The final three holes at Withington are notorious amongst the members. Many a match has swung around on these three holes and nerves of steel, accurate long iron or rescue wood play and a bit of patience are all required to close out your round. Starting at the 16th, the 567-yard par 5 is a slight dog-leg and really only reachable in two for the really big hitters. For the rest of us mere mortals, it should be played as a 3-shotter, laying up short and leaving a wedge to the green. If your short irons are not on song you could find yourself splashing out of one of four bunkers surrounding the green. Walk off with a par or within your handicap and you’ve done well.

The 17th is a very testing par 4, 436 yards long with a slight turn at the end. If you’ve been playing army golf for the last 16 holes you’ll struggle to get your 2 points here, that’s for sure! The 18th will play its part in many a tight finish: at 436 yards from the white tee this par 4 will almost certainly keep the match alive until the very end.

Favourite hole
As picturesque par threes go, you don’t get much better than the 180-yard 8th at Withington. The raised tee is sheltered by the beautifully manicured fir tree hedge behind and the hole has a line of trees on both sides for company. The green up ahead is large and slopes considerably from back to front. Another copse of high fir trees accompanies the green and undulating banks provide an element of forgiveness for those who’ve had too many Weetabix this morning. It’s a lovely hole and one I could play all day.

Verdict
I have always been a fan of urban golf courses, as you don’t have to drive too far out of town to play them. Withington is one of the finest examples in the Greater Manchester area showcasing urban golf, as it should be. It has a fantastic course: one for low and high handicappers to enjoy. The clubhouse and pro shop staff epitomise everything this corner of the UK is renowned for – witty humour, social grace and, above all, legendary friendliness. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Withington Golf Club and next time I’m up visiting my family in Manchester, I’ll definitely be paying this fine golf club another visit and I suggest you do too!




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