashire, Hindley Hall is a mature parkland course in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

The club was founded in 1905 and the par 69 course is highly regarded in the North West, stretching to 5926 yards and providing a fair but challenging test of golf for players of any handicap. Many holes are tree lined, with the lake coming into play on the first and eleventh holes.

A number of major developments and improvements have taken place in recent years.

All 18 greens have been re-laid, new tee’s

added, trees planted and drainage improved.

The club house has also benefited from significant renovation to the lounge and dining room and is ideal for post-round refreshments with magnificent views across the course.

A warm greeting is always extended to our visitors and our catering staff are on hand to provide a wide selection of food on a daily basis.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Electric Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Extensive conference and private function facilities for any occasion

Course Information

Our resident club professional, David Clarke, along with his staff, provide a fully stocked and comprehensive range of golf equipment and is also available for tuition.

18 holes, Par 69 • 5926 • 5764 • 5271 (70) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 5 3 4 3 4 4 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

361 190 480 133 415 151 404 266 358

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4

515 418 375 196 450 297 161 340 416

Visit our website www.hindleyhallgolfclub.co.uk for the latest news & offers

Contact Details

67

Prestwich Golf Club Hilton Lane, Prestwich Manchester, M25 9XB Telephone: 0161 773 1404 Email enquiries via website www.prestwichgolf.co.uk

How to Find

Directions from M60 Junction 19: Take the A576 (signposted Manchester City Centre) for approximately 1 mile until reaching A6044 junction. At the traffic lights turn right onto A6044 Sheepfoot Lane (signposted Swinton).

Continue on the A6044 for 2 miles.

Prestwich Golf club is approximately 1/2 mile past the A56 junction.

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

Course Information 18 holes, Par 65 • 4794 • 4554 (69) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 3

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

364 184 313 151 363 312 326 329 131

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 4

253 158 422 207 257 201 279 214 330

PRESTWICH

Directions from Manchester: Leave the city centre on the A56 sign posted for Bury. Continue on the A56 for approximately 3.5 miles until you reach a sign for the A6044. Turn Left following the signs for Swinton. Prestwich Golf Club is approximately 1/2 mile on the left.

Prestwich golf club is a par 65 Parkland course situated on the North side of Manchester and easily accessible from the Motorways 5 minutes (Jnct 17 M60). All visitors to Prestwich are welcomed and treated as friends.

After a great deal of work and investment members and visitors are reaping the benefits.

The change in the course layout has been a success with members and visitors alike, and seems to flow more smoothly than before.

already enjoyed by 100s of people from school groups to stag parties and football groups.

Also our clubhouse function room and Balcony area has been refurbished and is reaping the benefits of a brighter decor and is available for Weddings, Birthdays etc. and Business seminars.

If you want to try something different then Prestwich offer Footgolf (as seen on the BBC).

We are the home of Footgolf in the Northwest,

Visit our website www.prestwichgolf.co.uk for the latest news & offers

NORTHENDEN

68

Northenden The club celebrated its centenary in 2013 and since its inception has undergone a variety of changes.

However nothing could have prepared us for the events of October 19, 2014. In the early hours the clubhouse was totally destroyed by fire and with it went much of the club’s history.

With the support of the members and hard work by the staff a sense of partial normality returned within a matter of a few days.

Temporary facilities were put in place and regular play recommenced. We are now looking to the future with renewed confidence.

The Course A number of improvements have been made - New tee signage - Bunker definition - Buggy routes - Woodland management programme The condition of the course has prompted many plaudits with the greens in particular generating much positive comment.

Membership Over the last six months the club has successfully recruited approximately 120 new members. We are keen to increase membership of the Ladies section and are offering a range of opportunities

Contact Details

69

Northenden Golf Club Palatine Road, Northenden Manchester, M22 4FR Telephone: 0161 998 4738 Email enquiries via website Book online through the website: www.northendengolfclub.com

How to Find

to suit starters as well as experienced players.

Our special offer of free membership for Junior golfers (under 18s) has been well subscribed but we would be happy to see more young people joining us.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Electric Trolleys, Buggies for hire, Lessons, Pro shop

Professional Services Our Professional staff have good stocks of clothing and accessories as well as offering a state of the art Swing Studio.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6460 • 6169 • 5626 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 4 3 4 5 4 3 4

NORTHENDEN

From the M56 in direction of Manchester: Continue onto A5103 (Princess Parkway). Take the exit toward Northenden/B5166 (Palatine Road). Turn right at Wythenshawe Rd/B5167. Entrance is left after Chretien Rd (under Bridge).

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

442 486 389 142 347 581 395 161 349

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 5 4 3 5 4 4

351 345 209 541 326 173 508 390 325

New Clubhouse Update Following the fire in October 2014 the new clubhouse is well on the way to being completed. Official handover from the contractors is scheduled for mid-June.

The new building will have a ground floor bar for members and visiting golfers and will also be able to provide a wide range of food. Excellent modern locker and shower facilities are also being installed. Professional Shop and Offices are also located on the ground floor.

On the upper floor there will be a wide balcony providing panoramic views of the 9th and 18th greens and 10th tee/fairway.

A specially designed function suite with full bar and catering services will also be available.

This suite can comfortably accommodate 120 people for a formal dinner or 150 (theatre style) for presentations, conferences etc. It will be available for both internal and external use.

Also available on the 1st floor will be a modern Board Room for approximately 12 people. This room can be booked for business meetings, small presentations or private dining. Modern AV facilities are being installed for use on the first floor.

The flexibility of the new building will allow Northenden Golf Club to provide excellent facilities for golfers and non-golfers.

A new building, excellent golf course and friendly, welcoming staff, everyone can be assured of a great experience.

The club is forward looking, friendly and has a stunning course. We would be happy to welcome you!

Contact Details

70

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

How to Find

WIGAN

From M6 Motorway: From M6 junction 27 take road to Standish (A5209). After 600 yds turn left (A5209). After 1 mile take inside lane at 2nd lights to go straight on. At mini roundabout turn right (A5106) Chorley Road, after 300 yds turn left on to Red Rock Lane (B5239). Turn left into Arley lane immediately before traffic lights. DO NOT go over the humpback bridge.

Wigan Golf Club lies in the heart of Lancashire, between Wigan and Bolton.

This delightful 18 hole parkland course threads its way through magnificent mature trees and provides a challenge that is mastered by few. The Club dates back to 1898 and the historic Club House, Arley Hall, is surrounded by a 12th Century moat.

As you leave Red Rock Lane and drive down Arley Lane, you know that you are arriving at a special place. Manicured fairways, beautiful greens, fantastic views, abundant wildlife, and the tranquility. The moment you catch a glimpse of the Club House you will be aware that Wigan Golf Club is unique in the golfing world.

Wigan Golf Club is as premier golf should be, an outstanding location, great challenge and an unrivalled atmosphere on and off the course. The course and club are here to be enjoyed whenever you wish. Our policy is to restrict membership numbers to ensure that members have no need to book a tee time, they just turn up and play whenever there is no official competition.

This also means that visitors will be welcomed and treated to the Wigan experience.

The Club is not just about playing golf though, it is an excellent social club. We are proud of our traditions and extend a very warm welcome to members and visitors alike.

Facilities Bar, Buggy Hire, Clubhouse, Food, Practice Area, Putting Green

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6029 • 5772 • 5275 (71) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

DEAL 1 £25 Monday - Friday & £30 on Sundays Includes sandwich on arrival and 18 holes Saturday twilight golf £20 per person after 3.30pm on a Saturday

PAR

3 4 4 3 4 4 5 3 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

192 401 357 134 349 300 454 163 321

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 4

499 378 162 518 322 141 327 315 439

DEAL 2 £30 Monday - Friday & £35 on Sundays Includes sandwich on arrival, 18 holes and 2 course meal “A hidden gem in a fantastic setting” Visitors and Society offers for 2016 Golf and food packages available from £25 pp

To book call 01257 421360 info@wigangolfclub.co.uk

Contact Details

71

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

WITHINGTON

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

Facilities Buggies, Trolleys, Putting green, Pro shop, Golf lessons, Bar and catering

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6388 • 6072 • 5692 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

3 4 4 3 5 4 4 3 5

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

130 387 396 162 492 290 333 176 460

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 4 4 4 4 5 4 4

147 316 314 343 446 302 550 411 417

A splendid parkland course located along the winding and very picturesque River Mersey, just 5 miles from the City centre with easy access from the motorway system and Manchester International Airport. A par 71 at 6,388 yards in length it offers a challenge to the most discerning player and at the same time is a pleasure for the higher handicapper. The lush tree lined fairways and manicured greens have been described as the best in the Greater Manchester area.

Withington Golf Club is a perfect venue for Society and Company Days or even a day away from your own club with your usual Four-

Ball. Packages can be tailored to suit all your requirements, however large or small. Help and advice is available with regard to the format of your golf competition, your catering and even the services of our PGA Professional.

The first hole is a moderately short but tricky par 3 of 156 yards followed by two longish par 4s. The par 5 fifth is considered one of the finest golf holes in the North West which requires a combination of skill & accuracy. The daunting stroke index 1, 14th is where Withington begins its sting in the tail. The 16th is one of the longest par 5s in Cheshire and the 17th & 18th are two particularly good par 4s to finish.

Withington GOLF CLUB

the way golf should be...

WORSLEY PARK

72

Worsley Park Widely acclaimed as one of the finest inland courses in the North of England, Worsley Park Country Club is a classic championship design that uses the full potential of the natural terrain including seven water hazards.

Contact Details

73

Worsley Park A Marriott® Hotel & Country Club Walkden Road, Worsley, Manchester, M282Q Telephone: 0161 975 2043 Email enquiries via website www.marriott.co.uk

How to Find

Facilities Rental Clubs, Golf Cart Rental, Pull Cart Rental, Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Area, Food Service, Bar Service, Accommodations: Onsite Marriott - 158 Rooms Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6611 • 6307 • 5914 • 5352 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 4 3 5 5 3 4 3

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

409 360 434 166 529 515 169 399 180

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 5 3 4 4 4 5

389 188 311 522 153 406 389 284 504

WORSLEY PARK

From the South: From the M6 northbound, exit at second junction marked 21A (M62 Manchester). Follow M62 Leeds and exit junction 12 onto M60. Exit first junction marked 13, Worsley. At the end of the slip road take second exit off the roundabout onto A575.

Entrance is on the left hand side.

The course is set on gently rolling parkland, formerly the Duke of Bridgewater’s estate.

Worsley Park has played host to the PGA EuroPro Tour in 2004 and the European Challenge Tour from 2005 to 2007.

Designed by European Golf Design in association with Michael King, the course meets the highest standards with greens and tees created to USGA specifications. The strategic positioning of the bunkers with clearly sighted tees demands careful thought on

APRIL SIZZLER £35 PER PERSON To include: Tea/coffee & Bacon Roll, A round of Golf, A beer/Small wine/soft drink.

Call 0161 975 2043 and quote: GWW16 Offer and tee times subject to availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer/voucher.

Tee times must be requested at time of booking. Course terms & conditions apply.

Offer valid 1st - 30th April 2016

how to play each hole Worsley Park Country Club also features comprehensive practice facilities including a long game practice area, short game facility, and putting green.

Signature Hole: 7th, Par 3, 177 yards Hole 7 is the course signature hole, a par 3, and requires a precise tee shot to negotiate the two water hazards that make this both a challenging and picturesque hole. An allweather buggy path is a recent addition to further enhance the playing experience.

74

North West Golf Guide

Greater Manchester Directory

Ashton-Under-Lyne Golf Club Telephone: 0161 330 1537 www.ashtongolfclub.co.uk

Cheadle Golf Club Telephone: 0161 428 2160 www.cheadlegolfclub.com

Flixton Golf Club Telephone: 0161 748 2116 www.flixtongolfclub.co.uk

Blackley Golf Club Telephone: 0161 643 2980 www.blackleygolfclub.com

Chorlton-Cum-Hardy Golf Club Telephone: 0161 881 3139 www.chorltoncumhardygolfclub.co.uk

Great Lever & Farnworth Golf Club Telephone: 01204 656137 www.greatleverfarnworthgolfclub.co.uk

Bolton Golf Club Telephone: 01204 843067 www.boltongolfclub.co.uk

Crompton & Royton Golf Club Telephone: 0161 624 2154 www.cromptonandroytongolfclub.co.uk

Greenmount Golf Club Telephone: 01204 883712 www.greenmountgolfclub.co.uk

Bolton Old Links Golf Club Telephone: 01204 842307 www.boltonoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk

Davyhulme Park Golf Club Telephone: 0161 748 2260 www.davyhulmeparkgolfclub.co.uk

Haigh Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01942 255991 haighhallgolfclub.users.btopenworld.com

Boysnope Park Golf Club Telephone: 0161 707 6125 www.boysnopegolfclub.co.uk

Deane Golf Club Telephone: 01204 61944 www.deanegolfclub.com

Hart Common Golf Club Telephone: 01942 818445 www.hartcommongolfclub.co.uk

Brackley Municipal Golf Club Telephone: 0161 790 6076 Website n/a

Denton Golf Club Telephone: 0161 336 3218 www.dentongolfclub.com

Harwood Golf Club Telephone: 01204 522878 www.harwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Breightmet Golf Club Telephone: 01204 527381 www.breightmetgolfclub.co.uk

Didsbury Golf Club Telephone: 0161 998 9278 www.didsburygolfclub.com

Heaton Park Golf Centre Telephone: 0161 654 9899 www.heatonparkgolfclub.co.uk

Brookdale Golf Club Telephone: 0161 681 4534 www.brookdalegolf.co.uk

Dunscar Golf Club Telephone: 01706 643818 www.dunscargolfclub.co.uk

Hindley Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01942 255131 www.hindleyhallgolfclub.co.uk

Bury Golf Club Telephone: 0161 766 4897 www.burygolfclub.com

Ellesmere Golf Club Telephone: 0161 790 2122 www.ellesmeregolfclub.co.uk

Horwich Golf Club Telephone: 01204 696980 Website n/a

Castle Hawk Golf Club Telephone: 01706 640841 www.castlehawk.co.uk

Fairfield Golf & Sailing Club Telephone: 0161 370 1641 www.fairfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Lowes Park Golf Club Telephone: 0161 764 1231 www.lowesparkgolfclub.co.uk

