Wigton Lane,
Leeds, W. Yorkshire LS17 8SA
Office
+44 (0)113 268 1680Pro shop
+44 (0)113 268 9603Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
John Green (Club Professional)The Course:
18 holes. Heathland course. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Rural countryside.
Designer:
Dr Alister MacKenzie
53.861838
-1.525983
5 miles N of Leeds
From Leeds city centre follow the A61 direction Harrogate. After 4 miles at roundabout go straight over (crossing the Leeds ring road A6120) and continue to follow the A61 direction Harrogate. After 1 mile turn right at traffic lights into Wigton Lane. Golf is 100 yards on your left.
Alwoodley Golf Club, like its close neighbours Sand Moor and Moor Town, occupies a wonderful tract of prime golfing terrain. Here in the northern outskirts of Leeds, this large area of gently undulating, easy-draining heathland was eagerly eyed by golfers in the early 1900s. The land, which forms part of Wigton Heath, merited the attention of a top-quality designer. This it got from Dr Alister MacKenzie, at the time a local resident and later acknowledged as one of the greatest golf course designers of all time.
The Alwoodley course follows an absorbing out-and-back design, offering up an enjoyable variety of golfing challenges. The layout remains much the same today as in 1907 when it was originally laid out, although lengthened over the years to its present 6,900 yards. Tightish, springy fairways are bordered by heather, gorse and occasionally woodland, while the excellently maintained and often large greens will thoroughly test your putting skills.
In keeping with most MacKenzie designs, the bunkering is plentiful, constantly posing a threat from the tee and around the greens. The back-nine is frequently played into freshening winds, further adding to the golfing test at hand.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course.
Good
The layout at Alwoodley Golf Club was the first of many designs crafted by Dr Alister MacKenzie. The renowned Yorkshire-born golf architect went onto design neighbouring Moor Town and Sand Moor, as well as a host of household name courses around the globe. Augusta National, Cypress Point and Crystal Downs in the U.S., and Royal Melbourne in Australia are considered amongst his finest creations.
MacKenzie was born in 1870 in Normanton, near Leeds, the son of Scottish parents. Although christened Alexander, after his paternal grandfather, he was called Alister from birth (which is Gaelic for Alexander). He died in 1934 in California, leaving behind a blueprint for future golf course design and a legacy of classic courses. Often referred to as the 'Course Doctor', MacKenzie was a founder member of Alwoodley Golf Club.
England's 11th best course (Golf World, 2024).
Britain & Ireland's 37th best course (Golf World, 2025).
World's 57th best public access course (Golf World, 2025).
Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7EW
+44 (0)113 244 0099
Visit websiteThis townhouse hotel near the centre of Leeds occupies a peaceful setting overlooking the river Aire. It was converted in 1991 from a cornmill and has won many awards for its design and cuisine.
No
Alwoodley; Moortown; Sand Moor.
Scarcroft; Ilkley; Keighley; Bingley St Ives; Pannal; Harrogate.
Shire Oak Road, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorks LS6 2DE
+44 (0)113 278 4446
Visit websiteLocated just 2 miles north from Leeds City Centre, yet set in a quiet leafy lane in the Headingley conservation area, Haley's is an excellent venue from which to discover the golf courses around Leeds and further afield in Yorkshire.
No
Alwoodley; Moortown; Sand Moor; Moor Allerton.
Scarcroft; Ilkley; Keighley; Bingley St Ives; Pannal; Harrogate.
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