Marsden Park Golf Course

[Mala591]

Enjoy playing there about 4 times a year but it seems to be getting quieter each time. Admittedly the course is a little bit ‘rough around the edges’ which adds to the challenge (a bit of an understatement) and the third green is in a real mess and imo needs completely replacing.

It just feels that the course is chronically under used which would obviously affect any maintenance/investment plans. Does anyone have any inside information about the future of the course?

[LTUK89]

Crazy that you should post this today - I went up and played this morning for the first time in 10 years and thought what a sad site it is now. Only five cars on the carpark, everything locked up and a handwritten sign with a mobile number in the window to pay your green fees. It used to be so busy. The course itself was fantastic for the price. Really baffling. I too would like to know what’s going on.

[Stonehouse]

Was supposed to be shutting a view years ago but somehow survived I’m a member at Towneley and we can play Marsden and a few more for free ,the horrendous spring this summer hasn’t help it neither.

[jrgbfc]

Spent many happy hours up there as a youngster. Its a shame when you see the investment Townley has had by Burnley council.
I have heard the guy leasing it is jacking in. Can't imagine the council will want responsibility for it again.

[basil6345789]

It's fine:- play it, enjoy it, support it!

[TPClaret]

Greens are terrible

[Stonehouse]

Spent many happy hours up there as a youngster. Its a shame when you see the investment Townley has had by Burnley council.
I have heard the guy leasing it is jacking in. Can't imagine the council will want responsibility for it again.

Yes I’m afraid Marsden has become the poor relation last year Towneley was closed as they were hollow tining and scarifying so we went to Marsden ,on the first par 3 there was a couple of barrow load of sharp sand on the green and the guy was trying to spread it using a plastic snow shovel.

[Lip]

I was a member up there in the 60's for many a year and had some great times. Hope it continues for another 60 yrs and more.

[WestWiltsDave]

Used to get dropped off there in the 70’s with enough money for a round and pie and peas in the clubhouse. Got me hooked on golf for the next 50 years and counting. Shame to hear this.

[Claretforever]

It had the best greens and tee beds in the areas for a while until Towneley poached the Head Greenkeeper, Damian, a number of years ago now.

A very challenging course on the back 9 (the “Cardiac Hill” 9 as I know they’ve changed it around). It’s a shame it’s in such a state.

Towneley always seems packed these days.

[Loyalclaret]

Happened to be at Towneley this afternoon, it was packed and looked in great condition from afar.

[CoolClaret]

I played Marsden park the other week and I thought it was fine - wee bit annoying if you're just 1ft in the rough... good luck finding your ball!

Towneley really is in great nick these days and a little shout out to another affordable gem, Bacup Golf Course is a bit of a hidden gem... Great little 9 holer!

I recently played Clitheroe and my word is it stunning - if you've never played it do yourself a favour and get down.

[1fatclaret]

I’m a member up at Marsden and have seen it really struggle this year. The weather has absolutely crippled it. So many days the course has had to close because of flooded greens and fairways. This includes two days just last week.

It’s a privately run club now and needs membership and visitors to fund everything.

When it’s in good condition it’s the most interesting and difficult course in the area with unrivalled views from many of the holes.

It also suffers from frequent vandalism from the local little b@$tards on e-scooters wrecking the greens, nicking the flags and the tee markers.

The third green is in a state because a hydraulic hose on one of the machines, burst and leaked all over it. It’s had to be almost completely re-laid. It will be fine next year. Unfortunate but one of those things

Hopefully we can have a milder and drier winter, bring in some funds and get it back into shape for next season.

The big attraction about the place though is the relaxed atmosphere. There’s no pretentiousness, no stuffy members, no real dress code other than be able to play golf in what you’re wearing. If you turn up on your own, there’s a good chance you can join the group either side of you, if you want a more sociable round. No problem if you don’t. You can even bring your dog if it’s well behaved and stays close to you.

If you want a challenging round, with some great views and cleverly laid out holes, get yourselves booked on.

[Stonehouse]

I played Marsden park the other week and I thought it was fine - wee bit annoying if you're just 1ft in the rough... good luck finding your ball!

Towneley really is in great nick these days and a little shout out to another affordable gem, Bacup Golf Course is a bit of a hidden gem... Great little 9 holer!