North West Golf Guide

Greater Manchester Directory

Manchester Golf Club Telephone: 0161 643 3202 www.mangc.co.uk

Rochdale Golf Club Telephone: 01706 643818 www.rochdalegolfclub.co.uk

Westhoughton Golf Club Telephone: 01942 811085 www.westhoughtongolfclub.co.uk

Manor Golf Club Telephone: 01204 701027 www.manorgolfclub.co.uk

Saddleworth Golf Club Telephone: 01457 873653 www.saddleworthgolfclub.org.uk

Whitefield Golf Club Telephone: 0161 351 2700 www.whitefieldgolfclub.co.uk

Marland Golf Club Telephone: 01706 649801 www.spgc.org

Sale Golf Club Telephone: 0161 973 3404 www.salegolfclub.com

Whittaker Golf Club Telephone: 01706 378310 www.whittakergolfclub.co.uk

Northenden Golf Club Telephone: 0161 998 4738 www.northendengolfclub.com

Stand Golf Club Telephone: 0161 766 2388 www.standgolfclub.co.uk

Wigan Golf Club Telephone: 01257 421360 www.wigangolfclub.co.uk

North Manchester Golf Club Telephone: 0161 634 9033 www.northmanchestergolfclub.co.uk

Swinton Park Golf Club Telephone: 0161 794 1785 www.spgolf.co.uk

William Wroe Golf Club Telephone: 0161 748 8680 www.traffordleisure.co.uk

Oldham Golf Club Telephone: 0161 624 4986 www.oldhamgolfclub.co.uk

Tunshill Golf Club Telephone: 01706 342095 www.tunshillgolfclub.co.uk

Withington Golf Club Telephone: 0161 445 3912 www.withingtongolfclub.co.uk

Pennington Golf Club Telephone: 01942 682852 www.penningtongolfclub.co.uk

Turton Golf Club Telephone: 01204 852235 www.turtongolfclub.com

Worsley Golf Club Telephone: 0161 789 4202 www.worsleygolfclub.co.uk

Pike Fold Golf Club Telephone: 0161 766 3561 www.pikefold.co.uk

Valynette Golf Club Telephone: 01257 480485 Website n/a

Worsley (Marriott) Park Golf Club Telephone: 0161 975 2000 www.marriott.co.uk

Prestwich Golf Club Telephone: 0161 773 2544 www.prestwichgolf.co.uk

Walmersley Golf Club Telephone: 0161 764 1429 www.walmersleygolfclub.co.uk

Regent Park (Bolton) Golf Club Telephone: 01204 844170 www.regentparkgolfclub.co.uk

Werneth Golf Club Telephone: 0161 624 1190 www.wernethgolfclub.co.uk

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76

North West Golf Guide

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.

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.

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

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

The dual seaside towns are nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline lined with well tended lawns, a boating lake and pretty parks. The rolling sand dunes of St Annes-onSea and the Ribble Estuary adjacent to Lytham

make a safe haven for more than 250,000 migrating birds that flock here in winter.

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

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

North West Golf Guide

Lancashire Introduction

M-6

10 Morecambe Lancaster 6 8

Fleetwood

Poulton-Le-Fylde

2

Colne Nelson

5

Blackpool

M-55 Burnley

12

14 1

4

Preston

9

Blackburn 11

Lytham

M-65 3

Leyland 13 Eccleston

Chorley

7 M-61 M-6 Skelmersdale

1. Royal Lytham & St. Annes 2. Clitheroe 3. Darwen 4. Fairhaven 5. Herons’ Reach 6. Heysham 7. Hurlston Hall

8. Lancaster 9. Lytham Green Drive 10. Morecambe 11. Pleasington 12. Preston 13. Shaw Hill 14. St Annes Old Links

Accrington

77

ROYAL LYTHAM & ST. ANNES

78

Royal Lytham & St. Annes Venue for The Open Championship 18-22 July 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.

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

ROYAL LYTHAM & ST. ANNES

79

Photographs by Alan C. Birch

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

Handicaps Handicap Certificates must be produced and permitted handicaps are 21 (Men and Boys) and 30 (Ladies and Girls). Juniors must be accompanied by an Adult.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 7118 • 6731 (71) • 6360 (71) • 5854 (75)

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 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

80

Clitheroe Golf Club Whalley Road, Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 1PP Telephone: 01200 422292 Pro Shop: 01200 424242 secretary@clitheroegolfclub.com www.clitheroegolfclub.com How to Find

CLITHEROE

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, Driving range 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.

To the east is Pendle Hill, scene of many witch trials so legend states. Clitheroe is a beautiful 18 hole parkland golf course located in the heart of the Ribble Valley. 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.

In 2015 the Club hosted its fifth successful Regional Qualifying event for the Open Championship, the Lancashire Ladies Championship and the Northern Seniors

Championship. The Club has also hosted the England Golf County Champions Tournament and next year will welcome the English Stroke Play Championship Northern Qualifying event.

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.

Regional Qualifying Course 2010-2014 Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6531 • 6379 • 6159 • 5632 (74) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

5 4 4 4 3 4 4 3 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

466 361 444 293 140 345 441 168 391

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 5 3 4 4 3 5

372 417 447 518 182 398 317 151 528

Clitheroe Golf Club, 1891 - 2016 125th Anniversary SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4th 2016 HICKORY / CLASSIC / MODERN OPEN GOLF COMPETITION NON QUALIFYING FOR HANDICAP VISITORS £25.00. All queries to johnholtinwhalley@gmail.com Closing date for applications 21st August 2016

Contact Details

81

Darwen Golf Club Duddon Avenue Lancashire, BB3 0LB Telephone: 01254 704367 admin@darwengolfclub.com www.darwengolfclub.com

How to Find

Facilities Bar, Clubhouse, Food, Practice Area, Pro Shop, Putting Green

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6354 • 6070 • 5418 (72) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 4 4 4 4 3 4 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

365 477 338 365 366 300 132 383 366

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 4 4 3 4 3 5 4

217 537 380 460 172 398 169 534 395

DARWEN

Approaching from M65 motorway or Blackburn A666: Leaving the M65 at Junction 4 follow directions for Darwen A666.

At the traffic lights turn left towards Darwen. At first mini roundabout turn right into Birch Hall Ave. Follow road round until you reach St. Cuthberts School. Turn right by the bus shelter into Duddon Ave. Follow the road up the hill into the lane which eventually opens out into the Golf Club car park.

Darwen Golf Club is offering Limited Full membership to New male members for £500 for the first 12 months. This offer applies to anybody who has not been a member at Darwen within the last three years. This will include a free individual lesson with the Professional. The club is also offering anybody who is unemployed or on a low income the opportunity to become a member for the same amount of £500. New Lady members can also join the club for just £100, this will include 6 free lessons from the Professional. There is free membership for any Juniors under the age of 12 and anyone aged between 12-17 can receive free membership for 12 months.

Dominic Fitzgerald is our PGA qualified Professional golfer. He will assist you with start up lessons, golf club hire or the purchase of any golfing equipment.

Darwen Golf Club can also offer excellent function facilities, our fully refurbished club house is the perfect place to celebrate any family occasion, such as Weddings, Birthdays and Christenings; enjoy the very spacious venue whilst experiencing the panoramic views from the club house. The club has full and easy disabled access points and facilities.

There are also large car parking areas.

For further details of any of the above please contact the Club Secretary on 01254 704367.

Golf Club membership for less than £10.00 a week!

FAIRHAVEN

82

Fairhaven Golf Club Recognised by the hierarchy of golf as one of the best courses in Northern England, Fairhaven has much to offer visiting golfers, whatever their handicap. Fairhaven is not only a beautiful place to play golf but fully lives up to its designation as a ‘Championship’ course originally designed by James Braid.

Professional golf at Fairhaven started back in 1934 when the course played host to the ‘Penfold’ Tournament.

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

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

1st, Par 5. Listed and described in ‘Golf World’ as one of the top ten opening holes in Great Britain & Ireland. In many ways this past Open Championship final qualifying course’s opener is the perfect par 5. 18th, Par 5. A classic finishing hole, it can reward the brave and punish the nervous. For long hitters a good line is over the right edge of the left-hand bunkers.

Contact Details

83

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

How to Find

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Driving Range, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Function/Meeting Rooms

FAIRHAVEN

From the M6, exit junction 32 to M55/ Blackpool. Leave M55 at junction 4, take the A583 exit. At roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A583/Preston New Rd, at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Lytham Saint Annes Way. At 2nd roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto School Road. Turn left at B5261 onto Common Edge Road at lights. At next traffic lights turn right at B5261 onto Blackpool Rd. Turn left, immediately after zebra crossing, at Forest Drive.

Turn 1st left at Oakwood Ave. Turn 1st right into Fairhaven Golf Club.

Professional golf at Fairhaven started back in 1934 when the course played host to the ‘Penfold’ Tournament.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 73 • 7015 (72) • 6787 • 6562 • 6002 (75) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

5 3 5 4 3 4 4 4 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

510 177 500 436 179 366 335 387 351

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 4 4 4 5 4 3 5

181 483 349 345 364 485 471 146 497

Looking for a special venue for your golf day – look no further!

Contact Lindzi for further information and to arrange your special day Tel: 01253 736741 | Email: info@fairhavengolfclub.co.uk | Web: www.fairhavengolfclub.co.uk

Contact Details

84

Herons’ Reach Golf Club East Park Drive, Blackpool Lancashire, FY3 8LL Telephone: 01253 832505 Email enquiries via website www.heronsreachgolf.co.uk

How to Find

HERONS’ REACH

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.

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.

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, Herons’ Reach Golf Academy, 17 Bay Floodlit Driving Range, Chipping and Putting Greens, Buggy and Trolley Hire, Past home to the PGA North Region Championships

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 5 3 5 5 4 3 4

Visit our website www.heronsreachgolf.co.uk for the latest offers

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

348 241 490 146 472 473 353 152 381

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4

461 353 149 296 353 399 154 259 439

Contact Details

85

Heysham Golf Club Trumacar Park, Middleton Road Heysham, LA3 3JH Telephone: 01524 851011 secretary@heyshamgolfclub.co.uk www.heyshamgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

HEYSHAM

Leave the M6 at junction J34 in direction of MORECAMBE. Follow A through Lancaster, over the river towards MORECAMBE. At the major roundabout take the 1st exit and go through lights at ASDA. Follow to next roundabout and take the 2nd exit. Next roundabout take the 1st exit and follow dual carriageway. At the next two roundabouts go straight over and take the 1st exit left at the 3rd roundabout.

The club is 200 mtrs on the right.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Function/Conference Rooms, Extensive Practice Facilities, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro Shop, Golf Simulator Room, Video Room, Driving Range, Junior Academy

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6355 • 6090 • 5637 (73) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 3 5 3 4 4 4 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

434 321 144 503 166 432 381 335 331

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 5 3 5 4 3 4 4

416 143 475 194 443 402 150 332 428

Morecambe Bay Golf Festival

Welcome to Heysham Golf Club a parkland course situated near to the historic village of Heysham. This North Lancashire course is within easy reach of the M6 motorway and near to the coastal resort of Morecambe and the city of Lancaster. The Par 70 course has stunning views across Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland Hills in the North, the Pennines to the East and across the Lune Estuary to Blackpool in the South. The Art Deco Clubhouse has panoramic views of the course from all the lounges and is host to a licensed bar, catering facilities and games room.

The welcoming nature of the club and its members mean that visitors and guest can always be sure of a friendly welcome and social

Tue 13 Sep 16 (am) Mens Team

Visiting Party/ Society Packages

Tue 13 Sep 16 (pm) Ladies Team

18, 27 and 36 holes

Wed 14 Sep 16 Mens 4BBB Thu 15 Sep 16 Any Comb Team Fri 16 Sep 16 Mens Team

from £32

Ring: 0154 851011 or online at www.heyshamgolfclub.co.uk

atmosphere. At Heysham we are always happy to accommodate visiting groups and societies.

We can accommodate any size of party and we can either tailor your visit to your requirements or we can offer our Visiting Party Packages.

Heysham Golf Club in partnership with ClubFitGolf provide some of the best practice facilities in the area. With a floodlit 6 bay driving range, state of the art training facilities, a golf simulator room and extensive grass and all weather short game practice areas, it makes Heysham Golf Club the ideal place to spend time golfing.

Heysham Golf Club hosts a number of opens during Summer & Winter and participates in the Morecambe Bay Festival every September.

2016 Opens Sun 17 Apr 16 Sat 14 May 16 Fri 10 Jun 16 Sat 11 Jun 16 Fri 15 Jul 16 Fri 29 Jul 16 Sat 30 Jul 16

Mens Team Texas Scramble Ladies Team of 4 Seniors 4BBB Mens Team of 4 Ladies Team of 3 Seniors Team of 4 Mens 4BBB

Contact Details

86

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

How to Find

HURLSTON HALL

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.

Designed by the famous Donald Steel, this young course has matured way beyond its years.

If you choose to play cautiously or aggressively, your round at Hurlston is bound to be enjoyable.

Additional bunkers placed expertly by Open Championship designers Mackenzie and Ebert mean whether you are an amateur or experienced golfer, you will find you are faced with ‘risk and reward’ shots on many of the 18 holes.

Pre-round warm-ups have been catered for with the 15 bay power-tee equipped driving range and putting green, and the pro-shop staff are always on hand to help you with any items you may need to re-stock with before your round.

The presence of water is never far away, which is ready to swallow up any wayward shots. However a personal best can be reached by treating the lakes, ponds and streams with the respect they deserve.

Before you leave try to take in the spectacular sunsets from the spike bar, which have to be seen to be believed, and the friendly staff will ensure that you do not make your journey home with an empty stomach!

Facilities Spa, Leisure Club, Bar, Restaurant, Spike Bar, Bistro, Floodlit Driving Range, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop, Bowling Green

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6585 • 6328 • 5882 (75) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 4 4 4 5 3 5 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

403 156 331 362 399 454 137 483 385

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 5

408 523 181 358 343 407 156 359 483

SPECIAL OFFER FOR SUMMER 2016 £99.00 A FOURBALL Monday - Friday Subject to course availability

SUMMER 2016 GOLF SOCIETY SPECIALS Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes Golf & 1 Course Meal ONLY £32.00 per person Coffee & Bacon Roll, 18 Holes Golf & 2 Course Meal ONLY £35.00 per person For further information telephone: 01704 840400 Email:info@hurlstonhall.co.uk. – www.hurlstonhall.co.uk

Minimum of 12 players, available on Mondays & Tuesdays Please Quote GolfGuideOffer when making your booking

Contact Details

87

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

LYTHAM GREEN DRIVE

Telephone: 01253 737390 secretary@lythamgreendrive.co.uk www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk

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) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 4 4 5 3 4 4 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

383 382 329 348 510 177 335 336 392

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 5

450 343 336 152 442 142 397 200 505

2016

OPENS 1913

Please enter on-line at www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk

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.

