Royal Manchester Golf Links In-Depth Review
- Mitch Martin
- Feb 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 8
Royal Manchester Golf Links Review
Nestled in Northern York County lies Royal Manchester Golf Links, a links inspired course that is one of York's best golf courses. With rolling, fescue-lined fairways and a design that challenges players of all skill levels, this course stretches an impressive 6,962 yards and boasts a par of 72. Its 73.6 course rating and 127 slope rating speak to its balanced blend of playability and difficulty. Royal Manchester’s reputation precedes it, having earned Golf Advisor’s Top Pennsylvania Golf Course award multiple times—2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018—and securing the coveted #1 ranking in 2019.
About Royal Manchester Golf Links
Royal Manchester aspires to transport you to the rugged beauty of Scotland with its links-inspired design—a tall order in York County, Pennsylvania. Yet, it achieves something remarkable: a truly stunning "American" links course. The rolling terrain and fescue-lined fairways create an inviting sense of forgiveness off the tee, luring you into a false sense of security. But tread carefully—a well-placed bunker or waist-high fescue is always lying in wait to claim your ball.
What I love most about playing Royal Manchester is how effortlessly it appeals to the eye. The wide, open layout feels like a canvas painted with bright green fairways cutting through the golden fescue. It’s a visual masterpiece that builds confidence, even for a mid-handicap player like me. There’s something about the harmony of the landscape that inspires both calm and courage, making every round here feel like a special experience.
Royal Manchester Golf Links Ratings
Designed to test both strategy and skill, Royal Manchester rewards precision while punishing missteps with its cleverly placed bunkers and sprawling fescue. The links-inspired layout isn’t just about beauty—it’s about balance, offering a fair test for golfers of all levels. Complementing the on-course experience are top-notch amenities, including a pro shop, driving range, chipping area, putting green and a welcoming clubhouse.
Course Design – ★★★★
Designed by Tim Freeland, Royal Manchester's layout seamlessly incorporates the landscape, with each hole offering a unique challenge, from long par fives that tempt risk-reward decisions to short par fours that demand finesse. It's a design that tests every club in your bag while delivering a visual experience that’s as striking as it is inspiring. Let's highlight some of our favorite holes.
Royal Manchester - Hole 2
Set slightly downhill, the hole is beautifully framed by a bowl-like hill behind the green and a deep, intimidating bunker guarding the front. At first glance, you might think the smart miss is long to steer clear of the bunker—but don’t be fooled. The green slopes from back to front, making it a true test to stop your ball from a downhill lie. It’s a brilliant opening par 3, blending beauty and challenge in a way that sets the tone for the round ahead.
Royal Manchester - Hole 9
The ninth hole is, without a doubt, my favorite on the course. This short par 5 feels even shorter, inviting you to take advantage—but not without a challenge. From the tee, you’re greeted with a blind shot, guided by the fairway bunkers that pinch the landing zone. Thread the needle past those bunkers, and your ball could roll forever. The approach is no less thrilling, as you face an uphill shot over a creek to a crowned green that refuses to make things easy. Shots that are long into the green will find a collection area behind the green. It’s a beautifully designed hole that blends risk and reward into every shot.
Royal Manchester - Hole 13
My favorite hole on the back nine is the ultimate risk-reward challenge. If you’ve got the firepower, you can try to drive it close to the green—but doing so brings every bunker into play. Opting to play it smart with a layup isn’t without its own challenges, as the ideal shot must carry the edge of a bunker to land in a tight, well-guarded area. The green itself is deceptively deep, and if the pin is tucked in the back, the hole plays much longer than the scorecard suggests. It’s a thrilling test of strategy and precision.
Royal Manchester - Hole 18
The closing hole may not be the most difficult on the course, but this downhill par 4 still demands a bit of caution. Big hitters, in particular, need to be mindful off the tee, as the pond lurks within range. The approach shot isn’t overly challenging, but the combination of a downhill lie to a downhill green adds just enough complexity to keep you focused as you wrap up your round. It’s a subtle yet satisfying finish to a memorable day on the course.
Course Difficulty – ★★★
Royal Manchester isn’t overly challenging, at least in my experience. The links-style layout tends to play fairly forgiving, though I know that can vary depending on individual play styles. When the wind is calm, the course feels especially manageable. It doesn’t play particularly long either, as many of the longer holes benefit from downhill fairways. The generously sized greens and forgiving areas around them make it easier to get up and down when you miss. As long as you can keep your ball out of the fescue, this course offers an enjoyable and approachable round for most golfers.
Course Amenities & Price – ★★★★
Royal Manchester boasts a stunning clubhouse that blends seamlessly with the surrounding course, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Inside, the spacious clubhouse features a well-stocked pro shop, ensuring you’ll find everything you need for your round.
The driving range, located across the road from the clubhouse, can be a bit inconvenient to reach on foot but is easily accessible with a cart. Once there, you’ll find a fantastic short game area tucked behind the range, complete with multiple bunkers and varied grass options to fine-tune your shots.
Back across the road, the putting green is perfectly positioned just outside the pro shop, giving you a convenient spot to roll a few putts and dial in your touch before heading to the first tee. It’s a thoughtful layout that sets the tone for a great day on the course.
Course Conditions- ★★★★1/2
Royal Manchester has always been impeccably maintained. Even after heavy rain, the course drains exceptionally well, ensuring consistent playability. The greens roll true, and the fairways are a pleasure to hit from, making every round enjoyable. Year after year, I find myself looking forward to playing here because I know exactly what to expect: a stunning course in top-notch condition.
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