2018 Yorkshire Challenge winners Andrew Knowles and Paul Pethybridge, left.

Skipton Golf Club is celebrating a sizzling hat-trick of high profile championship successes.

The first came when the club’s Andrew Knowles and Paul Pethybridge came from three points back to claim the title of Supreme Champions at the Yorkshire Challenge.

In the three-day event played over Yorkshire’s trio of Ryder Cup venues – Ganton, Lindrick and Moortown – they compiled 131pts to overhaul second-round leaders Michael Williams and Guy Henderson, of Eaglescliffe GC, and win by four.

The Skipton duo, who were tied for third after 36 holes, having scored 42pts at Moortown and 43 at Lindrick, had three birdies in their first four holes on the final day at Ganton, plus another at the seventh.

Knowles then birdied the 501-yard par-5 ninth for a net eagle that took them to 24pts for the outward run.They repeated their start to the round by clinching three birdies in the first four holes on the way back to the clubhouse, plus two more at 15 and 17.

The second coup for Skipton was victory in the 2018 Yorkshire Amateur Matchplay Championship at York GC for Steeton’s Max Berrisford, also a key member of the club’s junior team which this year won Bradford & District Union of Golf Clubs Junior League Division 1 championship.

2018 Yorkshire Amateur Matchplay champion Max Berrisford is pictured centre after receiving his trophy.

A prodigious talent, but also one of the nicest young men you could ever wish to meet, Max’s achievement is huge, as he is first Skipton golfer to win this competition, following in the footsteps of some famous former victors, among them ex-Walker Cup captain, Rodney Foster, Masters winner Danny Willett and Howard Clark.

The championship hat-trick came when the club’s Sam Stewart was crowned BDRGA Champion Rabbit of 2018. Skipton hosted the Bradford and District Rabbits Championship on its newly remodelled course, with Sam netting a first-rate 42 points.

As a club, Skipton finished as runners-up in the event, just being pipped by 107 to 105 points by Clayton GC with their last man in, with The Manor taking third spot with 102points. Everyone who participated enjoyed playing the course and the new holes were well received.

The Rabbits section at Skipton has enjoyed a wonderful season. As well as their latest success, they have gained promotion to Division B, finished runners-up in the Presidents Cup and third in the 18 Hole Team Championship.

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Putting on the style. Pictured on what will become the new 11th green at Skipton are, from left, Alex Topper, a member of the junior development programme, club chairman Michael Hirst, president Jonathan White, lady president Bridget Edwards, lady captain Pat Eaton and club captain Gerald Corrigan. Holding the flag is Lucy Eaton, a Skipton member and former junior captain, who will soon be returning to the United States to complete her fourth and final year of university golf scholarship.

Skipton Golf Club is teeing up for the much anticipated launch of its newly remodelled 18-hole course on August 1.

The club is this year celebrating its milestone 125^th anniversary and the opening of the new-look course represents one of the single most important landmarks in Skipton’s long and proud history.

A celebratory opening event for members is planned for Friday, August 3, with the President’s Day taking place the following day. An Open Event for visitors will follow shortly afterwards at a date to be determined.

Work is now complete on two brand-new par 4 holes, which will significantly add to the appeal of the well-known golf course, which stands in an area of outstanding scenic beauty just off the A59 on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales market town.

The new course continues to offer challenges to all standards of golfers. It becomes a par 71 with three par 3s, 13 par 4s and two par 5s. In addition, the planned introduction of gender-free tees will allow players of all abilities to challenge themselves at their own level.

Major redevelopment work, involving significant investment, has been necessitated by the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme for Skipton. It has been funded by the Agency’s compensation agreement.

Already in place and well established are a remodelled and enhanced 15^th green and an extended 9th hole, now a par 5 following the construction of a new tee.

Further work has been completed to improve sight lines on the signature par 3 16^th green, which, along with the enhanced 15^th, represents Skipton’s very own ‘Amen Corner’- two holes running alongside Eller Beck demanding both accuracy and a steady nerve!

Other improvements include a brand-new raised 17th green, which significantly extends the current hole to make it one of the most challenging par 4s on the entire course, requiring two good hits to make the green. An adjoining new elevated championship tee for the final hole will make this a real test of skill too.

When the new holes initially come into play, the current first hole will be converted to a short game practice area, with the 2^nd hole, a demanding par 5, becoming the new 1^st.

Many more upgrades have also been put in place around what is considered one of the most picturesque golf courses in Yorkshire, including the replacement of bunkers, four new bridges, improved pathways and drainage, sensitive tree felling and new planting.

Club chairman Michael Hirst said: “This has been a major project, which will improve the enjoyment and challenge of playing Skipton for both members and visitors alike. Not only is the new course fantastic, but the recent clubhouse refurbishments and quality of food and beverages now make Skipton Golf Club an all-purpose venue.

“The decision to employ David Jones, a renowned course architect and leading course constructors, MJ Abbott, has paid immense dividends, with our own team of greens’ staff, led by Ian Brown, working in partnership with them to produce what must surely be regarded as one of the finest courses around.

“Great thanks go to all involved in the project and to our loyal members, who have shown support and understanding throughout. We can’t wait to start playing it – and openly invite others to come along soon and experience it themselves!’

Ahead of the new course launch, there has been widespread external interest from potential new members and the club has put in place a number of value-added membership packages, both full and flexible, for all-comers – from complete beginners through to improvers and seasoned golfers. Tuition from the club’s long-standing professional Peter Robinson is an option on many of the ‘Get into Golf ‘packages.

Visitors and golfing societies are also showing increased interest in putting their skills to the test on the remodelled course. Full details of all are at www.skiptongolfclub.co.uk

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