15 May

MEN’S FOURBALL BETTERBALL STABLEFORD

£30 per pair

4 5 6 8

WINDMILL TROPHY 36 HOLE MEDAL MEN’S SENIORS FOURBALL STABLEFORD LADIES’ TEAM OF FOUR EVENT MEN’S FOUR MAN TEAM MEDAL

£25 £30 £60 £60

10 July 2 August

JULY MIXED TEAM (2 MEN/2 LADIES) JUNIOR GREEN DRIVE TROPHY

£60 per team £10 per person

7 August 2 August 28 August

GREEN DRIVE TROPHY 36 HOLE MEDAL JUNIOR GREEN DRIVE TROPHY CHARITY MIXED TEAM (2 MEN/2 LADIES)

£25 per person (includes lunch) £10 per person £60 per team

6 September 14 September

MEN’S SENIORS FOURBALL STABLEFORD LADIES’ TEAM OF FOUR EVENT

£30 per pair £60 per team

16 September

MEN’S FOUR MAN TEAM MEDAL

£60 per team

June July July July

per per per per

person (includes lunch) pair team team

LANCASTER

88

Lancaster Golf Club Designed by James Braid, the renowned golf course architect, Lancaster Golf Club has built a reputation of being one of the finest courses in the north west of England. Stunning views of the Lakeland hills, Trough of Bowland and the Lune estuary add to the enjoyment of the “Lancaster experience.”

Venue for the England Team Championship 2016 & Lancashire County Amateur Championship 2017.

With two loops of 9 holes and a par of 71 Lancaster is a fair test of golf for both the accomplished & intermediate golfer. Lancaster has recently hosted the Lancashire County Championship and is a popular venue for the annual Pro-Am held in June. Enjoy the impressive grade 1 listed clubhouse that dates back to the 14th century and hosts a Dormy house that caters for up to 18 guests, all in en-suite rooms. Residential golf packages, weddings and functions can be booked at the golf club. Our Head Chef, Dean Sawyer and his team will provide you with a locally sourced hearty meal after your golf or enjoy one of his tasty bar snacks from our clubhouse menu.

Hole 18, Par 3, ‘Ashton Home’, 178 yards Much admired in Braid’s day when it was 25 yards shorter. However the problem remains the same. How best from a high tee, to carry a ravine of rough, water and sand, to the green below which lies under the Clubhouse windows.

It’s not surprising that this gem merits inclusion in any anthology of the best holes in Britain.

Contact Details

89

Lancaster Golf Club Ashton Hall, Ashton-with-Stodday Lancaster, Lancashire LA2 0AJ Telephone: 01524 751247 gm@lancastergc.co.uk www.lancastergc.co.uk

How to Find

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Dormy House(sleeps 18), Snooker Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

LANCASTER

From M6, junction 33. At Junction 33, exit toward Lancaster(South) / A6. Proceed through traffic lights at Galgate and continue on A6 past Lancaster University. At Traffic lights (Boot & Shoe public house & Booths supermarket) turn left along Ashford Road. At next roundabout turn left onto Ashton Road (A588). Continue along Ashton Road, Lancaster Golf Club is 1 mile on the right.

Enjoy the impressive grade 1 listed clubhouse that dates back to the 14th century and hosts a Dormy house that caters for up to 18 guests, all in en-suite rooms.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6512 • 6269 • 5791 H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 415

10

4

390

2

5 486

11

5

476

3

4 422

12

4

385

4

3 156

13

3

141

5

4 352

14

5

496

6

3 166

15

4

391

7

4 347

16

4

296

8

4 385

17

4

426

9

4 373

18

3

166

Five minutes from the city centre... ...a million miles from the office.

18 & 27 hole golf packages for societies.

Residential Dormy Packages.

Membership available.

TEL: 01524 751247

Lancaster Golf Club

Contact Details

90

Morecambe Golf Club Limited The Clubhouse, Bare Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 6AJ Telephone: 01524 412841 secretary@morecambegolfclub.com www.morecambegolfclub.com

How to Find

MORECAMBE

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 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 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-of-bounds 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) H OLE

Morecambe Golf Club

Visiting Parties For every 12 players we offer one free for golf!

Summer Packages 8+ Players 1st May 2016 - 30th September 2016

2016 Open Competitions

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Four Man Team Event Seniors 4Man Team Event Four Man Team Event Men’s Medal Mixed Greensome Medal Spring Rose Bowl Waltz Seniors 4 Man Team Event Charity Mixed Team Event John Glover Trophy Seniors Singles Open Ladies Charity Team Open Seniors 4BBB Stableford Four Man Team Event Ladies AM-AM Medal Open Seniors 4 Man Stableford Team Mixed Team Event

PAR

4 4 3 4 3 4 4 4 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

330 432 136 422 187 361 379 343 360

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 3 4 4 4 3 4 4

191 314 174 356 389 406 161 333 277

01-May-2016 06-May-2016 28-May-2016 29-May-2016 30-May-2016 31-May-2016 17-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 22-Jun-2016 05-Jul-2016 15-Jul-2016 07-Aug-2016 09-Aug-2016 17-Aug-2016 28-Aug-2016

Visitors £15.00 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £15.00 Visitors £15.00 Visitors £12.50 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £12.50 Visitors £14.00 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £15.00 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £12.00 Visitors £12.50

Contact Details

91

Pleasington Golf Club Pleasington, Blackburn Lancashire, BB2 5JF Telephone: 01254 202 177 secretary-manager@pleasington-golf.co.uk www.pleasington-golf.co.uk

How to Find

Formed in October 1890, Pleasington is without doubt one of the best tests of golf in the NorthWest of England, with a superb layout, being part heathland in character with some heather.

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

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.

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 4 4 4 4 5 3 5

PLEASINGTON

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.

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

378 341 318 423 335 346 507 149 468

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 3 4 4 4 3 4 4

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

Contact us or visit our website for the latest news & offers www.pleasington-golf.co.uk Professional: 01254 201630 Office: 01254 202177

6 years from 2004. Pleasington can cater for the small, medium or large visiting party.

Set in 142 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 Hole: Hole 7, Par 5 “Mill” A wonderful par 5; drive it on the top fairway and leave yourself a difficult second shot or drive the ball down onto the lower fairway and give yourself a chance of a birdie or even an eagle. It is a hole that the more you play the better you get to know it’s marvellous design.

Contact Details

92

Preston Golf Club Fulwood Old Hall, Fulwood Hall Lane Fulwood, Preston PR2 8DD Telephone: 01772 700011 Ext 1 secretary@prestongolfclub.com

How to Find

PRESTON

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 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.

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.

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.

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?

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 18 holes, Par 71 • 6278 • 5973 • 5155 (73) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PRESTON GOLF CLUB VISITING PARTY PACKAGES 18, 27 and 36 holes Contact us for details Ring: 01772 700011. Option 1 www.prestongolfclub.com

PAR

3 4 4 4 4 5 5 3 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

140 340 439 440 378 513 495 173 319

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 4 3 4 4 5 4

362 361 128 311 199 341 417 537 385

Contact Details

93

SHAW HILL GOLF & SPA HOTEL

Shaw Hill Hotel, Golf & Country Club Preston Road, Whittle le Woods Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 7PP Main Hotel: 01257 269221 ext 201 Pro Shop: 01257 279222 Daily Course Info line: 01257 226822 golf@shaw-hill.co.uk www.shaw-hill.co.uk How to Find From M6: Leave the motorway at Junction 28 and follow the signs for Chorley A6, at the traffic lights (The Hayrick Pub) turn right on to the A49 following the signs for Wigan. Turn left after Leyland Golf Club following signs for M61 down ‘Dawson Lane’ (BUCKSHAW DEVELOPMENT) go straight at the first roundabout and turn left at the traffic lights, keep on the road until it eventually stops at a T Junction (A6) turn right towards Chorley and SHAW HILL 20 yards on the right.

The wonderful Georgian Manor House now lovingly restored and owned by the Stokes family, is a breathtaking sight, one which dominates the landscape as you make your way around the challenging and undulating par 72 course laid out on luxurious, undulating and verdant parkland.

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

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6283 • 5965 • 5417 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 4 5 4 3 4 4 5

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

257 212 366 478 331 156 310 464 525

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

5 4 3 4 4 4 3 5 4

476 337 198 358 402 377 143 498 395

The course was designed by Laurence Allamby, a young golf professional who had studied Golf Architecture and Course Design under the world famous course architect Dr. Alistair McKenzie. Whatever you do don’t rush straight off afterwards. Vardons restaurant and the VP bar in the hotel are great places to eat and

drink with fine cuisine, extensive wine cellar and a delightful atmosphere.

A Corporate Golf Day at Shaw Hill is a favourite way to unwind and network. Our professional team can arrange a full Corporate Golfing Day that is guaranteed to keep your guests talking for months to come.

Signature hole Finishing off your round with the with the beautiful backdrop of the stunning Georgian mansion, the 18th is a challenging par 4. Drive to clear the lake and set up an approach shot to the green which is well guarded by bunkers.

Visit our website www.shaw-hill.co.uk for the latest news & offers

ST. ANNES OLD LINKS

94

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.

Contact Details

95

St Anne’s Old Links Golf Club Ltd Highbury Road East, St Anne’s On Sea Lancashire FY8 2LD

ST. ANNES OLD LINKS

Telephone: 01253 723 597 secretary@stannesoldlinks.com www.stannesoldlinks.com

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.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6684 • 6410 • 6177 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 3 4 5 5 4 4 3

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

332 389 163 404 533 509 432 354 157

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 4 3 4 4 3 5 5

312 328 398 189 363 367 166 526 488

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 hosted many high profile events over the years including Local Final Qualifying for The Open in 2012 and the 2015 English Women’s Open 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.

Host to the Boys Home Internationals Aug 7-10 2017

96

North West Golf Guide

Lancashire Directory

Accrington & District Golf Club Telephone: 01254 350112 www.accringtongolfclub.com

Chorley Golf Club Telephone: 01257 480263 www.chorleygolfclub.co.uk

Gathurst Golf Club Telephone: 01257 252861 www.gathurstgolfclub.co.uk

Ashton & Lea Golf Club Telephone: 01772 735282 www.ashtonleagolfclub.co.uk

Clitheroe Golf Club Telephone: 01200 422292 www.clitheroegolfclub.com

Ghyll Golf Club Telephone: 01282 842466 www.ghyllgolfclub.co.uk

Bacup Golf Club Telephone: 01706 873170 www.bacupgolfclub.com

Colne Golf Club Telephone: 01282 863391 www.colnegolfclub.com

Great Harwood Golf Club Telephone: 01254 884391 www.greatharwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Baxenden & District Golf Club Telephone: 01254 234555 www.baxendengolf.co.uk

Darwen Golf Club Telephone: 01254 701287 www.darwengolfclub.com

Green Haworth Golf Club Telephone: 01254 237580 www.greenhaworthgolfclub.co.uk

Beacon Park Golf Club Telephone: 01695 627500 www.beaconparkgolf.com

Dean Wood Golf Club Telephone: 01695 622219 www.deanwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Herons Reach Golf Club Telephone: 01253 832505 www.devere.co.uk

Bentham Golf Club Telephone: 01524 262455 www.benthamgolfclub.co.uk

Duxbury Park Golf Club Telephone: 01257 265380 www.glendale-golf.com

Heysham Golf Club Telephone: 01524 851011 www.heyshamgolfclub.co.uk

Blackburn Golf Club Telephone: 01254 51122 www.blackburngolfclub.com

Fairhaven Golf Club Telephone: 01253 736741 www.farhavengolfclub.co.uk

Hurlston Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01704 840400 www.hurlstonhall.co.uk

Blackpool North Shore Golf Club Telephone: 01253 351017 www.blackpoolnorthshoregolfclub.com

Fishwick Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01772 798300 www.fishwickhallgolfclub.co.uk

Knott End Golf Club Telephone: 01253 811365 www.knottendgolfclub.com

Burnley Golf Club Telephone: 01282 421045 www.burnleygolfclub.org.uk

Fleetwood Golf Club Telephone: 01253 773573 www.fleetwoodgolf.co.uk

Lancaster Golf Club Telephone: 01524 751247 www.lancastergc.co.uk

Charnock Richard Golf Club Telephone: 01257 470707 www.crgcc.co.uk

Garstang Country Hotel & Golf Club Telephone: 01995 600100 www.garstanghotelandgolf.com

Lansil Golf Club Telephone: 01524 39269 www.lansilgolfclub.org.uk

North West Golf Guide

Lancashire Directory

Lobden Golf Club Telephone: 01706 343228 www.lobdengolfclub.co.uk

Penwortham Golf Club Telephone: 01772 744630 www.penworthamgc.co.uk

Standish Court Golf Club Telephone: 01257 425777 www.standishgolf.co.uk

Leyland Golf Club Telephone: 01772 436457 www.leylandgolfclub.co.uk

Pleasington Golf Club Telephone: 01254 202177 www.pleasington-golf.co.uk

Stanley Park Golf Course Telephone: 01253 302613 www.mackgolf.co.uk

Longridge Golf Club Telephone: 01772 783291 www.longridgegolfclub.co.uk

Poulton-Le-Fylde Golf Club Telephone: 01253 892444 www.poultonlefyldegolfclub.co.uk

St. Annes Old Links Telephone: 01253 723597 www.stannesoldlinks.com

Lytham Green Drive Golf Club Telephone: 01253 737390 www.lythamgreendrive.co.uk

Preston Golf Club Telephone: 01772 700011 www.prestongolfclub.com

Stonyhurst Park Golf Club Telephone: 01254 826478 www.stonyhurstpark.co.uk

Lytham St Annes Mini Links Complex Telephone: 01772 895289 www.LythamStAnnesMiniLinks.com

Rishton Golf Club Telephone: 01254 884442 www.rishtongolfclub.co.uk

Towneley Golf Club Telephone: 01282 451636 www.towneleygolfclub.co.uk

Marsden Park Golf Club Telephone: 01282 661912 www.marsdenparkgolfclub.co.uk

Rossendale Golf Club Telephone: 01706 831339 www.rossendalegolfclub.net

Whalley Golf Club Telephone: 01254 822236 www.whalleygolfclub.com

Morecambe Golf Club Telephone: 01524 418050 www.morecambegolfclub.com

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club Telephone: 01253 724206 www.royallytham.org

Wilpshire Golf Club Telephone: 01254 248260 www.wilpshiregolfclub.co.uk

Mytton Fold Golf Club Telephone: 01254 240662 www.myttonfold.co.uk

Shaw Hill Hotel G & C C Telephone: 01257 269221 www.shaw-hill.co.uk

Nelson Golf Club Telephone: 01282 611834 www.nelsongolfclub.com

Silverdale (Carnforth) Golf Club Telephone: 01524 701300 www.silverdalegolfclub.co.uk

Ormskirk Golf Club Telephone: 01695 572112 www.ormskirkgolfclub.com

Staininglodge Golf Course Telephone: 01253 891336 www.staininglodge.co.uk

97

98

North West Golf Guide

Merseyside Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

North West Golf Guide

Merseyside Introduction

7 Southport 1

9 5 M-58

11

M-6

10

Crosby

Ashton-in-Makerfield 3

Knowsley

Bootle

St. Helens

6

Newton-le-Willows M-62

Prescot Wallasey

M-6

M-57

Liverpool

Birkenhead 2

Widnes 4

8 Ellesmere Port M-53

1. Royal Birkdale 2. Royal Liverpool 3. Ashton in Makerfield 4. Caldy 5. Formby 6. Haydock Park

7. Hesketh 8. Heswall 9. Hillside 10.Houghwood 11. West Lancashire

99

ROYAL BIRKDALE

100

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 the Senior Open Championship the Club will be hosting The Open Championship for the tenth time in 2017.

