Appleby Golf Club is a moorland where at least some of the greenkeeping is carried out by the sheep who call the course their home.
The course is set remotely on glorious expansive moorland from where there are panoramic views of Lakeland Fells. The cleverest thing about Appleby is that it is so natural, so minimalistic, that you almost can’t see it from the road.
History
Appleby Golf Club was founded in 1894, and was originally based on Minsceugh Moor, around four miles to the west of its current location.
The club made the move to its current location, on Brackenber Moor, less than a decade later. Willie Fernie – winner of the Open Championship in 1883 – was the man behind the design of the course.
Fernie left just a handful of bunkers on this minimalist design, which winds its way across the moors. The course has played host to the Cumbrian County Championship on several occasions.
Soon after opening, the course was described by the Manchester Guardian as “a champion’s course” and “The Sunningdale of the North.
What makes Appleby Golf Club special?
You have to embrace the minimalist nature of 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie’s design. It’s very clever and there’s way more going on than you might first think as you survey the surrounding moorland.
At first glance, it seems that there is not much danger around at Appleby. However, the open nature of the layout means you are at the mercy of the winds coming across Brackenber Moor. If the wind is gusting, then playing to your handicap is a very good score!
If you’re visiting Appleby in early June, you simply have to check out the world-famous Appleby Horse Fair which is a colourful annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers.
Where is it?
Appleby Golf Club is in the heart of Cumbria, in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It sits just off the A66, which runs between Workington and Grangetown. It is located just outside the small hamlet of Brackenber.
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Where does it rank?
112th in England, 3rd in Cumbria
Get in touch with Appleby Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01768 351432.
You can play Appleby Golf Club on the NCG Top 100s Tour this year!
- Register now to play in our 2024 Appleby event on July 17th here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Appleby Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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