Fulford Golf Club is located just one mile from the centre of the historic city of York. It’s a high-class heathland/parkland course, home to the Benson and Hedges International Open during the 1970s and 1980s, which gave it nationwide recognition as one of the country’s best inland courses.
Founded in 1906, the club moved to its current site in 1935 after James Braid identified the land. Major Charles MacKenzie, brother of the legendary Alister MacKenzie of Augusta National fame, designed the course on predominantly sandy ground. Recently, Mackenzie & Ebert completed a major renovation.
The fairways wind between avenues of trees, but one particular tree will always commemorate Bernhard Langer’s remarkable shot in the 1981 B&H International. Langer’s ball lodged in a large ash tree on the 17th. Instead of taking a penalty drop, he climbed the tree and chipped out, landing the ball on the green. A plaque now marks this feat.
Measuring 6,779 yards from the back tees, Fulford is a serious test for handicap golfers, though too short for today’s professionals. Ian Woosnam posted the All-Comers’ course record in 1985 with a 62.
While few will match Woosnam’s score, Fulford remains a fine golf course in a beautiful part of the country, forever remembered for Langer’s unique shot.
