Golf Cheshire

Our next assignment takes us to Ringway, a club on the South Manchester / Cheshire border, that takes its name from the original moniker of Manchester Airport, 3 miles down the road. It’s a name that somewhat belies it’s prestigious location, being situated in Hale Barns, the well-healed village reportedly home to the second most expensive houses in the North West of England, with an average asking price of over £1.2m! 

The golf club can trace its roots back to 1909, when 6 people from Hale & Ashley Cricket Club contributed to create the original 12 hole course. But it was 3 years later, when Harry Colt arrived in WA15, that the course really took shape. Colt, the renowned course architect who’s CV includes Royal Liverpool, Sunningdale and Wentworth, designed much of the current layout, extending it to 18 holes along with his trademark approach to ensure “a good shot should be rewarded and a poor shot punished”.

James Braid is further credited with having ‘tightened’ the course in the 1950s… though the specifics of what was done remains a mystery, since a clubhouse fire in 1987 destroyed any known records. James’ son was actually said to have been a member at Ringway for over 20 years prior to his father’s intervention, and another decade later made his own long-considered recommended changes, with the final 2 holes adapted accordingly. 

Our visit gets off to an auspicious start, with a rare extra-early arrival rewarded fully, by the most superb array of practice facilities. This is despite the discovery that their driving range has been closed for some years, and is seemingly buried under a mountain of soil. But the disappointment of this discovery could hardly be more short-lived; there’s 5 practice nets, to dust off the driver in, 2 putting greens, and a fantastic short game practice area.

Handily located near the 1^st tee, we find 3 separate chipping greens, surrounded by the full assortment of lies, that provides endless fun and the perfect pre-game tune-up. Suitably warmed up, and we find a course that’s in remarkable condition, particularly given the recent weather, and the gloomy skies’ best efforts to dampen proceedings. Each hole presents us with a different challenge, thoughtfully designed and beautifully manicured.

The 12th is another hole of note; named ‘Hercules’, we learn, after the horse that once pulled the greenkeepers’ mowers, and who is laid to rest under a mound on the right of the fairway. This is swiftly followed by the first of several opportunities to gaze over the distant and ever-changing Manchester skyline (see main pic) that becomes a features of the closing holes, and a magnificent backdrop to a glorious golf course.