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 were 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

101

Photographs by Alan C. Birch

Contact Details Royal Birkdale Golf Club Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2LX Telephone: 01704 552020 secretary@royalbirkdale.com www.royalbirkdale.com 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.

Requirements Handicap Certificates will be required from all visiting golfers. Reservations must be made in advance by telephone, letter, fax or email to the Secretary’s Office.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6817 • 6381 • 5793 (75)

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 and it will return in 2017.

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.

ROYAL LIVERPOOL

102

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. It has been the host for both The Walker & Curtis Cups in the past together with 12 Open Championships, and welcomed The Ricoh Women’s British Open for the first time in 2012.

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

ROYAL LIVERPOOL

103

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 How to Find The 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 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.

Handicaps All visitors are expected to be competent golfers who hold a current Club or Society handicap. As the Links provide a difficult test of golf, maximum handicaps allowed for visitors are: Men - 21, Ladies - 32. Proof of playing ability is required prior to play.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7350 • 6933 • 6466 • 5896 (74)

amateur status were laid down. Ironically it was John Ball, who was to become the Club’s greatest player, who almost fell foul of them.

In 1878, when he was just sixteen years old, Ball had finished tied for 4th place in the Open Championship with Bob Martin of St Andrews.

Although Ball lost the play-off for fourth place the following day there was still a money prize due to him from the purse. The sum involved was only one pound but John Morris advised the young John Ball to put the money in his pocket. It was this incident, recalled seven years later, that came back to haunt Ball when he wanted to enter the Amateur Championship. Ball had accepted prize money and therefore was technically a “professional”.

The rules were, however, diplomatically but conveniently adjusted to enable Ball to play.

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

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

Harold Hilton’s record was just as impressive.

He won the Open twice, in l892 (the first year the Open was played over 72 holes) and again five years later, making him the only amateur apart from John Ball and Bobby Jones to win the title. His victory at Hoylake

in 1897 was marked 100 years later by the creation of a new, annual Harold Hilton Medal tournament open to amateur golfers aged 30 or more and handicap 5 or less.

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

No history of Hoylake would be complete without mention of the legendary Bobby Jones. In 1930 the club was privileged to host his winning of the Open Championship, a victory that would become the second leg of his remarkable Grand Slam - the winning in the same year of the Amateur and Open Championships of both Great Britain and the United States. Shortly afterwards, a mere twenty-eight years old, Bobby Jones found himself with no golfing peaks left to conquer and he retired from the game.

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

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

Contact Details

104

Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club (Established 1902) Garswood Park, Ashton in Makerfield Wigan, WN4 0YT

ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD

Telephone: 01942 727267 secretary@ashton-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk

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

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.

Facilities 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.

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

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6205 • 5918 • 5306 H OLE

PAR

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

1

4 373

10

4

365

2

4 416

11

4

450

3

5 494

12

4

349

4

3 197

13

3

177

5

4 383

14

4

368

6

4 378

15

3

165

7

3 157

16

4

456

8

4 380

17

5

496

9

4 304

18

4

297

Please visit our website for the latest offers www.ashton-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Contact Details

105

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

How to Find

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

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6714 • 6336 • 5823 (70) • 5798 (74) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 4 4 5 4 5 3 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

369 152 346 331 532 384 479 142 404

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 5

179 509 425 337 372 334 401 145 495

1907

CALDY

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.

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

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

and inland holes make for a memorable game for golfers of all standards.

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 on the right and out of bounds on the left over the cliff make the tee shot tight.

Please visit our website for the latest offers www.caldygolfclub.co.uk Telephone: 0151 625 5660. Email: golf@caldygolfclub.co.uk

FORMBY

106

Formby Golf Club Set in the links between the arable land of the Lancashire plain and the Irish sea, Formby is blessed with the combination of sand dunes and towering pine forest as the backdrop to this great course. The natural terrain ensures that accuracy is always at a premium.

Heather and unforgiving rough protect the well bunkered course and caution is definitely required whether playing off the tee or approaching the quick and true greens. The course voted 77 in the world by golf course architects is challenging, idyllic and an unforgettable course of contrasts.

Formby has always supported the highest standards in amateur golf and the Amateur Championship has been held here on four occasions, the most recent being in 2009.

The winner then, Matteo Mannassero is the youngest ever winner of the championship at 16 years of age and has now gone onto win 4 professional titles. The Open championship has also used Formby as a qualifying venue in 1924, 1971 and 1996.

Hole 12, Par 4, 385 yards (yellow tee) Regarded as one of the best holes on the course. There is a large bunker on the left side of the green and the main trouble is short.

Contact Details

107

Formby Golf Club Golf Road, Freshfield Liverpool, L37 1LQ Telephone: 01704 872164 teetimes@formbygolfclub.co.uk www.formbygolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

Facilities 2 bars, restaurant, Dormy accommodation, snooker room, putting green, chipping area, practice ground, trolleys, lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7031 • 6725 • 6489 • 6048 (70) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 5 4 3 4 4 5 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

394 372 449 310 153 385 368 470 444

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 4 4 4 4 4 3 5 4

178 376 385 370 411 393 120 477 384

FORMBY

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 Golf club prides itself on its course and its hospitality, the “Formby Experience” being the cornerstone of everything we do. The club, founded in 1884, is steeped in history and rightly proud of its place at the top of the golfing globe.

Formby upholds the highest standards of the amateur game, the course testing the very best amateur talent. It has held 4 Amateur championships, 5 English Amateur championships, 4 Brabazon trophies, numerous R&A championships for boys, Mid-Amateur and Senior events and has hosted many EGU and County championships.

The iconic club house which was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1901 is a fine example of architecture of the period.

The snooker room is home to two snooker tables dating back to 1903 and the recently refurbished club room and dining room provide incredible panoramic, elevated views across the course. Visitors can also stay here at the club using the Dormy accommodation which is an integral part of the clubhouse and allows access to the course at weekends with reserved tee times.

Our clubhouse offers history of our glorious past, comfortable surroundings to while away a few hours, or simply a place to relax pre or post round. Our Hall Bar, with large screen television, showing major sporting events, is one area to enjoy and our Golf Lounge with its homely, yet comfortable surroundings overlooking the 18th hole, is extremely popular with members and visitors alike, offering snacks, real ales, and fine wines, all available for your enjoyment. Upstairs we have our Club room, steeped in history, yet thanks to our recent refurbishment, feels light and fresh, and our Dining Room is the perfect way to complete your day here at Formby, offering carefully and lovingly crafted cuisine by our team of chefs with what can only be described as “stunning” views over what is without question one of the world’s best links courses.

The golf club is steeped in history and folklore and this is visible around the clubhouse, from our famous Hippo’s head, gifted by the widow of a member, which spent the war kidnapped on a navy frigate, to the clock tower gifted to the club by Charles Bruce Ismay, the then Chairman of the White Star Line of Titanic fame.

Book your team for the Arnold Palmer Cup College -Am Thursday 23rd June 2016.

Visit our website for the latest news & offers: www.formbygolfclub.co.uk

Teams of three to play with one of the top amateurs in the world.

Contact Stuart Leech, Secretary Manager on 01704 872164 or e-mail manager@formbygolfclub.co.uk to reserve your place.

Contact Details

108

Haydock Park Golf Club Golborne Park, Newton Lane Newton-Le-Willows Merseyside WA12 0HX Telephone: 01925 228525 Pro shop: Option 1. Office: Option 6 secretary@haydockparkgc.co.uk www.haydockparkgc.co.uk

How to Find

HAYDOCK PARK

From M6 Take exit 23 signed for Manchester/St Helens.

Take East Lancashire Road/ A580 towards Manchester At the next roundabout, take the 4th exit and stay on East Lancashire Rd/A580 towards Liverpool After ½ mile Turn left onto Newton Lane Golf Club ½ mile on left

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 70 • 6073 • 5826 • 5390 • 5097 H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 5 3 5 4 4 3 4

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

404 166 484 110 503 317 303 170 424

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 3 4 4 5 4 4 3

354 370 140 434 282 493 320 369 183

Visit our new website to see Membership and latest offers www.haydockparkgc.co.uk Haydock Park Golf Club Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 0HX

Contact Details

109

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

How to Find

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.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Indoor Teaching Facility, Chipping Area, Practice Ground, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6718 • 6239 • 5639 (74) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 3 4 3 4 4 5 4 4

HESKETH

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.

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

383 158 444 183 372 450 516 349 439

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 3 4 5 4 4 3 5 5

340 186 422 515 392 382 187 520 480

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 has been 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.

08-May-2016 - Men’s Henriques Scr 8.30 S’gun 36 holes 06-Jun-2016 - Gent’s Senior 4BBB Stableford Festival Week: 7th-13th August 2016 Sunday 7th - Mixed 4BBB Stableford Monday 8th - Junior Open and Ladies 4 Person Stableford Tuesday 9th - Gents Team of 4 Stableford Wednesday 10th - Gents Senior 4BBB Stableford Thursday 11th - Gents Team of 4 Stableford Friday 12th - Gents Team of 4 Medal Saturday 13th - Gents 4BBB Stableford Anyone interested should contact the Secretary Manager, Paul Corker, on 01704 536897 or secretary@heskethgolfclub.co.uk

Contact Details

110

Heswall Golf Club Cottage Lane, Gayton Wirral, CH60 8PB Telephone: 0151 342 1237 secretary@heswallgolfclub.com www.heswallgolfclub.com

How to Find

HESWALL

Exit Jct. 4 from the M53 and take the 2nd turning on the left marked “Heswall 4 miles”. Follow the A5137 to the roundabout, where you will see the Devon Doorway pub on the right. Bear right and follow the signs for “Gayton / Heswall Golf Club”.

Situated on the Wirral Peninsula, nestled between North Wales and the English Golf Coasts, Heswall Golf Club is a distinguished and beautiful 18 hole, 6,882 yard parkland course.

It is within easy reach of the cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Chester with breathtaking views of the Welsh hills from the banks of the Dee Estuary, overlooking one of the United Kingdom’s premier RSPB World Bird Sanctuaries, providing an unrivalled and peaceful environment for any golfer to enjoy this wonderful venue.

The course presents a variety of challenges for short and long handicap players and has been the venue for a number of national

championships in recent years. The club has a very active playing membership and in recent years, has hosted the Wirral Classic and a number of county, national and international fixtures.

Whether you are visiting Heswall Golf Club as an individual visitor or as a guest of a member, with a society or corporate event, our recently renovated clubhouse will provide you with a place for unparalleled relaxation as you enjoy a drink, snack or full restaurant facility whilst taking in the fantastic panoramic views of the course and Dee Estuary from the comfort of our open glass fronted extended patio.

Facilities Lounge, Bar, Catering Facilities, Putting Green, Indoor Teaching Facility, Trolleys, Buggies, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6882 • 6624 • 6272 • 5773 (74) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 5

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

421 393 351 209 545 335 158 330 511

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 4 5 4 3 4 3 5 4

431 350 509 450 136 460 183 518 334

Heswall Golf Club Over a Century of Challenges

Visiting Parties and Societies welcome - contact General Manager Graham Capewell to discuss your requirements.

Please visit our website: www.heswallgolfclub.com for latest details and offers.

Contact Details

111

Houghwood Golf Billinge Hill, Crank Road, St Helens, WA11 8RL Telephone: 01744 89 44 44 office@houghwoodgolf.co.uk www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Function/Conference Room, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6374 • 5990 • 5341 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

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.

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 71 and 6374 yards for men, and 5341 yards 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. The specially designed stone clubhouse compliments the parkland surroundings and features a spacious Spike bar and terrace overlooking the 18th green.

Houghwood has joined with Playmore Golf to set up a new flexible membership for younger golfers with busy lives. The points for money scheme allows golfers to have a handicap and play in club competitions, but also encourages players to quieter periods on the course.

A new chef has joined the brigade to increase the range of fresh home-made food for a new spikes menu.

Whole in one golf are providing us with a bespoke native app to be soon available for smart phones and I pads showing a fly over, all yardages and daily pin positions. It also features an integrated score card feature for day to day golfers and competitions.

HILLSIDE

112

Hillside Golf Club Hillside Golf Club is situated in Southport, the home of “England’s Golf Coast.”

The course forms part of England’s finest stretch of coastal links nestled between Royal Birkdale and Southport & Ainsdale with Formby Golf Club a few miles down the road.

Contact Details

113

Hillside Golf Club The Clubhouse, Hastings Road, Southport, PR8 2LU Telephone: 01704 567169 manager@hillside-golfclub.co.uk www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk Twitter: @Hillside_GC How to Find

Facilities

In 2014 Hillside was chosen to stage Open Championship Final Qualifying for a run of four years.

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7029 • 6849 • 6558 • 6160 • 5888 (75) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 4 3 5 4 3 4 4

HILLSIDE

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.

YARDS

H OLE

PAR

YARDS

396 526 397 195 562 444 170 393 419

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

3 5 4 4 4 4 3 5 4

172 509 400 402 419 421 218 547 439

A true championship links, overhauled in the 1960’s by renowned architect Fred Hawtree, Hillside is regarded as probably the finest links golf course not to have hosted the Open Championship. The club has a track record of staging some of the highest profile professional and amateur tournaments including the 1982 PGA Championship (Tony Jacklin’s final professional victory) and twice the Amateur Championship, in 1979 and more recently in the Club’s centenary year 2011. In 2014 Hillside was chosen to stage Open Championship Final Qualifying for a run of four years.

