Course

Set amidst a wonderful wooded valley on the outskirts of Bingley, the course is the creation of the renowned architect Dr Alister Mackenzie. Stretching across the rolling valley floor of Beckfoot this is a highly pleasant environment of traditional parkland providing golfers of any standard with a test of their skill and accuracy.

Unusually for a course of this standard there are six Par 3 holes one of which, the 7th, is the Course’s signature hole. A testing downhill, mid to long iron shot with the babbling Harden Beck both to the left and rear of the small green ready to engulf the errant shot. Seven tough Par 4’s and 5 medium Par 5’s make up the rest of the challenge with mature Birch and Oak trees lining the fairways, and several ditches and ponds to test the shot makers skill.

The Shipley Golf Club is proud of the standard of its facilities and whatever the time of year you can be sure to find firm fairways, true greens and an idyllic environment. Much of Dr MacKenzie’s original design is evident with subtly sloping, cleverly guarded greens with narrow approaches a hallmark of his work used to reward the golfer for skilful and accurate play. At a little over 6200 yards do not be fooled into thinking you are in for an easy time here.

Away from the game there is much to be interested in and the wildlife of the woodland valley is very much in evidence hereabouts. The symbol of the Club, a Song Thrush, is a common sight in this, “the Throstles’ Nest of England”, as Bingley has been named. Also seen are Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Heron, Kestrels, Sparrow hawks, Tawny Owls, Jays, Goldfinches, Long tailed tits and most common garden birds and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of mammals such as Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, Fox, Badger, Stoat, Weasel although you are sure to see the abundant Grey Squirrel.

This is truly a splendid place, offering a peaceful retreat with the feel of seclusion yet within minutes of the town, a good walk and a better game of golf.