New water hazard to test the bravest big-hitters
| A new feature at Cleckheaton has added greatly to the enjoyment of the course. When this year’s captain, Phil Lazenby, wanted to make his mark, he pushed forward the idea of a pond with a fountain in front of the 11th hole. As well as aiding drainage, the pond created an attractive eye-catcher and completely transformed the hole. A par five measuring on the 500 yard mark from both medal and yellow tees, it now takes a very brave big-hitter indeed to go for the green in two. Now the challenge is on to members, who are requested to hand £1 over to a collection for the captain’s charity (McMillan Cancer Care) should their ball meet a watery end. |
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That is not the only improvement to the course – new dams, weirs and a general refurbishment have tidied up the beck at the par three fifth hole.
Founded in 1900, Cleckheaton has emerged as a very fine member of the Bradford Union of Golf Clubs and is regularly used to stage union events – it is tough enough to penalise wayward shots, but for those who are prepared to chance their arm you can score well, and is invariably in fine condition.
Situated just off the junction of the M606 and M62 motorways, the club was originally laid out by Alister McKenzie, the famous designer who did so much work in West Yorkshire before he moved to America to design Augusta.
Easy walking in some attractive parkland, it is a popular, well-established site on the golfing map.
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Name: Cleckheaton Golf Club Address: 483 Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, BD19 6BU Website: cleckheatongolfclub.co.uk Telephone: (01274) 851266 President: David Holmes Club pro: Warren Lockett, pictured Annual fee: £786 Visitor fee: £30 Mon-Fri, £36 weekend Course length: 5,911 yards Par: 70 Signature hole: 5th – par three with stream and bunkers around green Shop: Yes |
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