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.

Wharfedale Observer: Ghyll GC

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.

FACT FILE

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

Wharfedale Observer: Ghyll Golf Club
Wharfedale Observer: Ghyll Golf Club