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Moor Allerton, England |
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Moor Allerton Golf Club
Coal Road
Wilke
Leeds
LS17 9NH
England |  | Robert Trent Jones Senior |  | James Whitaker |
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 | +44 (0) 113 266 5209 |  | 5 miles N of Leeds |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Welcome, contact in advance |  | TBC |
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Moor Allerton Golf Club was originally founded in 1923 and the original 18 holes were laid out by Alister MacKenzie close to Moortown. Later, the club moved a few miles away to the present site because it was "bursting at the seams". None other than the famous Robert Trent Jones designed the new course - his first in the British Isles - and it opened for play in 1971.
Jones laid out 27 holes on 220 acres of undulating Yorkshire countryside, in three distinct loops of nine holes. It's just as well that each nine starts and ends at the welcoming "Waterhole" halfway house, because Moor Allerton is a big course. You'd be wise to replenish your energy levels to cope with Jones's design philosophy, where a par is tough and a bogey is the norm.
Clearly Moor Allerton contrasts with its near neighbours, Alwoodley and Moortown. The Moor Allerton style is modern and American - big contoured greens, large teeing areas, long boldly-shaped bunkers and, of course, water hazards. Having said this, the layout blends beautifully into the delightful landscape to combine the best of Yorkshire and America.
The threatening par five 14th epitomises Trent Jones's design ethos – woodland to the right and water to the left. The 18th is also noteworthy, a tough par which calls for an accurate approach shot over a watery gully to an elevated green, guarded jealously by bunkers.
Many famous pros have walked these fairways during the days when the PGA European Tour came here, including Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo. Howard Clark was the playing professional for several years and Peter Alliss was also the resident pro for a number of years. Alliss reckons that "Moor Allerton is a golfing experience larger than life", and who could possibly disagree? Moor Allerton is friendly and relaxed off the course but as tough as nails on course. The 27-hole combination (Lakes, Blackmoor and High), represents the perfect number for a thoroughly entertaining day's golf. | |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |   | | | Played here today in the pouring rain. All though the weather made the course almost unplayable I have to say I really enjoyed it and was really impressed. Very much an american style course the greens were lightning fast and layed out in the yorkshire countryside there were plenty of hills to make a fantastic layout. Not as good as nearby heathland courses Moortown and Alwoodley but very impressive. Favourite holes were 14th,17th,27th |
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| 29 August 2012
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| | Surely people cannot begin to rank moor allerton on the same level as such classy courses as alwoodley and moortown, Played recently with friends as I do fairly regularly, and majority of greens were hard and slow, and collapsed underneath. Some good holes- the 18th and 27th were pretty good, but the rest i felt were fairly average. Fairway condition was good, but in my opinion MA cannot compete with the likes of alwoodley, moortown, sandmoor and Pannal etc! |
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| 16 August 2012
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| | From the moment I left my car and saw those magnificent striped fairways to the time I sank my last putt, this has without doubt been the best golfing experience in Leeds I have ever had! Having recently played the remodelled Moortown GC and having played Alwoodley GC several times, I had heard that great strides had been made by Moor Allerton GC. I can tell you the rumours are true, although their ranking in comparison to their historic neighbours doesn’t acknowledge it, this is by far the best of the big three in North Leeds. I noted that all tees had been hand cut; the fairways are as lush and manicured as anything you will see on Sky and those greens…well! Although I live in Nottingham, I am truly considering a country membership as I have not putted on anything so undulating and with so much speed but just as importantly, a true roll. I found the pro shop staff not only to be refreshingly jovial but so attentive to my group’s questions, so much so that the pro came out after our first nine to enquire how we were getting on and with a few bottles of water FOC! The stock carried is not only top end but the prices are truly affordable. We all spent far too much, but when its clothing you cant get anywhere else..why not! We had a look at the performance centre and again, the pro let us have a FOC go on the trackman…I NEED MORE LESSONS! The drainage has obviously worked as the fairways were as dry as a bone as were the tees. I would highly recommend anyone who loves their golf to go to Moor Allerton, the place oozes class! |
