Ripon City Golf Club

Described as an “absolute gem” in the golfing media, an excellent test for players of all abilities awaits, and though measuring only 6084 yards the spectacular parkland course requires full respect and focus. The natural topography allows the presentation of some challenging holes and very exciting greens which are excellently presented all year round. The course drains superbly, rarely closes, has few restrictions, and does not use mats in winter. The major enhancements to the course in recent years have resulted in a wonderful synergy of traditional and modern golf architecture. Hole 1: Despite the apparent ease of this par 3 opener, wayward shots will be punished left by the pond and to the right by a sand trap. But the wide green should help you get your par and your round under way on our picturesque, enjoyable and challenging North Yorkshire course. Hole 2: A statuesque ash tree to the left and tall fir trees to the right frame the fairway of our first par 4. Play straight and avoid the 2 right hand fairway bunkers to set up an approach to the testing and well guarded two-tier green, protected by a dry ditch in front and bunkers left and right. Hole 3: The marker post, centre fairway, is your target line as you tee off over the small ravine. The remaining fairway is wide but slopes to the right towards the magnificent line of tall mature pines. The elevated green with its tricky back to front slope concludes a very satisfying 500 yards of golf. Hole 4: One of the best views at Ripon is offered from this tee as the fairway descends and then sweeps majestically upwards to the green. An accurate drive will avoid the pines on the right and the trees and ravine to the left. The incline to the green makes club selection key to successfully reaching the long, sloping putting surface, and avoiding the bunker front left. Hole 5: The second of the par three holes marks the start of Ripon’s own ‘Amen Corner’ and is one of the most satisfying of tee shots over a deep ravine. Tall trees line the approach to the right and to the left of the green. Missing the green may result in a dropped shot but a par or better on this hole is a great feeling. Hole 6: Avoid the ancient oak tree that stands proudly atop of the ravine over which you drive to set up an approach to another upward sloping green, protected front right by two deep, revetted bunkers and a shallow sand trap to the left. Putt out and then simply enjoy the fantastic views of the North York Moors and the White Horse from this, the highest point on the course. Hole 7: The tee area offers golfers a beautiful view of Ripon Minster and the Ure valley. This amazing par three requires an accurate tee shot with almost a 100 foot descent to a green : perhaps the most difficult to read on the course. Danger lurks to the right where thick trees surround a pond. Hole 8: At only 302 yards, this par four is a real birdie opportunity. The fairway is wide enough for all but the most wayward tee shots, and a long straight drive should get your ball over the hill and offer an elevated view of a green which slopes generally and deceptively to the left, and is guarded by one bunker to the front right. Hole 9: Whilst the tee shot here appears daunting with a narrow target, the fairway is in fact wide and forgiving. The approach shot up the slope should be a short iron or wedge to the crowned green. Relatively new fairway bunkers to the right await errant tee shots, and the green is further protected by attractive new sand traps right and short left. Hole 10: A classic dogleg left, a driver may not be the best option from the tee for long hitters as a pond sits to the right of a roll-away bank at around 220 yards. A centre-fairway tee shot to the brow of the hill sets up a longish approach to the green with a bunker right. Hole 11: Ripon’s longest par four gives fewer birdies than any other hole on the course. Try to stay to the left centre on this tree and shrub lined fairway, avoiding a trap to the left, and set up an approach to a relatively flat green which is guarded by greenside bunkers left and right. Hole 12: A great golfing challenge, not only because of the approach to the green, but if the prevailing westerly makes an appearance then getting your drive into position at the top of the hill, avoiding the sand right is all the more testing. Once there, however, you’ll see a green beautifully framed by water to the left and bunker to the right. Hole 13: There is little danger awaiting tee shots at our last par 5, though long hitters be aware of the sand on the left. The second shot is key as a series fairway bunkers left and right await at the crest of the gentle slope. The flat green then lies attractively ahead, well guarded by sand traps front left and right. Hole 14: Your last par three is an absolute delight. Galleries behind you in the clubhouse, a large fountained pond between you and the green…what could be better? Hit your tee shot to the centre of the welcoming green and wait for the accolades when you return to the 19th. Surely that’s what golf is all about? Hole 15: Strategy is important here to avoid a series of well placed fairway traps that await your tee shot. The approach offers a challenging choice : carry the 2 deep greenside bunkers to attack the flag or take the option to the left centre of the large green. Hole 16: An inviting driving hole from the elevated tee - the wide fairway is lined by trees to the left, but stay clear of 2 huge bunkers on the right and avoid the sand front left of the large green, one of the flattest on the course. Hole 17: A classic dogleg left. A straight tee shot to the corner, avoiding the bunker, should leave a short or mid iron approach. No sand here, but a pond awaits to the right of the inviting green. A hole full of choices. Hole 18: A superb finishing hole, where a fairway bunker left is definitely in play. Once at the crest of the fairway the picturesque approach reveals water on the left and bunkers protecting the two-tier green. A great end to the round, and all players can look forward to well deserved refreshments at the nineteenth! Our new clubhouse was opened in 1999, and means that we can provide the very best in modern facilities whilst retaining the traditional values for which Ripon is proud. The upper floor includes the dining room, lounge and spike bar, and yet in this modern setting the club’s honours boards, celebrating over one hundred years of competitive golf, provide a great sense of history. There are spectacular panoramic views over no less than four greens and two tees from the spacious and comfortable bar area. On the ground floor are found the changing rooms with shower facilities, the administrative area, and the professional’s shop, just a few yards from the first tee. Members and Visitors can take advantage of an excellent menu, whether it’s just a light snack, or a more substantial meal from the range of delicious home-cooked fare. The clubhouse is also a popular local venue for private parties - the perfect location for wedding receptions, special celebrations, formal dinners and also corporate events and business meetings.