Clitheroe

Clitheroe is an exception to this rule and must vie for the title of best inland course in the Red Rose county.

Clitheroe is a course that will test every part of your game and this is done through a variety of holes. There are three of four really demanding par fours that must be negotiated successfully if you are to score well here.

The majority of these come in a batch of holes from the seventh through to the 12th. Seven is a very good long par four with a taxing two-tiered green whilst the 11th and 12th are also both long two-shotters with sloping greens. The eighth is a 200+ yard par three and whilst the ninth and 10th are not particularly long they have greens which are tricky to find and hold.

If you come through that third of the course unscathed you may have the chance to post a good score. The 13th and 18th are both par fives and offer up the chance of a birdie. The 16th, a par four of just over 300 yards, and the 17th, a short par three, also provide opportunity to improve your scorecard but a meandering stream runs down the left-hand side of both these holes and is very much in play on the approach shots into the green.

Meanwhile, the first six holes supply a wide mix of holes. The tight but reachable par five opening hole can get your round off to a flyer but with out of bounds close down the left all the way it is certainly no gimme. The second and fourth are not much more than a drive and a pitch whilst the third is monster, especially for those unable to carry a cross-stream from the tee. The fourth is a pretty par three whilst the next is a medium length par four.

Clitheroe is fairly generous from the tee but ensuring you leave your ball below the flag on many of the greens is essential. The course is a regular regional qualifying venue for The Open Championship so expect a true test.