It was a bold move but showed the ambition at this traditional South Manchester course.

Such determination that is now reaping its rewards with putting surfaces far superior in quality to the old greens that had suffered from a lack of sufficient drainage, a problem many other courses still face today.

All the Northenden greens are now built to United States Golf Association specification, many of them larger than before giving more options for pin placement.

The architect did a fantastic job, making the greens far more interesting with lots of subtle – and not so subtle – slopes and borrows. If you end up in the wrong place you may have difficulty getting down in two!

Crucially, the new drainage system means golf on firm, fast greens all year round enhancing what was already a spectacular course.

New bunkers, particularly on the shorter par fours, now mean more care is required with shot and club selection.

The likes of Nick Faldo, Tony Jacklin, Greg Norman and Sandy Lyle used to play in Northenden’s pro am tournament in the 70s and 80s. Bob Charles, Sam Torrance and Ken Brown were among other European tour stars who used to lend their support at a time when the well known Denis Durnian was club pro.

Current pro Grant Doyle obviously has sporting talent in the blood. His father Mike was a member of the hugely successful Manchester City team in the late 60s and early 70s. Grant has gained a well deserved reputation for junior development and coaching, aided by an innovative indoor teaching facility and practice ground.

Northenden have a range of corporate packages as part of membership opportunities. The clubhouse has excellent dining and bar facilities with a balcony that overlooks four of the holes, providing a superb vantage point.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

• Established: 1912
• Address: Palatine Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4FR
• Telephone: 0161 998 4738
• Email: link via website
• Web: www.northendengolfclub.com
• Club Professional: Grant Doyle
• Pro-shop Telephone: 0161 945 3386
• Course Yardage: White Tees 6,460 - Par 72 ; Yellow Tees 6,169 - Par 72; Red Tees 5,626 - Par 72