Three Peaks provide a spectacular backdrop

Tucked away in the corner of North Yorkshire, on the Lancashire border, is the spectacular course of Bentham. The famous Three Peaks of Yorkshire, Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent, form an outstanding backdrop, with particularly spectacular views of Ingleborough to be seen from the course. Bentham made the jump from nine holes to 18 in 2003, and while initially there were some financial heartaches, the net result is a course which is well worth visiting.

The club can trace its roots back to 1922, when a few locals in the village built a five-hole course between Bentham and Ingleton. They bought more land and established a nine-hole course with a wooden clubhouse.

Bentham continued to thrive, with the odd interruption such as much of the land being ploughed up for producing food during the war, until a new clubhouse was built in 1975.

By the mid-1990s the club realised it was losing members to other 18-hole courses, so the decision was made to buy another 18 holes.

The club is proud it was all done without any help in the form of grants from the National Lottery or Royal & Ancient.

And what a good job they have made of it. With seven ponds on the course, perfectly tended playing areas and its elevated position on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Bentham is now a firm favourite.

That brave decision has paid off – no longer is Bentham considered a poor relation; instead it is regarded as one of the best clubs for miles around.

FACT FILE Name: Bentham Golf Club Address: Robin Lane, Bentham, North Yorkshire Website: benthamgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: (01524) 262470 President: David Crutchley Club pro: Chris Cousins, pictured right Annual fee: £450 Visitor fee: £30 all week Course length: 6,033 yards Par: 71 Signature hole: 8th – a par three over a pond Shop: Yes