Just 6 miles south of central Manchester, we find Sale, a town with a rich and lengthy history that can be traced back to prehistoric times, and with the A56 that runs through it following the line of the Roman road that once connected fortresses in Chester and York. Fast-forward 1600 years, and the only signs of Italian invasion are the influx of trendy trattorias that have helped breathe fresh life into a previously somewhat tired town centre.
The golf club is 111 years old, and purports to have ‘built a wonderful reputation for being one of the best golf courses in Cheshire’. But this is a gloomy February day, following yet more wet weather, so expectations are tempered accordingly. We’ve made it to Sale thanks to FORE Business, the golf networking group, so the round is proceeded by some informal chit chat and worky small talk, before we’re assembled into groups so that friendly battle can commence.
By the starter’s hut, we’re met with a chainsaw carving of ex-club pro ‘Dick Burton’, who represented GB in the Ryder Cup twice, and won The Open in 1939. It’s not the club’s only notable figurehead too… current President and local lass Jo Morley has two European Tour wins to her name, was part of the winning Curtis Cup team of ‘92, and represented Europe in the Solheim Cup in ’96. What’s more, Jo’s said to be very hands-on, and whilst supporting various initiatives is also known to help behind the bar!
The opening stretch is soundtracked by the adjoining M60, then the Metrolink tram line, before we head out to more serene surroundings bordering the River Mersey. Such is the course’s condition – not helped by the flat parkland setting and proximity to the river – two holes are closed, most greens are temporary, and fairway mats are enforced… so it’s soon obvious that we’re not going to see Sale at anywhere near it’s best.
Nevertheless, the course provides a nice challenge for the full range of abilities across our groups, and it’s clear that there’s considerable work underway by the greens staff to get the course tip-top in time for the summer season. Besides the golfing entertainment, we’re joined by a gaggle of Canada Geese on the ninth fairway, only for them to be swiftly upstaged by a flock (or ‘chatter’) of the club’s resident parakeets flashing by soon afterwards!
Other mid-round excitement includes the discovery of what looks like some kind of self-serve pizza oven opposite the halfway house… though this actually transpires to be the quaintest of toilets, with what we’re told is an eco self-composting system. As we shake hands on the 18th green, we reflect on an enjoyable trip to an interesting and well-regarded club. We can’t help but feel a little guilty for visiting at the end (surely!) of the wettest winter in 130 years, and resolve to return in sunnier times!
Key Info
Holes: 18
Par: White / Yellow: 70. Red: 72
Yards: White: 6,301. Yellow: 5,944. Red: 5,488
Slope: White: 134. Yellow: 129. Red: 137
Visitor Green Fees: £35 / £45 Sundays and Bank Holidays
Website: https://www.salegolfclub.com/
Location
Prices correct at time of writing (February 2024).
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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Golf Cheshire 