Allerthorpe Park Golf Club

HAVING recently been extended, Allerthorpe Park Golf Club is now the longest standard scratch 70 golf course in Yorkshire at 6,430 yards.

The course is very picturesque, with tree-lined fairways and a meandering beck to accompany golfers.

Work on the extended and refurbished clubhouse compliments the 18-hole course, and offers members, guests and visitors the chance to relax and socialise before and after the game.

The parkland course starts with a 370-yard par four hole, with along par five at the fourth.

The sixth is a 158-yard par three, which on first sight seems a lot easier than it actually is.

Deep bunkers are positioned at the front and on both sides of the raised green, keeping it well protected from anyone looking to reach the green with a long drive.

A watercourse backed by woodland runs the entire length of the right hand side, defining the out of bounds and forcing golfers to drive the ball to the left of the fairway.

Each hole of the course is designed to give golfers enjoyment but also to make them think about the type of shots they choose to play.

With this in mind, golfers should make sure they have kept their score as low as possible when they’re about to start the last three holes – notoriously difficult and unforgiving to sloppy shots.

The 16th hole is, at 451 yards, a par four, and probably the most difficult hole of the entire course.

After a 280-yard drive that avoids the ditch protected by trees and a pond to the right of the fairway, most golfers struggle playing an iron shot into the wind toward the green, and a bogey can be considered a good score on this awkward hole.

At 316 yards, the par four 17th is another tricky hole, and the elevated tee points golfers toward a dog leg which is protected by mature trees and a pond to the left of the fairway.

A poor drive could leave golfers vulnerable to an awkward second shot, hoping to hit the green that lies behind a ditch and is protected by two bunkers either side and a large pond to the rear.

The final hole is the most picturesque of the course, with magnificent views of the Yorkshire Wolds in all directions.

The daunting tee shot from an elevated position requires a shot to a green that is covered by mature trees, bushes and bunkers on three sides, also requiring the ball to clear a large pond and a ditch that protects the front of the green.

The clubhouse awaits any golfer still standing from the test this course has to offer, but its surroundings will tempt golfers of all abilities.