I recently played Clitheroe and my word is it stunning - if you've never played it do yourself a favour and get down.

Too many blind holes for my liking.

[jrgbfc]

If anything Townley is too busy these days, played on a Monday afternoon a few weeks ago and was waiting on every tee.
Back to Marsden i've always thought they'd be better off having a good 9 holer instead of 18 holes you can't really maintain properly.

[1fatclaret]

Too many blind holes for my liking.

At Marsden or Clitheroe?

The blind holes at Marsden (5th, 6th and 12th) are only really blind if you take the trees on. The 18th is sort of blind but you can see the fairway where you should be hitting it. It’s only a left or right miss hit that becomes blind.

[Andreshotboots]

It's a shame it's gone downhill if this is the case. I played there a couple of years ago in the Mizuno pairs knockout and the course was in pretty good condition. Greens decent and fairways nicely cut etc .

Just on the Clitheroe thing , I played there a couple of months ago and it was in poor condition, greens were healthy but very slow, and the fairways were patchy, that's being kind with lots of GUR all over the course. I play this course at least a couple of times a year on various charity events/ golf days and it was the worst I've seen it for some time.

The clubhouse, and the practice facilities though at Clitheroe are second to none, very impressive.

[Big Vinny K]

Not played Marsden Park for a few years but even back then it was in poor condition. But on the plus side it’s always been easy to get a booking time compared to many of the other local courses. Never a good thing to see a golf course close so hopefully they put some money into the course to get it up to decent enough standard to attract people back.
Towneley - been a member for years up until this season. Been in great nick but I have never known a year when so many days have been cancelled due to the rain. It must have taken a hammering this year.
Been playing a few other local courses recently - Whalley only a 9 holer but was in very good condition. Greens and fairways much better than Towneley and really nice and friendly clubhouse. Pretty reasonable price too.

Played Colne last week - again another 9 holer. Played Colne lots of times. Tough course but it was in good conditions. Again greens were great.

Clitheroe is my local course now but I’ve never played it. I did go and enquire about a membership for the driving range (which is almost as much as the green fees membership at Towneley)…..but I found them to be everything I hate about golf clubs - so decided against it. Would still like to play the course but I’ll never join it.

Playing Formby Hall tomorrow over near Southport in a comp we play every year.

[Andreshotboots]

Not played Marsden Park for a few years but even back then it was in poor condition. But on the plus side it’s always been easy to get a booking time compared to many of the other local courses. Never a good thing to see a golf course close so hopefully they put some money into the course to get it up to decent enough standard to attract people back.
Towneley - been a member for years up until this season. Been in great nick but I have never known a year when so many days have been cancelled due to the rain. It must have taken a hammering this year.
Been playing a few other local courses recently - Whalley only a 9 holer but was in very good condition. Greens and fairways much better than Towneley and really nice and friendly clubhouse. Pretty reasonable price too.

Played Colne last week - again another 9 holer. Played Colne lots of times. Tough course but it was in good conditions. Again greens were great.

Clitheroe is my local course now but I’ve never played it. I did go and enquire about a membership for the driving range (which is almost as much as the green fees membership at Towneley)…..but I found them to be everything I hate about golf clubs - so decided against it. Would still like to play the course but I’ll never join it.

Playing Formby Hall tomorrow over near Southport in a comp we play every year.

Formby Hall is a hotel type course I call them, but never the less a good one. If you get chance play Formby or even Formby ladies that runs inside the main course, they are as good as any in that area, including some of the "Royals" that are a short distance away..

[jrgbfc]

Colne has been in great nick this summer, greens really good. Doesn't drain very well though so last few weeks have knocked it back a bit.

[Inchy]

When I was a teenager I played a lot of golf as did my brother who still plays off low single figures.

Clitheroe is the most stuck up club I’ve ever played. I remember playing there once with my brother in the school holidays and we had members questioning who we were and why we were there. I assume they didn’t like the Burnley accent.

I also remember two members forcing us to swap tee times with them because I assume they were worried we would slow them down.

We spent the entire front 9 waiting for them to let us play through as we were clearly better golfers than them

[CoolClaret]

It's a shame to hear some posters had that experience @ Clitheroe. I didn't get that vibe when I played there; everyone that I encountered were really welcoming.

