York Golf Club was founded in 1890 and originally played on the Knavesmire, a historic site which is now home to York Racecourse, until 1904. The old clubhouse, built around 1910, still stands on St Helen’s Road as a reminder of golf’s legacy on the Knavesmire.
In 1904, the club moved to its current location in Strensall, and John Henry ‘JH’ Taylor, fresh from his third Open Championship win, was invited to design the course. Set across the grounds of Lords Moor Farm and the edge of Strensall Common, which had been used for Army training, the club retained a military connection, with the General Officer in Command serving as Club President.
JH Taylor captained the 1933 Great Britain Ryder Cup team to a win over the United States without playing in any of the matches. he died aged 91 on 10 February 1963.
To manage their playing needs, the Club brought in young golfer Jack White, from North Berwick, and he went on to win the Open Championship in 1904. In the mid-1890s, the club also counted the legendary Freddie Tait, Amateur Champion in 1896 and 1898, among its military members. HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught was a member while stationed in York with the Royal Scots Greys. Ronald Jervis, Viscount St Vincent, was talented enough to represent Yorkshire and compete in the Amateur Championship.
For 44 years the Club was served by Professional Ted Cheal, who joined as a nineteen-year-old on the Knavesmire, oversaw the Strensall course construction and taught everyone from princes to commoners. In 1915, he enlisted but suffered a serious rifle wound to his left arm, leaving him unable to hold a club properly. Using a simple elastic band as a grip, Cheal honed a devastating short game, winning the Yorkshire Professional Foursomes and finishing runner-up in the first Yorkshire Professional Championship in 1927.
Originally a very open course, the farm’s ditches, ponds, hedges and a few mature trees were hazards before JH Taylor added over 150 bunkers. In the 1920s and 30s, clusters of birch were planted strategically, but the course still retains its heathland character despite later plantings helping to separate many holes.
For many years, the course was leased from the Army at a low rent in exchange for discounted membership for visiting officers. But in 1997, after reviewing its property holdings, the Ministry of Defence sold the course to the Club and it’s never looked back. Ongoing investment in the course, driving range and practice facilities has made it one of Yorkshire’s most highly-regarded golf courses.
Following a full refurbishment, the clubhouse offers members and visitors a place to unwind in style at the 19th hole. Our open-plan lounge and bar combine modern comfort with effortless elegance, providing sweeping views over the 1st and 18th holes while you indulge in a wide selection of fine food and drinks.
Lords Moor Lane, Strensall, York, YO32 5XF
generalmanager@yorkgolfclub.co.uk
Open Everday: 9.00am - 9.00pm