The layout of the course is balanced in two halves with the opening holes heading westward along flat ground beside the railway line. The flatter nine holes of the opening half whet the golfer’s appetite for

the contrast that awaits on second nine.

Here you will find valleyed corridors through some of the highest and wildest dunes found anywhere. Each hole occupying its own unique site never shared with another.

Double Open Champion Australian Greg Norman graciously wrote an unsolicited note to the Club after playing in the PGA tournament at Hillside in 1982 stating the: ‘The back nine holes are the Best in Britain.’

He was later to say that in his view the Hillside course was ‘…second only to Augusta’. Jack Nicklaus described the course as ‘…a wild looking links’ and added that ‘…within the second nine are some of my favourite holes.’

Hillside remains a private members golf club with a welcoming attitude to the visitors we attract from around the world.

Contact Details

114

The West Lancashire Golf Club Hall Road West, Blundellsands Liverpool, L23 8SZ

THE WEST LANCASHIRE

Telephone: 0151 924 1076 golf@westlancashiregolf.co.uk www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk

How to Find From M6. At junction 21A, exit onto M62 toward Liverpool/Warrington (N)/ Southport/M57. At junction 6, exit onto M57 toward Docks/Prescot/Southport.

Turn left onto Dunnings Bridge Rd/A5036.

Turn right onto Copy Ln/A5207. Turn left onto Quarry Rd/A565. Go through 1 roundabout. Turn right onto Coronation Rd/B5193. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Cooks Rd. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Manor. Turn left onto Hall Rd E. Turn right, destination will be on the left Facilities The West Lancashire Golf Club was founded in 1873 and is among the ten oldest golf clubs in England, and boasts one of the most natural and testing links in the British Isles.

Imaginative and varied in layout, the course has so much more to offer than simply a wonderful experience of classic links with stunning views of the Mersey Estuary, and the Welsh Mountains.

Our recently refurbished modern clubhouse offers state of the art facilities. In its comfortable bars, dining rooms and lounges you can relax after your round on the links and

take in the spectacular views while enjoying a drink and sampling our excellent food.

At West Lancashire we are proud of our history and challenging championship links where visitors are most welcome throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming you for a round in the near future.

Signature Hole Hole 14, ‘Bell’. Par 4, 447 yards (Blue Tee) The most difficult hole on the course. The tee shot needs to be in the order of 300 yards to give an unobstructed view of the green. If you cannot see the green, play short and left. No bunkers around this green, you will see why.

Bar, Restaurant, Putting Green, Trolleys, Indoor Teaching Room, Lessons, Pro shop, Buggies, Short Game Area, Practice Ground, Snooker Room The Open Final Qualifying Course 2012, Regional Qualifying 2015 -2018 Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 7055 • 6772 • 6239 (70) • 5834 (74) H OLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PAR

4 5 3 4 5 3 4 4 4

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

436 489 159 411 478 156 358 446 403

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 3 4 4 4 5 3 4

358 561 179 371 447 395 530 167 428

2016 OPEN COMPETITIONS 04.04.16 24.04.16 08.06.16 31.07.16 03.08.16 25.08.16 04.09.16 21.09.16 07.10.16 17.10.16

Spring Open Gentlemans Pairs Open Ladies Open Mixed Open Adult/Junior Open Open Fourball Ted Jarman Trophy Open Team Event Seniors Open Autumn Open

Fourball Betterball Fourball Betterball Four person team event Four person team event Fourball Betterball Fourball Betterball 36 Hole Stroke play Event - Hcp’s 3-10 Four person team event Fourball Betterball Fourball Betterball

£80 per pair (includes meal after play) £70 per pair £100 per team £160 per team (inc meal after play) £40 per pair £70 per pair £45 entry fee £140 per team £60 per pair £60 per pair

North West Golf Guide

Merseyside Directory

Ashton-In-Makerfield Golf Club Telephone: 01942 727267 www.ashton-in-makerfieldgolfclub.co.uk

Formby Golf Club Telephone: 01704 873090 www.formbygolfclub.co.uk

Prenton Golf Club Telephone: 0151 608 1636 www.prentongolfclub.co.uk

Aintree Golf Centre Telephone: 0151 523 5157 www.aintree.co.uk

Formby Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01704 875 699 www.formbyhallgolfclub.co.uk

Royal Birkdale Golf Club Telephone: 01704 552020 www.royalbirkdale.com

Allerton Park Golf Club Telephone: 0151 428 7490 Website n/a

Formby Ladies Golf Club Telephone: 01704 873 493 www.formbyladiesgolfclub.co.uk

Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) Telephone: 0151 632 6737 www.royal-liverpool-golf.com

Arrowe Park Golf Club Telephone: 0151 677 1527 www.arroweparkgolfclub.com

Grange Park (St Helens) Golf Club Telephone: 01744 28785 www.grangeparkgolfclub.co.uk

Sherdley Park Golf Club Telephone: 01744 815516 www.sherdleyparkgolfclub.co.uk

The Bidston Golf Club Ltd. Telephone: 0151 638 3412 www.bidstongolf.co.uk

Haydock Park Golf Club Telephone: 01925 228525 www.haydockparkgc.co.uk

Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club Telephone: 01704 577316 www.sandagolfclub.co.uk

Blundells Hill Golf Club Telephone: 0151 4300100 www.blundellshill.co.uk

Hesketh Golf Club Telephone: 01704 536897 www.heskethgolfclub.co.uk

Southport Municipal Golf Club Telephone: 01704 535286 Website n/a

Bootle Golf Club Telephone: 0151 928 1371 Website n/a

Heswall Golf Club Telephone: 0151 342 7431 www.heswallgolfclub.com

Southport Old Links Golf Club Telephone: 01704 228207 www.southportoldlinksgolfclub.co.uk

Bowring Golf Club Telephone: 0151 480 8685 www.mackgolf.co.uk

Hillside Golf Club Telephone: 01704 568360 www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk

The North West National Golf & Country Club Telephone: 01744 885808 www.thenorthwestnational.co.uk

Brackenwood Golf Club Telephone: 0151 608 3093 www.brackenwoodgolf.co.uk

Houghwood Golf Club Telephone: 01744 89 47 54 www.houghwoodgolfclub.co.uk

Wallasey Golf Club Telephone: 0151 638 3888 www.wallaseygolfclub.com

Bromborough Golf Club Telephone: 0151 334 4499 www.bromboroughgolfclub.org.uk

Hoylake Municipal Golf Club Telephone: 0151 632 6823 www.hoylakegolfclub.com

Warren (Wallasey) Golf Club Telephone: 0151 639 5730 www.wirral.gov.uk

Caldy Golf Club Telephone: 0151 625 1818 www.caldygolfclub.co.uk

Huyton and Prescot Golf Club Telephone: 0151 489 2022 www.huytonandprescotgolf.co.uk

West Derby Golf Club Telephone: 0151 220 5478 www.westderbygc.co.uk

Childwall Golf Club Telephone: 0151 487 9871 www.childwallgolfclub.co.uk

Leasowe Golf Club Telephone: 0151 678 5460 www.leasowegolfclub.co.uk

West Lancashire Golf Club Telephone: 0151 924 1076 www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk

Eastham Lodge Golf Club Telephone: 0151 327 3008 www.easthamlodgegolfclub.co.uk

Lee Park Golf Club Telephone: 0151 498 4666 www.leepark.co.uk

Wirral Ladies Golf Club Telephone: 0151 652 2468 www.wirral-ladies-golf-club.co.uk

Eccleston Park Golf Club Telephone: 0151 493 0033 www.ecclestonepark@crown-golf.co.uk

Liverpool Municipal Golf Club Telephone: 0151 546 5435 www.liverpool.gov.uk

Woolton Golf Club Telephone: 0151 486 2298 www.wooltongolfclub.com

Formby Golf Centre Telephone: 01704 875 952 www.redteegolf.co.uk

Mossock Hall Golf Club Telephone: 01695 421717 www.mossockhallgolfclub.co.uk

115

North West Golf Guide

Cumbria Introduction

Photos courtesy VisitBritain

©Britainonview / Rod Edwards

116

Cumbria The County of Cumbria includes the old counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and part of North Lancashire.

Much of its appeal stems from the magnificent Lake District National Park and a range of steely mountains that stand guard over a veritable treasure trove of crowd-pleasing attractions.

riding, walking, heritage sites, attractions, gardens and stunning coastal scenery.

England’s second largest county – and its least populated – has a sense of wonder unequalled elsewhere thanks to its inspirational landscape, which can smile, brood or blaze depending on the season.

Cumbria is especially famous as the home of Beatrix Potter and Lake District has been the inspiration for generations of poets, the most famous of which is Wordsworth.

This unique County has something to suit everybody’s taste - great outdoor pursuits including waters sports, climbing, horse

This dazzling region covering almost 900 square miles contains no less than 16 ‘great’ lakes, as well as tarns, glacier-gouged valleys, chocolate-box villages – and even some marvellous beaches. It also boasts England’s five highest mountains and the country’s deepest lake. Cumbria and the Lake District is one of the great golfing areas of England, offering quality courses for the discriminating golfer in magnificent settings.

©Britainonview / Rod Edwards

©Britainonview / - Britain on View

©Britainonview / - Britain on View

Very few places in Britain can hope to compete with the undeniable beauty and romance offered by the county of Cumbria.

North West Golf Guide

Cumbria Introduction

A7

A69

Carlisle

4

A595

A596

1

M6

A595

A66 A66 M6

A591 A685 A595 2 A6 5 Windemere M6 A590 A65

3

6

“Cumbria and the Lake District is one of the great golfing areas of England, offering quality courses for the discriminating golfer in magnificent settings.�

1. Carlisle 2. Carus Green 3. Kirkby Lonsdale 4. Silloth on Solway 5. Windermere 6. Ulverston

117

CARLISLE

118

Carlisle Golf Club Carlisle Golf Club was founded in 1908 with the original layout being designed by Mr Theodore Moon.

The course was then remodelled after the second world war by Mr Philip Mackenzie Ross.

The club is less than ½ a mile from M6 J43.

It is situated amongst mature trees in gently undulating parkland and is one of the most attractive courses in northern England providing a test for any golfer. The R & A brought Regional Qualifying to Carlisle on 6 occasions commencing 1996, the first Club in Cumbria to be so honoured. The English Golf Union also holds the Club in high esteem bringing the English Seniors Championship to Carlisle in 2010. Many other Championships, Amateur & Professional, have been held over the 100 years history of the Club.

The course is Par 71 (73 for Ladies) with tree lined fairways and many memorable holes.

Many regard Carlisle as one of, if not the finest inland course in the North of England.

The course presents a tough challenge to the proficient golfer whilst not being fiendishly difficult for the higher handicappers. The status of the Course is augmented by a reputation for having magnificent greens and well manicured fairways.

Contact Details

119

Carlisle Golf Club Aglionby, Carlisle Cumbria, CA4 8AG Telephone: 01228 513029 secretary@carlislegolfclub.org www.carlislegolfclub.org

How to Find Carlisle Golf Club is conveniently situated less than 1 mile from junction 43 of the M6.

Facilities Bar, restaurant, driving range, swing studio, practice nets, buggy hire, trolley hire, well stocked pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6273 • 6021 • 5581 (73) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 374

10

4

383

2

3 186

11

4

384

3

4 420

12

5

480

4

3 143

13

3

137

5

4 289

14

4

352

6

4 353

15

5

558

7

4 420

16

4

432

8

4 373

17

3

151

9

5 491

18

4

347

CARLISLE

From the North and South: From the East follow A69 through Warwick on Eden, on seeing signs for Aglionby to the right prepare to turn left. The road drops downhill into a dip prior to becoming a dual carriageway.

The entrance to the club is well signposted at the bottom of the hill.

“Marvellous course. Great friendly welcome and excellent food served throughout our day there. When can we return? Soon I hope.”

A warm welcome awaits in the spacious and well furnished clubhouse. Relax with a drink in the comfortable bar area with spectacular view across the course or enjoy the contemporary dining experience with all meals freshly prepared to order.

Carlisle Golf Club warmly welcomes visitors

throughout the year from individuals and smaller groups to large corporate events, for more information contact secretary@carlislegolfclub.org Carlisle Golf Club boasts a well stocked and splendidly presented professional shop and state of the art covered practice facilities.

Contact Details

120

Carus Green Burneside Road Kendal, LA9 6EB Telephone: 01539 721097 office@carusgreen.co.uk www.carusgreen.co.uk

How to Find

CARUS GREEN

From M6 Turn off the M6 at junction 36 heading towards Windermere.

At the roundabout, follow signs for Windermere, then take the first right towards Burneside. On reaching Burneside, turn right through the village and the course is situated approx 1 mile on the left hand side.

Carus Green Golf Course in Kendal, Cumbria is one of Northern England’s top golf destinations that includes a challenging 18 hole parkland golf course with recently remodelled PGA greens. It also features an award winning contemporary clubhouse with a luxurious function suite and a spacious restaurant, a club shop with all the best golf brands, a 16 bay top specification driving range.

The newly installed Gary Wolstenholme Golf Academy features two bespoke Flightscope fitting rooms, indoor putting lab, chipping green, outdoor all weather short game practice

Visit our website www.carusgreen.co.uk for the latest offers

area and state of the art golf simulator which features courses such as Augusta, Pebble Beach and The Belfry all available to play indoors.

Carus Green breaks the golf club mould in many ways and is recognised for it’s friendly welcome to all visitors. The bar and restaurant offer varied menus and are very popular with visitors and locals. They are famed for their beautiful views overlooking the picturesque 18th hole and the Lake District fells beyond. The Carus Suite function room also benefits from the same views and has a 180 capacity making it the perfect venue for weddings, conferences, parties and other celebrations.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, 16 Bay Floodlit Driving Range, Putting Green, Lessons, Fitting Service, Buggy Hire, Pro Shop, On-site accommodation

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6064 • 5666 • 5269 (72) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

3 123

10

3

140

2

4 387

11

5

527

3

3 175

12

4

415

4

4 396

13

4

341

5

4 414

14

4

359

6

4 318

15

3

179

7

4 267

16

5

466

8

5 482

17

4

394

9

5 500

18

3

181

Contact Details

121

Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club Scaleber Lane, Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2LJ Telephone: 01524 276365 info@kirkbylonsdalegolfclub.com www.kirkbylonsdalegolfclub.com

How to Find

Facilities Driving Range, Pro Shop, Practice Ground, Putting Green, Chipping Green, Driving Net, Electric Trolleys, Pull Trollies Buggies available, Clubhouse, Bar & Catering Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6542 • 6244 • 5737 (73) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 333

10

5

484

2

4 372

11

4

353

3

3 154

12

4

370

4

5 476

13

3

157

5

3 190

14

5

554

6

4 381

15

4

337

7

4 347

16

4

366

8

5 498

17

3

138

9

4 357

18

4

377

KIRKBY LONSDALE

From the A65 at Kirkby Lonsdale, turn onto the A683 towards Sedbergh.