[basil6345789]

Burnley (Glen View) gets better with age and very welcoming too. However, Pleasington is the best inland course around, including an old club of mine, Clitheroe.

[Row x]

When I was a teenager I played a lot of golf as did my brother who still plays off low single figures.

Clitheroe is the most stuck up club I’ve ever played. I remember playing there once with my brother in the school holidays and we had members questioning who we were and why we were there. I assume they didn’t like the Burnley accent.

I also remember two members forcing us to swap tee times with them because I assume they were worried we would slow them down.

We spent the entire front 9 waiting for them to let us play through as we were clearly better golfers than them

I've never found Clitheroe any more stuck up than any other club, and certainly not because of your Burnley accent, there are many links to the town, and football club over the years

[Clarets4me]

Burnley (Glen View) gets better with age and very welcoming too. However, Pleasington is the best inland course around, including an old club of mine, Clitheroe.

Both Pleasington and Clitheroe have been chosen for Open Championship Regional qualifying in recent years ...

[Stonehouse]

At Marsden or Clitheroe?

The blind holes at Marsden (5th, 6th and 12th) are only really blind if you take the trees on. The 18th is sort of blind but you can see the fairway where you should be hitting it. It’s only a left or right miss hit that becomes blind.

Sorry I meant Clitheroe .I took three guys there who hadn’t played it before and it was hard to explain on some of the holes that there were ditches running across the fairways at different angles and where to lay up on some of the slight dog legs.

[Stonehouse]

I've never found Clitheroe any more stuck up than any other club, and certainly not because of your Burnley accent, there are many links to the town, and football club over the years

I was a member of Glen View and there definitely used to be a few with their heads up their own backsides.Mind you a lad who played Towneley with us today nearly had his head pushed up his backside as he planted his drive on the 15th onto the green whilst someone was still on it.

[jrgbfc]

Thankfully the snobbiness in golf seems to be just about gone. Its a long time since i encountered any, even playing nicer, more expensive courses.

[Luppy]

Interesting read

Never had the pleasure of playing Marsden - I believe it's not in good nick at the moment. I've met Neil a few times and find him an amiable guy - hopefully he can turn it around.

Locally, Nelson has been in superb nick for a number of seasons now - this year it has been, and still is, amazingly good.

Interesting to hear people's comments re Clitheroe. Played it a number of times and always come off generally underwhelmed. Can only remember once when I thought the greens were in good nick, and if there's been any rain about, it just becomes a slog. Pleasington a far better course in my opinion.

Will be interesting to see the golfing landscape over the next decade - costs are souring, I fear some clubs will fall by the wayside sadly.

[Stonehouse]

Interesting read

Never had the pleasure of playing Marsden - I believe it's not in good nick at the moment. I've met Neil a few times and find him an amiable guy - hopefully he can turn it around.

Locally, Nelson has been in superb nick for a number of seasons now - this year it has been, and still is, amazingly good.

Interesting to hear people's comments re Clitheroe. Played it a number of times and always come off generally underwhelmed. Can only remember once when I thought the greens were in good nick, and if there's been any rain about, it just becomes a slog. Pleasington a far better course in my opinion.

Will be interesting to see the golfing landscape over the next decade - costs are souring, I fear some clubs will fall by the wayside sadly.

Being of a certain age my cost per game if I play 3 times a week is probably around £3 a round ,so for all those OAP’s who may be struggling with the winter fuel allowance if your fit enough get your self down to Towneley it’s as cheap as chips.

[jdrobbo]

Played loads of golf there growing up. Used to love the front nine. No matter where I’ve played since, the layout of that front nine was fantastic. Could really reward and punish you. As for the back nine, used to think 13-15 were a little out of place. As for ‘Cardiac Hill’…Warra brute!!

Lovely times

[SurreyClaret99]

Neil is my brother and will be sad to read the comments, but I will pass them on for him to act on. He's been playing and working at MPGC since we were kids growing up just down the road from the club, and he loves the course, the location, and the people who play there.

Hopefully, it can be the course it once was, and you will all enjoy playing there again, although I'm not sure anyone could ever say they enjoyed Cardiac

Here's the link if you want to see prices and what's on offer https://www.marsdenparkgc.com/

[jrgbfc]

Neil is my brother and will be sad to read the comments, but I will pass them on for him to act on. He's been playing and working at MPGC since we were kids growing up just down the road from the club, and he loves the course, the location, and the people who play there.

