Welcome to UK-GolfGuide's page which contains feedback from site users who have played at Pannal Golf Club (Harrogate) Ltd.

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Alistair How (England) 22/04/08

Pannal is scenic but tough and likely to get tougher with plans in progress to sharpen up many areas on the course. This is the sign of a constantly evolving course meeting the challenges of new and better equipment. Course remains an open qualifier - you can get lost in the rough when this is on. Wet winter has meant course is not as good as it might be. However it dries quite quickly and there are no major issue areas.

1st heads off on a relatively dull opening hole, but bunkering near the green stops it being a push over. Best to play for accuracy where the fairway is waisted. Long hitters might even take a fairway wood. On a popular weekend, you need to be prepared for the audience watching you tee off.

The second brings on one the Pannal signatures into play - a right to left slope on the fairway. This can result in a tricky 'above the feet' lie for right handers hitting into a part elevated green. Ideally drive right - but avoid the bunkers. Then again play right to counter the slope. Bail out on the left where the rough is at least flat. Part elevated green with bunker on RHS.

The third is a little more relaxing par 3. Play long or short, bunkers and a steep slope protect the sides. if you place it on the green first time then you have a birdie or par chance. Removal of some vegatation on the LHS has improved this hole.

The forth is for the big hitters. A good drive can set up a fairway wood into the green for this par 5. However anything short brings in extensive bunkering so most lay up and play safe for 3 on the green. Avoid the LHS - gorse, trees and a slope. Once near the green things get easier.

The fifth starts to show you what make Pannal so special. A view across to the town and viaduct. Again a severe right to left slope. Slicers can be rewarded with summer roll, the tiger line is straight but beware of the rough. A second shot to the green is possible, but drop it short and the contours punish you very quickly. Again a part elevated green here - larger than it looks.

The sixth is often considered the signature hole. A blind tee shot over the gorse. However much of the gorse has been ripped out to be replaced by heather. Apparently this will take some years and is partly aimed to reduce the level of intimidation for those teeing off! Any reasonable strike will get you up on the level but it is a long way into the green. Keep right and at least you have a chance of finding your ball.

The seventh will see the removal of the bunker - not sure why, on this dog leg left hole. A good chance of par or better here. Aim for the marker post then play on the RHS to avoid the bunkers.

The eighth is a level straight hole but with a 'washboard' fairway so some unpredictable bounces. Trees guard left and right, but again should be OK if you get a good straight drive.

The nineth heads over a brow so you need to get the ball in the air. Saying that the fairway is wide and the trick into the green is to play left and allow the contour to bring you onto the green, thus avoiding the bunker.

The 10th is a short par 3 played into a tight green with OOB on the LHS and bunkers short. Play long and there is a tricky down hill putt. Winter tee dissapoints. Set low to the RHS - more of a pitching competition.

Halfway house is here with toilets. Can be used also when you finish the 7th and start 8th.

The 11th is one of the longest holes on the course - very difficult to make the green in two. Ideally drive LHS, otherwise you get caught up in tall trees that guard the green and two fairway bunkers. Off the tee a bunker catches any RH slicers. For most players you need to play position on the second and third shots, and make sure you get on the right tier of the green.

The 12th is a long par 4, but not impossible if you keep it on the short stuff. Again big plans here to reposition the tee. At present you can affort to play to the right where the fairway opens up. A large oak tree is right in the middle of the fairway and can be off putting.

The 13th is again a long par 5 up hill. Wind conditions can make all the difference. Keep it down the centre. The LHS looks OK, but there are lots of difficult dips and folds. The RHS can see you getting caught up in the trees. Three into the green is a great result. Playing surface is good but beware the short bunkers.

The 14th can be easy for the big hitters if the wind is behind you. Play to the LHS to counter the countour and bunker which has a massive face. A good drive should allow a reasonable shot into the green if you get it over the brow. Play long here into the green if you are wary of the bunkers L and R.

The 15th is a long par 3 down the hill. Correct club selection is essential. Anything from a 6 iron to a driver depending upon conditions and position of the tee. Short is best for wimps - but will keep you out of trouble for a 4. Play for the green and you have to be accurate because bunkers L and R will not allow you to roll it on from the side.

The 16th places you on an elevated tee adjacent to the 6th on top of the hill. Great views. Again a long blind drive - aim for the post. RHS reasonably open. You need two more good shots to get to the green. Green slopes back to front far more than you might think.

