Club hosts one of leading amateur events in county

A £1 million course improvement programme has cemented Bradford Golf Club’s position as one of the best in West Yorkshire. The club started at Baildon in 1891, moving to its present site in 1899. Its original clubhouse was opened in 1900 by Arthur Balfour, who, two years later, was to become Prime Minister. This building was victim to a fire in 1925, and on the same foundations was built the splendid clubhouse which today greets visitors to the course, pictured.

The open moorland aspect of the course has been modified by a tree-planting programme. Many of the holes are now played along well-defined, tree-lined fairways to testing, slick greens.

Little wonder that Bradford is host to one of the top amateur events in Yorkshire, the Hawksworth Trophy, a 36-hole event which kicks off the season in April.

The event is limited to 64 golfers with handicaps of three or less, attracts most of the top amateurs in the north and forms part of the Yorkshire Order of Merit.

For less exalted golfers, Bradford is renowned for invariably being in immaculate condition and an enjoyable challenge.

An extensive improvement programme centred upon a major drainage work to ensure that, even in winter, Bradford presents itself in the best possible light.

The course comprises two loops, with the 10th and 18th hole each finishing outside the clubhouse. Many are played along well-defined tree-lined fairways to spacious but fast and testing greens with subtle borrows.

An airy clubhouse with two mixed lounges and patio ensures that the 19th is as good as the previous 18 holes.

FACT FILE Name: Bradford Golf Club Address: Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, LS20 8NP Website: bradfordgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: (01943) 873719 President: Dennis Child Club pro: Andrew Hall, pictured Annual fee: £915 Visitor fee: £40/£45 Course length: 6,300 yards Par: 71 Signature hole: 15th – sloping green with bunkers and stream Shop: Yes