Golf Cheshire

With a rare sighting of sunshine, we hotfoot it to the south of Warrington, betwixt the science parks of Daresbury, and the quaint villages of Stockton Heath and Stretton, to Walton Hall. This sprawling country estate can trace its roots back to when Thomas Greenall established the brewery that would go on to be the famous ‘Greenall Whitley’, in 1762. However, it wasn’t until around 100 years ago that Lord and Lady Daresbury (Thomas’ great grandson and his wife) opened the estate to the public.

It was then bought by the council in 1941, for £19,000, to house officers and troops during WWII, then took only 11 days after the war had ended, for the gardens to be opened to the public. Walton Hall now comprises a plethora of attractions, including a zoo, wedding venue, festival venue, bicycle museum and café. Together, they attract almost a third of a million visitors a year. There’s crazy golf and pitch ‘n putt too, but it’s the main golf course for which we’re in town. 

So, a ‘municipal’ course – seemingly a rarity these days – and we’re eager to see how it differs from the members’ clubs we’re far more accustomed to. Initial impressions are positive, with a cluster of charming converted outbuildings housing the pro shop. The course was opened in 1971, and was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, the duo with 12 Ryder Cup appearances between them, and who would go onto design the Brabazon course at The Belfry 6 years later. 

It’s a 6,634 yard track, through mature parkland, with trees and tight fairways the holes’ primary defence in the opening stretch. Any preconceptions of public courses being of an inferior condition are soon allayed, with well mown fairways and carefully manicured greens. If we’re being picky, some of the tee boxes are a little undulating, but otherwise there’s little to distinguish from the high quality of courses in the county, and the green fees are below average at a reasonably £20 for 18 holes. 

The round passes by pleasantly, but without major drama for the first 2 hours or so… save perhaps the 6^th that invites a tee shot over trees to cut the corner, and the 9th with ditches in front of both the tee shot and approach. But it’s the last 6 holes where – for us at least – the course comes into its own. Having ascended to the summit, we’re rewarded with far-reaching views on the 13th, to begin a closing stretch that’s undulating twists and turns make for a memorable finish.