Bowring Park

Steeped in history and "Englands Oldest Municiple Golf Course", or so the sign says greeting it's guests in the car park. It is indeed, built in 1913, originally a nine-hole course, this parkland track has been upgraded to eighteen holes. With it's tree lined fairways and excellent manicured greens, you'll be forgiven into thinking you were at a private countryside retreat than an inner-city course.

A blend of of par-3's and 4's, this relatively short course, just 6,085 yards, provides a test for all skill levels. There is a plethora of contenders for feature hole, but for me the standout hole is the par-4, 330 yard 4th. A narrow curving fairway that demands a precise drive or you will face a testing approach shot.

There is a shortage of the wet stuff at Bowring with water only coming into play on the 5th, 6th and 7th holes in the form of a ditch meandering though. But there are plenty of hazards to make your round tricky. All of the greens are well protected by sand traps and the odd fairway bunker is thrown in too.

Mack Golf, http://www.mackgolf.co.uk/, has recently taken over the day to day running of the course on behalf of the owner Knowsley council.  The company has made some significant amendments. Bowring Park customers are now able to reserve their own tee-times with the new online reservations system; a quick an easy way to book a tee off slot. A new automated trolley system has been I introduced too. A first for the region.

Prior to the Mack takeover Bowring was missing a golf shop and a practise area. I'm pleased to say that the shop is now open and the practise area will be opening soon. The shop can found situated in the main building along with the reception area. In it, you will find a selection of equipment and accessories such as gloves, shoes, balls and overalls. It is a small store so not an extensive range.

The only thing missing now is a clubhouse. There are no plans at this stage but if the course continues on this course then I'm sure Bowring will grow and a clubhouse would open.

If you are thirsty after your round there are a few pubs around. I would recommend the Stanley, Derby Lodge or the Weatherspoons opposite Huyton Village.

Green fees are very reasonable and the course is consistently very well looked after.

Course: Par 70, 6.085 yards.  Location: 9km north of Liverpool. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £11-13.  Sat-Sun: £12-14. 
Tel: 0151 44 2200.  Facilities: GC, CP. Rating: 3