Practice facilities attract leading women’s pro

Cookridge Hall claims to be the fastest-growing golf facility in the North of England.

Designed along ‘American’ lines (by members of the same team which built the Emirates course in Dubai), it provides all the facilities of a modern club based around its imposing clubhouse, pictured below, a former coach house which has been done out sympathetically for golf.

The course is good enough to host top amateur events. At 6,708 yards and par 72, you have to be reasonably long off the tee and accurate too, as water hazards and strategically-placed bunkers provide a strong defence.

The 18th, pictured, has echoes of The Belfry. Play safe off the tee with an iron and it’s not too hard, yet you might be tempted to go for the green – but a big lake surrounding it means you may regret that decision!

Wharfedale Observer: Cookridge Hall Golf Club

The USGA standard greens mean that Cookridge is playable all year round – temporary greens are a thing of the past here.

Top women’s pro Kiran Matharu, the former England Women’s Amateur Champion, is based here, attracted no doubt by the practice facilities which include a 22-bay floodlit driving range and chipping and bunker area.

The coaching academy at Cookridge is one of the most extensive in the region and there is a range of professional coaches to choose from, including Peter Tupling, the former European Tour player who once held the world record for the lowest ever four round total to win a professional golf event.

FACT FILE

Name: Cookridge Golf Club

Address: Cookridge Lane, Leeds, LS18 7NL

Website: cookridgehall.co.uk

Telephone: (0113) 2030641

President: None

Club pro: Mark Pinkett

Annual fee: £841

Visitor fee: £25 Mon-Fri only

Course length: 6,788 yards

Par: 72

Signature hole: 18th - dog-leg right with a pond by the hole, pictured

Shop: Yes

Wharfedale Observer: Cookridge Hall Golf Club
Wharfedale Observer: Cookridge Golf Club