Ilkley

[Mandofred]

Never played there, too cheap to pay that much to play normally. But, I got talked into a seniors scratch team thingy for the club there this week. Freebie practice round tomorrow evening and then for the match on Wed. Any good advice?....golf related. Probably shouldn't throw my clubs and scream profanities....kind of a given.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Don't go left! It was Monty's club I believe and you can see why he was a fader of the ball. The river runs down the left of most of the early holes, most of the front 9 from memory. Other than that, no tricks to it.

Nice course. I was expecting it to be exceptional and it isn't so I was slightly disappointed. I think I need to play it again without those expectations, I'd probably enjoy it more.

Ilkley is a lovely town by the way. If you have the time, go early, have a wander around. It's a classy place, smaller version of Harrogate.

 

[Mandofred]

I don't wander. I'm the worst tourist in the world. I've been to Ilkley to do something else a few years ago....typical gorgeous wonderful Gods country town. Looking online, I can't see if it has a little practice area....does it?

The course looked a little narrow at times so I was wondering if teeing with the 5 wood at times might be smarter. I'm really trying not to embarrass myself on Wed playing for the team. I haven't had a really good round of golf since last summer.

But.....2 free rounds of golf at Ilkley.....kind of hard to so no, eh?

 

[garyinderry]

I played it once the day after a wedding in the local area.
Played on my own and got waved through multiple groups without question. Very friendly bunch of members.
Course was lovely in the sun. River left on the early holes the main danger.

Enjoy

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Hitting 5 wood, I'm assuming you hit it well and straight, would be a smart move, certainly on the earlier holes. It isn't a silly long course so driver isn't essential for a good golfer.

 

[Mandofred]

Hitting 5 wood, I'm assuming you hit it well and straight, would be a smart move, certainly on the earlier holes. It isn't a silly long course so driver isn't essential for a good golfer.

My whole philosophy is to hit my drive straight (sometimes)...stay out of trouble.....and then from 120yds in, hit and putt like a maniac. When I'm on, my short game is good.....when I'm not, I'm wishing for beer.

 

[rulefan]

As above re river. Plenty of trees but well spaced and nicely mown around them. Pretty flat, only a couple of holes have some elevation. A very pleasant but not overly demanding course.

 

[Marshy77]

Never played it but my mate raves about it. We've walked alongside it many times and water is on your left. Looks lovely but a touch too expensive for me (tight Yorkshire man). It should be in cracking condition I'd imagine

 

[Mandofred]

Never played it but my mate raves about it. We've walked alongside it many times and water is on your left. Looks lovely but a touch too expensive for me (tight Yorkshire man). It should be in cracking condition I'd imagine

Spot on for me as well. They needed a senior to fill in for someone who's back is worse than mine (a senior scratch comp to move up or down from Div 4?). Normally I stay away from these kinds of things, but said if they needed somebody I'd go. I checked the fee just in case I had to pay, £75 mid week (nope....no way)...but twilight was £40 (still probably nope)....but the guy that asked me to play said the magic words....free, both today and Wed. Freeeeeeeeee. Too bad it's supposed to rain a bit this afternoon.

 

[Deleted member 29109]

£75 to play there?

It’s nice, but not £75 nice. That price suggests they aren’t particularly bothered about having visitors.

 

[Marshy77]

£75 to play there?

It’s nice, but not £75 nice. That price suggests they aren’t particularly bothered about having visitors.

Similar with places like Shipley. £75 last Friday. It's nice but not that nice.

 

[The Fader]

Similar with places like Shipley. £75 last Friday. It's nice but not that nice.

It's starting to get silly. Neither Ilkley or Shipley are £75 courses in a month of Sundays IMHO.

Headingley is another Yorkshire course with ideas above its station. £105 now. Glad I know a member.

There's still value to be had but it's getting harder to find. Nearly all my "away" golf is in Opens these days. I'm really not bothered
for the actual competition (way too many professional open players) it's just a means to an end to play nice courses at a reasonable price.

Golf Empire is your friend!!

 

[Marshy77]

It's starting to get silly. Neither Ilkley or Shipley are £75 courses in a month of Sundays IMHO.

Headingley is another Yorkshire course with ideas above its station. £105 now. Glad I know a member.

There's still value to be had but it's getting harder to find. Nearly all my "away" golf is in Opens these days. I'm really not bothered
for the actual competition (way too many professional open players) it's just a means to an end to play nice courses at a reasonable price.

Golf Empire is your friend!!

Agree. Love Headingley but no chance I'm paying anywhere near that. Add in Sandmoor too.

 

[rulefan]

Never played it but my mate raves about it. We've walked alongside it many times and water is on your left. Looks lovely but a touch too expensive for me (tight Yorkshire man). It should be in cracking condition I'd imagine

Very similar course in the area but at about half the price is Wetherby. I gather they are running the Brabazon Northern Qualifier there next week.

 

[Deleted member 29109]

It's starting to get silly. Neither Ilkley or Shipley are £75 courses in a month of Sundays IMHO.

Headingley is another Yorkshire course with ideas above its station. £105 now. Glad I know a member.

There's still value to be had but it's getting harder to find. Nearly all my "away" golf is in Opens these days. I'm really not bothered
for the actual competition (way too many professional open players) it's just a means to an end to play nice courses at a reasonable price.

Golf Empire is your friend!!

Those prices are crazy. No way are any of those courses worth that.

I know Shipley made a decision many years ago to up membership fees and visitors rates to reduce the number of visitors and societies wanting to play there. It never was very welcoming and a bit stuffy. It might be different now.

Bingley St Ives is better than all 3 and a much more interesting course.

 

[The Fader]

Those prices are crazy. No way are any of those courses worth that.

I know Shipley made a decision many years ago to up membership fees and visitors rates to reduce the number of visitors and societies wanting to play there. It never was very welcoming and a bit stuffy. It might be different now.

Bingley St Ives is better than all 3 and a much more interesting course.

100% agree about Bingley. Fantastic golf course.

With the added attraction of "Billy's Bar" to enhance your visit.

 

[2blue]

It's starting to get silly. Neither Ilkley or Shipley are £75 courses in a month of Sundays IMHO.

Headingley is another Yorkshire course with ideas above its station. £105 now. Glad I know a member.

There's still value to be had but it's getting harder to find. Nearly all my "away" golf is in Opens these days. I'm really not bothered
for the actual competition (way too many professional open players) it's just a means to an end to play nice courses at a reasonable price.

Golf Empire is your friend!!

Certainly agree with the first statement but the 2nd is a justifiable price, though I also wouldn't be paying it, as I'd put Headingley 3rd in the Leeds area just behind Moortown & Alwoodley. Absolutely spoilt for golf in this N Leeds area.

 

[The Fader]

Certainly agree with the first statement but the 2nd is a justifiable price, though I also wouldn't be paying it, as I'd put Headingley 3rd in the Leeds area just behind Moortown & Alwoodley. Absolutely spoilt for golf in this N Leeds area.

Yeah, Headingley is probably up there but not so long ago it was £50

Since they put the big board at the entrance saying "Host of the English Amatuer Open" - green fees have risen very steeply.

I know they have introduced a joining fee and membership is full, so maybe a strategy to discourage visitors?

 

[KenL]

£75 to play there?

It’s nice, but not £75 nice. That price suggests they aren’t particularly bothered about having visitors.

That's not very much these days.

 

[Deleted member 29109]

That's not very much these days.

It is for a couple of average courses and one slightly above average course.

Considering the aforementioned Bingley St Ives is much cheaper.