Fulford: The home of European Tour legends
Why we’d rather be playing this classy Yorkshire heathland
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 it’s 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.
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 Fulford rank?
77th in England, 150th in GB&I, 5th in Yorkshire, 100th in Value
Where is Fulford?
Fulford can be found less than three miles to the south of York’s city centre.
Would you like to play courses like Fulford with the NCG Top 100s Tour?
Our NCG Top 100s Tour offers club golfers the chance to tick off their bucket list courses around the UK and Ireland while playing for fantastic prizes courtesy of TaylorMade.
The Tour prides itself on offering the best experience at the events while offering fantastic value.
Your entry fee includes:
- Your round of golf
- A meal before and after your round
- A welcome pack on arrival
- The chance to win amazing TaylorMade prizes
And, if that isn’t enough, you can get a 10% discount if you book four or more golfers.
Get in touch
For more information about the club and course, visit Fulford’s website or call them on 01904 413579.
Have you played Fulford Golf Club before? Let us know in the comments, or send us a post on X/Twitter!
- NOW READ: NCG Top 100s: Fulford golf club review
Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
