Alwoodley is one of England’s finest inland courses, a mix of heathland and moorland where heather and gorse are ready to punish bad shots. It was designed by a local doctor, Alister MacKenzie, whose success here launched a career in golf architecture that brought him worldwide fame and, later, Augusta National.
Much of MacKenzie’s subtle design remains, although the course has been lengthened and toughened. It runs straight out and back, with the back nine the tougher half, and springy fairways cut through a profusion of heather, gorse and shrubs. Look out for the eye-catching, natural-looking bunkers and large, often undulating greens.
Alwoodley sits alongside Moortown, so you can play two MacKenzie classics in one trip to Leeds.
Course: 18-hole heathland and moorland. Address: Wigton Lane, Alwoodley, Leeds LS17 8SA
Planning a round at Alwoodley? See our guide to golf in Yorkshire for nearby courses, hotels and tours, or visit the Alwoodley website.