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| 11 May 2012
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| Response: | | | Hugh | 11 May 2012 | | Surely this review was written by the club's marketing manager? Moor Allerton will never compare favourably to Alwoodley which is quite simply in a much higher league than Moor Allerton. | | | Ben | 18 May 2012 | | I agree, this has without a doubt been written by a member/ associate of the club. I played Moor Allerton GC in June 2011 and the greens were extremely soft and full of thatch... My personal opinion is that Moortown GC and Alwoodley GC playing surfaces and course design are far better than those at Moor Allerton GC or any other club in the Leeds area. I would certainly recommend playing Alwoodley or Moortown for a higher class golfing experience. There is a reason that the other clubs in North Leeds rank higher than Moor Allerton... | | | Kealey | 16 July 2012 | | I totally agree, all 9 holes are fantastic!! We are considering becoming members. The whole place has a lovley buzz about it and the course is tough, the tees are imaculate, the greens true and fast. Top marks to the green staff. I played there yesterday and considering the dreadful weather we have had it was in amazing condition. Definately worth a trip...and I aren't from the Marketing department!! | | | Marty | 18 July 2012 | | Let's get this right. Moor Allerton is ok, a pleasant days golf but can not be compared to Alwoodley or Moortown. Even throwing money at it which it sounds they have it will never get close to its neighbours. Having played many times a 4 ball review would be about right, not sure it ever WOWS me enough to stretch to a 5 ball rating but worth a day out all the same. | | | vorndron | 20 July 2012 | | Cant agree with the the review above I'm afraid. MA is a notch below Moortown and not in the same league as Alwoodley !! | | | Nick Tomlinson | 28 July 2012 | | I don't usually get involved with writing reviews or even writing a response to a review but on this occasion I feel it is appropriate and necessary. I have played about 200 golf courses all over the country including Moor Allerton, Moortown and Alwoodley. I just don't see it and do not know how Moor Allerton can be regarded even in the same breath as the other 2 especially Alwoodley which is one of the best courses I have ever played. I have to admit the club house and welcome at Moor Allerton is fantastic but the course didn't do it for me! |
| | | I am looking to joinn a golf course in the Leeds area. Having looked at Horsofrth, Cookridge, Sand Moor, Scarcroft and Moor Allerton I am still trying to make my mind up.I found Moor Allerton a very nice course and its in great condition, but I've read through a few reviews some more recent than others and woondered if anyone could answer this question. Has Moor Allerton had any improvements in drainage over the last year or two? Several older reviews seem to say this was a problem with the course. Any inforamtion would be appreciated. |
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| 23 June 2010
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| Response: | | | Steve | 24 June 2010 | | I would look at Alwoodley or Moortown. Much better all year round playability. | | | shab | 24 June 2010 | | Drainage improving. Still a mudbath at times in winter tho. Sand Moor -fairway mats in winter. Scarcroft- great nick but short and a bit sedate. Other clubs you mentioned would definately not bother. All in all MA prob for you as v.welcoming to new members too. | | | Andy | 24 June 2010 | | Alwoodley and Moortown are the best courses in Leeds but I believe both are difficult to get into and have hefty joining fees. You could try out Oulton Hall, the De Vere course just south of Leeds. It's far better than Horsforth or Cookridge and holds up very well in the winter. It also has no joining fee and the option to pay by direct debit. | | | Leggy | 25 June 2010 | | Steve, I've been a member at Moor Allerton for 6 years now. The drainage has improved a lot, the investment made about 3 years ago has bedded in well and the course is