Some good news for a change - A Course to Reopen!

[Duncan Cheslett]

Heaton Park is a historic course in north Manchester designed by JH Taylor and opened in 1911. Back in the day it hosted pro tournaments and was graced by the likes of Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen.


Owned by Manchester City Council within the city's largest public park, the course closed in 2018 when its operator went bust. Since then the council has maintained the course while a new franchisee was found. It was beginning to look as though the search would be fruitless and that permanent closure was inevitable.


Happily local golf pro Andy Terry has stepped in and taken on the running of the course. He and his partner already very successfully operate another muni in nearby Rochdale.


https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/par-fect-heaton-park-golf-17749394


Here's hoping they can make a success of their new venture!




Heaton Park is a tough old track with blind shots galore and epic carries over wooded ravines. It is one of the hilliest courses I know - a real work-out but great fun at the same time.


In truth, it is probably too difficult and challenging for a municipal - it certainly isn't a course for beginners!


Here are a few pics I took on my only visit a couple of years ago.


IMG_0176 by Duncan Cheslett, on Flickr

IMG_0187 by Duncan Cheslett, on Flickr

IMG_0181 by Duncan Cheslett, on Flickr


 

[Steve Lang]

   Duncan,


So RV is a walk in the park compared?  Didn't seem like many places without hills in Manchester area when last i spied things.


Are the powers that be there inclined to take out some woods to open things up as they might have been 100 years ago?


Regards,
steve

[Duncan Cheslett]

Hi Seve,


Heaton Park is a LOT tougher walk than RV. I can't remember how many holes involve a descent into a ravine off the tee followed by a long walk back up to the fairway. It's bloody knackering!


Sadly, I think this is going to be a hand-to-mouth operation at best. I wouldn't have thought that funds would be available for luxuries like tree clearance.

[Mark_Rowlinson]

I've played it quite a few times in the past. The most dangerous holes are those blind ones over vast banks with no means of knowing if the match in front is out of range. The dos-leg over a gipsy encampment was also a bit terrifying!