Yorkshire’s hidden gem...
Matt Houseman, Head Greenkeeper at Scarcroft Golf Club, on the changes afoot at Yorkshire’s ‘hidden gem’
Blackburn Aircraft Company of Leeds, who later became the club’s first president. Designed by Major Charles Mackenzie, the undulating course has a vast and rich variety of trees with spacious fairways and is set in mature parkland. Completed in 1937, the 6456- yard par 71 course is often quoted by the local press as being “Yorkshire’s hidden gem”. This, in part, is due to its location, which is tucked away down a country lane on the outskirts of north Leeds. It is also in the ‘golden triangle’ of north Leeds courses with Moor Allerton, Alwoodley, Sandmoor and Moortown all within a short distance. Whilst the course has rustic charm and is set in peaceful surroundings, it still offers a challenging test for both professional and amateur, and the course regularly hosts a number of prestigious golfing events throughout the year.
S
carcroft Golf Club was formed by a consortium led by Robert Blackburn, founder of the
Whilst not long, the shot variation
required is challenging, using every club in the bag. Some holes offer rewards to the golfer prepared to take risks, particularly if they take on challenges such as the par five 14th, where a good drive will tempt you to go for the green across a right hand elbow and over a newly formed lake. It is also the last club in the north Leeds area that does not require members to pre- book tee times.
A team of seven maintains the course. Led by Head Greenkeeper, Matt Houseman, the team is a mix of experience and youth with three of the staff being apprentices. Matt, who became head greenkeeper in June 2008, has been at the club seven years. He arrived as a qualified greenkeeper from Harrogate Golf Club and now has amassed eighteen years of green keeping experience. His philosophy is one of pragmatism and that nothing is insurmountable. This rubs off, particularly on the
apprentices, who show a keenness for tackling new jobs such as winter project work when new and different techniques and machinery are required. The club encourages progression in both knowledge, experience and career advancement and, as such, have ensured all staff have reached a minimum of NVQ level 2 in sports turf maintenance and repair. Some have gone further or are currently studying. Three staff are qualified with full spraying certificates, three with chainsaw certification and one with a machine maintenance qualification.
Today’s course
The fifty-three bunkers, a multitude of burns, and several streams running through the course present varied maintenance challenges that are no different to most other parkland courses. What is different is the wildlife, present in large numbers due to the rural location. This, on the surface, may appear not to be an issue
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