Played by NCG: Pontefract
Reason for a Pontefract Golf Club review
I am a member of Pontefract Golf Club and have been for over four years.
Where is Pontefract?
Pontefract & District Golf Club is situated around 13 miles from Leeds and is a short journey down the M62.
The course backs on to Pontefract racecourse in which you can gain a stunning view of from the 6th and 15th tee boxes.
What to expect
Pontefract is a testing parkland and has some tight tee shots that require precision off the tee. The course has improved dramatically this year thanks to the appointment of a new head greenkeeper.
It’s common knowledge amongst members that hopes of a good round can disappear inside the first three holes especially on the second hole. A tight par-5 that was added when the course had a reshuffle. It has out of bounds hugging both the right and left hand side of the hole and any wayward drives are punished.
All the par 3’s are relatively long with the uphill 3rd measuring the shortest at 170 yards. However, there are plenty of scoring opportunities along the way with the longest par-5 measuring 535 yards.
You are always tempted into going for the par-5’s in two but it’s the same story during your round that any poor shot is punished.
The friendly environment from staff, members in the clubhouse and a warm welcoming from the manager adds to your experience.
Favourite Hole
There are plenty of holes that will grab your attention at Pontefract but my favourite is the par-5 11th hole. Measuring 503 yards and down hill you are tempted into going for the green in two every time.
There’s a narrow entry to the front of the green with two bunkers guarding the front of the green. You think a birdie is more than a realistic score but you’re never surprised if you walk off with a bogey or worse.
My best bit
I will always be able to tell the story of having a hole-in-one on the par-3 3rd hole. However, I don’t regard it has my best shot at the course course as I thinned a 5 iron.
My best shot came last year on my way to shooting a 74 (my lowest round to date). I found myself in the rough around 10 yards away from the green but with a nice lie and a relatively straight forward chip to flag situated at the back of the green.
I’ve probably only ever had a handful of chip-ins so when the ball checked on the first bounce and made it’s way to the hole for an eagle, it was rare feeling of delight.
What to look for
If you get chance to go in to the clubhouse make sure you have a look for a piece of history.
The club now has their original course design on display and it is signed by Augusta National architect Alistair McKenzie.
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Matthew Beedle
Matthew has been playing golf since he was around 13 and took up the game at a local nine-hole municipal course with his friends before joining Pontefract & District Golf Club just over the hedge.
Still a member of Pontefract with a handicap of 3, he currently sits on the board of directors to help with digital and marketing initiatives in order to improve membership and visitor income.
Matthew graduated university with a First Class in Sports Journalism from Leeds Trinity University and has been working in the golf industry since graduating.
NCG’s social media & marketing manager, Matthew’s main job role is to increase website traffic to the National Club Golfer website via our email and social media channels as well as driving entries to grow our NCG Top 100s Tour events amongst other tasks.
Not one to change his equipment too often, Matthew currently plays the TaylorMade M2 driver which has lasted the test of time in his bag. Elsewhere, you’ll find him using the TaylorMade Stealth 2 three-wood with a Ping G425 Crossover 2-iron to aid his long game.
Through his 4-iron to Gap Wedge, Matthew uses the Ping i500 irons accompanied by Ping’s Glide 3.0 56-degree and 60-degree wedges.
Another club that has stood the test of time in his bag is a Nike Method Core MC-3i putter which has had to have the SuperStroke grip changed at least three times. Ball of choice is the Titleist ProV1.
