Manchester (UK) Area Golf Courses

[Mark_Rowlinson]

A number of you have been in touch about worthwhile courses in the Manchester area, so I've put together a comprehensive list of Cheshire and Mancunian courses.  I've given websites where available and also a postcode.  Where these mislead Google Earth I have added bearings.  Where Google Earth is still in low resolution you may well find you can get an aerial from Multimap or any other of the mapping websites.

I posted a thread of aerials of Liverpool area courses some time ago.  These join together to give almost everything of interest (an quite a lot of negligible interest) in the north west.  

Because it is a large document I'll post it in several sections.

MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE

CHESHIRE

Adlington Golf Centre (Hawtree)
SK10 4NG (53°20'3.11"N  2° 8'27.67"W)
http://www.adlingtongolfcentre.com/
Two excellent 9-hole par-3 courses designed by Hawtree.  When the Google Earth image was taken the larger of the two courses had not been constructed, but it is very good of its kind, with hole lengths from 110 to 249 yards, and some interestingly contoured greens.  The other course is pitch-and-putt with well-defended tiny greens.

Alder Root (1993 - Millington/Lander)
WA2 8RZ
http://www.alderrootgolfclub.com/
10-hole course which apparently aims to become the most challenging 9-hole course in Cheshire.  It has some stiff opposition!

Alderley Edge (1907 – TG Renouf)
SK9 7BU (53°18'39.66"N  2°15'8.51"W
www.aegc.co.uk
This would certainly give Alder Root a run for its money with an excellent first three holes and a challenging all-or-nothing par-3 8th.  The 5th/14th and 6th/15th, sadly, are poor holes.  Can be wet in winter, and rough can be severe in a wet summer.

Aldersey Green (1993)
CH3 9EH (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.alderseygreengolfclub.co.uk/
I know almost nothing about this.  It is a near neighbour of Carden Park, but nowhere near as expensive, and should do well as there was previously little or no golf provision in this affluent part of the county.

Altrincham Municipal (1893)
WA15 7LP
No web site
A much needed public course, one of very few in the area.  It is, therefore, very busy.  Many parallel fairways imply much interference between matches, but they have resisted the temptation to plant too many trees and the bunkering is a strong feature.  

Alvaston Hall (1992)
CW5 6PD (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.warnerbreaks.co.uk/alvaston-hall-hotel/golf-breaks-alvaston-hall.asp
Apparently an ‘Adults only’ hotel.  The little 9-hole par-3 golf course is good fun.

Antrobus (1992 – Mike Slater)
CW9 6JQ (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.antrobusgolfclub.co.uk/
Mike Slater was a competitive local professional who, sadly, died soon after this course was opened.  It is pretty flat, but almost every hole has water of some kind lurking.  It is ball-swallower!

Ashton-on-Mersey (1897)
M33 5QQ
http://www.aomgc.co.uk/
One of a number of clubs along the banks of the diminutive River Mersey in south Manchester.  9 holes, remarkably secluded given the location.

Astbury (1922 - Hawtree)
CW12 4RE (53° 8'53.57"N  2°12'38.46"W)
http://www.astburygolfclub.com/
Astbury is a pretty village with a mediaeval triangular green and a most handsome church.  The golf course is pleasant and rural and, although the card shows it to have quite a few shorter par 4s it is no pushover.  Among the more memorable holes are the 3rd and 12th, short par 5s with plenty of risk-reward.

Birchwood (1979 – Tom Macauley)
WA3 7PB (Not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.birchwoodgolfclub.co.uk/
Intelligent use of a strip of land bounded by a science park, industry, housing and motorways.  It’s quite a tough course with particularly venomous water holes at the 9th and 11th.

Bramall Park (1894 – MacKenzie/Braid)
SK7 3LY (53°22'16.60"N  2°10'42.28"W)
http://www.bramallparkgolfclub.co.uk/
As I understand it, MacKenzie rebuilt the course in 1922, extending it to 18 holes, but that the members were ‘not happy with the design of the new course.’ Braid was brought in in 1934 to alter a number of greens and to add bunkers.  Two new holes (12th and 13th) were added in 1967.  It’s on Cheshire clay and can get a bit wet in winter, and in summer it grows lush grass.  You leave the fairways, then, at your peril!  There are some ordinary holes, but the 6th, 7th 8th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th would amuse all golfers.

Bramhall (1905)
SK7 2EY (53°21'27.00"N  2° 9'9.46"W)
www.bramhallgolfclub.com
Yes, the spellings of Bramall Park and Bramhall are correct!  Both are in the village of Bramhall where the local historic house is Bramall Park.  Bramhall is distinguished by a number of depressions which have been used cleverly to test the approach work on a number of holes.  I remember with fondness the par-5 7th, par-4 8th, 11th and 17th, but it is many years since last I played there.

