Branshaw Golf Club

Keighley, West Yorkshire

All you need to know about this brilliant British course

SITUATED in the heart of Bronte country – a gorgeous part of West Yorkshire – Branshaw provides both a feast for the eyes and the golf game.

Just five minutes from the beautiful town of Haworth, the course lies in the adjoining village of Oakworth atop the high moors, with panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding hills.

The course has a reputation for not being overly difficult, but for rewarding accuracy above brute power. It is always in excellent condition. They are currently celebrating their centenary year.

Branshaw describe the course as ‘sometimes serene, often bracing, constantly challenging, always exhilarating and never boring’ and it’s hard to disagree.

Off the tips, it measures under 6,000 yards, but demands accuracy off the tee. An impressive team of greenkeepers have the course in great shape all year round.

As far as starts go, the 1st here has to be up there with one of the most difficult in the area.

The 8th is a 277-yard par 4 which is within reach for longer hitters, this represents a solid birdie chance for all abilities.

With out of bounds running tight up the left- hand side and heavy rough on the right, it demands coolness and commitment from the off.

Indeed, if you are prone to a stiff back, be sure to warm up! The best way to play this hole is to favour the left side of the fairway as it leaves a better angle for your approach shot to the long green, which slopes a lot. The bunker short-left of the green is a no-go.

The 8th is a 277-yard par 4 which is within reach for longer hitters, this represents a solid birdie chance for all abilities.

Although a hazard runs adjacent to the fairway, you can take it all out of the equation either by laying up with a reliable club or aiming straight at the green.

There are no greenside bunkers. If you are going to miss, bail out right as left is not the place to be.