Ambitious plans come to fruition with new clubhouse

Silsden greeted the 21st century with ambitious plans which have seen the opening of an impressive clubhouse, new car park and completely redesigned course.

It is vastly different from the 14-hole course and cramped parking facilities which greeted golfers ten years ago.

As soon as you arrive, you are greeted by a spacious car park and the large new clubhouse, which was officially opened in May 2002 after a large grant from National Lottery funds and hard work on behalf of the membership.

The realities of running any golf club mean the large airy bar and function rooms are often used for local functions and weddings, but there is also a 'Volunteers Bar', opened in August 2007, with snooker table, which is more akin to the traditional '19th hole'.

Wharfedale Observer: Silsden Golf Club

The course itself is much-changed, with 18 holes over 5,062 yards set in parkland and with views across the upper Aire valley.

Although there are no par fives, a number of tight par threes provide a challenge for both beginners and experienced golfers.

Perhaps the trickiest hole is the par three 11th, where the slope on the green is far more pronounced than it looks and has caught out many unwary visitors.

The club can trace its origins back to 1911. In its early years it functioned as a combined golf and tennis club – the first pavilion was owned by the tennis section. It closed during the First World War, but since then the story has been one of gradual progress.

FACT FILE

Name: Silsden Golf Club

Address: High Brunthwaite, Silsden, Keighley BD20 0NH

Website: silsdengolfclub.co.uk

Telephone: (01535) 652998

President: John Lamb

Club pro: None

Annual fee: £425

Visitor fee: £15 all week

Course length: 5,113 yards

Par: 67

Signature hole: 11th – par 3 with green with treacherous slopes

Shop: No

Wharfedale Observer: Silsden Golf Club
Wharfedale Observer: Silsden Golf Club