Hopwood Cottage, Rochdale Rd,
Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 6QP
Office
+44 (0)161 643 3202Pro shop
+44 (0)161 655 3668Fax
+44 (0)161 643 9174Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Brian Connor (Head PGA Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Parkland & moorland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland and moorland.
Designer:
Harry Colt
53.573011
-2.178711
10 miles NE of Manchester
From the M62 motorway, just south of Rochdale, take exit 20 and follow the A627(M), direction Oldham. After 1 mile take the first exit; at roundabout take the right hand exit, signposted Slattocks Industrial Estate. After o.5 miles, at large roundabout, take third exit onto the A664 (Rochdale Road), direction Middleton. After o.2 miles (just after railway bridge) turn right into golf club entrance.
Manchester
Manchester Golf Club at Hopwood Park, presents a very pleasant mix of parkland and moorland golf, set in some 240 acres of rolling countryside between Manchester and Rochdale. It presents a thorough challenge to the low handicap golfer, yet the yellow course, at 6,235 yards, also offers a choice to suit golfers of all handicap levels.
Sometimes referred to as the "Sunningdale of the North", the layout occupies a ridge of wild and rugged moorland, the sort of environment one expects to find in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales, rather than a few miles from the Cotton capital of England. The rolling plateau, broken up by woods of sycamore and birch, and crossed by a wide irregular ravine with a brook winding through the bottom, makes for scenic and testing golfing terrain. Wonderful views abound over the surrounding moorland, and at the outset a glimpse of the city of Manchester skyline.
Many smaller gullies and other features contribute to the adventurous quality of some of the holes. The wild hitter will often discover some real 'tiger country', with long grassy rough, bracken and bushes all potentially in play. Three holes of around 500 yards and three more of 450-470 yards should be enough to satisfy most big hitters, but big hitting by itself will not earn low scores at Manchester. On this often boldly undulating layout, course management and careful shot placement is also at a premium.
There's plenty of space between the holes on this big dimension, rangy layout, but seldom more than a yard or two between green and subsequent tee. Also in common with many Colt designs, water hazards are kept to a minimum, and the rolling fairways are of good-width ... especially when blind drives enter the mix.
Pick of the holes: whatever was Harry Colt thinking about (birthday cake? Iron Age hill fort?) when he designed the par-3 13th at Manchester. He certainly created one of the most memorable par-3s in the north of England. The long par-3 16th is also a stunner, beautifully framed by sentinel pines to left and right.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and Sundays; no visitors on Saturdays.
Must book in advance. Proof of handicap required
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire (if pre-booked).
Good
Manchester Golf Club was created in 1882 by eight Scotsman led by John Macalister, a native of St Andrews. Indeed, the club was originally called "The Manchester St Andrews Golf Club", as a mark of respect for its Founder-Captain.
"Manchester St Andrews" was also a name to distinguish it from another nearby club called "The Manchester Golf Club". The latter was established over 60 years earlier in 1818. By 1883 it was considered that the original Manchester Golf Club had ceased to operate. Manchester St Andrews took its cue, and dropped the words St Andrews from their name. Thereafter, the original (and defunct) Manchester Golf Club was always referred to as The 'Old' Manchester Golf Club.
When Manchester St Andrews was founded, the members played on a course at Manley Park. From there the club moved to Old Trafford. It was not until a few years before WWI, that it moved to its present home at Hopwood Park.
The course at Hopwwod Park was laid out on approximately 240 acres, to a design by one of England's foremost golf course architects, Harry Shapland Colt. It was ready for members to play in 1912. Apart from relatively minor modifications, the general layout of the course has remained much as Harry Colt originally designed it, although it has been lengthened from its original 6145 yards.
Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 2X
+44 (0)1706 630 788
Visit websiteSet in picturesque grounds with views of the Pennine Hills, the 4-star Norton Grange Hotel is a peaceful haven not far from Manchester with 81 en suite rooms. Easily accessible via Junction 20 of the M62.
No
Manchester
Bolton Old Links
Sparrow Hill, Rochdale, Lancashire OL16 1AF
+44 (0)845 345 0483
Visit websiteSurrounded by parkland, The Broadfield has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment programme designed to offer its guests a pleasant and welcoming environment in which to stay. With free parking you can indulge in a leisurely meal without the worry of feeding a parking meter and afterwards take a stroll through Broadfield Park or around the nearby historic Norman Parish Church of St Chad.
No
Manchester
Bolton Old Links
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