Selby

Originally designed by J.H. Taylor & F.G. Hawtree, the course at Selby Golf Club opened for play shortly after the club was formed in 1907. Occupying a compact 85-acre property, the course is configured on a relatively flat landscape as two returning nines, extending to 6,377 yards overall from the back tees and playing to a par of 71.

Donald Steel told us about remodelling work he carried out on the course a few years ago: “It was the late 1990s when the Selby by-pass was routed through the northeast corner of the course which had to be rearranged to accommodate it on a more compact footprint. In particular, it involved a new par three 5th hole. I think we were lucky there wasn't more disruption.”

There’s a handful of par threes on the card, measuring between 140 yards at the 5th and 211 yards at the 15th, which equates to a lot of variety off the tee on the short holes. Two of the par fives arrive very early in the round but don’t anticipate an easy birdie opportunity here as they’re rated stroke index 5 (at the 540-yard 2nd) and stroke index 1 (at the 573-yard 4th).

Feature holes on this sandy-soiled layout include short par fours at the 9th and 13th, along with the slightly right doglegging 18th, which plays to a heavily sand-protected home green. Golfers can warm up before playing on the club’s floodlit, covered driving range and there’s a handy half-way house available at weekends offering hot and cold drinks and take-away food.