2024 CLUB OF THE YEAR – CLITHEROE GC
Winning the “2024 Golf Club of the Year” awarded by Lancashire Golf, has further enhanced Clitheroe’s reputation as a favourite destination for visitors.
Clitheroe is a stunning parkland course designed by the legendary James Braid. Located in the picturesque Ribble Valley, on the edge of the historic market town of Clitheroe, the course offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Visitors are assured a warm welcome and the opportunity to play on one of the North West’s finest courses. Just reading the comments on our website visitor page is testament to that. As an England Golf qualifying course, we cater for visitors and societies throughout the week, as well as hosting corporate golf days and popular open competitions.
The course has been improved and extended over the years and now measures 6532 yards from the Blue Tees. The course is relatively flat and easy walking, so ever popular with seniors, but nonetheless a challenging course for all level of golfers. All the greens have been reconstructed to USGA specification providing firm and true putting surfaces all year round.
Being the club’s main asset, we continue to invest and enhance every aspect of it, ever mindful of wildlife and environmental considerations. Major improvements in drainage now guarantee virtually year-round golf, give or take the odd fall of snow. We were open for play more than any other local club during the rainy periods in 2024.
Positioned in the picturesque Ribble Valley, often dubbed the “foodie capital of the Northwest” by The Times, the club ensures that its culinary offerings match the region’s reputation. First-class dining is a must and has been instrumental in attracting visiting parties and prestigious events. With versatile spaces for seminars and functions, the club often hosts morning meetings combined with golf later in the day. A large patio area with panoramic views of the course enhances summer dining.
The shift to a smaller management board has been transformative. “Stuff gets done,” is the consensus among members, a critical factor as clubs face rising energy costs and increased course maintenance expenses. At Clitheroe GC, the guiding philosophy is clear: while cash is king for any business, in golf the course wears the crown. Revenue is reinvested to maintain and enhance the course, ensuring it meets the highest standards. This approach not only improves the member experience but also draws visiting parties returning year after year and keeps the tee sheets full during open competitions.
Clitheroe’s superb Golf Academy features a floodlit driving range, short game areas, a coaching room with swing diagnostics, and a course simulator for practice and challenges. Open from early morning until late at night, the facility is a bonus to visiting parties who are given free access to warm up before their game.
Located just off the A59 only 12 miles from the M6, we attract visitors from far and wide, providing a perfect half-way stop for groups “on tour” up to the North East, Scotland or the Golf Coast of the Fylde. Help with accommodation is available from the golf operations team or on the website.
