Top 100 nine-hole courses: North East

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Top 100 nine-hole courses in Britain: Homepage

Ampleforth
The modern layout at Ampleforth offers nine holes of sloping parkland golf set within the grounds of Gilling Castle and offering panoramic views over the North Yorkshire Moors. Ampleforth is a robust walk, with several holes running along the sides of the valley. The wind plays a significant role on many of the holes, particularly the 1st and the 10th.

Crow Nest Park
Established in 1995, Crow Nest Park is a teenage course which has a mature feel thanks to many old trees which are present throughout the nine holes. The fast-draining greens are built to USGA spec, and the course is 450m above sea level so is playable all year round. Most holes have alternative tees.

Rawdon
Located six miles north of Leeds in the heart of West Yorkshire, this parkland has a mix of holes which includes two good length par 5s. The club was originally a tennis and croquet club which dates back to the 1870s, and the clubhouse sits atop of Buckstone Rock and offers splendid views over the Aire Valley. To this day, lawn tennis and golf are played side by side. The main challenge of this well-presented course comes in the form of the small and firm greens. Get out of position and you are sure to pay the price.
The main challenge of this well-presented course comes in the form of the small and firm greens. Get out of position and you are sure to pay the price.

Tom Irwin

Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.