The 17th is probably the second signature hole - Jocks Corner. A par 3 that you should take care about. The white lower tee position is a nightmare and even the regular position is difficult. You look over the green, but with excessive slopes all around. Selection of the right club is critical, but there are no easy options. Play short and you end up in the rough in the small coll with a steep pitch. Anywhere right and a very severe slope makes any shot onto the green tough. Long brings the OBB into play but might be an option if you hit straight. The LHS is the best play but watch the bunker. Ideally a firm strike into the banking on the LHS to dribble onto the green.

The 18th heads back to the club house. Aim for the slim factory chimney left of the fairway - the roll will take you right. The longer the better because short and the fairway gradient is significant. On the RHS a small lake catches slicers. Not impossible to make par here with a good drive and second shot. Bunkers guard L and R at the front of the green.

Walk in a few yards to club house for a well deserved drink!

Value for Money	8
Challenge	8
Off Course	10

dilly john (Wales) 09/10/07

im a member at pannal and am so glad that am. the condition is always great, though the greens can get a bit long and fluffy but all in all good condition.

My review of the course: the 1st is a not a remeberal hole and looks quite easy but believe me its not. the 2nd is very tough with a tight tee shot because of the slope of the fairway and a tough green to hit with bunkers on the right and extremerly thick rough,on the left theres a steep bank with ob. the 3rd is in my eyes very tough.but thats just the start there are plenty of great holes including 6,10,11,12,16,17 and 18

All in all a good club and the pro shop and clubhouse is great

Value for Money	8
Challenge	9
Off Course	10

Paul Gardener (England) 17/04/07

Played Pannal on 15th of April on the reduced rate of £35.

Facilities are excellent- practice ground where you can warm up with free range balls and a good net. Great views and a super clubhouse with well-equipped changing rooms.

The course itself I am sad to say was very underwhelming. The greens were long and unkempt (2 members playing behind us in a competition joked they couldn't see where the fairways ended and the greens began) and the condition was pretty ragged.

The course design is typically parkland with some nice holes (6th,17th) and some quite bland ones.

Overall the condition was very disappointing which for a place of Pannal's reputation I find strange (especially given the recent good weather. High marks for the facilities but disappointed by the course itself.

Value for Money	5
Challenge	4
Off Course	8

Richard Lupton (England) 12/03/07

Here is a course that offers just about everything a golfer could wish for - well designed course, well designed holes using man made hazards and nature to great effect, bunkers strategicaly placed to make you think a bit more, some visually intimidatiing shots, good true consistent greens, well maintained fairways and tee beds.

Some course you play you will leave thinking one or two holes are realy good, at Pannal you leave remembering nearer to half of them. The 17th is a terrific par 3, the 6th visually is as intimidating a tee shot as you could find. The 2nd leaves the hardest of 2nd shots in to the green should you stray left of centre off the tee. The 3rd and 10th are super holes to look at from the tee, both of which offer little or nothing to anyone missing the greens. The 11th (from memory) needs you to shape your shot off the tee to be in the best position. The list goes on.

All of this is set amongst stunning Harrogate countryside with York Minster rising in the background.

Off course the facilities are of good quality. Catering was excellent, locker rooms fine, pro-shop well stocked with a warm welcome to those who venture in. Practice greens are in the same condition as those on the course - how many times do you visit courses where they are totally different to what's out there?

All in all, well worth more than a single visit.

Value for Money	7
Challenge	9
Off Course	8

Alistair How (England) 12/11/06

Invited to play Pannal as part of a competition in September 2006. Course was in top condition and you can see why it hosts Open qualification seesion. I played out of my skin on the first nine, but the course got the better of me on the return leg. Plenty of interest, particularly the 6th when you get in amongst the gorse. The 17th is also tricky being a 'go for it' shot onto a thin green with OOB or ravines around.

Practise facilities over the road, but limited to fair weather and light - it's a field. Putting green by large club house.

Had been warned of snobbery at the club, but none in evidence when I played.

If you are invited to play - don't turn it down

Value for Money	8
Challenge	8
Off Course	4

Marcus Burton (England) 18/01/04

I have played(Royal)Pannal as it is locally known twice now, once in summer and once in winter. Both times the course has been presented in very good condition. The greens are consistent and well drained - no temporaries in winter and the course is a good mix of both tree lined holes and more open parkland style. Particularly interesting is the 6th with its blind tee shot over gorse buhes and the seventeenth - a challenging long par three with lovely views, often into a stiff wind.