Sand Moor Golf Club

Sand Moor is actually the home of the original Tiger Tees. Yes, I had no idea either that this was a Yorkshire thing, but apparently this is where the whole 'tiger line' thing started! Well, golfing history aside, this is really good test of golf. Thoroughly welcoming people, very helpful in the pro shop. It's not very long but it is quite hilly in places, with most of the greens on hills, which means without a decent short game, you would find it tough going on the days where you missed the greens. The first hole is quite an easy par 5, and the second is not the best Par 4, but from then on the course is great. The par 3s are a particular highlight, with the 10th a really special little hole. You have to be a good iron player to score well round here. There is an amen corner of sorts here - the 11th, 12th and 13th which take you to the Eccup Resevoir. It can wreck your card, especially on windy day. The 16h is the signature hole. Only the biggest hitters will reach the green in two. If you get a par on this long undulating gorgeous par 5, then take it and run. The 18th is probably the biggest disappointment, as the tee shot is uphill, and the approach blind. Sadly they have nowhere else to put the green, as last I heard the farmer next door wont sell his field. It doesn't make for the best finish, but the clubhouse balcony is close by so you may get a gallery. All in all, one of the best in Yorkshire.

Played here on a supposedly summer's day at the end of a very wet August, but at least we didn't get rained on. Despite some squelchy bits of fairway, we were highly impressed with the course, clubhouse, other players and staff. The course set-up is excellent, with eighteen distinctly different holes and several places where you are totally isolated from other golfers - always a plus point! The blind shots aren't really an issue if you look out for markers etc. Yellow tees shorten the course considerably, making the games move admirably quickly, but it would be nice to have a few tees moved back a touch. 18-hole green fees at £67.50 for two on Open Fairways are a bit high, but next time it will be 36 holes and that represents very good value.

Played December 06. Much as before a traditional club with fine history and good facilities. 70's club house is a bit tired and worn. Locker room upgrade still looks basic. Course was in excellent condition for time of year - no temps at all. You have to use a teeing mat for all mown fairway lies - good idea and saves the pock marked divots. Course overall was reasonable, but in summer apparently ball carries for many big hitters. Lots of blind tee shots. Some very tricky par threes - you are either on for a birdy chance or looking at 5 shots. Would be happy to return

One of my favorite courses. One of a number of superb heathland courses in a belt north of Leeds, this is the most user friendly for the average club golfer. There is an air of class about the place the minute you turn into the car park. Superb set up, good Pro, good practice ground and a very welcome halfway house beside the 10th tee. The holes are not classics of design, for example the 1st tee shot is blind, not everyones favourite way to start! But the course as a whole is beautiful and challenging yet playable. The outstanding part of this course though are the short holes, breathtaking to look at and to play, as a set are easily the finest in Yorkshire. There are a couple of quirky holes and the 18th is frankly terrible, but you'll have enjoyed the round so much it wont matter. I must also mention the clubhouse, it's a wonderful place to pass an hour or three. The members here are among the most hospitable I have ever come across. Superb, play it soon - 9/10

I played the rabbits open here in 98 and was smitten with the place. I brought my society here for my captains day July 99. Having just played the 99 rabbits open here I won the putting competition. A very underestimated course in an area with so many excellent courses. It is testing enough for good players whilst being not too intimidating to higher handicappers. Excellent views over Eccup reservoir and you can see the white horse at Sutton Bank on a clear day. Good clubhouse, members, bar and catering. Well worth a visit. Andy North.