in far better condition as a result. The greens are incredible, and the fairways are filling out nicely. I wouldn't be a member at either Alwoodley or Moortown as the Atmosphere at Moor Allerton is far more friendly, and there is very rarely a wait to get on the course. If you want any more advice from a very happy member feel free to contact me. Legg.james@gmail.com | | | andrew | 05 August 2010 | | Its all too easy to say look at Alwoodley and Moortown for better all round playability, memberships at both are rare, if in the unlikely event you are offered membership you then have to find a way to pay for it! Comparisons should also not be drawn between MAGC and Alwoodly and Moortown. They are very different golf courses and pose a completley different challenge, MAGC has a stadium atmosphere about it and in-keeping with other Trent Jones designs i have played mounding is extensive around the green area, particularly on the 9th, 18th and 27th. Club selection is very difficult to judge on many of the holes as there many changes in elevation, which only adds to the challenge and enjoyment. There are some wonderful golf holes here, and very few poor ones. The welcome is friendly 7 days a week and facilities are excellent if a little tired. would recommend to anyone who likes and understands golf courses. | | | Steve | 06 August 2010 | | Andrew, it may well cost a bit to get into Alwoodley or Moortown initially but once in both have a cheaper annual subscription than MAGC. | | | CA | 13 August 2010 | | You should add Headingley to your list. It is actually in Adel (no more than a couple of miles from Sand Moor GC) | | | GMartin | 13 August 2010 | | MA is clearly best club to join in Yorkshire. No need to book tee times with 27 holes, in great nick and is definitely improving in the Winter. Best greens for miles and a pretty friendly bunch to boot. I love it. Graham member 13 years | | | Keith Baxter | 14 August 2010 | | I'm drawing a line under this review as I'm sure the reviewer now has enough feedback to make a decision as to which club to join. Thanks to everyone for their comments. Keith Baxter - Editor |
| | | I joined Moor Allerton Golf Club about 6 months ago and I'm very glad I did. The layout is great and is such that good shots are rewarded and poor shots are penalised, in my view how a golf course should be.
I have seen that some posts say the greens and fairways are great whilst others say they are poor. In my experience so far (played 3 times a week for 6 months) the greens are fantastic and the green staff are fabulous at preparing them. In the summer months the greens are the best in the area. In winter they are allowed to grow to their winter length, this protects the greens and keeps them in top condition for the summer. This does make them slower in winter however they do still run true. The fairways are much the same, they are spiked in the winter to protect and prepare them for the summer. I personally would prefer the slight winter inconveniences for the quality that you get in summer.
All in all I think the course is great and offers a good golfer a great challenge. I have heard a few members say that it is a hilly and demanding course with many of the older players preferring the ‘less hilly’ top 9 holes. I’m happy playing any and would highly recommend anyone to play the course. The best hole on the course is the par 3 17th. A tee shot over water to a raised green guarded by bunkers is a winning combination. If you’re lucky to play on a sunny morning then you will get the golden sun lighting the green from the tee, one of those “this is golf at its best” moments.
I would also say that the club is extremely friendly. On my first round at the club (as a non member to try the course) after the second hole I caught up with a two ball in front of me. Instead of holding me up they waved me through (no member snobbery!). Better than this though they said hello, asked if I was enjoying the course and asked if I would like to join them for the rest of the holes! I couldn’t believe this and I knew then that this was the club for me.
If you are in the Yorkshire area I would highly recommend this course. |
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| 02 January 2010
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| | Really enjoyed playing Moor Allerton recently, located in the thick of what must be one of the best concentrations of quality courses in Britain.
An excellent 27 holes to play, with a nice variety of elevation, strategy and flowers to keep you interested.
Quite hard, with several holes much longer than they appear and tricky downhill shots over streams to raised greens.
Recommended.
