Conquering difficult par threes are key to success
Ghyll is an unusual course in that it has ten holes, thus enabling it to provide a different finish – referred to as the ‘York’ and ‘Tudor’ courses. Cross over a stream on the third hole and you are in Lancashire – although most Yorkshiremen refuse to recognise the 1974 boundary realignment which shifted the border east! Ghyll, on the road between Skipton and Barnoldswick, was founded in 1907 and was much changed after part of the course was bought from farming landlords in 1953. Only three holes are recognisable from that change, and the removal of grazing animals from the course meant wire fences protecting the greens were removed. |
To score well at Ghyll you need to do well on its par threes – easier said than done, as they are all long and tricky.
The first is uphill with a nasty bunker short right. The fourth is more treacherous, with the brook curling around the green.
The eighth hole is more than 200 yards and uphill all the way, with a viciously-sloping green; be on the wrong side and you can be heavily punished. On the York course you also finish with a par three.
Ghyll has had a reputation for punching above its weight and producing some very good single-figure golfers, reaching Division One of the Scratch League. It also prides itself on the quality of its greens.
An intimate but friendly clubhouse, pictured, means a homely environment is encouraged.
Name: Ghyll Golf Club Address: Ghyll Brow, Barnoldswick, B18 6JH Website: ghyllgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: (01282) 842466 President: John Robb Club pro: None Annual fee: £430 Visitor fee: £10 Mon-Fri, £15 weekend Course length: 6,259 yards Par: 70 Signature hole: 8th – 200 yards uphill and a fiendish sloping green Shop: No |