Passing through Casterton Village, you will find Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club after 1 mile on your left.

Welcome to Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club. Set in the beautiful countryside of the Lune Valley, we are one of the finest courses in Cumbria.

Dramatic views, lush fairways and a natural undulating terrain presents a new and different challenge on each hole. Our course provides a fair test of golf for everyone and a most enjoyable experience for all.

Beck and the Lake waiting to take their victims, this definitely ensures a round to remember.

For the more competitive golfers; measuring at a vast 6542 yards from the white tees, our par 72 parkland course will certainly test your skills, finishing off your round with our signature trio; 16th, 17th & 18th. Don’t let the stroke index’s fool you on the 17th & 18th – with the Barbon

We pride ourselves on being a very hospitable club with a fantastic friendly atmosphere. We welcome societies, visitors, corporate parties and functions 7 days a week. Our catering is of the highest standard with our stewards providing a first class menu throughout the year.

With the introduction of our beginner friendly Blue Tees last year, we have opened out the golfing experience to the whole family. If you are new to the game, or a returning golfer, our Blue Course can ease you into the game with style.

please see our website www.kirkbylonsdalegolfclub.com for details of current offers

Contact Details

122

Silloth Golf Club The Club House, Station Road Silloth, Wigton, CA7 4BL Telephone: 01697 331304 office@sillothgolfclub.co.uk www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk

SILLOTH ON SOLWAY

How to Find Location travelling from the South. M6 Junction 41. B5305 to Wigton. BB5302 to Silloth Location travelling from the North/ East. M6 Junction43. A69 Carlisle.

A595/A596 to Wigton. B5302 Silloth.

Approx travelling time from the M6 45 minutes.

The Silloth golf course has been a major visitor attraction ever since Davy Grant laid it out it in 1892 over the linksland west of the docks. It has evolved continuously since then, including contributions from two of the great classic designers: Willie Park Junior and Dr Alister MacKenzie. A number of blind holes still remain, architecturally-incorrect in the modern era, but a source of uncertainty, surprise and occasional delight to successive generations of members and visitors. Some of the original sandy wastes remain as heroic hazards, but the course is mostly clad in mature dune flora that is ideal for presenting the great challenge of links golf. The fairways are covered in the

springiest of Cumbrian turf, inviting crisp iron shots and courageous woods. Shoreward holes on the way out are mostly framed by high sandhills covered with heather and bent; gorse prevails on the back nine. The fairways are never generous in width, but always more rewarding than first appearance from the tee.

The great golf writer Bernard Darwin wrote about his first visit to the course in 1925.

Ever the traditionalist, and never one to hide his enthusiasms, he wound up his account: ‘I never more violently fell in love with a course at first sight.’

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

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6641 • 6408 • 6151 • 5806 Visitors play from Yellow Tees H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 371

10

4

283

2

4 311

11

4

402

3

4 352

12

3

191

4

4 352

13

5

450

5

5 499

14

5

462

6

3 172

15

4

390

7

4 363

16

3

169

8

4 348

17

5

488

9

3 121

18

4

427

Why not stop off and play on at Silloth your way up to the Open Championship?

Midweek £49 per day - Weekends £58 per round

016973 31304 www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk Follow us on social media. Facebook – Silloth on Solway golf club Twitter - @silloth golf club

Contact Details

123

Windermere Golf Club Cleabarrow, Windermere, LA23 3NB Telephone: 015394 43550 office@windermeregolfclub.co.uk www.windermeregolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

WINDERMERE

Windermere Golf Club is sited on B5284 between Bowness-on-Windermere and Crook/Kendal. (approx one and a half miles from Bowness-on-Windermere).

Approaching from the M6: Leave the M6 at junction 36. Join the A590 (after approximately four miles on the road, the number changes to A591). Stay on the dual carriageway for approximately ten miles. Leave the A591 at the first roundabout and join the B5284. After approximately four miles, the Club is on the left hand side.

Facilities Bar, restaurant, putting green, chipping green, practice nets, Trolleys available year round, fully stocked Golf shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 67 • 5122 • 4881 • 4548 (70) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 310

10

3

199

2

3 225

11

4

263

3

4 249

12

4

363

4

4 380

13

4

317

5

4 316

14

3

143

6

4 355

15

3

186

7

4 372

16

5

459

8

3 159

17

4

355

9

4 270

18

3

201

Windermere Golf Club is situated in the heart of the English Lake District. It has spectacular views over Windermere and the surrounding fells; the scenery is breath taking. We are sure you’ll agree that the outlook matches that from any golf course in the UK. Windermere Golf Club has been referred to as a “miniature Gleneagles” by the golfing press. A truly friendly welcome always awaits you at Windermere Golf Club. So, whether you wish to play the course, soak up the friendly atmosphere in the bar or enjoy the stunning scenery whilst eating in our restaurant, we look forward to seeing you.

In 1891 a group of golf enthusiasts from the Windermere area invited George Lowe, the

professional at Lytham St Annes Golf Club, to visit the Lake District to examine a site in the area known as Cleabarrow Fells, near Bowness-on-Windermere, for the purpose of creating a golf course.

Windermere is one of the most scenic golf clubs in the country. In recent years we have replaced all our greens and rebuilt them to U.S. PGA specifications. The course is maintained in superb condition by our head Greenkeeper John Baines and his loyal team, and our new greens are probably the best in Cumbria (if not the North West). Our course is not long but a good test of golf - why not come and give us a try - you will definitely not be disappointed.

Contact Details

124

Ulverston Golf Club Bardsea Park, Ulverston, LA12 9QJ Telephone: 01229 582824 enquiries@ulverstongolf.co.uk www.ulverstongolf.co.uk

How to Find

ULVERSTON

The Club is situated close to the delightful village of Bardsea in the south of Cumbria. For visitors coming from the M6 leave at Junction 36 following the signs for Barrow and South Lakes along the A590. Follow the A590 to Ulverston upon which you should turn left on the A5087, 300 yards after Booths Supermarket situated by the Shell garage. After a few miles take the right turning just after you pass the Manjushri Institute.

The club is 400 yards up on the right.

With spectacular views over Morecambe Bay, and the Lakeland Fells in the background, Ulverston Golf Club is lucky enough to boast one of the most picturesque golf courses in Cumbria. Set in the Furness Hills, it is surprisingly quite flat and easy on the legs, although it measures a considerable 6261 yards with a par of 71 from tee to pin over eighteen holes, so stamina is a useful quality to have.

It is set on mature, undulating, partwooded parkland, and was redesigned by H.S. Colt, a World renowned leading golf course architect and part of the famous triumvirate of course designers, so visitors

are assured of a most enjoyable, challenging and hopefully rewarding round of golf.

Signature Hole: Hole 18, Par 4 ‘Conishead’ The final tee is close to the highest point on the course and offers splendid views. The Old Man of Coniston can be seen in the north, Conishead priory to the east, with Morecambe Bay and Blackpool Tower to the south. This dogleg right requires a good drive with sufficient carry to reach a plateau beyond the marker post. Any shot right of the trees could be OB. The second shot is just as difficult to a severely sloping green, with a pair of bunkers on the right, which often gather in the short ball played to the pin.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Meeting Room, Extensive Practice Areas, 4 Bay Driving Range, Swing Room, Putting Green, Trolleys, Lessons, Pro shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 71 • 6261 • 6060 • 5720 (74) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 341

10

3

139

2

4 315

11

5

523

3

4 414

12

4

351

4

5 505

13

5

484

5

3 153

14

3

188

6

4 408

15

4

390

7

4 368

16

4

352

8

3 161

17

4

379

9

4 358

18

4

432

Ulverston Golf Club Visit our website for the latest news & offers: www.ulverstongolf.co.uk

North West Golf Guide

Cumbria Directory

Alston Moor Tel: 01434 381354 www.alstonmoorgolfclub.org.uk

Furness Tel: 01229 471232 www.furnessgolfclub.co.uk

Silloth on Solway Tel: 01697 331304 www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk

Appleby Tel: 01768 351432 www.applebygolfclub.co.uk

Grange Fell Tel: 01539 558513 www.grangefellgolfclub.co.uk

Silverdale Tel: 01524 702074 www.silverdalegolfclub.co.uk

Barrow Tel: 01229 831358 www.barrowgolfclub.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands Tel: 01539 533754 www.grangegolfclub.co.uk

St Bees Tel: 01946 824300 www.stbeesgolfclub.org.uk

Brampton Tel: 01697 72255 www.bramptongolfclub.com

Kendal Tel: 01539 733708 www.kendalgolfclub.co.uk

Stoney Holme Tel: 01228 33208 www.carlisleleisure.co.uk

Brayton Park Tel: 01697 322517 www.braytonpark.net

Keswick Tel: 01768 779324 www.keswickgolfclub.com

The Eden Tel: 01228 573003 www.edengolf.co.uk

Carlisle Tel: 01228 513029 www.carlislegolfclub.org

Kirkby Lonsdale Tel: 01524 276365 www.kirkbylonsdalegolf.co.uk

Ulverston Tel: 01229 582824 enquirires@ulverstongolf.co.uk

Carus Green Tel: 01539 721097 www.carusgreen.co.uk

Maryport Tel: 01900 812605 www.maryportgolfclub.co.uk

Whitehaven Tel: 01946 591177 www.whitehavengolfclub.com

Casterton Tel: 01524 271592 www.castertongolf.co.uk

Penrith Tel: 01768 891919 www.penrithgolfclub.co.uk

Windermere Tel: 01539 443123 www.windermeregolfclub.co.uk

Cockermouth Tel: 01768 776941 www.cockermouthgolf.co.uk

Seascale Tel: 01946 728202 www.seascalegolfclub.co.uk

Workington Tel: 01900 603460 www.workingtongolfclub.com

Dalston Hall Tel: 01228 710165 www.dalstonhallholidaypark.co.uk

Sedbergh Tel: 01539 621551 www.sedberghgolfclub.com

Dunnerholme Tel: 01229 462675 www.thedunnerholmegolfclub.co.uk

Silecroft Tel: 01229 770467 www.silecroftgolfclub.co.uk

125

North West Golf Guide

North Wales Introduction

Photos courtesy VisitBritain

©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel

126

North Wales North Wales is Welsh through and through.

This is a holiday region that’s passionate about language, music and history, with magnificent castles, railways and festivals.

The scenery is superb: fine beaches, tumbling rivers and of course the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Snowdonia. For all you golf lovers, picture yourself lining up your golf shot under the shadow of a medieval castle. Or surveying the green with the Irish Sea either side of you. Its magical moments like these

that make golf in North Wales so special.

Home to over 60 golf courses, North Wales has been a popular destination for golfers for some time. These historic, unique and diverse golf courses have welcomed golf players from all over the world. No matter what level of golf you’re at, North Wales has a number of courses ranging from beginner to experienced – and what’s better, you will be in some fantastic company as you enjoy a post-golf drink at the clubhouse.

©Britainonview / Pawel Libera

©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel

For all you golf lovers, picture yourself lining up your golf shot under the shadow of a medieval castle.

©VisitBritain/ Lee Beel

North West Golf Guide

North Wales Introduction

3

Rhyl

7

4 Anglesey A55

5

A55 Chester

6

Llanberis A5

8 A470 1

2

1. Abersoch 2. Borth & Ynyslas 3. Bull Bay 4. Conwy

5. Holywell 6. Northop 7. Prestatyn 8. Pwllhelli

A494

A494

A483 Wrexham

127

Contact Details

128

Abersoch Golf Club Links Golf Road, Abersoch Gwynedd, LL53 7EY Telephone: 01758 712622 manager@abersochgolf.co.uk www.abersochgolf.co.uk

How to Find

ABERSOCH

Proceed through the village of Abersoch taking the left lane out of the one way system. Take the next left into Golf Road and turn right down the lane before the beach car park. Ample car parking available.

Described by some visitors as “The Friendliest Golf Course in Wales” “A Jewel on the Welsh Riviera” and “Fantastic Golf Course with Stunning Views” the golf club at Abersoch is one to put on your North Wales golfing list. The original course layout by Harry Vardon offers a challenging mix of 18 holes on traditional links and parkland, and is a must for golfers of all abilities. The coastline offers a fabulous choice of golf courses and Abersoch is a definite to put on the list.

Take for example the signature 246 yard par 3, 3rd hole with elevated tee and panoramic views requiring an accurate drive downhill over both gorse and a water hazard to a

Golden Green Fee Offer Play 28 consecutive days at any time of the year for just £160.

14 days for £125 and 7 days for £95.

Ideal for the holiday golfer.

sloping green with a bunker waiting at the back. Follow that with links holes hugging the coastline and contoured over a century ago through huge, natural sand dunes, accuracy is key here as wayward drives can be punished.

Following 12 holes of pure links golf comes 6 holes of parkland golf to ease you back into the bar and on sunny days, the patio area where food and drink can be taken in a wonderful setting.

The Clubhouse is very welcoming to golfers, walkers, visitors and guests and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The Abersoch village then beckons the satisfied golfer with its unique range of quality restaurants, shops and bars.

Facilities Bar, Restaurant, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Electric Trolleys, Pull Trolleys, Buggies, Club Hire, Lessons

Course Information 18 holes, Par 69 • 5847 • 5622 • 5268 (71) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 377

10

4

331

2

5 470

11

4

440

3

3 246

12

4

317

4

4 289

13

4

367

5

5 506

14

3

167

6

3 176

15

4

312

7

4 459

16

3

161

8

4 355

17

4

392

9

4 338

18

3

144

Summer green fees from £30 per person or £100 per fourball.

Visit www.abersochgolf.co.uk for more details.

Contact Details

129

Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club Aer- Y- Mor, High Street Borth, Ceredigion, SY24 5JS Telephone: 01970 871 202 secretary@borthgolf.co.uk www.borthgolf.co.uk

BORTH & YNYSLAS

How to Find Borth and Ynyslas Golf Club is situated 7 miles north of the University Town of Aberystwyth on the West Coast of Wales. Borth is easily accessible by road. Whichever way you’re approaching from you will experience beautiful scenery.

