Manchester Golf Club Course Review

Manchester Golf Club Course Review
GF Round: £40-£50wd, £50-£60we
Par 72, 6,491 yards
Slope 133
GM Verdict An expansive and undulating Colt design that embraces elements of moorland, heathland and parkland to create its very own character
Favourite Hole The not-so-short short 16th - a very strong one-shotter played over the Trub brook

Familiarly known as Hopwood after the park to which it relocated more than a century ago, Manchester Golf Club is blessed with a wonderful Harry Colt course that sprawls over a glorious expanse of gently undulating countryside. Just a few miles from the city centre and close by the M62, the contrast could not be greater as you work your way around eighteen distinct, testing and memorable holes, all in fine condition.

Opening with a short but beautifully framed and appealing par 4, it is then immediately time to put on your driving boots with back-to-back par 5s at two and three.

The 4th is a beautiful short hole in a natural dell beyond a stream, and the 6th is a belter, stroke index one with a blind drive over the hill to who-knows-what beyond.

The 8th is another photogenic par 3 before a downhill par 5 takes you to the turn.

The back nine begins with two short but strategic and challenging par 4s, before another super-tough and very characterful two-shotter at the 12th.

The 13th is another standout and memorable hole, a must-hit par 3, and the 14th a meandering par 5 round to the left and up the hill.

The finishing four holes are all very tough and provide a real sting in the tail. Into the wind, the par-3 sixteenth frequently requires a driver.

Whether the club is in Greater Manchester or Lancashire is academic… or geographic… but not too vital for golfers. Assuming the latter, then this extremely strong Colt design is an excellent alternative to the county’s historic links and is one of the best golf courses in Lancashire. It also offers terrific value for money, and fully deserves to be on the travelling golfer’s radar.