Howley Hall Golf Club

A friend and I played on 30/03/04, using a GreenFree 2-4-1 voucher, with the discount given for winter tees on some holes, this worked at £10 each. The course presented a good challenge, maybe not in length, but definitely in accuracy. As stated by many others, the fairways are well lined by trees, which is to be expected as the course celebrated its centenary in 2000, however, there is little undergrowth to prevent a "Seve" style recovery shot. The greens are lightning fast, with over-cooked downhill putts being heavily punished. The one thing we felt that was missing were marker-posts on the blind holes, e.g. the Par 5 6th hole. After a straightforward drive into the forgiving fairway running along the valley floor, the green is left obscured by the elevated access road that crosses the fairway some 90 yards from the pin. Having played once and gained a little local knowledge there are a number of the shorter par 4, dog-leg holes which we would be tempted to either drive directly or at least take most of the corner off, leaving the most gentle of chips to green. Given the need for accuracy, the new breed of “Golf Punks” who are power-mad, distance obsessed and like to blast it all over the place, will probably play well over handicap, it is without wishing to insult and in the nicest sense, an “old man’s course” because an experienced veteran will play a medium length shot to middle of the narrow fairway, and will not risk over shooting the turn on the dog-leg holes. Overall, a good course and one I would like to revisit, although at the regular price of £35 per round, unless you use a 2-4-1 voucher, it seems expensive.

A friend and I played on 30/03/04, using a GreenFree 2-4-1 voucher, with the discount given for winter tees on some holes, this worked at £10 each. The course presented a good challenge, maybe not in length, but definitely in accuracy. As stated by many others, the fairways are well lined by trees, which is to be expected as the course celebrated its centenary in 2000, however, there is little undergrowth to prevent a "Seve" style recovery shot. The greens are lightning fast, with over-cooked downhill putts being heavily punished. The one thing we felt that was missing were marker-posts on the blind holes, e.g. the Par 5 6th hole. After a straightforward drive into the forgiving fairway running along the valley floor, the green is left obscured by the elevated access road that crosses the fairway some 90 yards from the pin. Having played once and gained a little local knowledge there are a number of the shorter par 4, dog-leg holes which we would be tempted to either drive directly or at least take most of the corner off, leaving the most gentle of chips to green. Given the need for accuracy, the new breed of “Golf Punks” who are power-mad, distance obsessed and like to blast it all over the place, will probably play well over handicap, it is without wishing to insult and in the nicest sense, an “old man’s course” because an experienced veteran will play a medium length shot to middle of the narrow fairway, and will not risk over shooting the turn on the dog-leg holes. Overall, a good course and one I would like to revisit, although at the regular price of £29 per round, unless you use a 2-4-1 voucher, it seems expensive.

The green fees for this course are well justified because you will never play on truer, faster and slicker greens anywhere. The only downside to the course was that the bunkers are not much to write home about. The clubhouse was modern and the staff made you feel very welcome, but just to remind you, that them greens are the best I have ever played.

An underrated golf course that oozes class from start to finish. A very impressive Clubhouse/Pro shop/Lockeroom set up leads you out onto one of the most interesting and well manicured golf courses you're ever likely to play. The opening and closing stretch are the best as they have more of a heathland feel, but there are no real weaknesses here, just 18 solid golf holes, each offering a unique challenge. The fairways and greens here are a joy to behold, I don't care where you've played, the greens here are better and quicker. Add to this mix, great views, easy walking, a first class pro and helpful staff and it's some package. The one complaint I would have about Howley Hall is the bunkering, it is of a poor condition and could be more imaginative and dramatic like some of the north Leeds heathland gems. I understand though there is a long term project in place to address this. The only other thing I could think of to improve this course, is a few less trees and a lot more heather and gorse, but I'd say that about most courses. Treat yourself, go play Howley Hall, you deserve it. A golfers golf course. - 9/10

A superb mature course. The club celebrates it's Centenary next year, 2000. As an update I can ammend the pricing: Midweek œ25 / day\r\nWeekends œ35 / a day. Half price with a member.

This is the most centrally situated club in the UK. A delight to play. tree lined fairways and fast greens. Catering of an high standard and everyone is made most welcome.\r\nI have promoted The National Ambulance Strokeplay Championships at this course every year since 1986 and we have never been disapointed by the condition of the course.