Worsley Park – an ideal venue for a group golfing getaway

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If you’re seeking a venue for a relaxing weekend or a fun-filled getaway with your mates that offers as much promise and excitement off the course as it does on it, then Worsley Park on the outskirts of Manchester should be high up on your wish list.

This Marriott venue is easy to get to via main roads like the M62 from the east or M6 from the south and boasts a top-quality golf course, accommodating hotel, friendly service and plenty of nightlife in the nearby area. 

The course

Designed by Ross McMurray and opened in 1999, this 6,611-yard layout (par 71) is anything but a modest resort course and the credentials of hosting several Challenge Tour events between 2004-2008 proves this. The fairways are anything but generous – requiring accuracy as well as the correct shape to find them and avoid the plentiful fairway traps.

Driver is a apt choice on the opening holes providing you pick the correct line – especially on the uphill 5th, the first of back-to-back par fives that, on our visit, played into the wind and required three solid shots to get on in three. 

Large greens are a common theme and you can often find yourself in three-putt territory after decent approach if you find the wrong level, the ball often feeding away from the flag if you’re not careful and find the wrong side.

The par-three 7th is labeled as the signature hole and while it’s pleasing on the eye and boasts a wide but short green from front-to-back over water that’s tricky to find, my favourite hole was the 12th. Even off the back tees, at 320 yards it’s not an intimidating hole and a well-struck drive will get you close to the green. But water hazards lurk to catch anything well left while a green tilted away from you isn’t designed to receive and stop approach shots. I played the hole twice and after above average tee shots, walked off with a measly par both times. 

A truly testing risk and reward par four, the 12th starts what is a more scoreable stretch of holes, the next being a reachable, albeit tight, par five followed by a short, downhill par three. After a couple of tough par fours, both the 17th and 18th are genuine birdie opportunities that could rescue your round. A good drive will leave you close to the green on par-four 17th but beware the two-tiered green while providing it’s not playing into the wind, two healthy smacks will get you close to the par-five 18th in two without too much trouble around to punish poor shots caused by final-hole fatigue. 

Off the course

After a fair but stern test of your golfing might, the Tempo bar awaits with a friendly, busy atmosphere and a wide selection of beverages to quench your thirst. The food menu is equally impressive, comprising a collection of tasty clubhouse snack and meals that will be enjoyed by all. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try an oriental food box. Split into four sections, you’ll be greeted with a mix of different meats and flavours ticking off all your taste bud boxes. 

Ready to head into the night, the great thing about staying at Worsley Park is that you’re within an hour of some superb sporting venues, including Old Trafford, Aintree, Lancashire Cricket Club and the Manchester Velodrome to name but a few. 

If you fancy an evening a little less wild, you can stay inside and head down through the corridor to the hotel. There’s 158 guest rooms on site with all the facilities you’d ever need, including an indoor-heated swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, Jacuzzi and sauna/steam room. And once you’ve kept yourself honest with a few minutes on the treadmill, you can relax with a few ales in the Chimney Bar & Lounge before heading into the Dining room for traditional English dishes with a contemporary twist.

Green fees:

(Year Round)                     Hotel Guest                 Visitor

Weekday/Weekend                  £35                        £60

(Preferential rates available through marriottgolf.co.uk)

 

Worsley Park; A Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Worsley Park, Manchester, England, M28 2QT

Phone: +44 (0) 161 975 2000, Fax: +44 (0) 161 799 6341

www.marriott.co.uk/MANGS 

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