The course
Straddling the River Ure the course is split either side and boasts some magnificent holes. A gentle start awaits those who make the short walk around the practice putting green to the first tee. A pretty par three will introduce you to the course at Aldwark Manor and the following shortish par four should leave you feeling confident about your game before crossing the quiet road to the third.

Running alongside the 14th the forth is a bumpy little number starting from a well-constructed tee set amongst the trees and runs straight to the slightly raised green at the end.

The greens at Aldwark Manor are a delight and reward a good read and positive stroke with the inevitable rattle of polyurethane in plastic.

The building at the end of the forth hole is the home of the Aldwark Boat Club that lies in the shadow of the narrow bridge traversing the River Ure. Just wide enough for a buggy, the bridge takes you across the river to the flatter part of the course but by no means a walk in the park. Littered with challenging par fours, long par fives, ponds, streams and ditches it will not only be a test of your game but an attractive walk too. After your approach over the pond in front of the green at the 10th the 11th tee will ask the question of your course management skills. A stream runs diagonally across the fairway and is well worth avoiding. The green ahead is again situated the other side of a stream. It’s a cleverly designed hole that makes full use of the natural setting.

Hugging the river, the 13th brings you back to the bridge with a splash of colour. The green is accompanied by a handful of blooming blossom trees that add a touch of contrast and texture to this pretty section of the course. From here you can see the church in Aldwark village in the background and the boathouse on the other side of the river. Combined with the ornate bridge, the lush green of the putting surface and the candy floss blush of the blossom it’s quite a spectacular place to be – might be worth bring an easel and some watercolours next time!

Aldwark Manor has idyllic golf paintings at every corner and the setting at the end of the 14th won’t disappoint you either. A brace of reedy ponds occupy the lower regions with a further pair of bunkers a step up the hill guarding the front edge of the green. A few young trees frame the piece and the impressive Manor house peering through the cedars behind completes the picture to perfection.
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