Carden Park (1993 Alan Higgins, 2000? Jack and Steve Nicklaus)
CH3 9DQ (Not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.devere.co.uk/Hotels/Carden/default.aspx?EQID=01190186-9999999&gclid=CJSVzuypyYkCFQ41GgoddzFhiQ
All singing, all dancing De Vere resort golf.  The Higgins course is fun in parts, quirky in others and occasionally dull.  I am afraid that I find the Nicklaus course largely uninteresting.  Sorry!

Cheadle (1885)
SK8 1HW (53°23'15.43"N  2°12'24.94"W)
http://www.cheadlegolfclub.com/
This is the second oldest surviving club in Cheshire (there was one at Frodsham which did not survive) with a charming little (under 5000 yards) 9-hole course in the Manchester suburbs.  Despite the crossing holes and parallel fairways it’s an enjoyable course.

Chester (1901)
CH4 8AR (53°11'10.96"N  2°54'24.70"W)
http://www.chestergolfclub.co.uk/
Despite the excellent club and course histories on the extensive web site I cannot find reference to named architects.  It’s a parkland course in the suburbs of this fascinating Roman/mediaeval Cathedral city distinguished by the cliff which separates the upper and lower parts of the course, with a few exciting holes played over this.  However, many of the rest of the largely parallel holes are unmemorable.

Congleton (1898 Frank Wingate)
CW12 3LZ
http://www.congletongolf.co.uk/
A diminutive 9-hole course (just over 5,000 yards) with fun in abundance on this undulating site.  There were alternative greens for the 5th/14th, 7th/16th and 8th/17th and Google Earth suggests that they are still there.

Crewe (1911)
CW1 5TB
http://www.crewegolfclub.co.uk/
I do not know the architectural history of the course, but it is an enjoyable course with good par 4s.  Club member Roy Smethurst has had a distinguished record in Senior Amateur Golf.

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Davenport (1913)
SK12 1TS (53°21'5.91"N  2° 5'49.15"W)
http://www.davenportgolf.co.uk/
An old club, related to the original Stockport Golf Club, which moved to its present site in 1973.  The views from this upland site over the Cheshire plain are superb, especially at sunset.  Laid out over former coal mining land, the course enjoys considerable variety with some strong hitting required on the holes on the far side of the road dividing the course.  There are plenty of fun holes, such as the extreme dog-leg 2nd and the testing 17th played uphill into a green nestled in the woods.

Delamere Forest (1910 – Fowler)
CW8 2JE (Not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.delameregolf.co.uk/
Inspired routing, uplifting surroundings, great start, much charm.  Some GCA disappointment over flat greens – try them in mid summer!

Disley (1889 – Braid)
SK12 2JX (mostly in low resolution Google Earth)
http://www.disleygolfclub.co.uk/
An upland course with some great panoramic views.  It can feel the full force of the wind or rain!  The 16th hole retains all the fun of the now ploughed up 17th on the Eden at St Andrews.

Dukinfield (1913)
SK16 5DB
http://www.dukinfieldgolfclub.co.uk/
An oasis in a dreary corner of the Mancunian hinterland, surrounded by drab housing and industry but there’s much enjoyment to be had.  The routing has changed since last I visited, and there are still parts of the course where holes have to be forced out of the land, such as the eccentric 7th, but holes such as the 12th and 13th are memorable and how many courses of 5,300 yards boast a 592-yard par 5?

Dunham Forest (1961 – John Bealey/Dave Thomas)
WA14 4TY
http://www.dunhamforest.com/
If you like trees this is a beautiful spot, but if you cannot hit straight you could toil.  The course was laid out over the site of a former Italian POW camp and an underground reservoir.  The holes in the trees are my favourites, the sequences from 1-6 and 12-18.

Eaton (1914 – Donald Steel)
CH3 7PH
http://www.eatongolfclub.co.uk/
The club, which had formerly enjoyed a course laid out in the Duke of Westminster’s estate, moved the few miles here to a new Donald Steel course in 1993.  Steel has made clever use of the natural features, including a stream which crosses a number of holes, and avoided the plague of over-bunkering, although some of those there are are expansive.

Ellesmere Port (1971)
CH66 1QF (53°17'26.46"N  2°56'56.21"W)
No web site
A good municipal course with sufficient length (6,432 yards) and difficulty (bunkers, trees, water) to satisfy the more proficient player, although on some holes the beginner will be overwhelmed.

Frodsham (1990 – John Day)
WA6 6HE (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.frodshamgolf.co.uk/index.html
There was a golf club in Frodsham in the 1870s but it did not survive.  This modern course enjoys some fine views over the industry of Merseyside and the Wirral, yet is itself in beautiful upland country.  The order of play has changed from when I last visited, so I cannot point out the more interesting holes.