Hopefully, it can be the course it once was, and you will all enjoy playing there again, although I'm not sure anyone could ever say they enjoyed Cardiac

Here's the link if you want to see prices and what's on offer https://www.marsdenparkgc.com/

Don't think anyone is doubting Neil's heart is in the right place. If the money and staff aren't there its very tough.

[jos]

I played Royal Lytham yesterday, the member I was playing with told me that Alan Pace is a member, although rarely sees him.

[Herts Clarets]

Neil is my brother and will be sad to read the comments, but I will pass them on for him to act on. He's been playing and working at MPGC since we were kids growing up just down the road from the club, and he loves the course, the location, and the people who play there.

Hopefully, it can be the course it once was, and you will all enjoy playing there again, although I'm not sure anyone could ever say they enjoyed Cardiac

Here's the link if you want to see prices and what's on offer https://www.marsdenparkgc.com/

I was at school with Neil and have met him a few times at the golf club, though I was frequenting the 19th Hole more than the course. He is a great lad and has worked wonders at Marsden Park but has finance and the great Lancashire weather against him.

[Burnleyareback2]

Neil is a top lad, decent footballer as well.

[PaintYorkClaretnBlue]

I’m a member up at Marsden and have seen it really struggle this year. The weather has absolutely crippled it. So many days the course has had to close because of flooded greens and fairways. This includes two days just last week.

It’s a privately run club now and needs membership and visitors to fund everything.

When it’s in good condition it’s the most interesting and difficult course in the area with unrivalled views from many of the holes.

It also suffers from frequent vandalism from the local little b@$tards on e-scooters wrecking the greens, nicking the flags and the tee markers.

The third green is in a state because a hydraulic hose on one of the machines, burst and leaked all over it. It’s had to be almost completely re-laid. It will be fine next year. Unfortunate but one of those things

Hopefully we can have a milder and drier winter, bring in some funds and get it back into shape for next season.

The big attraction about the place though is the relaxed atmosphere. There’s no pretentiousness, no stuffy members, no real dress code other than be able to play golf in what you’re wearing. If you turn up on your own, there’s a good chance you can join the group either side of you, if you want a more sociable round. No problem if you don’t. You can even bring your dog if it’s well behaved and stays close to you.

If you want a challenging round, with some great views and cleverly laid out holes, get yourselves booked on.

I’m a member up there and agree with everything that you have said.

[PaintYorkClaretnBlue]

Not played Marsden Park for a few years but even back then it was in poor condition. But on the plus side it’s always been easy to get a booking time compared to many of the other local courses. Never a good thing to see a golf course close so hopefully they put some money into the course to get it up to decent enough standard to attract people back.
Towneley - been a member for years up until this season. Been in great nick but I have never known a year when so many days have been cancelled due to the rain. It must have taken a hammering this year.
Been playing a few other local courses recently - Whalley only a 9 holer but was in very good condition. Greens and fairways much better than Towneley and really nice and friendly clubhouse. Pretty reasonable price too.

Played Colne last week - again another 9 holer. Played Colne lots of times. Tough course but it was in good conditions. Again greens were great.

Clitheroe is my local course now but I’ve never played it. I did go and enquire about a membership for the driving range (which is almost as much as the green fees membership at Towneley)…..but I found them to be everything I hate about golf clubs - so decided against it. Would still like to play the course but I’ll never join it.

Playing Formby Hall tomorrow over near Southport in a comp we play every year.

Played townley a few times this year and it has been in excellent condition, the greens were lightening.

[PaintYorkClaretnBlue]

Neil is my brother and will be sad to read the comments, but I will pass them on for him to act on. He's been playing and working at MPGC since we were kids growing up just down the road from the club, and he loves the course, the location, and the people who play there.

Hopefully, it can be the course it once was, and you will all enjoy playing there again, although I'm not sure anyone could ever say they enjoyed Cardiac

Here's the link if you want to see prices and what's on offer https://www.marsdenparkgc.com/

I’m not sure that it’s as bad as is being made out. A few months ago maybe, but that had a lot to do with the weather. More recently it’s been in decent nick, apart from the third green which was one of those things.

