Course History
The Remarkable Journey of Drax Golf Club: From Industrial Reclamation to Verdant Fairways
Nestled in the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside, Drax Golf Club, Selby, stands today as a testament to vision, dedication, and the remarkable transformation of land. Established in 1990, this thriving club boasts a challenging yet enjoyable course, renowned for its narrow fairways, diverse trees, strategically placed hazards, and testing greens. But the story of Drax Golf Club truly begins much earlier, intertwined with the colossal construction of the Drax Power Station.

Roots in Power: The Genesis of a Golf Course
The mid-1960s saw the groundbreaking for Drax Power Station's first units, a monumental project that would eventually expand into the 1980s. During this extensive site clearance and construction, a vast amount of waste – concrete, wood, and steel – was deposited onto a tip located southwest of the station. This very tip, once an industrial byproduct, would remarkably become the future site of Drax Golf Club.
The construction era also saw the establishment of two labour camps and associated social clubs for workers and staff. These early social hubs laid the groundwork for a strong community spirit, which later flourished within the Drax Sports & Social Club in Barlow village. This club became the heart of employee activities, fostering camaraderie through inter-departmental football, darts, dominoes, and snooker. A dedicated committee, including long-serving member Jean Heirsine, tirelessly organised these events. As the power station neared completion, a new, consolidated Sports & Social Club was built, becoming a vital gathering place for Drax staff and the local community, and importantly, serving as the changing rooms, car park, and social hub for future golf club members.
The Birth of the Drax Golf Society
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a growing number of Drax Power Station staff developed a passion for golf. What started as casual shift group games soon blossomed into the formation of the Drax Golf Society. This innovative society allowed staff to participate in subsidised golf outings at prestigious courses such as Alwoodley, Moor Allerton, Moortown, and Fulford. These events, often attracting over 30 participants, were not just about the sport but also about fostering social connections and long-lasting friendships.
The meticulous organisation of these large-scale golf days, from tee times to meals and prize presentations, was a monumental task, with much praise due to Jack Clough, who would later become the golf club secretary, and other seasoned golfers. The society also organised competitive matches against other power stations, including Eggborough and Ferrybridge, and even a popular annual event for the Deborah Bowl Trophy, generously sponsored by Deborah Scaffolding.
From Tip to Tee: Building the Dream Course
A pivotal moment arrived around 1987. With the second half of the power station units completed, Station Manager Mr. John Davies, a keen golfer himself, offered the golf society the old construction tip with a challenge: could they clean it up and transform it into a golf course? The society enthusiastically accepted, leading to the professional formation of a dedicated committee. Among several impressive designs, Mr. John Scott's vision for a 9-hole course was ultimately selected.
The undertaking was immense, requiring significant effort to remove debris that had surfaced from the construction waste. Barry Marston, John Bell, and his maintenance staff were instrumental in this clean-up. Steve Brittain organised volunteers for stone and brick removal, and an extensive tree-planting program was initiated, with remarkable success given the challenging ground conditions. Guidance from the Bingley Turf Research Centre ensured the selection of appropriate grasses for the greens, and the use of ash for drainage and topsoil from the station, combined with free machinery, proved invaluable. Malcolm Hill and his staff from the materials handling department were also crucial contributors.
The original committee, led by President John Davies, Secretary Jack Clough, and Chairman Jim Hinks, comprised dedicated individuals who tirelessly worked to bring the course to fruition. Others, such as Harold Rackham and Graham Painter, also played a significant role in the construction.
A Course Matures and Evolves
Completed around 1988/1989, the 9-hole course was given a full year to mature before opening as a private members' golf club. This period allowed the committee to liaise with the Yorkshire Union for membership, resulting in the course being walked, measured, and allocated a Competition Standard Scratch. Guidance was also sought from the English Golf Union regarding handicaps and competitions, and the club's constitution, club rules, and local rules were meticulously written.
Drax Golf Club has continued to evolve significantly since its early days. Features like an experimental eel breeding program and greenhouses, which once utilised warm water from the cooling towers, have been removed. The car park and changing rooms were relocated for safety after stray golf balls and near-misses.
In 2010, the course expanded to 12 holes, thanks to funding from Sport England. These three new holes, known to members as 'The New Land', include a large pond/lake that strategically comes into play on two of them. The signature 8th hole has been extended to a formidable 190-yard carry over two ditches, and a new pond, added in 2018, now graces the 9th green. The 10th tee has been extended, transforming it into a par 5.

The Course Today: A Blend of Challenge and Natural Beauty
From its initial 9-hole layout in 1990, Drax Golf Club has evolved into a full 18-hole course with a thriving membership. Situated beside the UK's largest renewable power station and surrounded by picturesque woodland, the course offers a unique blend of natural beauty and sporting challenge. The design incorporates vibrant wildflower meadows, bird and bug hotels, and pond ecosystems, reflecting a commitment to ecological balance. While accessible and enjoyable for beginners and casual golfers, the course also presents a test for more experienced players with its narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards.
From its humble beginnings as an industrial tip, Drax Golf Club has blossomed into a cherished golfing destination for members, Pay & Play and visiting golf societies, a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders and members. Its rich history, deeply rooted in the local community and the legacy of Drax Power Station, makes it a truly unique and inspiring place to play.