Pannal GC is one of Yorkshire’s highest ranked golf courses.
Created in 1906, this championship course with its spectacular views has hosted many top events including in recent years Open Championship Regional Qualifiers and the English Amateur Championship.
The course begins strongly, the 1st, a 438-yard par four. A second long four follows, before a par three and a change of direction. The 5th in parallel to the 4th continues a very gradual climb preceding the 6th, blind from the tee, where the course changes in character from what has been essentially woodland to the moorland section of heather, pine and deciduous, and tremendous views.
The midpoint demands accuracy rather than length, 7th to the turn being tree-lined, before a tricky short 10th that seems to play longer than its 142-yard length.
A short par five, the 11th, asks for position before the long par four 12th, 459 yards, requires a long second after a straight drive. The formula remains the same, position being essential, until the 17th, 198 yards over a valley. The 18th goes back down to the clubhouse level, a drive from a height and short second to a green down below.
Pannal is certainly a challenging course – especially when the wind blows – and it plays across interesting, but not tiring terrain, where accurate drives, and careful course planning will bring its reward.
