Club Spotlight: Jewel in Cheshire’s crown has just got even brighter

The term ‘hidden gem’ is often over-used when describing a golf course tucked away in its natural surroundings, but for Delamare Forest the description is wholly accurate as its rolling fairways are interspersed with heather and gorse beautifully manicured to go along with fast, subtle greens making it a genuine test of your golfing abilities.

Rated the best inland course in Cheshire, the recently re-designed course plays to its full challenging potential every step of the way round.

Founded in 1910 and designed by the distinguished architect Herbert Fowler, Delamere maintains an intentionally small membership, but takes pride in its traditional warm welcome to golfers looking for a good test, exceptional hospitality and a memorable experience ranking with the best in the country.

In 2012 the club took the momentous decision to strengthen the course and reinstate its original heathland character. Renowned golf architects Tom Mackenzie and Martin Ebert, who had recently completed the remodelling of Royal Lytham and St Anne’s, were commissioned to carry out the changes. Every bunker has been returned to the original Fowler design and all of the greens have been increased in size to provide additional pin placement options and run-off areas.

As well as lengthening the course, more subtle changes from Mackenzie and Ebert include the addition of eight spectacular new tees available for club, county and national events.

Along with these changes, the original clubhouse built over 100 years ago to the Cheshire ‘black and white’ design, has been substantially improved and now mixes history and splendour and a place where you can enjoy your post round autopsy with a view that includes a number of holes that you just played.

Now standing at 6,548 yards on the Blue Course which includes several of the new designed tees Delamere Forest is certainly a ‘thinkers’ track where course management is a premium.

Position off the tee and on your approach must be considered and after you’ve mastered that the greens are some of the best you’ll play on all year-round.

Several high profile local championships are played at Delamere including the Cheshire County Ladies Championship over three days in May as well as junior, men’s, mixed and senior club competition that are also open to non-members.

The club proudly boasts that the course is open all year round and members never have to play on winter tees or temporary greens.

Further renovations are being carried out to build a new additionally lengthened practice area to the left of the 10th fairway to enhance the reputation of a golf club with unbeatable facilities.

Located about an hour from Manchester and only 15 minutes from Chester, Delamere Forest is a ‘must play’ if you’re ever in the area. One thing’s for sure, you’ll be given a warm welcome when you arrive so enjoy a day at Delamere Forest, you won’t be disappointed.

*This article was originally published in The Golf Paper’s Debut edition on 8 April 2015.

Tagged Cheshire Golf, Club Spotlight, Delamere Forest, Delamere Forest Golf Club, Golf Breaks