This is the oldest club in York and, as such, boasts a fascinating history with Dick Turpin and JH Taylor both playing a part.
The original course was laid out on York’s historic Knavesmire where the famous highwayman was executed for horse theft before moving to its present site, Strensall, six miles north of city in 1904. Here Taylor, fresh from the third of his five Open Championship victories, got to work.
Back then it was known for its wide-open fairways, these days a natural heathland course sits with trees lining the majority of the holes.
There is much to be said for Strensall – on the eye it is very easy while it is a superb test for the strong and weaker player alike. The club hosts many county and union events.
A friendly welcome is too readily bandied around when reviewing any course – here it is only too true and this makes for an excellent setting for any visiting party.
1st, 434 yards, par 4
A wide, inviting fairway awaits but this is your opening tee shot and the trees and fairway bunkers catch the eye. If you find the short stuff a mid to long iron will still be required to find a large green. A par represents an excellent start to your round.
3rd, 514 yards, par 5
On the card the easiest hole, but there is still plenty of scope to make a mess of things. The ideal drive, played over heather, will favour the left side, anything up the right risks being blocked out. From there it is possible to find the green though more fairway bunkers will catch anything slightly offline.
7th, 153 yards, par 3
The signature hole features a picturesque lily pond. It’s only a mid to short iron but this green is often missed and, should you not find it, you can leave yourself a horrible chip to a sloping putting surface. This is Stroke Index 3 on the card which tells its own story.
01904 491 840