RUDDING PARK HOTEL & GOLF CLUB
Location: Follifoot, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, 15 miles North of Leeds  HG3 1JH

The 300 acres of this lush estate play host to the superb championship golf course, formulated by the esteemed Martine Hawtree. The designer was fortunate to have as his canvas the mature parkland that was originally conceived by the famous landscape architect, Humphrey Repton.

As such, the natural hazards and mature trees gave Hawtree a head start with his project, and the resultant golf course does not disappoint. Rudding Park is fully committed to conserving its local environment, an attitude that has earned it numerous awards.

The strategic placement of some new water features has not interfered with this ethos, but has added to the golf course's charm and intrigue. The greens and tees are now designed in line with USGA specifications, adding a touch of class to this lovely layout.

The latest addition to Rudding Park is the Repton short course, introducing a new golf concept 'Golf in One Hour'. This is a par 3 course of 6 holes built to the highest possible standards and featuring a replica of the 17th hole at Sawgrass in Florida.

In addition, Rudding Park boasts an 18-bay floodlit driving range, where hotel guests can redeem their complimentary bucket of balls.

OWSTON HALL HOTEL
Location: Owston, Askern, South Yorkshire, 7 miles North of Doncaster  DN6 9JF

The original 9 holes at Owston Hall were first established in 1922, but the journey was completed with the development of the second loop in the late 1990s. The resultant championship course has been well-received, and from 2002-2004 it played host to televised Europro Tour events.

Close to 7,000 yards at is fullest length, Owston Hall is a stern test of golf, encountering mature oak trees and treacherous water hazards. The tenth hole is the star of the course, where golfers must only travel 284 yards, but must negotiate two strategically positioned lakes.

Owston Hall is a terrific example of ‘risk/reward' golf, and is characteristic of the enjoyable challenges at this South Yorkshire classic.

ALDWARK MANOR GOLF & SPA HOTEL
Location: Aldwark, North Yorkshire, 14 miles NW of York  YO61 1UF

The delightful golf course skirts the 19th century Manor House, which is the focal point of this beautiful 120-acre estate, and offers visiting golfers a most enjoyable experience.

The well-conditioned parkland layout makes use of the local landscape, cutting through avenues of towering oaks and beeches, which themselves are a formidable obstacle for those who stray wide of the fairway. The River Ure winds its way gently through the estate and the golf course itself, adding to the natural beauty of the backdrop to this gorgeous layout.

While it may not be long, there is no shortage of intrigue to keep golfers interested at this stunning golf course, not least at the ‘risk/reward' holes, including the 10th, where hitting the green in two demands a quality long shot over water.

There are also excellent practice facilities at Aldwark Manor, allowing golfers to hone their skills or iron out any creases that may arise during a round.

DE VERE OULTON HALL 5*
Location: Oulton, Yorkshire, 6 miles SE of Leeds  LS26 8HN

Dave Thomas championship design is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in northern England. The course overlooks the characteristic hills and dales of Yorkshire, and is both a pleasure and a challenge.

Park Course - As you would expect, Thomas's layout takes in the natural undulations of the land, but he has used the inherent features of the landscape to create hazards. The greens are very subtle, a feature of the designer's ability to create a good challenge, whilst retaining the course's playability for golfers of all standards.

Hall Course - Adding to Oulton's golfing repertoire is the 9-hole Hall course, which may not be long, but it will be an enjoyable experience for all those who visit on a golf break.

HUNLEY HALL HOTEL & GOLF CLUB
Location: Brotton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, 16 miles East of Middlesbrough  TS12 2QQ

Hunley Hall boasts an impressive location on the beautiful coastline east of Middlesbrough, and its 29 holes can be manipulated to offer four different 18-hole tests.

Morgan's Course - The Morgan's Course is named so after its designer, John Morgan, and is the longest course on Hunley Hall's rotation. Tricky doglegs, plateau greens and fearsome water hazards are characateristic of Morgan's layout, while the signature hole offers fantastic views over the entire golf course as players fire the ball downhill.

Millenium Course - The Millennium is the shortest of Hunley Hall's compilations, but it is not without danger. An array of ponds and streams are to be negotiated, while banks of gorse threaten the fairways and greens.

Jubilee Course - The Jubilee may be the easiest of Hunley's courses to score on, but it is also extremely exciting. With a more than average number of par-3s and par-5s, there are many opportunities to make or break a round.

Imperial Course - The Imperial is arguably the most challenging layout here, utilising the most difficult holes from the 29. It may also be the most spectacular, as it affords unrivalled views across the bay to the Boulby Cliffs. One of the most entertaining holes is surely the 8th, named ‘Dicken's Dilemma', which is a short par-3 over a threatening water hazard.

Hunley Hall also boasts superb practice facilities at which to hone your game, including large chipping and putting greens.