Heaton Park Golf Course

The course and its character

Taylor's layout runs through the historic Heaton Park estate and measures 5,755 yards. It is a hilly parkland course with several blind tee shots, so local knowledge helps. The best-known hole is the par-3 11th, played across a deep, water-filled ravine to a raised green, a hole Henry Cotton is said to have called the toughest par 3 in England. Over the years it has hosted a PGA club professional championship in 1983 and a ladies' tour event in 1984. The course has been run by Link Golf UK since 2020, and all of its bunkers have since been rebuilt with new drainage and fresh sand.

Booking and visitor practicalities

Manchester City Council, which owns the park, says tee times are booked by contacting the clubhouse by email or phone, and that the course is open daily from 7.30am until dusk, when the park closes. There is also a pitch-and-putt course on site for beginners and families. Clubhouse facilities include a bar and food. Reviewers recommend morning tee times, as afternoon rounds can be slower at busy times.

Getting there

Heaton Park is in Prestwich, about half a mile from junction 19 of the M60, and the clubhouse is on Middleton Road. The course is in the north of the city, so it is one of the quickest rounds to reach from central Manchester, and the surrounding parkland makes it easy to combine golf with a walk.

Highlights

• Designed by J.H. Taylor, five-time Open champion
• Public course open to all since 1911
• Par-3 11th plays over a water-filled ravine
• Bunkers rebuilt with new drainage under Link Golf UK

Good to know

• Book tee times through the clubhouse by phone or email
• Open daily from 7.30am until dusk, when the park gates close
• The course is hilly with blind tee shots; a trolley is advisable
• A separate pitch-and-putt course is on site for beginners

Frequently asked questions