Gatley (1911)
SK8 3TW  
http://www.gatleygolfclub.com/
A very characterful 9-hole course often visible on the left of the plane as you land at Manchester Airport.  Five holes are on the far side of the railway, four on the other and these are the more distinctive holes, and quite testing.

Hale (1903)
WA15 0NU
No web site
Yet another excellent 9-hole course in the county.  Despite being very close to the M56 and Manchester Airport it is secreted away in a delightful, rolling woodland setting on the banks of the River Bollin.  It is no wonder its membership includes judges.

Hazel Grove (1913 – MacKenzie/Macauley)
SK7 6LU (53°22'28.20"N  2° 5'43.81"W)
http://www.hazelgrovegolfclub.com/
Rather a sad case in that alterations were forced on the club and its MacKenzie course because of a proposed major road building which never happened.  Some MacKenzie survives and the Macauley holes are testing, but the loss of the old 17th, Spion Kop, a villainous short hole across a dark and dangerous gully is more than unfortunate.

Heaton Moor (1892)
SK4 3NX
http://www.heatonmoorgolfclub.co.uk/
An old club, although the course has evolved through many alterations (largely through land acquisitions).  It wandered round a derelict hospital for some years but that building is now a Chinese Embassy delegation and very smart it is, too!  It’s not a great course, but it finishes with a real nerve-jangler, with a pitch over a hedge and bunker to a raised green literally abutting the clubhouse – there’s a photo of it on the website.  CT Chevalier who once held a record for career holes-in-one was professional here for many years.

Helsby (1901 – Braid)
WA6 0JB (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.helsbygolfclub.org/
Braid’s course was of only 9 holes.  It’s a pleasant enough parkland course with a number of very strong holes among the newer ones, but with Delamere Forest and Sandiway just down the road, and Royal Liverpool half an hour away….

Heyrose (1989 – JN Bridge)
WA16 0HZ (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.heyrosegolfclub.com/
Developed very wisely by a local farmer (on land adjacent to my late uncle’s farm), piecemeal, only as cash flow allowed, this is now a useful 18-hole course easily accessible to non-members as well supporting an active membership.  The clubhouse is used for farm sales, dances, local meetings etc and is an asset to the community.  New greens and reworked bunkers are constructed as finances allow, and the 16th is one of the hardest par 3s in Cheshire.

Houldsworth (1910)
SK5 6BN
http://www.houldsworthgolfclub.co.uk/
In the heart of industrial Stockport and close to Manchester city centre, this old course was redesigned in 1993 by Dave Thomas to incorporate such features as an island green.  

Knights Grange (1983)
CW7 2PT
Public 18-hole facility within a sports complex in Winsford.  It must surely play an important social function in this dismal town, but the course will hardly attract visitors from further afield.

Knutsford (1891 – Lowe, Speakman/Taylor)
WA16 6HS
No website
A real charmer, in gorgeous parkland within the Tatton Park Estate.  The original George Lowe course disappeared when the course was moved at the order of the family in 1909.  Speakman and Taylor were clearly visionary amateurs for this is a gorgeous course.  10 holes – alternative 9th and 18th holes.

Leigh (1906 - Braid)
WA3 4BG
http://www.leighgolf.co.uk/
A flat parkland course with a pretty clubhouse.  

Lymm (1907)
WA13 9AN (not entirely in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.lymm-golf-club.co.uk/
The original (and, to my mind, better) holes are visible in Google Earth, set on higher ground beside the Manchester Ship Canal.  The rest of the course is on lower, wetter ground and, although there are some wicked water hazards, it doesn’t have the same charm.

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Macclesfield (1889 - Hawtree)
SK11 7EA (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.maccgolfclub.co.uk/
There are good course photos and aerials on the web site.  A fun, hilly course with great views – as long as you are fit!  Some testing holes with long compulsory carries and any number of hilly lies.

Malkins Bank (1980 – Hawtree)
CW11 4XN (53° 7'40.16"N  2°21'4.69"W)
http://www.congleton.gov.uk/?t=229
Rather a curious mix of perfectly sound holes and a few utterly eccentric ones, built, I believe, on a former refuse tip.  However, the important thing is that it is an inexpensive public facility and attracts a full sheet of visitors every day.  Some of the tempting water carries provide much excitement!

Marple (1892)
SK6 7EL (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.marplegolfclub.co.uk/
Rather a constricted course with a couple of overlapping holes and one or two other dangerous moments, but the views over Cheshire are fine and there are some pretty holes.

Mellor and Townscliffe (1894)
SK6 5NA
http://www.mellorgolf.co.uk/
Mountain goat stuff!  You really have to be fit to play here.  It’s worth visiting the website just to view the gallery of course photographs.  The downhill 12th is 394 yards and was driveable, even for me, with old clubs and balls, but dreadful fates await the slightest inaccuracy.