[jrgbfc]

Well looks like thats it for Marsden unfortunately. Sad news, spent many happy hours up there when i was younger. Believe they're opening the full 18 one last time this weekend if anybody fancies one last trudge up Cardiac hill!

[Leon_C]

Well looks like thats it for Marsden unfortunately. Sad news, spent many happy hours up there when i was younger. Believe they're opening the full 18 one last time this weekend if anybody fancies one last trudge up Cardiac hill!

What's happening there? The Facebook post isn't specific. Is the course closing fully, or are they switching it to 9 holes?

[PaintYorkClaretnBlue]

What's happening there? The Facebook post isn't specific. Is the course closing fully, or are they switching it to 9 holes?

They're mothballing if for a year because they can't get the required investment, during the next year they will explore their options. I honestly can't see it coming back unfortunately, I've been a member up there for the last seven years or so however when this came on the cards I took an offer up at Skipton and am now a member there.

[Leon_C]

They're mothballing if for a year because they can't get the required investment, during the next year they will explore their options. I honestly can't see it coming back unfortunately, I've been a member up there for the last seven years or so however when this came on the cards I took an offer up at Skipton and am now a member there.

That's a shame. I am an irregular golfer (in more ways than one), but it's a shame to see it go. Towneley is more convenient for me, but it's been in fantastic condition these last few years, and my handful of rounds at Marsden have been disappointing, for the reasons touched on above.

[Stonehouse]

That's a shame. I am an irregular golfer (in more ways than one), but it's a shame to see it go. Towneley is more convenient for me, but it's been in fantastic condition these last few years, and my handful of rounds at Marsden have been disappointing, for the reasons touched on above.

Towneley have had a shed load of money thrown at it and have terrific ground staff,long may it continue.

[HuncoatClaret]

Towneley have had a shed load of money thrown at it and have terrific ground staff,long may it continue.

I agree with Towneley having a terrific Greenstaff, but they certainly haven't had a shed load of money thrown at it.

[TPClaret]

They're mothballing if for a year because they can't get the required investment, during the next year they will explore their options. I honestly can't see it coming back unfortunately, I've been a member up there for the last seven years or so however when this came on the cards I took an offer up at Skipton and am now a member there.

How do you moth ball a golf course. It will re wild in no time

[Burnley1989]

How do you moth ball a golf course. It will re wild in no time

You do see it, and unfortunately as you say it will grow out of control and cost a fortune to rectify the longer its left.

Such a shame, spent many a day up there in my mid teens but haven't played in about 20 years

[cricketfield73]

Well looks like thats it for Marsden unfortunately. Sad news, spent many happy hours up there when i was younger. Believe they're opening the full 18 one last time this weekend if anybody fancies one last trudge up Cardiac hill!

I've long since given up playing golf but I was a member at Marsden in the 1990s and 2000s and it was a really well maintained and challenging course so I'm saddened to hear about its decline from that to this. I walk my dog on there occasionally and I can't recall seeing a single person playing now I come to think about it so maybe it's no surprise.
As an aside, the 17th is my most hated hole on any course ever and in the end I had to resort to a 9 iron off the tee just up to the 'hump' as I lost countless balls from perfectly good shots running off into all that the crap down to the right. Too tough a hole for a 16 handicapper!

[jrgbfc]

I've long since given up playing golf but I was a member at Marsden in the 1990s and 2000s and it was a really well maintained and challenging course so I'm saddened to hear about its decline from that to this. I walk my dog on there occasionally and I can't recall seeing a single person playing now I come to think about it so maybe it's no surprise.
As an aside, the 17th is my most hated hole on any course ever and in the end I had to resort to a 9 iron off the tee just up to the 'hump' as I lost countless balls from perfectly good shots running off into all that the crap down to the right. Too tough a hole for a 16 handicapper!

Its where i started as a junior so sad to see it go, but think its been coming. Yeah 16 and 17 certainly interesting holes, dread to think how many balls i lost off the 17th tee down the years.

[Herts Clarets]

How long before the land is sold off for housing? My parents live more or less adjacent to part of the back 9 so will be interesting to see what happens but I would suspect a housing development on there in the coming years....