Rotherham Golf Club ****

Thrybergh Park, Doncaster Road, Thrybergh, Rotherham, S65 4NU

Nearest main town: Rotherham

 

Rotherham Golf Club could not be more removed from the typical picture people might have of the area - one of industrial bleakness. Indeed, only standing on the 17th tee can you see any evidence that this is the industrial heartland of England, such is the protection that the mature deciduous trees give the course.

Only 3 miles out of the city centre, you approach the course on a road that gives you the impression that Rotherham could be a mini­Sunningdale or Wentworth in the heart of Yorkshire. Indeed, the impression is confirmed when you reach the clubhouse, a country mansion that was once owned by the Rearsby family. In front of the club­house is a massive beech tree, and standing by the first tee an intimidating oak that you feel you will see more of once you are out on the course.

But, some might say disappointingly, that is not the case, as you will find that Rotherham is an open and undulating course, the trees not really interfering with play but simply forming the boundaries of the course.

A par-70 with two par-5s and four par-3s, Rotherham is not partic­ularly difficult in terms of losing balls, but rather in scoring. For sheer difficulty, Hallamshire or nearby Lindrick (Derbyshire) come out tops, but Rotherham makes you think, particularly when you are playing approach shots to small undulating greens protected by deep bunkers. The par-3s are excellent examples of this: with the exception of the 9th, all are played to raised and elevated greens on banks.

Rotherham is a friendly and compact course that is very popular with societies. There's a lively atmosphere in the impressive clubhouse and the course weathers well in the winter.

 

Secretary: Mr G. Smalley

Tel: 01709 850466 Fax: 01709 859517

Professional: Mr S. Thornhill               

Tel: 01709 850480

Playing: Midweek: round £30.00; day £35.00. Weekend: round £30.00; day £35.00.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11am-9pm.

Comments: Tests your skills to the limit. . .Great value for money on this mature course...Fairly straightforward established course...Enjoyed it ... Will be back.

 

Doncaster Golf Club **

Bawtry Road, Bessacarr, Doncaster, DN4 7PD

Nearest main town: Doncaster

 

Secretary: Mr G. Needham

Tel: 01302 865632 Fax: 01302 860869

Professional: Mr G. Bailey

Tel: 01302 868404 Fax: 01302 860869

Playing: Midweek: round £19.00; day £26.00. Weekend: round £36.00; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Bar snacks. Sunday lunch by arrangement.

Comments: Parkland/heath land with nice feel...Wouldn't return in a hurry...A few too many parallel fairways...Well bunkered...One for the long hitters with plenty of room ... Undulating with well-placed bunkers.