Mere (1934 – Braid)
WA16 6LJ (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.meregolf.co.uk/
It must gall Mere, with its upmarket image [and pretensions] that you can’t see it on Google Earth.  Very expensive – all about corporate events, society weddings etc.  It’s a shame, really, for Braid’s course is pleasant enough until it suddenly comes alive with a grand and glorious finish from the 15th.

Mersey Valley (1995 - RMR Bush)
WA8 3XL
http://www.merseyvalleygolfclub.co.uk/
Proprietary club of which I know nothing.  Inexpensive, which must be a good thing.

Mobberley (Recent)
WA16 7JZ
http://www.mobgolfclub.co.uk/
A sad little 9-hole course close to my home. It may be inexpensive but the condition of the greens and bunkers is dreadful.  The design is poor, too, with a ridiculous 8th/17th.  Its only distinction is a 599-yard opening hole, which plays far better at about 450 yards from a forward tee.

Mollington Grange (1999)
CH1 6NJ (53°13'12.85"N  2°55'1.34"W)
http://www.mollingtongolfclub.co.uk/
A much needed recent course close to Chester, a city which did not have sufficient provision until the 1990s.

Mottram Hall Hotel (1991 – Dave Thomas)
SK10 4QT (53°18'45.26"N  2°10'26.47"W)
http://www.devere.co.uk/Hotels/Mottram/Golf/default.aspx
A lusty (7000+ yards) hotel/resort course.  The front nine on flat ground is pretty routine, but the back nine, running across rolling country behind the hotel is very good indeed.  I believe a further 9 holes will be constructed – let’s hope on the higher ground.  Foreign football teams visiting Manchester United or playing internationals at Old Trafford often stay here – hence the extensive sports training facilities.

Peover (Late 1990s? – Peter Naylor)
WA16 9SE (a little in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.peovergolfclub.co.uk/
The best thing about playing here is walking across the bridge over the M6 motorway carrying a golf bag, without a care in the world, while 6 lanes of nose-to-tail traffic are stationary in a 20-mile tail-back.  I know, I’ve done it!  A pleasant course, with two or three quite stiff holes and some rather quaint ones, too.

Portal (1992 - Donald Steel)
CW6 0DJ (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.portalgolf.co.uk/
A course on the grand scale – when it opened.  Unfortunately the original routing has been compromised and nine extra holes squeezed onto the land to give 27 holes.  It is a shame, because it is now possible to miscue a drive onto another fairway, whereas it was quite impossible before, so expansive was the layout.  The best holes remain, happily.  

Portal Premier (1990 – Tim Rouse)
CW6 0JA (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.portalgolf.co.uk/
Originally (called Oaklands) nothing to do with Portal, yet constructed only a field distant, so when it became available Portal snapped it up to give 45 holes of quality golf in a previously golf-barren part of the county.  This is not quite so upmarket as Portal, but it is no slouch and has a number of big holes, not least the 460-yard par-4 11th, played uphill.

Poulton Park (1978 – members)
WA2 0SH (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.poultonparkgolfclub.co.uk/
A very intelligent use of a narrow strip of land between a factory estate and the M6 motorway.  Funnily enough, it is only just across the M6 from Birchwood (qv), only nobody would consider trying to run across about 12 lanes of hurtling traffic to get from one to the other.  This is very basic 9-hole course, but it is thoughtfully set out and maintained in good condition.  Its history reveals great foresight on the part of the original members and those who gave them assistance in the form of grants.

Prestbury (1920 – Colt)
SK10 4BJ
http://www.prestburygolfclub.com/
A very fine Colt course, quite hilly in parts.  The original 5th was famed for an extraordinary outburst of sand on a hillside into which a ledge green was set.  There are some great holes, of which the bunkerless par-4 16th is my favourite, but, then, it is closely run by many others.  GCA visitors should make a point of booking a meeting with the Course Manager (the Secretary is pleased to set this up) who is a Colt aficionado will show you original drawings, plans etc and his studies in his years at Wentworth.  

Pryors Hayes (1993 – John Day)
CH3 8NL (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.pryorshayes.com/
A course I know not, but it is in a pretty part of the county, so even the drive there should be a pleasure.

Queens Park (1985)
CW2 7SB (not in high resolution Google Earth)
A humble little 9-hole municipal course (under 5,000 yards) in Crewe which plays an important part in bringing youngsters into the game.  They can aspire to drive the 1st green (256 yards) and also learn that conservatism may be the wiser option.  A very well-kept municipal park.

Reaseheath (1987 – Dennis Mortram)
CW5 6DF (not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/
This is not a golf club, but a college specialising in country matters.  (An aunt of mine once learned the art of cheesemaking there.)  It runs various greenkeeping courses and the golf course is the classroom.  For that reason the course is changed in various ways as students are set problems to solve, as different grass strains are trialled, and so on.  A walk round it in the company of Dennis Mortram is fascinating.

