Slick greens are true test of your putting ability

Golfers could argue all day about which course has the best greens in the Bradford Union – but one name sure to be up there among the leading contenders is Bradford Moor. Very fast and true, with some slopes, means Bradford Moor’s greens are the closest you will get in Bradford to trying to handle the world famous greens at Augusta. Possessing a delicate touch with the putter is essential to any golfer wanting to score well round Bradford Moor.

You’d also have to travel a long way to find another club so close to a town hall, for it is just a Tiger Woods drive away from the centre of Bradford.

It was established in 1906 – the same year as fellow Bradford nine-hole courses Clayton and South Bradford. The three celebrated their centenary with a triangular tournament, which is now a regular fixture on their joint calendars.

The club also welcomed back the late Ron Hughes, who served as the club professional for 43 years, for a reunion to mark that centenary.

The clubhouse, pictured below, is a listed building, which means it has a traditional atmosphere but can cause headaches when it comes to refurbishment work.

Out on the course, Bradford Moor members are not standing still. A rolling programme of tree planting for more than a decade has improved the course.

Not the longest of tracks, it used to be fairly wide open; now those trees are growing fast and the course is a lot tighter and trickier than it used to be.

The club is reaching out to the inner city community, inviting local schools to sample the game and applying for the English Golf Union’s Club Mark award.

FACT FILE Name: Bradford Moor Golf Club Address: Pollard Lane, Bradford BD2 4RW Website: bradfordmoorgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: (01274) 771693 President: Stephen Flynn Club pro: None Annual fee: £475 Visitor fee: £12 (weekdays only) Course length: 5,900 yards Par: 70 Signature hole: 9th – tight approach round trees threatens danger Shop: No