Blackpool North Shore Golf Club

Blackpool, Lancashire

Another Colt beauty set on the Fylde coast

THE original course was laid out in the early 1900s before the decision was made to move it to the highest point in Blackpool on Knowle Hill.

Harry Colt, best known for his work at Sunningdale and Wentworth, was selected for the design over James Braid.

At a fee of £200 and a budget of just £3,500 the new course was opened in 1927, with the clubhouse following suit a year later.

Today the clubhouse and course have both received facelifts, the club has recently installed a full greens, tees and approaches irrigation system, and the test remains as challenging.

The main reason for this, given its location, is the wind. You only play one hole downwind, and this comes at the short par-4 8th where you don't need too much assistance, two holes into the wind while the other 15 face a cross wind.

And while the images on the club's website suggest that there is plenty of room it is a different case when you are stood on the tee.

You might think this is a true links given that it is built next to the sea but the land lies on clay and not sand though the greens remain superb and possibly the best in the county.

Every year the club hosts the Lancashire Open and the local professionals are always full of praise for the putting surfaces.

Also to hand is an excellent academy which houses a short-game area, custom-fit centre and putting studio.

You might think this is a true links given it is built next to the sea but the land lies on clay and not sand though the greens remain superb.

Top holes

By Andrew Richardson, head professional

7th 175 yards, par 3

A bit of a postage stamp green and heads towards the sea so almost always into the wind. The green is slightly raised and well protected by the bunkers. With a strong wind it can play well over 200 yards.

15th 537 yards, par 5

A strong dogleg. The drive is played uphill, then you come back down the hill for the second and third shots. Out of bounds lurks down the right-hand side as you near the green.

18th 415 yards, par 4

If there is a signature hole it is this, all uphill to the green and to the clubhouse.

There are two big grass hollows 50 yards short of the green, it has the look of somewhere that has had two huge bombs dropped in it, which makes the green look closer than it is.

The average handicapper will think twice about taking these on. The green measures 46 yards from back to front, the hardest challenge is to find it.