Heather and the weather can be tricky opponents

The world-famous moorland of Bronte Country is the setting for Branshaw Golf Club near Keighley. Tricky rather than over-difficult is the best way to describe this club, and when the wind blows the average golfer can soon find himself waging battle with the heather and the weather. It is easy walking and offers some superb views over the Bronte moors, and its excellent greens and challenging approach shots will not disappoint.

But first you have to be accurate off the tees – not an easy thing to do if the weather conjures up images of Wuthering Heights!

Branshaw was formed in March 1912 as a nine-hole course, but it wasn’t long before members’ ambitions saw them lease more land from the Duke of Devonshire and in 1925 it became an 18-hole course.

Since then the course has gone through many changes and the land was purchased from the Duke. Other purchases, most recently in 2003, have added to the quality of the course.

Branshaw is able to boast not one but two former Ryder Cup players – Bert Jolly and Alex Caygill – as former professionals of the club.

The ambitious spirit of its founders remains evident. In 1995 the club got a £93,000 Lottery grant which enabled a major drainage project to proceed, which members today benefit from as the course is rarely out of play.

The clubhouse, pictured, an ideal venue for private functions, has also evolved from a wooden building to the modern and spacious facility which opened in 1979.

FACT FILE Name: Branshaw Golf Club Address: Branshaw Golf Club, Keighley, BD22 7ES Website: branshawgolfclub.co.uk Telephone: (01535) 643235 President: Allan Cox Club pro: Simon Jowitt Annual fee: £541 Visitor fee: £20 Mon-Fri, £25 weekend Course length: 5,888 yards Par: 69 Signature hole: 13th – three pot bunkers protect a testing green Shop: Yes