From the east the A44 climbs through the Cambrian Mountains and down to the coast, and from the north and south the A487 offers spectacular views over Cardigan Bay Borth also has a Railway Station and there are regular train services from the Midlands and North Wales.

Facilities Bar, restaurant, putting green, chipping green, practice nets, Trolleys available year round, fully stocked Golf shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6086 • 5717 • 5362 (72) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 382

10

4

407

2

4 454

11

3

170

3

4 357

12

4

326

4

5 513

13

5

478

5

4 343

14

3

201

6

4 341

15

4

314

7

3 193

16

3

180

8

5 517

17

4

349

9

3 175

18

4

385

The game of golf has been played at Borth since 1876 when the boys of Uppingham School, Rutland, were evacuated here because of an outbreak of typhoid. Uppingham school history tells us that the teachers laid out some holes for the playing of golf at that time, and by 1885 an eighteen hole golf course was established and the Club of Borth and Ynyslas came into being. The links were created on a storm bank running along the shore of Cardigan Bay, protected in places by ancient sand dunes.

On the sandy beach stumps of a petrified forest remain silent witness to a bygone age.

The miracle at Borth is that despite inundation by the sea twice in the last 25 years, the course

is playing better than ever. The gently undulating terrain offers a rewarding challenge , whatever your handicap. The Welsh Inter Counties Championship has been an annual event, the SSI of 70 on a course of 6250 yards proving a good test for the scratch player, and a fair and ‘doable’ target for the rest of us who live in hope .

Golf at ‘breezy’ Borth is the ultimate antidote to work! All members of the golfing family are made welcome and if not already intoxicated by the sheer beauty of the location between sea and distant mountains then the 19th hole promises to put that right! A day at Borth will not break the bank, but will provide a great day out and the best of experiences.

For the latest news and offers visit www.borthgolf.co.uk

Contact Details

130

Bull Bay Golf Club Amlwch Anglesey, LL68 9RY Telephone: 01407 830 960 Email enquiries via website www.bullbaygc.co.uk

How to Find

BULL BAY

From the mainland: Cross the Britannia Bridge on the A5 and take the second exit for the A5025,(signposted to BENLLECH and AMLWCH). Follow the A5025 through BENLLECH and AMLWCH. Bull Bay Golf Club is on the left, 1 mile after passing through AMLWCH. From HOLYHEAD: Take the A5 to VALLEY. Turn left on to the A5025 at the traffic lights at the crossroads in VALLEY. Follow the A5025 signposted to AMLWCH. Bull Bay Golf Club is on the right, 1 mile before reaching AMLWCH. Few places can rival the spectacular setting of Bull Bay Golf Club, an 18 hole championship course. Laid out above the rugged coastline on the beautiful holiday island of Anglesey, every tee commands panoramic views over the Isle of Anglesey to the mountains of Snowdonia, or over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man, or even to the distant hills of the Lake District.

This Herbert Fowler designed course climbs and falls, twists and turns, through valleys and onto plateaus, between rocky outcrops and areas of gorse - a spectacular setting for a memorable game of golf.

The nature of the land and the mild climate offers around-the-year golf whilst the modern

Clubhouse has superb facilities. We guarantee every visitor a very warm welcome and excellent value for money.

The club motto is “Her Deg ar Hen Dir” meaning a fair challenge on ancient land, and with a blend of traditional and modern, lush fairways and superb greens, visitors to Bull Bay are assured of an experience to remember.

Less than 2hours drive from Liverpool & Manchester & the Midlands, and with excellent ferry connections to Ireland, - why not visit a “genuine hidden gem of a course well worth seeking out as much for its setting as its challenge”.

Once played you are certain to return.

Bull Bay 2016 Open Competitions Open to Full Members of recognised Golf Clubs (with competitive CONGU Handicaps) Proof of Handicap must be produced prior to play

Facilities Bar, restaurant, full sized snooker table, putting green, chipping green, practice nets, Trolleys and buggies available year round, fully stocked Golf shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6276 • 5991 • 5299 (73) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 370

10

3

195

2

4 392

11

5

505

3

3 220

12

3

197

4

4 383

13

4

317

5

3 175

14

4

425

6

4 310

15

5

486

7

4 426

16

3

174

8

5 475

17

4

433

9

4 347

18

4

446

Charity Team Challenge Eisteddfod Open Comp Open Stableford Seniors Individual Stableford Amlwch Town Cup Rnd 1 Ladies Challenge Cup 1 Amlwch Town Cup Rnd 2 Ladies Challenge Cup 2 Team Comp E Humphreys Jessie Andrews Better Ball Stableford Texas Scramble Mixed Better Ball Harry Joynson Cup Charity Team Comp Ladies Betterball

Sun 8th May Sun 29th May Monday 30th May Thursday 21st July Sat 30th July Sat 30th July Sun 31st July Sun 31st July Monday 1st Aug Tuesday 2nd Aug Tuesday 2nd Aug Wednesday 3rd Aug Thursday 4th Aug Friday 5th Aug Saturday 27th Aug Sunday 28th Aug Friday 2nd Sept

Contact Details

131

Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club Beacons Way, Conwy Conwy, LL32 8ER Telephone: 01492 592423 secretary@conwygolfclub.com www.conwygolfclub.com

How to Find

CONWY

Take Junction 17 off the A55 Expressway and follow signs for Conwy marina and Conwy Golf Club.

Only 1 ¼ hours from Manchester airport or an hour from M6.

Facilities Driving Range, Clubhouse, Pro Shop, Practice Nets, Chipping Practice Area, Practice Putting Greens

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6936 • 6647 • 6394 • 5822 (74) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 375

10

5

537

2

3 147

11

4

385

3

4 335

12

5

503

4

4 393

13

3

174

5

4 442

14

5

499

6

3 177

15

3

153

7

4 441

16

4

363

8

4 435

17

4

389

9

5 523

18

4

376

Imagine a championship Golf Course that not only provides stunning views from its advantageous position along the coast in North Wales, but this 18-hole, Par 72, course, which measures 6,476 yards, also offers a combination of classic pot bunkers and huge greens, making it a testing course for golfers of all abilities. This is just what you can experience at Conwy Golf Club.

Playable all year round, this must play golf course on the North Wales coast is the only Open Qualifying venue in Wales. Over the past six years Conwy has hosted the prestigious European Amateur Team Championship in 2009, the S4C Wales Ladies Championship of Europe in 2010 and its third European Senior tour event in 2012. We

held the R&A Boys Home Internationals in 2015, this year we are hosting the Welsh Ladies Open Strokeplay 29/4 to 1/5 and the LGU Ladies and Girls Home Internationals 3rd-5th August and we are hosting the Mens’ Home Internationals in 2018.

These links provide a great test of golf all year round, as one would expect of an Open Qualifying course and whilst we strive to maintain these high standards, our objective is also to ensure that our members, visitors and societies enjoy their golf here. Warm up on the excellent practice facilities with a driving range, chipping and practice putting areas before you enjoy your round. The Club is also rightly proud of its modern Clubhouse, with its friendly Bar & Restaurant.

29th April- 1st May Welsh Open Ladies’ Stroke Play Championship 3rd- 5th August Ladies and Girls Home Internationals Telephone: 01492 592423 Email: secretary@conwygolfclub.com

www.conwygolfclub.com

FULL membership only £640 and no joining fee 2nd Club membership ONLY £340 and no joining fee Discounts for groups >15 and/or catering packages

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Contact Details

133

Holywell Golf Club Brynford, Holywell, CH8 8LQ Telephone: 01352 710 040 secretary@holywellgc.co.uk www.holywellgc.co.uk

How to Find

Facilities Bar, restaurant, full sized snooker table, putting green, chipping green, practice nets, State of the Art Golf Simulator Studio, Trolleys and buggies available year round, fully stocked Golf shop Course Information 18 holes, Par 70 • 6091 • 5813 (69) • 5122 H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 397

10

5

480

2

4 368

11

4

300

3

4 404

12

3

168

4

3 188

13

4

317

5

4 374

14

5

521

6

3 165

15

3

134

7

4 445

16

4

340

8

4 364

17

4

333

9

4 373

18

4

420

Memberships Household Two new members from same address, pay only one full fee

HOLYWELL

From East or West: Leave A55 at junction 32, Take A5026 signposted Holywell Turn left on to B5121 at traffic lights, Signposted Brynford.

Follow signs for Holywell Golf Club.

Holywell offers a unique golfing challenge in a delightful part of North Wales within easy reach of Chester, Merseyside and the North West.

Situated on Brynford common this inland links style course is a fair and sporting test for golfers of all abilities. It’s one of the highest courses in Wales and, at 800 feet above sea level, its invigorating air (and unpredictable breezes!) enhance the quality of the experience.

Add in the warmth of the welcome, the glorious views to the Clwydian Range and Snowdonia, the competitive fees, the first class professional service, the excellent catering and its accessibility just off the A 55 and you really have something to savour.

Green Fees from £15 per person

Then, of course, there’s the fascination of the course itself. Established over a hundred years ago, the softness of the turf and the limestone subsoil combine to provide an arena which is never fatiguing. There are no tiring uphill holes and it’s full of variety and interest with many natural hazards. Holywell has developed around the existing natural features, grass bunkers, lime kilns, quarries and old spoil mounds. Each hole has its own individual characteristics. Plus fours, mashies and niblicks would not be out of place here, it is golf as it is meant to be played.

This is a Marmite course, you hate it or you’ll absolutely love it!! You won’t know until you’ve tried it.

Societies

New members 18–30 yrs old £200

(5 players or more) BACON ROLL & COFFEE 18 HOLES HOT DISH OF THE DAY Up to end September

Trial Membership from £99 for 3 months

from £25/person

Contact Details

134

Northop Golf Club Sinclair House, Northop Country Park Northop, CH7 6WA Telephone: 01352 840440 northopgolfclub@btconnect.com www.northopgolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

NORTHOP

Coming from Manchester/Chester area exit at junction 33A signposted for Connah’s Quay and entrance to golf club is 200 yards on your left hand side.

Set in stunning 247-acre parkland course and designed by former Ryder Cup player John Jacobs, the Northop Golf Club, located in the heart of Northop, Flintshire, is among the most celebrated golfing venues in Wales.

Founded in 1994, the Northop Golf Club has hosted numerous amateur national events, the Welsh PGA Championship, the British PGA Championship, the Welsh Ladies Championship, and the first-ever European Challenge tour event to be held in Wales.

Well-known for its fantastic views, brand new clubhouse and top class golf and practice facilities, the course retains all the ingredients that brought about this success; USPGA greens that result in 365 day a year 18 hole golf, championship tees that provide a stern challenge of the golfers abilities. The Club’s extensive tee complexes, however, mean that Northop can accommodate golfers of all abilities.

Facilities Clubhouse, Pro-Shop, Bar, Restaurant & Driving Range

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6394 • 6052 • 5421 H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

5 540

10

4

354

2

3 178

11

5

553

3

4 357

12

4

348

4

4 290

13

4

347

5

4 270

14

3

189

6

3 158

15

5

519

7

4 420

16

4

402

8

5 502

17

3

154

9

4 385

18

4

428

Full Membership special offer £500 per year – less than £10 per week!!

Summer Green Fees from £15 per person Summer Golf Societies Packages start from £20 per person and are available 7 days per week Telephone Tony Godden on 01352 840440 or email: northopgolfclub@btconnect.com. Visit: www.northopgolfclub.co.uk

Contact Details

135

Prestatyn Golf Club Marine Road East, Prestatyn Denbighshire, LL19 7HS Telephone: 01745 854320 enquiries@prestatyngolfclub.co.uk www.prestatyngolfclub.co.uk

How to Find

PRESTATYN

The Club is located off the A458 (Marine Road), 9 miles from the North Wales Express Way (Junction 31) situated on the north east outskirts of Prestatyn, adjacent to Barkby Beach.

Approximate distances and journey times to the property are: Liverpool: 40 miles, 60 mins Chester: 30 miles, 45 mins Manchester: 70 miles, 1 hr 30 mins Birmingham: 120 miles, 2 hrs 30 mins Cardiff: 170 miles, 4 hrs Central London: 240 miles, 4 hrs 30 mins

Facilities Societies Welcome, Clubhouse, Driving range, Practice Area, Pro Shop, Buggy Hire, Golf Simulator, Restaurant

Course Information 18 holes, Par 72 • 6825 • 6568 • 6222 • 5691 (75) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 307

10

4

450

2

4 382

11

3

143

3

5 516

12

5

507

4

4 468

13

3

175

5

4 404

14

4

434

6

3 176

15

4

335

7

5 490

16

4

414

8

4 412

17

3

150

9

4 311

18

5

494

The championship links course at Prestatyn is set in 150 acres of superb unspoilt links land. Voted in the top ten winter links, the stunning course, welcoming clubhouse, and challenges like no other, combine to provide for exceptional golfing and socialising. Prestatyn Golf Club enjoys a temperate climate and its seaside nature ensures that golfers can play all 18 greens, the year round on superb turf.

Prestatyn Golf Club is a championship course, 6808 yards off the championship blue tees and 6564 yards of the medal white tees. The prevailing south west winds are a feature of the course and the low punched shot is often a very useful addition to the player’s repertoire.

The clubhouse has extensive members’ and visitors’ facilities including a lounge bar and full catering. The course features in the Welsh Golfing Union calendar and their national championships are held here at the club.

Visitors enjoy the challenge of playing a links championship course as well as the excellent social facilities.

Hole 15 is the signature hole with its low rambling dunes adjoining the flat fairway. The tee shot has you facing the out of bounds of the railway but the courageous fade or cultivated draw will put you well down the fairway. A wedge over the Eyes bunkers to the reverse MacKenzie green will give you a chance of par.

Summer 2016 Green Fees 1st April - 31st September 2016 Monday - Friday £30.00 Saturday & Sunday £35.00

Contact Details

136

Clwb Golff Pwllheli (Pwllheli Golf Club) Lon Golff, Pwllheli, LL53 5PS Telephone: 01758 701 644 info@clwbgolffpwllheli.com www.clwbgolffpwllheli.com

How to Find

PWLLHELI

From The North West: Clwb Golff Pwllheli is located at Lon Golff, Pwllheli, North Wales. Head towards North Wales on the A55 until you reach the turning for Caernarfon and the A487. Continue on the A487 and head for Pwhelli and Abersoch until you reach the A499. The A499 takes you into Pwhelli town centre and the Golf Club is signposted from there. To find us via ‘SatNav’ please type in our postcode - LL53 5PS.

