Bracken Ghyll Golf Club Ltd

Not the longest course, but views are stunning and it's a reasonable test of golf for the mid to high handicappers. Big hitters could probably reach the par 4s 1st, 3rd, 5th and 9th. The back 9 is definitely stronger than the front 9. The signature hole is the 17th, a very picturesque par 3 requiring an accurate tee shot. Enjoy it while you can because the walk up to the 18th tee is known locally as "Coronary Hill" (well, if it isn't, it ought to be!). Overall, I would say it is very good value for money if you are not a very low handicapper. Compared to the two other courses in and around Ilkley, it is much cheaper than Ilkley GC and a better test of golf than Ben Rhydding.

i have been a member at bracken for 1/2 year and i don't agree with Richard Hoyle from Scotland, and think that the course is great and the front 9 are brill and i the back 9 are too. my favourite the unique par 3 17th a real challange and the 7th par 4 a great hole which will challange anyone. (p.s. Richard Hoyle is no realtion to me!!!!)

I played bracken ghyll with a colleague last september (2002). There was a gale force and torrential rain (however we had skived off work and decided that we had to play). The pro looked at us as if we were mad. Anyway the course (through rain covered glasses). The first nine seemed to be played through farmers fields with very little to keep a golfer interested, however the second nine was a joy to play particularly the 15, 16 & espcially the 17th were fantastic. In all a golf course of 2 halfs play the first nine as a warm up for the tremendous back nine and you won't go away disappointed. Play it as an 18 hole and you may want to give it up after 9!