YORKSHIRE GOLF HOLIDAYS
Reviews of the best golf courses for York and Leeds golfbreaks.
Fulford Architect: C. MacKenzie (1935) 18 holes: 6,100yds: par 72.
One of England's finest parkland golf courses, renowned for Bernhard Langer's famous 'tree-iron'. But there is much more to this technical course where position from the Tee is all important: either opening up the Green or sealing it off! Host to a long list of Pro tournaments in the 1900s when the ball didn't go quite as far; it remains a very good test for Club golfers and you are sure to enjoy the quality of the Greens and the warm Yorkshire welcome.
York Architect: J.H. Taylor (1904) 18 holes: 6,367yds: par 70.
Another centurion Club, just to the North of York at Strensall, that was crafted by none other than J.H. Taylor whose course designs are not as prolific as other Open champions of his era. The land is a mixture of heath and parkland known as 'lowland heath' (bit like a moor with trees!) one shrub you won't fail to notice is gorse which springs in abundance anywhere there isn't a tree! However, the Fairways are generally generous so barring the odd mishap progress should be steady.
Ganton Architect: T. Dunn (1891) 18 holes: 6,061yds: par 73.
About 45 minutes from York, heading out towards the North Yorkshire coast and the bright lights of Scarborough, hides one of England's finest inland courses - arguably THE finest. A little remote from other golfing clusters in the British Isles, it remains a course that many golfers have heard about: few have played. Despite its inland setting, Ganton has a very linksy feel to it with hardly a tree to be seen around the course. A feeling that is enhanced by firm Fairways and Greens that favour a low-approach between the yawning bunkers. A tough, but rewarding test; well worth the drive from York.
Alwoodley Architect: T. Dunn (1891) 18 holes: 6,061yds: par 73.
A beautiful heathland course just to the Northeast of Leeds, so very accessible in about 45 minutes from York. Wide Fairways bordered by wide stretches of Heather cover a large part of the county and give Alwoodley a generous, open feeling: it's tougher than it looks! Amusingly ostentatious Clubhouse to luxuriate in once you return.
Other courses to consider
MOORTOWN - Just across the road from Alwoodley, an original Ryder Cup course.
MOOR ALLERTON - A modern heathland layout, on the right side of Leeds for York.
PANNAL - A rollicking course across moorland hillsides not far to the North of York.
HARROGATE - A pretty parkland course that befits the genteel town of Harrogate: arboreal artistry lines the Fairways and surrounds the Greens.
Selby - A down-to-earth and very good value course to the South of York (handy en-route to/from the South).