Reddish Vale (1912 – MacKenzie)
SK5 7EE (53°25'54.88"N  2° 9'5.05"W)
http://www.rvgc.co.uk/
An extraordinary course in a not very fashionable corner of Stockport.  But there are some fabulous holes and many to make you chuckle.  It is said that 10th here was the first instance of MacKenzie using a ‘MacKenzie green.’  Personal favourites include the unexpectedly good 1st, breath-taking drop-shot 6th, uphill par-3 9th (four short holes in the front nine), exceedingly tough 13th (which does not reveal its real sting until you actually reach the green), and the delightful 14th and 16th, both shorter par 4s.  If you visit, do seek out the Secretary (Rod Dean) who is a lovely man and wonderful wit.

Ringway (1909 – Colt/Braid)
WA15 8SW
http://www.ringwaygolfclub.co.uk/
A solid parkland course with a good number of strong, longer par 4s.  Some interesting bunkering, too.  Hidden away behind Hale Barns village, yet very handy for Manchester, Manchester Airport and the M56, it is a friendly club.

Romiley (1897 – Charles le Chevalier/Tom Renouf)
SK6 4LJ
http://www.romileygolfclub.org/
A handsome and photogenic course with many good holes, not least the dog-leg 6th which plunges into a valley before climbing to the right to a brilliantly sited green.  A lovely place to play golf.

Runcorn (1909)
WA7 4SU
http://www.runcorngolfclub.com/ (Does not lead anywhere!)
Rather a non-descript course with the better holes (the old ones) up by the clubhouse.

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Sale (1913)
M33 2XU
http://www.salegolfclub.com/
Very flat course bounded by the River Mersey, with a strong start and quite a few judiciously used water hazards.

Sandbach (1895)
CW11 1FH
No web site
Nice little 9-hole course in residential part of old salt town.

Sandiway (1921 – Ray/Colt)
CW8 2DJ (Not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk/
A very strong course with sss two over par.  There is still a touch of heathland to be found and the trees make it handsome.  A very inviting opening hole leads to a well varied course with a tough back nine which includes three very demanding par 4s (10th, 12th and 14th).  There are big breaks to one side or the other on a number of fairways (4th, 10th and 16th, for instance) and the correct driving line is critical on many holes.  

Shrigley Hall Hotel (1989 – Donald Steel)
SK10 5SB (Not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.paramount-hotels.co.uk/about-us/golf/shrigley-hall-golf-course
Great views (in good weather) from this high-ground hotel course.  There are some fine holes, but also a few weird ones, such as the 7th.  Popular for corporate functions.

St Michaels Jubilee (1977)
WA8 8BS
No web site
A good little public course, better maintained than most.  Girt about with industry, but industry is needed to provide the wealth to play golf, is it not?

Stamford (1901)
SK15 3PY (53°30'21.63"N  2° 1'48.32"W)
No web site
Moorland course with good views and lots of undulating holes.  There are also one or two mad holes such as the 291-yard 9th (at the southern end of the course in the trees) a right-angle dog-leg.

Stockport (1905 – Herd/Barrie)
SK2 5HL (53°23'24.08"N  2° 5'55.20"W)
http://www.stockportgolf.co.uk/
Sandy Herd laid out the course, but it was constructed by the club’s first professional, Peter Barrie, who was thus able to fine tune the construction of greens and approaches.  It is not a long course, but there are some demanding holes such as the long par-4 1st and wicked par-3 8th.  It is beautifully maintained and received much praise from competitors in Open Championship Regional Qualifying rounds.

Styal (1994 – T Holmes)
SK9 4JN
http://www.styalgolf.co.uk/
A useful facility close to Manchester Airport with a full 18-hole course, 9-hole par-3 course and driving range.  Both courses are exceptionally flat.

Sutton Hall (Steve Wunoke)
WA7 3ED (not high resolution Google Earth)
No web site
A newish course near Runcorn about which I know nothing other than it is a 6,600 yard course overlooking the Weaver Valley.

Tytherington (1986 – Dave Thomas/Patrick Dawson)
SK10 2JP (Clubhouse not in high resolution on Google Earth but most of the course is)
http://www.theclubcompany.com/
This leisure club has changed hands many times and seems to have missed the target.  It was going to be the home of the Ladies European Tour, but they no longer play there, and the other big events hoped for have not materialised.  It’s a perfectly decent test of golf and there are some fine holes, but it doesn’t fit in with the Prestbury backdrop!

Upton-by-Chester (1934 – Bill Davis)
CH2 1EE (53°13'4.08"N  2°53'27.08"W)
No web site
One of the prettiest clubhouses in Cheshire (a Victorian villa) and a friendly club.  The course is squeezed in to the limited available land and there are, therefore, many parallel holes.  The finish from the 14th is full of interest.

Vale Royal Abbey (1998 – Simon Gidman)
CW8 2BA (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.vra.co.uk/
Unusual for Cheshire in being a members only club.  Its clubhouse is historic.  I have not played the course.

