Trees, ponds and ditches are a test for most players
| Shipley has its supporters for the title of best course in the Bradford Union. Set in woodland on the outskirts of Bingley, it is a peaceful place where you can enjoy nature as well as golf. The delightful Harden Beck rushes alongside the opening holes to provide an accompaniment to the golf. Unusually for a course of Shipley’s high standard, there are six par three holes. But don’t be lured into believing that it’s easy. Seven tough par fours and five testing par fives with mature trees lining the fairways, and several ponds and ditches to negotiate, make this a challenge for good to average golfers, and the club prides itself on being in good condition all year round. |
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Continuous investment in the course demonstrates that Shipley is determined to maintain its reputation, and its reward is being chosen as a regular venue for Yorkshire County and Bradford Union fixtures, while also being the home of the Bradford and District Union of Golf Clubs.
It was founded in 1896 on a site at Moorhead but moved to its current site at Beckfoot in 1919, when Alister Mackenzie laid out a new course with subtly sloping greens and narrow approaches.
A new clubhouse was also opened, which today provides a good place to finish the round with an attractive terrace overlooking the course.
The seventh is the signature hole – a testing downhill par three with Harden Beck to the left and rear of the small green to swallow errant shots.
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Name: Shipley Golf Club Address: Beckfoot Lane, Bingley, BD16 1LX Website: shipleygc.co.uk Telephone: (01274) 568652 President: Andrew Heap Club pro: Nathan Stead Annual fee: £955 Visitor fee: £29 Mon, £39 Tues-Sun Course length: 6,220 yards Par: 71 Signature hole: 7th – par 3 with beck to left and rear of small green Shop: Yes |
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