Bootle Golf Club

A real gem among the municipal courses - a fine golfing challenge.

Golfers travel from all parts of the region to Bootle. The road links are so good that getting there it easy and it is known as a splendid municipal, a popular venue for low handicap players and beginners. Then Bootle has an extra appeal.

We are proud of the weather, here in England's Golfing Capital. The grey skies seem to pass us by more often than not and we seem to have blue skies even when the television weather map may have it otherwise. But then if you are unlucky and it does rain so heavy that another golf course you had in mind is closed it is worth giving Bootle a call. It is a deserved reputation as a fast-drying course like Aintree and so will often be open when others are closed.

Bootle is a gem among the local municipals, just an easy wedge shot from one of the region's big highways yet a quiet, green haven. The early planners produced a fine golf course with trees and lakes. It has always been regarded as a tough golf challenge and the course builders have skilfully created that yet have also been aware that if it became too difficult the result would be big hold-ups in the dawn to dusk traffic of the municipals. The twin aims are not always managed as well as here.

Some of the greens are dramatically huge. Each hole has its own identity. Many are designed to test the low-handicapper. Indeed the par-3, 5th - the ball must be hit across the water to score well - was described by Peter Allis as one of the best short holes he had played in the UK. Indeed this has long been one of the best municipals in the region and in recent years it has been made even better. Lots of earth was imported to improve the old, rather flat look of the back-nine. Hundreds more trees have been planted. In total the results have been to separate more holes one from another, bring extra character to a course that brings in golfers from miles around. The rural creation has been so expertly achieved it is impossible to image the urban surroundings.

The attractions - and also part of the golf challenge are the three lakes - one enlarged and stocked with carp and roach and more. So along with the golf clubs you might include a fishing rod, stay a while at Bootle, hopefully watch the float on the water sink, like the putts on the green a little earlier. The golf professional's shop has the necessary fishing licences.