Vicars Cross (1939 – Eric Parr)
CH3 7HN
http://www.vicarscrossgc.co.uk/
A pleasant course in the country just outside Chester.  Eric Parr was professional at the Blacon Point Club outside Chester which was requisitioned during the war and subsequently abandoned.  He had laid out 11 holes at Vicars Cross when war broke out and the course was turned into a smallholding.  After the war Parr returned to reconstruct his earlier work and finish the job.  I am not aware of any other courses by Parr, which is a pity, as this course has plenty of character.

Walton Hall (1972 – Dave Thomas)
WA4 5LU (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.waltonhallgolfclub.co.uk/
Although this is a public course it is very much a full-sized course, stretching to 6,800 yards in hilly country.  Get behind several 4-balls of beginners and you realise that this is not an easy course for them with simply too many demanding shots required of them, with a number of long compulsory carries and three par 3s over 200 yards in length.  There are some fine views, and the parkland surroundings are handsome.

Warrington (1903 – Braid)
WA4 5HR (not high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.warrington-golf-club.co.uk/
Not much of Braid’s work remains unaltered, and I have not seen the most recent changes to the front nine.  On the whole I preferred the front nine as it had greater character (and some fine views) and the back nine tended to shuffle back and forth in rather a predictable fashion.  There are very few level stances and you begin to wonder if you are suffering from a hangover!

Werneth Low (1912 – Peter Campbell)
SK14 3AF
No web site
An 11 hole course in the moorlands of the Peak District.  It is great fun.  Peter Campbell was head greenkeeper and stand-in acting professional at Stockport for 50 years.

Widnes (1924)
WA8 7DT
http://www.widnes-golfclub.co.uk/
Although confined to a very restricted site there is a good deal of golfing interest with use made of what few natural features there are, such as the ditch which dictates strategy on the 6th and 10th, both par 5s.  I heard that the club might be moving to a new site.

Wilmslow (1889 – Many architects including Herd, Braid, Simpson, Duncan, Hawtree, Cotton/Pennink/Lawrie, Dave Thomas)
WA16 7AY
http://www.wilmslowgolfclub.co.uk/
A former European Tour venue, Wilmslow is subtle rather than brutal.  Architecturally there are no stand-out holes, yet there are few weaknesses.  Course maintenance is exemplary and the course remains remarkably playable even in a wet winter.

Woodside
CW4 8HT (53°13'16.37"N  2°23'9.73"W)
http://www.woodsidegolf.co.uk/
A 9-hole public course in the heart of Cheshire with a recently-opened par-3 course which I have not played, but it appears to have oodles of character!  Nothing special architecturally, but pleasant enough that my wife and I quite often play 9 holes with satisfaction.  

[Mark_Rowlinson]

MANCHESTER

Blackley (1907 – Macauley and Gaunt/Marnoch)
M9 7HW (53°31'50.67"N  2°11'8.35"W)
http://www.blackleygolfclub.com/
Pronounced Blakeley, the course had to be substantially rerouted and redesigned when the M60 Motorway was constructed.  I have no experience of the altered course.

Boysnope Park (1998)
M30 7RF
http://www.boysnopegolfclub.co.uk/
Not known to me.

Chorlton-cum-Hardy (1902)
M21 7JJ
http://www.chorltoncumhardygolfclub.co.uk/
Barlow Hall, which acts as the clubhouse, is a fine Elizabethan building.  The course is not of the same pedigree and suffers from being mainly on the flat lands alongside the River Mersey, but there are variations and changes of level and plenty of challenge.

Davyhulme Park (1911 – Ernest Smith)
M41 8SA
http://www.davyhulmeparkgc.info/
Although this club dates from 1911, golf was played in this historic park from the 1860s.  The clubhouse resembles that of Birkdale.  Ernest Smith was the club professional in the 1930, before eloping with the daughter of a member!  A pleasant place to play golf.

Denton (1909)
M34 2GG (53°27'34.33"N  2° 8'30.87"W)
http://www.dentongolfclub.com/
There are some historic photographs on the website.  The course has suffered a number of times at the hands of the roadbuilders, most recently when the M60 was constructed, but it still manages to run to 6400+ although practice facilities are limited.

Didsbury (1891 – MacKenzie/Alliss & Thomas)
M22 4NQ (53°24'38.57"N  2°14'34.43"W)
www.didsburygolfclub.com
Alliss and Thomas were called in when the M60 was routed through the middle of the course.  It is largely on flat land beside the River Mersey but there is a loop of holes on the far side of the motorway which involve a lengthy bridge crossing.  The club has produced a number of outstanding players from its junior membership.

Ellesmere (1913)
M28 7HZ
http://www.ellesmeregolfclub.co.uk/
Although very close to the East Lancs Road and the M60, this place is a quiet oasis, sheltered by trees.  There is good use made of the gentle undulations of the land.