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| 10 July 2009
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| | Am a new member at Moor Allerton and felt compelled to write something about the club as i am so happy with my choice of golf club. First and formost, and the ultimate reason for me choosing MA is the course. Yes it's not a traditional Yorkshire Heathland course like Alwoodley, but it depends what you enjoy. My first memories of golf were watching the Masters at Augusta, and i enjoy the grand American feel at MA, The use of flowers and shrubbery is excuisite. The backdrop of firing your tee shot to an elevated green, guarded by a still lake, with a backdrop of flowers of all colours is a joy (alla hole 17.) The greens are simply the best in the area and would probably rival any club in the country. You don't even get a pitch mark, and there's plenty of spin to be had. When the sun shines on the rolling fareways, the whole cause has a certain sheen to it that lifts your spirits. So far the staff and members have been extremely friendly and welcoming. I look forward to playing every day next week, during my hard earned week off. |
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| 10 May 2009
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| | Pay for a buggy at this course. Very very hilly and as the website says it really is "golf on a grand scale". The clubhouse design and furnishing makes you want to dig out the flared trousers and acryllic ties. You half expect Jerry from The Good Life to wander round the corner drinking a Campari. It is almost 70s kitsch although the Waterhole spike bar makes an excellent and practical place to grab a snack or drink. Course wise, it isnt one of the classics. The tees and greens are excellent but much of it has an open feel that you dont get at Alwoodley or Moortown. The fairway grass isnt the best and when I played in winter drainage wasnt great. Some excellent holes (eg the 17th) and a few forgettable ones. Its probably a great place to have a company day but at £85 on a weekend I wouldnt make it my first choice. |
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| 03 December 2008
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| | Am another bloke luckiy enough to be obsessed with golf. Am living in central Leeds and trying to play all of the 'great' courses in this area (i am spolit for choice!!!).
I would have to say this course left me devided. Most importantly the course is in great nick with the best greens i've ever played. Beautiful use of shrubbery and water, especially on the par 3's. You could almost imagine you were playing in Atlanta Georgia, on a sprinmg morning.
On downside- too many holes that are much the same. Also club atmosphere is stuffy. Very much a 'we are better than the course really is atmosphere'. Still well worth a play and reasonably priced. |
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| 21 July 2008
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| | A number of us played here as we were looking for a course near to home to join for membership (our travel time to our home course, Rudding Park was getting too much). Although we had no problem, a friend of mine didn't receive a fantastic and warm reception as other posters have stated. He was accused of getting a cheap round of golf by dishonest means (ie. we weren't interested in joining). Not a great start for him, to say the least. Putting that aside the course was in very good shape. Impeccable condition of tees and greens. Yardage markers were prevalent and easy to spot. The massive greens, while manicured to perfection, were extremely slow, we assumed that the ground staff were growing them out after a course of fertiliser. Bunkers were tactically placed, they were mostly shallow and provided a stern challenge to get out of. Signature holes, the 17th is an extremely pretty par 3, the 27th is a challenge of a par 4, again very picturesque. Generally though, there was a lack of character about the course, big, brash but all polish and no soul. The course was reminiscent of it's neighbour Wike, albeit with more mature trees and features. There are certainly more interesting golf courses in the area such as Alwoodley, Headingley and Sand Moor. |
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| 23 May 2008
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| Response: | | | A Webster | 14 December 2010 | | I know it is long delay in replying but i had to comment on this "the 27th is a challenging par 4" yes it is . From the yellow tee 526 yards from the back 568 yards! |
| | | Played full 27, 1st week in September. Initial impressions very good, particularly being allowed choice of tees, my 3 ball choosing to go off the very back. Recommend cart use because, as stated in previous reviews, involves continuous crossing of valley. Certainly a course which rewards good driving & not one for the beginner as many long carries required with drives & approach play. i.e. 18 handicap or better. If you can’t carry the ball comfortably 170 yards play elsewhere! This is limiting for many players given what is not an overly long layout (even from the back tips). Greens will probably be the fastest you will play on outside tournament golf; however inconsistent in pace, during my visit. Although not in the Ganton/Alwoodley class of near rivals (same green fees so fair to compare), offers good value for money as accepts 2-1 vouchers. A good day out but won’t rush back. |
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| 14 September 2007
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| | Played holes 1-18 which although presented a reasonable challenge were disappointing in respect to the golfing brain and imagination particularly the front nine. There seemed to be an element of up and down hills. Fairways are in poor condition - admittedly after a wet summer - however I would have expected better from a course claiming the status it does. Great par threes. Narrow fairways seem tough but there is rarely penalty for wayward drives - adjacent fairways! |
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| 31 July 2007
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| Response: | | | shab | 03 January 2010 | | This review is ridiculous. Moor Allerton is one of the most challenging courses in the area. Long par 4's, makeable in 2 par 5's, excellent par 3's. All in a very peacefull woodland setting. Generally needs every shot in the bag. I think it's ridiculous saying this course is not much of a challenge. Where do you normally play your golf? |
| | Played the first 18 (the Lakes) This course is an absolute joy to play. A tough test particularly from the back tees - I was warned before I played that I would not break 80 - I didn't. The first two holes are a real test at 450 and 420 they both play long requiring mid to long iron seconds. This is a tough start to a very varied and interesting nine. With a great mix including two short par fours, which require strategic shots off the tee rather than length. The par threes are great also, excellent bunkering and water hazards. The first par five although only 499 is a high risk twoshot hole. The second par five on the front nine, although a monster at 575 is probably the weakest hole on the course only because it didn't seem to fit the character of the rest of the course.
