We explore England’s largest golfing county
The White Rose county is blessed with golf courses which capture the imagination. At the very highest level, the Ryder Cup host venues of Ganton, Moortown and Lindrick are ranked among the best courses in the country. Home to more than 180 golf courses in its eight districts, Yorkshire offers something for every golfer – with great golf course architecture and stunning landscapes from the inland moors to the clifftop layouts on the east coast. Here are just some of our favourites…
Aldwark Manor Estate
The Aldwark Manor Estate is offering golfers a new challenge this summer following a £4.5million investment. Nine holes have been redesigned to enhance the layout and introduce several new water hazards on the par 70 course which covers some 5,922 yards along the River Ure. Drainage improvements have also been made, while new bunkers have been added. Meanwhile, Bunkers – a new facility with a range of amenities designed to enhance the overall guest experience – offers 11 bedrooms to accommodate groups of various sizes, a sports bar and restaurant featuring four large screens, a golf shop, function room, an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven and BBQ, and a large terrace. A further £25million is being spent on the estate, including the launch of fine dining restaurant Chartwell earlier this year, and a new spa and additional bedrooms set for 2025.
Aldwark Manor Eastate, Aldwark, Alne, York, YO61 1UF, tel 01347 838 146, www.aldwarkmanorestate.co.uk/golf
Beverley and East Riding Golf Club
Just outside Beverley in East Yorkshire, Beverley and East Riding Golf Club occupies a parcel of land on the Westwood – an expanse of green west of town. Sharing the pastureland with the racecourse, and cows in the summer, this is a fascinating course with a unique character. Laid out across the rolling moor, the course measures just 6,017 yards – though its thick rough, ever-changing playing direction and the wind whipping across the Westwood can make it a tough test. The rough is managed by the cows for much of the season, while the greens are ringed with wires to keep the cattle off. Being in the right position is key to scoring here, with attacking the greens from the correct side often more important than getting close to them.
Beverley and East Riding Golf Club, Anti Mill, Westwood, Beverley, HU17 8RG, tel 01482 868 757, www.beverleygolfclub.co.uk
Kirkbymoorside Golf Club
The golf course at Kirkbymoorside is set on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Formed in 1907, the course enjoys spectacular views over the moors and to the Yorkshire Wolds and Hambleton Hills. The 6,207-yard, par 69 layout is well-defended by its undulating greens, while the par three holes – including the short opening hole and spectacular downhill 15th – will challenge every level of golfer. You can expect a warm Yorkshire welcome on every visit too.
Kirkbymoorside Golf Club, Manor Vale Lane, Kirkbymoorside, York, YO62 6EG, tel 01751 431 525, www.kirkbymoorsidegolf.co.uk
Knaresborough Golf Club
Situated close to the A1, the course at Knaresborough Golf Club has been lengthened and improved since it opened in 1920. Much of the present course was shaped by Hawtree & Sons in the 1980s and early 2000s, with the 6,778-yard layout having a modern feel while retaining the best elements of its original design. Recent years have seen significant and continued investment in the course, including a remodelling programme overseen by architect David Hemstock – and the course continues to host national and county events. Meanwhile, the service and welcome in the clubhouse are first-class.
Knaresborough Golf Club, Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, HG5 0QQ, tel 01423 862 690, www.knaresboroughgolfclub.co.uk
Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club
Richmond’s 18 holes comprise eight from the original nine-hole layout and 10 which were added in 1972 by course designer Frank Pennink. Extra length has been found over the years, and today the course measures almost 700 yards longer than it did 40 years ago. At 6,083 yards, it is still not the longest, but the test here has always been accuracy rather than length – while undulating, slick greens can be difficult to read and present an exacting challenge. The par three 18th, set in front of the clubhouse, makes for a fantastic end to any golf day.
Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club, Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX, tel 01748 823 231, www.richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk
Ripon City Golf Club
Set in beautiful parkland, the 6,084-yard course at Ripon City Golf Club aims to challenge players of all abilities while offering a number of scoring opportunities – and a very friendly welcome. The Yorkshire landscape provides natural elevation changes, while a combination of water and bunkers will punish players who are too aggressive. The finest example of this is found at the 162-yard par three 14th, which is played over water to a green featuring a bunker at the front left corner. Investment in recent years has added to this classic English parkland course while maintaining its unique style.
Ripon City Golf Club, Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HH, tel 01765 603 640, www.riponcitygolfclub.com