Fairfield Golf and Sailing (1892)
M34 5GA (53°28'13.77"N  2° 8'42.28"W)
No web site
A thin course running alongside a reservoir.  I know it not.

Flixton (1893)
M41 6EP
http://www.flixtongolfclub.co.uk/
At 6,410 yards this is one of the longer 9-hole courses in the area.  Well kept and welcoming.

Great Lever and Farnworth (1901)
BL4 0LQ
No web site
A mix of moorland and parkland.

Heaton Park (1912 – JH Taylor)
M25 2SW (53°32'12.41"N  2°14'40.47"W)
http://www.heatonparkgolfclub.co.uk/
A public course, but a tough one.  This is not for beginners or those of a nervous disposition!  The 11th is a wicked 190-yard hole, all carry over a deep ravine and lake to a pimple of a pinnacle green, the very devil to hit and hold.  There are some extraordinary holes, not least the par-5 7th which climbs a huge hill before plunging down the far side to a green on the far side of a ravine.  An amazing place!

Manchester (1882 – Colt)
M24 6QP
http://www.mangc.co.uk/
The brightest star in North Manchester, an expansive moorland course with some brilliantly sited greens and plenty of trouble if you miss.  Aristocratic!

[Mark_Rowlinson]

New North Manchester (1894 – Archie Compston)
M24 4PE
http://www.northmanchestergolfclub.co.uk/
Looking at the photo gallery on the website reminds me what a handsome course this is and how much the movement in the ground makes it all so interesting.  Some terrific holes, and a tester to finish, a par 3 over and alongside a lake, with the prevailing wind not helping a bit.

Northenden (1913 – Vardon/Alliss and Thomas)
M22 4FR (53°24'49.16"N  2°15'15.75"W)
http://www.northendengolfclub.com/
Probably my favourite of the rather flat courses running side by side along the banks of the River Mersey as it crosses South Manchester.  The first 6 holes are pretty daunting for anyone who slices the ball.  

Old Manchester (1818)
A club without a course.

Pike Fold (1909)
BL9 8QP
http://www.pikefold.co.uk/
An old club which was recently forced to relocate because of motorway construction.  When the Google Earth image was taken there were only 9 holes, but there should be 18 later this year.

Prestwich (1908)
M25 9XB
http://www.prestwichgolf.co.uk/
A diminutive course, only just over 5,000 yards long.

Stand (1904 – Alex Herd)
M45 7NL
No web site
An interesting course with some flat parkland holes and others much bumpier and moorland-like.  The round opens and closes with par 4s of 268 yards.  Unusually, there are only two par 3s and two par 5s.

Swinton Park (1906 - Braid)
M27 5LX
No web site
One of the longer courses in north-west Manchester at 6,700+ yards.

Whitefield (1932)
M45 7EZ
http://www.whitefieldgolfclub.com/Default.asp
With plenty of movement in the land this is a very attractive golf course, its facilities soon to be improved by a new clubhouse.

William Wroe (1973)
M41 5DX
http://www.traffordleisure.co.uk/williamWroe.htm
At 4,300 yards, this is a short 18-hole public course.

Withington (1892)
M20 2UE (53°24'49.49"N  2°14'58.58"W)
http://www.withingtongolfclub.co.uk/
Although flat, the finish is strong on this, yet another course laid out on the banks of the River Mersey.

Worsley (1894)
M30 8AP
http://www.worsleygolfclub.co.uk/
A nice old club with a well-wooded course, not to be confused with the entry below:

Worsley Park Hotel
M28 2QT
http://marriott.co.uk/Channels/globalSites/abouthotel/golf/UK/mangs
Big and bold, and now where Manchester United’s guests stay and play.

[Bill_McBride]

Mark, thank you for all this work.  I would hate to see it slip, as all good threads eventually do, to the back pages.  How about shipping the whole thing off to Ran for publication as an "In My Opinion Piece" so it stays readily accessible?

Also, you probably thought we'd miss the "Adults Only Hotel" with golf course combination - what a concept!    [see Alvaston Hall and its par 3 course]

And you are right about Chester, a fascinating city with its Roman-medieval masonry wall.  I saw some photos from 100 years ago and everything looks just the same - even the shops on the High Street under the arch of the wall with the big clock!  My son and I toured Chester on arrival day in October to fight off the jet lag en route to Hoylake, and had a great time.

Happy New Year to you!

[Eric Franzen]

I'll second Bill's praise.
Impressive work - very informative.

[Bill_McBride]

Delamere Forest (1910 – Fowler)
CW8 2JE (Not in high resolution Google Earth)
http://www.delameregolf.co.uk/
Inspired routing, uplifting surroundings, great start, much charm.  Some GCA disappointment over flat greens – try them in mid summer!

