Bellingham Golf Club
Location
Bellingham Golf Club (established 1893) is found on the north east edge of the village of Bellingham, capital of The North Tyne, some 17 miles north west of Hexham on the B6320.
Setting
Bellingham’s highly regarded 18 hole golf course, par 70, overlooks the village of Bellingham with stunning views extending up the North Tyne Valley towards Kielder Water and the Scottish Border.
Length of course
White Tees 6,093 yards. Yellow Tees 5,902 yards. Red Tees 5,190 yards
Course Type
A parkland course, Bellingham occupies some 130 acres of undulating land, with streams, ravines and trees of many different varieties. The course was extended from 9 to 18 holes in 1996-the transition is unnoticeable, so well has the old and new blended together.
Facilities
Friendly clubhouse with bar and locker rooms and outside decking with great views of the village and its surroundings. There is a six bay driving range where you can hone your swing for £2 for 20 balls.
Longest Drive
At the 15th, a 406 yards par four beast over a prominent ridge, most players are pleased to be left with a wood or long iron for their second. The big boys shorten the hole by whacking their drive over the massive oak tree on the left side of the fairway. If they hit a good tee shot a wedge will do for the second. If they get it wrong its play a provisional ball and get ready to write at least a six on the card!
Toughest Hole
The 18th is a 374 yard par four called Boggle Hole. Legend has it that the Boggle was where witches gathered! Whilst the hole is not long, it requires a straight tee shot of about 220 yards and then an iron (usually into the wind) across two deep ravines to a raised green. Many good cards have been wrecked by The Boggle Hole!
Signature Hole
The 12th is a beautiful par four of 347 yards. It is down hill all the way to a tricky green with a stream at the front and bank at the back and jungle on either side. Many players keep the driver in the bag here.
Course Record
63 by Ryan Hyland
Competitions
Competitions run every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for the men and on Saturdays and some Sundays for the ladies. There is a highly popular nine hole mixed sweep on Tuesday evenings in the summer months. Details of gents, ladies and mixed opens are on Golf Empire and on www. bellinghamgolfclub.com.
Prices
Weekdays £20 pp per round Weekends £25 pp per round Winter £10-£15pp per round Buggies for hire-see website Membership from 1st November 2020 to 31 October 2021 £290plus affiliation fees for first year. Country/Second Club membership from 1st November 2020 to 31 October 2021 £220.