Pleasington Golf Club Course Review

Pleasington Golf Club Course Review
GF Round: £40-£75
Par 71, 6,327 yards
Slope 135
GM Verdict An unusual, intriguing and constantly improving parkland design that offers great value for money
Favourite Hole The super-tough but very attractive par-4 4th that runs alongside the railway

Pleasington Golf Club dates back to 1891 and is situated in a remarkably attractive and peaceful location not far from the M65 between Preston and Blackburn. Its pretty course is coming to the end of an impressive and sympathetic 5-year renovation and upgrade under the expert guidance of architect Ken Moodie.

Beginning with three recently improved par-4 parkland holes, this George Lowe and Sandy Herd design really takes off from the 4th, an outstanding dogleg left played down towards the railway and up to a green with bunkers waiting short and right.

This is followed by a sublime par 5 calling for a semi-blind drive over a rolling hill. As you scale the brow, there is a superb vista as the hole unfolds before you running through a scenic valley with a stream snaking through the rough on the right. You now cross the railway via a bridge not far from the delightfully named Hoghton Bottoms Viaduct to play half a dozen very interesting holes on the northern side of the tracks. These start with the 6th, a short but heavily-bunkered par 4.

The 7th was one of the most eccentric par 5s, perhaps too quirky for some, and has benefited from the recent upgrade which has made it a great deal fairer with a far better view of the green. Beyond it, at the far end of the course, the 8th is a very pretty short hole.

The front nine at Pleasington Golf Club finishes with the last of the three par 5s, and there is plenty more variety on the back nine, with the 11th bordering the railway and a green perilously close to the tracks.

There is a thrilling drive from the elevated 14th tee, and a delightful short hole to an arbour green two holes later.

Pleasington is among the best golf courses in Lancashire and although its lovely design may be slightly off the beaten track and not on everyone’s golfing radar, it deserves far greater attention. In an area with plenty of Top 100 courses, the ever-improving layout is kept in fine shape and offers a round that will test and delight golfers in equal measure.