England - York | Golf Monthly

Fulford

published 17 April 2008

It s been said that the history of York is the history of England. From Roman occupation to Viking raids, on through its medieval zenith as England s second city then into a 16th-century decline. York was a focal point of the Civil War, besieged and taken by the Parliamentarians in 1644. It became a cultural and social centre in Georgian times then a northern hub for the railways in the 19th century. York is a fascinating microcosm that displays how England has evolved over the last 2,000 years.

If York is an enthralling destination for the avid historian it is equally so for the ardent golfer. With many excellent and varied courses within driving distance, York is an ideal base from which to tackle the best Yorkshire has to offer.

Perhaps the most well renowned course in the vicinity of the city is Fulford. The club has long enjoyed an excellent reputation among discerning golfers but its fame spread to a wider audience as it played host to the Benson and Hedges International in the 1980s. Fulford s reputation for superb greens and fast-running fairways enticed some of the world s best to compete. Bernhard Langer will always maintain an association with Fulford as this was where he played that shot from up a tree during the 1981 Benson and Hedges. Today a plaque marks the spot of his audacious escape.

Although Fulford celebrates its centenary this year the actual course is more recent than that. It was designed and constructed by Major Charles McKenzie (brother of Augusta designer Alistair) in 1935. The course moves across sandy and springy heathland with the vast majority of holes surrounded by attractive, mature trees. At 6,775 yards from the whites it s an accurate rather than a long game that s required. My three lost balls will testify to that.

There are three 18-hole combinations (Lakes, Blackmoor and High) and, on each, Trent Jones handiwork is evident form the outset. Large tees, lakes and streams, sprawling bunkers and rolling greens, every hole leaves an imprint on the memory. After a round at some courses the holes seem to merge in one s memory but upon leaving the 27th green at Moor Allerton I could clearly recall each and every one I d completed. As I headed back towards York I considered this was surely an indication of a great course with an appealing and unique design.

Rudding Park Golf Club is situated a few miles south of Harrogate, a short drive from York. It s always a good recipe when a renowned course designer has the chance to work with a mature swathe of parkland. Martin Hawtree was given just that chance at Rudding Park. The luxurious hotel here was once a grand stately home as such it has grounds stretching to 300 beautiful acres. The famous Humphrey Repton originally landscaped these in the 18th century. Hawtree s championship standard layout now forms the centrepiece of this glorious tract of land.

York itself is a vibrant city that has wide-ranging appeal. The excellent nightlife, boosted by a large student population, is coupled with a number of fine restaurants Melton s is one of the best. There are, of course, many historic and cultural sites to visit. If you have the time, take a stroll around Shambles where there are some marvellous shops. Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum as well. If you only have time to see one thing make sure it s the Minster. The largest Medieval Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, it s a spellbinding place with 1,000 years of history to explore.

Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.

He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.

Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?