The back nine is a strong mix of holes requiring in some cases length off the tee, in others precision shots. The 14th Par 5 was my favourite hole, a great design for a short par five. This course is a definite challenge to better golfers but also fair on the higher handicapper as the rough is not overly penal although wayward shots will be penalised by being blocked out. Could not fault the visual appeal of the course. Only drawback is the road to the right of one of the holes, which although cannot be seen can definitely be heard. The course sets up well to the eye and is stunning to look at. I cannot fault the condition of the course, even though played in the height of the recent heat wave the greens were not too firm and ran very smooth, great depth and consistency of growth, they have the potential to be very fast although were not overly quick when we played. The tees were really well manicured and the growth was consistently good the whole way round. The tees are very long and are a credit to the greens staff who obviously take pride in all aspects of the course. Fairways were firm but in generally good condition and the bunker sand was a good consistency.
This course is a lot better than many open qualifying venues and has some ambience in being the first RT Jones design in the UK. THe course looks mature for its age and the club house is impressive. Towels provided in the changing rooms (which I like) and a sauna (not sure about the women's). All of the staff we spoke to were extremely friendy and courteous, particularly in the shop and in the Water Hole. Nods and hellos from other players, who were probably members gave me the impression this is a very friendly place to play golf. A pleasure to play and I will definitely go back and will be arranging a trip for myself and my very discerning golfing partners at my home course. Value for money was about right at £55 which is the going rate for a course of this quality. However, one of the most expensive course planners. |
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| 06 August 2006
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| | stunning. would say that the top 9 is the worst of the 27 but still splattered was awesome holes-especially 27th. whole course has a very grand american feel-sweeping fairways and big, undulating greens. some of the shorter par 4's are something to behold.i especially enjoyed no.3 teeing to a downhill fairway to attack an elevated green. Picturesque views all around. some challenging, but fair holes. very enjoyable. |
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| 07 June 2006
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| | I played the course at the end of August and I think the greens were the best greens i've played on all year. The overall condition of the course was first class. The layout is excellent with some very demanding holes. A real test of golf, this is a course that will only continue to get better and better with time. The hospitality off the course is excellent with a nice clubhouse and a fantastic Pro Shop with superb staff who are willing to do whatever they can to make your day a memorable experience. I have played Alwoodley and Moortown nearby, and I have to say that Moor Allerton just gets my vote as the best course in the area. A must visit course. Superb! |
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| 16 September 2005
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| | A thoroughly challenging and enjoyable 27-hole course - perfect for corporate and society days...but take enough balls, there's plenty of water around. The surroundings are quite beautiful and the condition was outstanding when I visited. For those who dislike the stuffiness and tradition of many top clubs, Moor Allerton is refreshingly laid back, enjoyable and very hospitable. Well worth playing alongside the more traditional Alwoodley and Moortown. |
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| 01 November 2004
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| | One or two nice holes but overall the course doesn't live up to the standards set by nearly Alwoodley and Moortown. |
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| 27 October 2004
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| Response: | | | Moor Allerton Golf Club | 10 October 2006 | | I read your comments dated Oct 2004 about MAGC - since then we have new greenstaff and have invested heavily in the course. We know Moortown and Alwoodley well and they are excellent venues - we've had some very favourable comparisons in recent times and so I wondered if you'd like to visit us again sometime - maybe plan ahead for summer 2007 when I think we should be at our best? |
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