Long before the Race to Dubai was conceived, when the European Tour really was a ‘European tour’ and the game seemed to have a little more romance about it, Fulford Golf Club was home to one of the most popular events on the professional calendar.
It’s a high-class championship course that’s predominantly heathland but switches effortlessly to green parkland, and you might spot wild deer or one of the resident barn owls.
It is a serious test for the handicap golfer but don’t ask Ian Woosnam about its difficulty – the Welshman posted the all-comers’ course record in 1985 with an amazing 62.
Should you pay a visit here, allow yourself the luxury of arriving early and make your way to the bar. While you are there, take a glance at the honours board that adorns the wall and includes names such as Faldo, Olazabal, Ballesteros and Langer, and you will need little more motivation to get out onto the course.
History
The club was established in 1906 but moved to its current location in 1935 when Major Charles MacKenzie laid out the course you see today on land identified by James Braid.
It has remained largely true to MacKenzie’s design and more recently, architects Mackenzie & Ebert have developed the course through new tees, bunker modifications, and tree clearance.
The folk of Yorkshire were privileged enough to watch legends of the game here over a period of 20 years as the Benson & Hedges called Fulford its home between 1971 and 1989, and then the Murphy’s Cup in the early 1990s. Fulford today though is a club built on its history but looking to the future.
Why is Fulford Golf Club special?
The atmosphere of the club is unlike any other you’ll ever encounter. As soon as you step in you’re given a very warm welcome, by not only the members and staff, but also the clubhouse itself.
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And there is no doubt this has come off the back of a £250,000 refurbishment of the restaurant and bar area to give it a much more visually appealing look.
But its 17th hole is part of golfing folklore. The image of a young Bernhard Langer perched precariously in the ash tree at the side of the 17th green is one that has been seen by many eyes around the world.
Where does it rank?
150th in GB&I, 79th in England, 4th in Yorkshire
Where is Fulford Golf Club?
Fulford Golf Club is located just south of the city of York in Yorkshire. It is around five miles from the city, and close to the A64, which runs from Leeds – around 25 miles to the west – through to York. The course itself winds its way back to the A64 and across the dual-carraigeway, with a loop of eight holes on the southern side of the road. Leeds Bradford Airport – the biggest in Yorkshire – is within an hour from Fulford, as is Humberside Airport on the east coast. Manchester Airport – which is the busiest in the United Kingdom outside of London, is around two hours to the west.
Get in touch with Fulford Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01904 413579.
You can play at Fulford on the NCG Top 100s Tour this year!
- Book your spot to play at Fulford on the NCG Top 100s Tour on July 24th, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Moortown, Sand Moor, Headingley and Alwoodley in our Yorkshire Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Fulford Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