Set on the south facing coastline of the spectacular Cardigan Bay, Clwb Golff Pwllheli is one of the finest golf courses in North Wales.

Designed as an initial 9 hole course by Tom Morris in 1900, the course was extended to an 18 hole course in 1909 in line with the designs of 5 times British Open Champion James Braid.

After a testing but enjoyable round of golf, unwind in our clubhouse which is within yards of the sea with balconies that boast fantastic views over the heritage coastline of Cardigan Bay, the beautiful landscape that is the Llyn Peninsula and of course, the world class mountain ranges of Snowdonia.

At 6,100 yards, don’t be fooled by our par 69 course. The course is unique in that it combines tree-lined parkland golf with links golf. The course will challenge even the best of golfers as well as ensuring that you get to experience golf in a fantastic setting.

Here at Pwllheli, we have the course, location and clubhouse to make your visit an experience to remember

Facilities Bar, restaurant, full sized snooker table, putting green, chipping green, practice nets, Trolleys and buggies available year round, fully stocked Golf shop

Course Information 18 holes, Par 69 • 6108 • 5881 • 5224 (71) H OLE

PAR

• YDS

H OLE

PAR

• YDS

1

4 382

10

3

197

2

4 423

11

4

291

3

3 154

12

3

146

4

4 377

13

4

422

5

4 317

14

4

342

6

4 339

15

4

455

7

4 441

16

4

347

8

4 350

17

4

374

9

4 400

18

4

351

For the latest news and offers visit www.clwbgolffpwllheli.com

North West Golf Guide

North Wales Directory

Aberdovey Golf Club Tel 01654 767493 Fax 01654 767027 www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk

Hawarden Golf Club Tel 01244 531447 www.hawardengolfclub.co.uk

Plassey Golf Club Tel 01978 780020 www.plassey.com

Abergele Golf Club Tel 01745 824034 Web www.abergelegolf.co.uk

Henllys Hall Golf Club Tel 01248 811717 www.henllysgolfclub.co.uk

Porthmadog Golf Club Tel 01766 514124 www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk

Abersoch Golf Club Tel 01758 712622 www.abersoch.co.uk

Holyhead Golf Club Tel 01407 763279 www.holyheadgolfclub.co.uk

Prestatyn Golf Club Tel 01745 854320 www.prestatyngolfclub.co.uk

Aberystwyth Golf Club Tel 01970 615104 www.aberystwythgolfclub.com

Holywell Golf Club Tel 01352 710040 www.holywellgc.co.uk

Pwllheli Golf Club Tel 01758 701644 www.pwllheligolfclub.co.uk

Anglesey Golf Club Tel 01407 811127 www.angleseygolfclub.co.uk

Llandudno Golf Club Tel 01492 876450 www.maesdugolfclub.co.uk

Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club Tel 07773 606517 www.rhosgolf.co.uk

Bala Golf Club Tel 01678 520359 www.golffbala.co.uk

Llanfairfechan Golf Club Tel 01248 680144 Website n/a

Rhuddlan Golf Club Tel 01745 590217 www.rhuddlangolfclub.co.uk

Bangor St Deiniol Golf Club Tel 01248 353098 www.bangorgolf.co.uk

Mold Golf Club Tel 01352 741513 www.moldgolfclub.co.uk

Rhyl Golf Club Tel 01745 353171 www.rhygolfclub.com

Baron Hill Golf Club Tel 01248 810231 www.baronhill.co.uk

Moss Valley Golf Club Tel 01978 720518 www.mossvalleygolf.co.uk

Royal St David’s Golf Club Tel 01766 780361 www.royalstdavids.co.uk

Betws-y-Coed Golf Club Tel 01690 710556 www.golf-betws-y-coed.co.uk

Mountain Park Golf Club Tel 07513 485251 www.mountainparkgolf.co.uk

Royal Town of Caernarfon Golf Club Tel 01286 673783 www.caernarfongolfclub.co.uk

Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club Tel 01970 871202 www.borthgolf.co.uk

Nefyn & District Golf Club Tel 01758 720966 www.nefyn-golf-club.co.uk

Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club Tel 01824 702296 www.ruthinpwllglasgc.co.uk

Bull Bay Golf Club Tel 01407 830960 www.bullbaygc.co.uk

North Wales Golf Club Tel 01492 875325 www.northwalesgolfclub.co.uk

St Melyd Golf Club Tel 01745 854405 www.stmelydgolf.co.uk

Clays Golf Club Tel 01978 661406 www.claysgolf.co.uk

Northop Country Park Golf Club Tel 01352 840440 www.northoppark.co.uk

Storws Wen Golf Club Tel 01248 852673 www.storwswen.org

Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club Tel 01492 592423 www.conwygolfclub.co.uk

Old Colwyn Golf Club Tel 01492 51558 www.oldcolwyngolfclub.com

Vale of Llangollen Golf Club Tel 01978 860906 www.vlgc.co.uk

Criccieth Golf Club Tel 01766 522154 www.criccietehgolfclub-northwales.co.uk

Old Padeswood Golf Club Tel 01244 547401/550414 www.oldpadeswoodgolfclub.co.uk

Welshpool Golf Club Tel 01938 850249 www.welshpoolgolfclub.co.uk

Denbigh Golf Club Tel 01745 816669 www.denbighgolfclub.co.uk

Padeswood & Buckley Golf Club Tel 01244 550537 www.padeswoodgolfclub.com

Wrexham Golf Club Tel 01978 364268 www.wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk

Dolgellau Golf Club Tel 01341 422603 www.dolgellaugolfclub.com

Penmaenmawr Golf Club Tel 01492 623330 www.pengolf.co.uk

Flint Golf Club Tel 01352 732327 www.flintgolfclub.co.uk

Pennant Park Golf Club Tel 01745 563000 www.pennant-park.co.uk

137

138

North West Golf Guide

Travel Opens & Invitations

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 the geographical & political oddity Gibraltar, with visits to see the Barbary Apes and abundant military history. This great diversity means that it has something to offer just about everyone, with enough entertainment and variety to please all types of 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.

Costa del Sol A true golfer’s paradise

With over 60 stunning golf courses catering for players of all levels and every budget, the Costa del Sol is a true golfer’s paradise. Home to world class courses like Valderrama or Las Brisas, the Costa del Sol also offers golfers a wide variety of challenges and sceneries; from the stunning mountainous setting of courses like La Cala to the flatter and more forgiving Mijas Golf. The warm weather, over 320 days of sunshine a year and fun nightlife also contribute to making this golf destination one of the most popular in Europe.

A popular ‘base’ resort for golfers who visit the Costa del Sol is Benalmádena. Ideally located on the sea front just 20 minutes from Málaga airport, it’s within easy driving distance of many of the Coast’s top golf courses. You’ll find a casino, a multitude of bars & restaurants and a 20km-long coastline accommodating 15 beaches as well as a world-class marina with shops, restaurants bars and plenty of exciting nightlife.

For great-value golf packages, the Sunset Beach Club Hotel offers a fantastic choice. The hotel’s Golf & Leisure desk team can plan your tailor-made golfing package holiday or you can choose from one of their existing packages which include accommodation in 1 bedroom exterior apartment, full buffet breakfast, tee times and car hire.

The 4 star Sunset Beach Club hotel also offers guests a fabulous sea front location and a wide range of facilities including bars, restaurants, swimming pools and entertainment every night in the Oasis Restaurant.

After a long day at the Golf course, why not enjoy Happy Hour at the Panorama Bar on the 6th floor of the Hotel, offering stunning views over the Mediterranean, you’ll be able to watch live international sports and enjoy a well-earned drink at the daily happy hour!

For more information visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com or email golf@sunsetbeachclub.com

140

North West Golf Guide

COSTA DEL SOL

“The Jewel of Mijas” Hotel Tamisa Golf - Mijas Golf, Costa del Sol

Located just 5 minutes drive from Fuengirola, the impressive Tamisa Hotel is easy to find in the Mijas Golf Valley. This four star, modern, Andalucían-style hotel offers well appointed accommodation, all with commanding views of the beautiful Mijas golf courses and the Sierra de Mijas beyond.

Each of the twenty spacious and luxurious double rooms and four junior suites offer a mini bar, en-suite bathroom, safety deposit box, hot and cold air conditioning, state of the Art Bang & Olufsen TV’s (with UK channels), and each private terrace has spectacular views overlooking the pool area and golf course.

The Hotel Bar, with it’s cosy interior and wonderful outdoor terrace around the Swimming Pool, is the ideal place for a

leisurely drink, cocktails or a light snack at any time of the day. It’s also the place where you can take advantage of the ‘happy hour’ every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 6-8pm.

For those who enjoy Gourmet food, the Hotel’s “Restaurante Tamisa” is also open to non-residents and specialises in International and traditional cuisine, and during the summer months, meals are served out on the terrace.

The Tamisa is well known on the Costa del Sol Golf circuit with many UK Golf Societies using the hotel as their annual base - its renowned for its efficient and friendly staff and is well versed in dealing with the day to day demands of today’s Golfer. The Hotel’s own Mini-Bus’s are complimentary for resident Golfers, either with or without a driver - (some Societies

prefer to drive themselves and spend a little more time at the Clubhouse, rather than worrying about pick-up times), and the hotel caters for this. Airport transfers and Golf Club Hire can also be arranged to remove any hassle when arriving at Malaga Airport.

Other facilities at Hotel Tamisa include the ‘Wellness Centre’, (which is free for hotel guests), with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym and massage centre.

Hotel Tamisa Golf Mijas Costa, Costa del Sol Tel: (+34) 952 585 988 reservas@hoteltamisagolf.com www.hoteltamisagolf.com

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North West Golf Guide

COSTA DEL SOL

El Chaparral Golf Club

Enjoying nature in all its glory while playing golf, breathing in the fragrance of the pine trees, listening to the songs of the birds and allowing yourself to be enchanted by the beautiful panoramic views - this is just one of the many attractions of El Chaparral, the Costa del Sol golf club set in the municipality of Mijas, and neighbouring the municipality of Marbella.

The personalised, courteous and professional attention offered by all of our employees is another characteristic which distinguishes El Chaparral. Equally outstanding is its club house, built in the Andalusian style and overlooking the sea, which provides additional services including a restaurant, live music, a golf shop, club repair, a conference room, a beauty parlour and a hairdresser. The club house is elegantly decorated and is equipped with luxury facilities with different atmospheres as well as a spacious terrace with unbeatable views of the golf course and the sea.

Spectacular would be the word that best defines the sensation of playing at El Chaparral, which is capable of hosting any kind of top-level event, whether amateur or professional.

The course consists of 18 holes set in unique and privileged surroundings on the Costa del Sol. Close to the sea (700 metres from the beach) and surrounded by vast woods of Canary Island pines and native Mediterranean

woodland, El Chaparral offers players what all golfers are searching for: peacefulness.

Designed by Pepe Gancedo, this is the only course on the Costa del Sol with six par 5’s, six par 4’s and six par 3’s. It is not a very long course (5,800 metres) and it includes a wide variety of holes which can be enjoyed by players of all levels. It is a demanding circuit which requires skill and precision, with greens which provide outstanding conditions throughout the whole year.

Its ease of access, at just 700 metres off the N340 highway, places it right at the head of Golf Valley in Mijas, which is a world-famous destination for golfers.

El Chaparral has a top-class international golf school with highly qualified PGA professionals, each with their own teaching method, as well as the latest video and computer technology, whether for teaching beginners or for helping advanced players who wish to perfect their swing.

The floodlit driving range is open every day of the year until nine o’clock in the evening. It was designed with all kinds of professionals in mind, who, due to a lack of time, can only enjoy their free time once they have finished work for the day. It has a practice tee made of wood, with two heights and space for 32 players. There is also a 1000-square metre practice green for approach and putt, making this one of the best practice areas in Mijas Costa.

El Chaparral has become a benchmark for golf courses on the Costa del Sol thanks to its delightful surroundings, its impeccable facilities, its high quality of service and its good value for money.

Contact Details El Chaparral Golf Club, Urb. El Chaparral N-340, Km 203, 29648 Mijas Costa Tel.: (+34) 952 587 733 reservas@golfelchaparral.com www.golfelchaparral.com

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North West Golf Guide

COSTA DEL SOL

Cabopino Golf Marbella Cabopino Golf is situated on the border between Marbella and Mijas Costa, opposite the charming little marina of Cabopino. The course was designed by Juan Ligues Creus. The layout presents spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding pine forest.

Cabopino Golf allows all categories of handicap golfers to enjoy a day out. At the entrance to Cabopino Golf we find the excellent facilities of the golf Academy and driving range. The driving range has a capacity for 60 players, with a depth of 250 mts, and 160 mts, wide distance markers, bunkers, and the natural layout amongst the pine forest make an interesting and challenging practise session. The academy offers classes for individual ladies and gentlemen, groups of children, and corporative groups.

Amongst the many spectacular holes, the par 4, third would be one to mention. Your tee box perched on the side of the cliff, presents you with a tee shot that has a drop of nearly 80m to the fairway, you then face an elevated green protected by a large bunker. Holes thirteen and fifteen are also attractive, with streams and lakes. The tenth tee provides a magnificent view of the back nine and the Mediterranean Sea. Contact Details Cabopino Golf Marbella Urb. Artola Alta S/N, Apdo 2135, 29604 Marbella Tel.: (+34) 951 607 004 Mob: (+34) 638 927 271 reservas@cabopinogolfmarbella.com www.cabopinogolfmarbella.com

COSTA DEL SOL

North West Golf Guide

Parador de Málaga Golf By far the oldest course on the Coast and inaugurated by the Spanish Royal Family in 1925. Now consisting of 27 holes, the original 18 holes were designed by To`m Simpson, of Muirhead and Turnberry fame. An easy to walk course, although it is a long one, flat, a mixture of links, seawater lagoons and parkland, suitable for all levels of golfers but when yet that sea wind blows offering a severe challenge to even the most experienced of golfers. Mostly open fairways, flat and quite easy to read

greens, apart from the 9th, 12th and 15th.

The ninth is a tricky par-3, difficult to reach on windy days, with a subtly contoured putting surface. The course has been rather underrated of late but is now under new management and in recent years the greens and conditions of the course has been vastly improved. Many visiting golfers like to play this course on the last day of their golfing holiday as it is only a five minute drive from the 18th hole (or 19th hut) to Malaga Airport.

Contact Details Parador de Málaga Golf Autovía MA-20 (Málaga-Algeciras)Salida-1, 29004-Málaga Tel.: (+34) 951 011 120 Fax: (+34) 952 372 072 malaga@parador.es www.parador.es

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