Folklore suggests that way back in 1912, the club was established when a group of enthusiastic local golfers discovered that this patch of land (formerly part of Waterfall Farm), could be rented for use as a 9 hole golf course. Tucked away down a cul-de-sac, and with a modest and somewhat ‘rustic’ appearance on arrival, Gatley GC has somehow squeezed almost 6,000 yards of serene parkland between housing estates, a primary school, and straddling a busy railway line. Indeed, it would be easy to feel a little hemmed in, with the frequent noise of passing trains, and planes passing low overhead with Manchester Airport a little over a mile away.
But somehow, the charming little St. Andrews-esque bridges, and Tuscan-esque lines of tall trees between fairways, provide an oasis of escapism. One particular feature, not encountered previously, is the addition of man-made what might be described as ‘land bunkers’, huge concaves on the 1st, 2nd and 7th fairways that swallow up a short approach / drive and present a perilous escape over a steep bank several feet above head height. The 8th is perhaps the most interesting hole, with an elevated tee shot onto a downsloping and right to left fairway, then an approach shot across a stream, with opposite camber beyond, and a green with trouble both left and beyond.
A useful tip, and one I wish I’d discovered pre-round, is to invest 9 minutes viewing the Flyover Videos on the club website (below), with the inside track on course management narrated by Peter Allis, who really brings the otherwise somewhat dry drone shots to life.
On my particular visit, it was somewhat ‘self-serve’, with the pro shop closed, and scorecard found in a box in the changing room, and first tee (across the bridge) navigated to via the diagram on the back. No doubt the glorious Spring sunshine helped, but the course looked superb and well-maintained, and not even an encounter with some ‘characters’ scavenging for balls could take the shine off a very pleasant afternoon.
Key Info
Holes: 9
Par: 68 (18 holes)
Yards: 5,864 yards
Slope: 113
Visitor Green Fees; £20 (18 holes)
Website: http://www.gatleygolfclub.com
Location
Prices correct at time of writing (April 2023).
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