Bingley (St. Ives) Golf Club

Played a 3 ball here early April so came across some expected winter greens and temp. Tees. Staff and pro shop were superb, even made us some bacon butties before the kitchen had even opened. The course is a stunning upland moor course with a real links feel about the place, with a stunning 15th?? Hole and great par 3 18th back down to the club house. Shot my first sub 100 here and could not think of a better place to have done it, great course and club

Played at Bingley St Ives on 21 & 22 May 09. The weather had been pretty awful leading up to the visit and so the fairways were not at their best but despite this they drained pretty quickly. The course is set in a very pretty spot with some marvellous views of the moors. As per previous comments there are some ordinary holes but also some excellent ones too. As part of a large group who were playing matchplay rather than strokeplay golf it made for a great trip and provided a good test for handicaps of all levels. The only criticism I have is that the greens, whilst being true and undulating in places, were very slow and this made it hard work to get the ball close to the hole. Off the course the facilities and the staff could not have been better. The Pro went out of his way to ensure we had a good time and the catering staff did a great job. Would definitely visit again but perhaps later in the year when the greens were shorter and faster.

St. Ives is a good course thats well looked after. The fairways are kept short and the greens are pretty good. The course is not particularly difficult but there are several par 4's that require two very good shots to reach the green in two. There are also some very easy holes such as the 1st and the 15th which are short par 4's and reachable with a good drive. Theres nothing spectacular looking about the course but the surrounding views are pretty good. St. Ives has good off course facilities and is definately worth paying the green fee for a round.

Bingley is one of the best courses i have played in the area. The greens are superb, and have been everytime i've played here. What i enjoy about this course is that there are very few fairways that run directly parallel to each other, so you never get other players on your fairway. Great course, from the parkland to the moors and then back to the parkland. Club very friendly.

I read the reports on this course with interest, as it is some time since I last played this course, one which disappointed me in many aspects, much like the comments made by Harry Putter. I'll be brutally honest. Yes, there are 5 or 6 very good holes in terms of their layout and as a challenge of golf. But there are, and anyone who says otherwise is kidding themsleves, some real mickey mouse holes thrown in there too, which I found astonishing considering just how much land is available and what could actually be done to vastly improve the place. The views a course provides doesn't instantly make it a good track. I looked with interest at the website before posting this, and it's interesting to note that most of the photos there are not of holes but of scenery, bushes and trees. Personally, I think it's an indication of the fact there's not a lot to photograph in terms of individual holes of any interest. The greens were absolutely appalling when I played them. I was on a club trip and everyone was shocked at how bad they were. Unevenly cut, bald in parts and wooly in others, almost impossible to get a true run on them. Honestly, they were of the worst municipal standard when I played them. I can only assume that they have improved vastly reading some more recent posts, and maybe another visit may be in order to reassess. There is no questioning the off course facilities, which were excellent. But that doesn't make up for what is, after all, the "business end" of a golf club, which left me greatly disappointed.

even though i played horribly on the day , i thought the course was a good test and an absolute winter bargain at £13. some of the heathland par 4s take 2 exceptional strikes to get near the green and all greens are heavily bunkered. considering the time ofyear the course was in as good a condition as most and far better than others.....go play it

Now this is what golf is all about. A fabulously mild and nearly still February day, played on a quite exceptional upland course with no one in front or behind. At just £26 for myself and the two lads this was an absolute snip. Add to that Conor - aged 11 had one of those red letter days shooting an amazing 95. He started as he meant to go on with a birdie at the 1st before just missing repeating the feat at the par 5 2nd.... He was eventually overhauled by his more accomplished elder brother (no brotherly love in this household...) who struggled to exert his normal dominance until the closing holes. Conor had the last shout though almost aceing the 18th. Needless to say he wants to play Bingley again later this week, a proposal I am only too willing to agree to as I am struggling to think of anywhere else that offers such value for money.

Played the course yesterday, and can say that it was in a wonderful condition.Playing off the fairways was like playing off of a carpet. The greens were very true, and had some subtle borrows on them.Take care when playing the moorland holes, as if the wind blows you will have difficulties finding your ball amongst the heather.From the first hole to the last, this is a great course, suitable for high to low handicappers. My advice is to try it for yourself, you won't be dissapointed!!

Quite what Mr Williams finds amusing about my comments puzzles me. However having just played this course again I stand by every one of my initial observations. I never said Bingley was a poor course, indeed 7 holes from the 9th on provide an excellent golfing challenge. I said I had been led to believe this was one of the best courses in Yorkshire, I wouldn't put it anywhere near the top 10. And yes Mr Williams the views are lovely, but serious golfers don't go to look at the views, we go to be challenged by a course demanding good shot values and Bingley has too many holes that just aren't good enough. A final point, the greens are still little short of disgraceful, it's like putting on bubblewrap.

Harry Putter must be a joke name - and so are his comments. Bingley St Ives is a fine course and certainly has a range of holes that take you from sheltered parkland to windy moorland. This was where the Lawrence Batley International Pro Tournament used to be played - so that's a recommendation. The first hole stretches up and away from the imposing clubhouse and from that moment the views around Airedale are superb. Just when it seems to be going well you emerge onto the moors to play the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th and they will test your skill and nerve. Beware if the wind blows and don't try to be too clever when getting out of the heather. Then it's back to parkland and downhill for a welcome in a comfortable clubhouse with friendly staff and members. Play it - you won't be disappointed. David Williams: Belfairs GC June 2003

I believe Bingley St Ives is one of the best courses I have had the privilage to play, with its challenging holes it offers the golfer wether low, mid or high handicap a great round of golf. I have played here before and it just gets better and better. The course has different styles of holes from open play to moorland and tree lined fairways, this on its own is enough reason to enjoy your play there. The greens are always well maintained and quite challenging in places, which to a golfer is what we like. The facilities offered here are second to none, if you are playing a round of golf or just enjoying the views, drink or food in the clubhouse. It has ample parking and can accomodate for parties and other functions which I have been invited back to. There is always a warm welcome, with members and guests alike. The bar and catering staff are very friendly and the food offered is vast and very good. I have no hesitation to recommend this course to anyone who enjoys a game of golf.

I played this course in early summer 2002, and my initial impression was very poor indeed, however on further reflection, there are a number of positive aspects of the place. The first 7 holes are set in a very non-descript area of parkland, only the attractive, short 4th has any appeal. Then the course comes alive. The 8th is a claustrophobic, tree lined par 4 that tests your golf from the tee to the hole. The 9th takes the golfer from woodland out onto a moor,with heather abound this is by far the best section of the course. The testing par 3 tenth, brings you to the excellent 11th, this hole is a different class altogether, your best drive with a little draw will still leave a long demanding second to hit the green.There are 3 more moorland holes all rather difficult and with character. the last 4 holes are rather like the first seven, moving through woodland and parkland offering little in the way of excitment. I was led to believe this was one of the best courses in West Yorkshire, it isn't, not by a long stretch. The 2 short par 4's, the 1st and the 15th are appalling holes and the final hole borders on the ridiculous. I also must mention the terrible state of the greens, which were holding water like sponges. On the plus side, there are a few good holes and one exceptional hole here, its a nice attractive setting, the clubhouse is superb, as is the welcome. I just can't help thinking it didn't live up to its reputation - 6/10