Golfers might have been walking its fairways for 130 years now, but Northampton Golf Club still provides a fair but challenging round for players of all standards and handicaps.
One of the oldest clubs in the region, Northampton Golf Club was first established in 1893 and, despite being steeped in history, continues to strive for improvement in all aspects of the course, the facilities and what it can offer members.
Situated in the picturesque village of Harlestone, bordering the Althorp estate, the course has the distinction of having been designed by the legendary golf course architect Donald Steel, whose imagination and creativity is behind the design and layout of so many courses in the UK.
Spanning more than 6,600 yards of luscious, verdant parkland, the course is a reasonable distance for the discerning golfer, some of whom travel from far and wide to take to its tees, while a professional coaching team is ready to come to the assistance of those who feel they need a bit of support in improving their game.
Headed up by PGA Club Professional Nick Soto, Northampton Golf Club’s coaching team also includes PGA Professionals Dan Wood and Paul Hodgkiss and PGA Assistant Henry Edwards, as well as Lauren Taylor, LET Professional, PGA Assistant and a Ladies European Tour player. The newest member of the coaching team is Jamie Greaves, a strength and conditioning coach and a TPI Fitness Level 3 Certified coach.
The Ladies’ Academy, led by Paul Hodgkiss, is supported by a Pathway to Golf programme, enabling women who’ve never picked up a golf club to learn and enjoy the breadth of the game, feel comfortable on the course and work towards achieving their handicaps.
Part of the coaching offering is the Odyssey Putting Studio – an established centre for putting excellence in the region, attracting a large number of visitors including tour professionals, PGA professionals and county squads. Equipped with Science and Motion PuttLab and V1 Analysis software, the studio allows teaching staff and their pupils to analyse up to 28 different parameters of the putting stroke, giving precise feedback not available to the naked eye.
Custom fitting is available on site, with major brands Ping and Callaway available in the pro shop, as well as Under Armour, Galvin Green, Oscar Jacobson, Motocaddy and Foremost Golf.
Away from the course, Northampton Golf Club has a great deal to offer, with a range of event facilities that are available for anything from key corporate business events and small group meetings or presentations through to conferences, seminars and social events such as evening dining, black-tie events, weddings and family gatherings.
Hospitality and Events Manager Claire Fletcher and her team are on hand to help advise organisers on formats, room layouts and more depending on the type of event organisers are looking to hold.
Given its excellent course, coaching support and hospitality facilities, Northampton Golf Club lives up to its aim of being a warm, friendly and inclusive club.
President Martin Izzard describes his mission statement as: ‘To be one of the best golf courses and financially secure members clubs in Northamptonshire’.
He said:
“Being elected as President of Northampton Golf Club was something beyond my wildest dreams after joining the club as a 14-year-old in 1969. A very proud moment for the Izzard family who have been in the county since 1457 and this is our highest accolade to date in Northamptonshire.
“This role is as an ambassador of this great club and to follow the good work of friends Rose Heath, Tom Knight and Bill Hollingsworth, who I knew as a child, and Earl Spencer, to mention just some of our Past Presidents.
“I am enjoying this role very much as a member for over 50 years. It is exciting to be involved in a new chapter of the club’s 130-year history, now our Member’s Club is managed by a board with openness and transparency as we maintain traditions, standards and develop in this new phase of our history.
“My good wishes to all our members, friends, and visitors at our fine club in the county of spires and squires.”
The club has a range of membership options, including the introduction of a Corporate Membership this month, available at three different levels:
- Silver: Eight rounds of golf per month between March and October plus sponsorship of one hole on the course – £2,000 per year
- Gold: Eight rounds of golf per month between February and November plus sponsorship of one hole on the course – £2,500 per year
- Platinum: Eight rounds of golf per month between January and December plus sponsorship of one hole on the course – £3,000 per year
Luke Barney, Golf Manager at Northampton Golf Club, said:
“As part of our 130th anniversary year, we decided to do something that gave businesses in the county the chance to enjoy our course and facilities, and we think the range of corporate packages will be an excellent opportunity to come along and find out what we have to offer.
“It’s going to be an exciting year, with a number of Open competitions taking place throughout the year and we’d love to see new members coming along to join in the celebrations and enjoy some great golf.”
For information on all things golf, including visitor bookings, membership, golf days or corporate membership contact Luke Barney at golfmanager@northamptongolfclub.co.uk or call 01604 845155 and choose option 3 for the Pro Shop.
For further information on hospitality, corporate or private events, contact Claire Fletcher at enquiries@harlestonepark.co.uk or call 01604 845155 and choose option 1 for the Office.