Mark R - only by contrast to Beau Desert!  And you're right, we played them on a day that alternated rain and sunshine, so the greens were slowish.  But there's no doubt these greens are not the original Fowler greens if those at Beau Desert are - they are much flatter and do suffer by comparison.  However, a couple of the par 3s, the longer ones, had greens with more tilt overall (#4?) and very good contouring in the front area (#16).

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Mark, A friend of mine was a member at Dunham Forest and we played together occasionally.  I remember having lunch with him and watching as a lady and her three quite young children (7-12 perhaps?) teed off.  I observed that several men's matches of 3- or 4-balls waited for them to play and made no attempt to jump the queue, remarking that at most other clubs the men would have pushed the woman and her children out of the way.  

'Not at a Jewish club they wouldn't!' was his reply.

On another occasion I was playing with my friend as a 2-ball and we came up behind a 4-ball, a couple of whom I recognised.  They suggested we play the next hole together as a 6-ball and then we carry on in front.  They must have told 50 Jewish jokes in the length of that one fairway!

A Dunham member had a lovely house near the 17th green and on certain competitions such as President's Day his garden was deemed to be out-of-bounds to golf balls but in-bounds to golfers, who were thus able to walk off the 11th or 17th greens to enjoy a restorative glass of something in his garden before carrying on with the round!  

[Mark_Rowlinson]

I missed a course!

Avro

53°19'49.39"N   2° 9'34.99"W

It's a little 9-hole course at the end of the runways of the British Aerospace factory at Woodford.  If you scroll north from the course you will find a static Avro Vulcan bomber.  If any of you are aeroplane buffs I can e-mail you a decent close-up picture of one of these extraordinary planes flying at Woodford.

The plane is still there and on a hole at Adlington you actually take aim on it!

[Gary Slatter]

Great work Mark! We really enjoyed Prestbury, ideal course to clear the cobwebs after a long flight. Good idea to learn a little something about Manchester United FC before joining the members for a game.

[Mark Chaplin]

Mark - Would it be fair to say Greater Manchester has less good to very good courses of any major UK city? I'm thinking incomparision to London, Leeds, Liverpool, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh. Even Birmingham has 2 or 3 very good courses.

It's interesting to note Old Manchester GC was the second club after Royal Backheath outside of Scotland formed in 1818 but had stopped playing by 1883.

[Mark Chaplin]

Sean

Maybe I mean Manchester & Birmingham whilst blessed with many courses do not appear to win any awards in the golf course architecture stakes.

Mark

[Mark_Rowlinson]

No, Manchester is not well blessed with great courses, but the Lancashire coast and the great Yorkshire courses are within easy reach.  It's not great soil - simple as that.  

A lot of the courses were built along the River Mersey because land was available there - they could not construct houses because they had to allow the Mersey to flood in this low ground and the clubs are still not allowed to raise their level because of the disaster that would be caused to housing constructed in silly places when the winter snows (remember those?) melts in the hills.  

There are more courses than these if you take in the Lancashire and Yorkshire courses in the Pennines.  None is particularly outstanding, although I do have a fondness for Saddleworth (MacKenzie).  

I don't know the Birmingham clubs well enough to make a comparison - I left Wolverhampton in 1967 and have tried my best to keep away from the West Midlands ever since.  Paul Turner made good cases for a number of the Birmingham ones a year or two ago.  

Cheshire as an administrative county has lost The Wirral and, therefore, Royal Liverpool finds itself in Merseyside, but in golfing terms it is still in the Cheshire Union, so we can claim it, Wallasey, Caldy, Heswall, Bromborough and so on.  I would say that Prestbury, Sandiway and Delamere are better than any of the Mancunian courses other than Manchester, which I don't know well enough to compare accurately.  If I'm going past Hopwood Cottage I'm on the M62 and I don't propose to leave the motorway (with golf clubs, that is) until I hit Leeds or Ganton.  I should return there and also revisit New North Manchester.

[Duncan Cheslett]

You take the typically parochial South Mancunian view of what counts as Manchester, I see Mark!

Since we played Wilmslow on Friday my work has taken me north to Bury and Rochdale, and I seem to have passed an interesting-looking golf course every few miles.

I looked up this old thread to see what you had to say about them - and not a sausage!

Is there life north of the M60?

[Bill_McBride]

Sean

Maybe I mean Manchester & Birmingham whilst blessed with many courses do not appear to win any awards in the golf course architecture stakes.

Mark

Have you been to Beau Desert?   It's worth a trip and has a very good dormie house.   

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Duncan, Of course there is life north of Manchester but I don't know it at all well. I shall be interested to see what you make of North Manchester.

[BCrosby]

I am heading the Manchester on business in a couple of weeks so you list is timed perfectly.

Fantastic and thanks.  Bob

[Duncan Cheslett]

You're welcome to join me at R.V. for a round while you're in town. Bob. Just let me know.