Pontefract and District Golf Club History

The club was first established in 1904 when the founder members created a nine hole course on land belonging to the local park. In the early 1920’s a completely new course was laid out on adjourning land, leased from the Duchy of Lancaster. A decade later, the course was extended from 9 to 18 holes based on a layout drawn by Dr Alastair McKenzie, the famous designer of Augusta, who was born locally.

The Members purchased the land from the Duchy in 1985, a new tract of land was acquired in 2003, and a major redesign of the course was unveiled in 2008. A substantial part of the first three holes occupies the new land and, as a result, you will find that you are somewhat exposed to the prevailing westerly wind until you have completed your drive on the fourth.

You will play a gently undulating course, which has many holes of great character, and we are particularly proud of our ‘sting in the tail’ 16th.

You will first be aware of the ‘Bell Pits’ when your ‘pushed’ drive from the 4th tee suddenly appears back in the centre of the fairway. With golfers luck it will have bounced off one of these doughnut shaped, ancient workings. You will find more of them, and their influence on your game, on the 5th, 15th and just where your drive lands on the 16th.

The fact that every decade or so one of these pits collapses, brings an extra ‘edge’ to your shot if your ball happens to land on one of the lush centres of these landmarks.

We hope that you find the time in your round to enjoy the area of cultivated nature that is our course.