Getting to grips with course’s good fast greens

Rawdon is a rarity in that it combines golf and tennis courts on the same site on the outskirts of Bradford.

Members of the golf club are automatically members of the tennis club.

The tennis came first when a club with a croquet lawn was established in the mid-1870s.

The croquet has long since gone, to be replaced by the golf club, which began when the members bought around 40 acres of rough agricultural land and turned it into a golf club.

The club can lay claim to the course being designed by Harry Vardon, who gave his name to the orthodox grip used by most golfers to hold their clubs.

He was approached for his ideas on getting the best out of the naturally undulating terrain.

Wharfedale Observer: Rawdon Golf Club

Vardon’s original course plan can still be seen hanging in the clubhouse, pictured, to this day.

The vast amount of mature trees on and surrounding the parkland course, coupled with careful planning over the years, has produced a challenging and attractive par 72 golf course measuring nearly 6,000 yards in length.

The clubhouse overlooks the course, perched on top of a local landmark called Buckstone Rock. The rock was used by Methodist founder John Wesley, who would stand on it to preach to crowds below. Now golfers use it to enjoy the views over the course.

Rawdon is a long nine-hole course, invariably with good, fast greens and well protected by mature trees.

FACT FILE

Name: Rawdon Golf Club

Address: Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BD

Website: rgltc.co.uk

Telephone: (0113) 2506040

President: David Wilkin

Club pro: John Clapham, pictured

Annual fee: £594

Visitor fee: £20 Mon-Fri, £25 weekend

Course length: 5,842 yards

Par: 72

Signature hole: 5th – par five through the centre of course

Shop: Yes

Wharfedale Observer: Rawdon Golf Club professional John Clapham
Wharfedale Observer: Rawdon Golf Club