Golf
“
decision for a new building an easy one! A new site was found and the new clubhouse was opened for business in the spring of 1975.
It soon became clear that, whilst the new clubhouse was attracting more members and they had a strong junior section, the club’s nine-hole layout was under pressure from increased footfall whilst, additionally, some members were moving away to join eighteen hole clubs for a better golfing experience. Perhaps ironically, in the nineties, land
that the club could have acquired back in the early sixties again became available and the directors, with endorsement from the members, purchased the land and set out plans for the much needed additional nine holes. It should be noted that no grants were received and the club funded the project totally. Alan Kellett, the club’s Head
Membership was down to less than 200 and, with poor weather causing loss of revenue, the greenkeeping staff were put on a job share, although we still employed a secretary, steward and pro!
Greenkeeper, has overseen all the work. He takes up the story. “From a young age I wanted to be a
professional golfer. Watching Seve at Royal Birkdale in 1976 instilled my passion for the game. Ultimately, I never quite got ‘good enough’ so, as many good golfers do, I chose the greenkeeping route.” “I became a junior member at Bentham
in 1976 and began work on the YTS scheme in 1982, before going to Myerscough College, firstly to undertake the National Certificate in Horticulture - I love all aspects of plants - followed by the National Diploma in Sports Turf. Whilst working at Longridge Golf Club in Preston, I was approached by some of the Bentham committee members to return and oversee the extension of the course to eighteen holes. This was in 1992.” Bentham Golf Club is situated in the
Three Peaks area of North Yorkshire which is famous for its wonderful scenery and stunning views. The course has been described as the ‘Augusta of The Dales’ because it looks so attractive. The signature hole is the 7th, a par 3, where you look down from an elevated tee to an inviting green which lies tantalisingly on the other side of a pond. The course is set in 120 acres of
meadowland/moorland - with hints of parkland - and measure 6175 yards, par 70. The course itself takes up about seventy acres, with the remainder left for wildlife. It has ten water features, seven of which are in play.
Alan continues; “In 2000, the club
eventually undertook the task of extending the course to eighteen holes. Finance was sought and, for around £250,000, ten new greens, various tees, bunkers and water
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