Approaching Northop Golf and Country Club from Chester on the A55 expressway, takes you into a grand entrance leading up to the clubhouse. The club and course has recently been taken over, and the new owner has had architects in to re design some of the holes to make way for proposed future planned development. Although only a young club, it is well established in mature parkland, with Michael Owen, one of Newcastle’s favourite footballing sons living right next to the course.

It was a cold and overcast morning when greeted by the Captain, Mr. Mel White, who introduced me to John Creer who would be joining us to play the course.

The new layout of the course has improved the playability on some holes with added water features that create a greater degree of difficulty. Ongoing improvements and facilities aimed at the corporate sector, and societies, plus a healthy membership will ensure that it will be around for years to come.

With not getting a great deal of run, from the previous day’s wet weather, the course was playing its full length.

The highlight of my day was on the 5^th a par 3, 171 yards, where a great tee shot left a 6″ putt for an easy birdie.

Result:

Out: 42
In: 42
Gross: 84
H/cap: 13
Nett: 71
Par: 72
Putts: 17/16 = 33
Win/ Lost: Win
Stableford Points: 19/18 = 37

7 Pars; 1 Birdie; 7 Bogeys and 3 D/Bogeys

Conditions:  Breezy, sunny periods, overcast at times.