Subtlety is required to master narrow fairways
| Anyone who has flown from Leeds-Bradford Airport will have had a good view of Horsforth, for the club lies alongside the airport, with the 14th parallel to the main runway. The club was formed in 1907, with the first 12 holes opening in 1908 and a full 18 a few weeks later. Part of the course was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in the Second World War, and in the 1950s the expansion of the airport threatened the club’s existence. But from the 1960s onwards, it has been an upwards trajectory, with course and clubhouse extensions. In 2003 the club secured a 99-year lease of the land from Leeds City Council, securing the future of this interesting course. |
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Horsforth is not a course where you can pull out your driver and let rip without thinking. It calls for subtlety and playing to the right spot.
There are no water hazards on the course – wildfowl would be a danger to aeroplanes taking off and landing nearby – but you can still find plenty of trouble if you are not careful and stray off the narrow fairways.
The club has two professionals working in partnership – Simon Booth, who started as a junior at the club, and Dean Stokes.
Saturday is the main competition day, so visitors are restricted to Sundays, although there are special reduced rates during the week.
The club aims to provide a family-friendly atmosphere.
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Name: Horsforth Golf Club Address: Layton Rise, Horsforth, LS18 5EX Website: horsforthgolfclubltd.co.uk Telephone: (0113) 2586819 President: Tony Greenhalgh Club pro: Simon Booth, pictured/Dean Stokes Annual fee: £783 Visitor fee: £36 Mon-Fri, £42 Sun Course length: 6,293 yards Par: 70 Signature hole: 18th – dog-leg par 5 with tough approach shot Shop: Yes |
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