East of Stockport, and on the western edge of the Peak District, sits Marple; a quaint village with an aqueduct, Roman Lakes, and the place that both Tony Wilson and Timmy Mallett once called home. Thankfully, there’s no party people or mallets to contend with as we arrive via a winding country lane, but instead we’re met with the perfect combination of a friendly welcome, spectacular views, and a glorious sunny day! The practice green offering a heavy hint at the quality of the course to come.
Stepping up to our opening shot, and we must have a contender for one of the most scenic tee shots in the region, with an inviting downhill tree-lined fairway, and views over the Manchester skyline beyond. It really does sets the tone for a special afternoon to come. The course is in superb condition; impeccably maintained, with greens that are tricky but fair. It’s less hilly than expected, and much less so than those not many miles to the east and south, such as firm favourites New Mills, Mellor and Shrigley.
But that’s not necessary a bad thing, especially on a day where the thermometer is hitting 28 degrees, or for those that lack the requisite stamina, or crampons. In fact, maybe Marple have nailed it with the terrain… it’s undulating enough to provide an interesting landscape, up and downhill lies, tactical challenges, and the joy of seeing a tee shot run and run… yet without the punishing uphill hikes that sometimes come with that territory.
Marple’s also fairly short… almost a mile less than nearby Mottram for instance, at 5,366 yards off the yellows. With a par of 68 from the yellows (72 off the reds), there’s 5 par 3’s to go at – including a 227 yarder, one of the longest in Cheshire, and curiously only regarded as the 7th hardest on the course. The club website offers an excellent description of every hole, which served as a tremendous help mid round when puzzling over dogleg routes and hazard avoidance.
Whilst space to accommodate the course may be limited, it’s thoughtfully designed, with a few fairway crossovers that are soon easy to fathom. Hole names are nicely descriptive, with a hint of what to expect, be it Railway, Canal, Pond, Punch Bowl or Gamble! Mill View deserves special mention, with the imposing five story brick building providing a striking backdrop, that oozes character and serves to remind of the village’s industrial past.
The final hole presents the only par 5 on the card for those off the yellows (though there’s 4 if playing off the reds), which is a lovely long uphill stroll back towards the historic clubhouse, built in 1892. 18 holes duly and pleasurably dispatched, and the terrace provides an ideal setting for the post round analysis, whilst gazing over the 18th green, and the far reaching vista beyond.
Key Info
Holes: 18
Par: White / Yellow: 68. Red: 72
Yards: White: 5,556. Yellow: 5,366. Red: 5,150
Slope: White: 121. Yellow: 119. Red: 130
Visitor Green Fees: £22.50-30
Website: http://www.marplegolfclub.co.uk
Location
Prices correct at time of writing (September 2023).
Find out where this course ranks on the list of toughest courses in Cheshire here, see all of the county’s courses plotted onto a Google Map here, and try our fun quiz to find your perfect course here!
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