Allerton GC

Created in 1921 and set in the grounds of Allerton Manor, previously owned by the Fletcher family, sits the 36 holes of Allerton Golf Course. The manor was destroyed by a fire so the clubhouse makes use of the stables that survived the blaze. Allerton, now owned by Liverpool City Council, is an inner city parkland course with gently undulating fairways and large manicured greens.

Not a particularly long course, at 5,494 yards and no par fives, makes it and ideal course for the average club golfer. On a nice summers day a few of the greens are driveable for the big hitters, so a great course if you need an ego boost.

There are plenty of scoring opportunities with a solid mix of long and short par fours.  There are two fantastic par 3's back to back with a butty van in between serving hot and cold refreshments, so you can expect a hold up on the 9th tee as golfers take a swing with a sausage sandwich in their mouth.

The bar is like me nans front room that has been converted into a dive with quirky signs about golf.

Old, musty, smelly carpets with old, musty, smelly clientele. The clubhouse is in dire need of a makeover. As is the club shop which hasn't been converted very well from being a stable.

There is a function room available for large parties and society's. Allerton does host evenings of entertainment such as race nights, so if you plan your round carefully you could end with a truly entertaining day.  There is plenty of beers on tap, probably one of the largest range of beers I've seen in a clubhouse.

Don't let the poor state of the clubhouse deter you playing what is a truly magnificent course. I've played here three times and have never left disappointed. For what you will pay for your round it is a great deal and the 9 holer is a perfect practise area to warm up.

Course: Par 67, 5,494 yards.  Location: just outside of Liverpool. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £11.  Sat-Sun: £12.60.  Twilight (after 4pm): £6.80 Mon-Fri. £7.30 Sat-Sun
Tel: 0151 428 7490. Rating: 3