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Alwoodley, England |
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Alwoodley Golf Club
Wigton Lane
Leeds
LS17 8SA
England |  | Alister MacKenzie, Harry Colt |  | John Green |
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 | +44 (0) 113 268 1680 |  | 5 miles N of Leeds |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Contact secretary in advance |  | Julie Slater |
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Alwoodley is certainly one of the finest and most subtle inland courses in the British Isles, located in a secluded spot. In many ways, it is reminiscent of Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin course, which is very high praise indeed. "This the home course of Dr. MacKenzie ought to be good and, personally, I put it very high among inland courses." Wrote Bernard Darwin in his book The Golf Courses of Great Britain.
| 2nd March 2009 - Nicholas Leefe commented on our article: “As the Club Historian, I wish to confirm Alwoodley (1907) was the first golf course designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie. Our records simply state Harry Colt (probably the most famous golf course architect of the time) was requested to visit Alwoodley and he duly came on July 31, 1907. This was after the first medal round had been played. The proposed alteration of the course (presumably by Alister MacKenzie) was discussed with Mr Colt and it was unanimously resolved that it be adopted. Mr Colt visited Alwoodley for his second time on Oct 6 1909 to report on the course, but our records regrettably do not state what action was proposed. This is a MacKenzie course with the Committee wisely seeking a second opinion from one of the most respected experts of that period." | Founded in 1907, Alwoodley is the cream of a cluster of excellent courses stretching across the moors just north of Leeds. The great Alister MacKenzie (a doctor at the time) joined forces with the already renowned architect, Harry Colt, to fashion Alwoodley. This was Dr MacKenzie’s first dabble with golf course design. Clearly inspired, he went on to become a full time golf course architect and later went on to design the great Augusta National, home of the Masters.
The course is a combination of heathland and moorland with rippling fairways and fine, crisp, springy turf. There is plenty of heather and gorse, which provides glorious seasonal colour and punishes the wayward shot. There are few trees, other than the occasional cluster of pines and silver birches on this glorious, windswept heath.
Essentially an out and back course, the front nine is generally regarded as the easier of the two nines (the only two par fives are on the outward nine). The back nine invariably plays into the prevailing winds coming off the Yorkshire Moors.
Alwoodley possesses some great and supremely challenging holes and the 3rd is a very subtle straight par five measuring 510 yards and on the surface, it appears open and devoid of definition. The only visible hazard, apart from the rough on the left and the heather on the right, is a lonesome bunker on the left-hand side of the fairway, some 200 yards from the tee. Find the fairway and you might be tempted to go for the green in two, but you’ll need to play your approach towards the right-hand side of the green because it slopes steeply from right to left. We also love the 17th hole, an excellent driving hole if you can avoid the out-of-bounds on the left. It’s a 434-yard par four where a reasonable drive will leave a blind approach to a hidden green nestling some 30 feet below.
Make sure that you bring your full compliment of golf clubs. It is likely that this hard but fair course will force you to use every club in the bag. Alwoodley has played host to many important amateur events over the years and it regularly tests the pros when the course is used as a Regional Qualifier for the Open. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | The best course that I have played for a while and this is really very good from start to finish. Highly ranked already and looking at some of the courses with similar positions, I think there is scope for Alwoodley to go even higher - this is a great course in beautiful surroundings full of heather, gorse and plenty of tree variety; the perfect combination. After a not too demanding opener, the short par-4 2nd is a good looking hole and the trademark MacKenzie slope in the green is there to catch you out, trust me it will. The 5th is worth a mention; under 400 yards and the ideal line is to the left as the fairway feeds to the right; the green is raised a little and protected by six bunkers, with four of these on the right catching the common slightly cut-shot. The 8th is a monster is terms of length (584 yards, back tee), with out-of-bounds to the left and heavy rough on the right – a really tough drive and for most players the second shot will be blind, then add in a three-stepped green and a par-5 is a huge achievement. Another par-5 at the 10th – not much to say here other than think of another MacKenzie designed hole, the 13th at Augusta National and the similarities, especially the tee-shot are obvious. The par-4 15th is yet another tricky driving hole, out-of-bounds to the right, deep rough left and a 400+ yard dog-leg with another problematic green, this time the right-side is very undulating and can send approach shots into the right bunker – the smart play is at the left of the green. The ‘home’ hole is a classic; played into the wind (normally) at around 450 yards, there a dozen or so bunkers scattered from the start of the fairway to the green which makes this one of the toughest par-4 18th holes in England. No mention of a par-3 yet, well here goes .. there are four of them, all good looking and testing and of different lengths – my only observation is that they are spread over only eight holes from the 7th to the 14th which makes the middle part of the course so much fun. Alwoodley Golf Club is classy, very classy and in my opinion must be pushing Ganton as the #1 course in the Yorkshire rankings. |
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| 18 April 2013
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| | A fantastic golf course. Even though I played shocking it was a very enjoyable experience. Similar to nearby Moortown and Ganton (but much better in my opinion) Alwoodley is a stunning heathland course. Keep it straight and youll be fine, hit it waywards and you are sure to be punished by the heather, gorse and deep rough. The greens were also fantastic, very undulating and fairly quick made it very challenging to put a good score together. A lovely layout playing out and in with the best holes in my opinion being 10,11,16 and 18 which from the back tee has a view to admire looking down the fairway and to the wonderful clubhouse. The only weakness in my opinion is the 17th, with the green being a good 30ft below the fairway and having a blind second shot is completely different to the rest of the course. However a fabulous walk over one of the very best courses in the country in my opinion shouldnt go a miss to any golfer out there! |
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| 26 August 2012
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| | A fabulous course which definitely deserves its status in the English golfing world. In ways it is similar to Ganton, but not quite as difficult. Favourite holes were the 8th and the 18th- what a view back to the clubhouse. The rough is very penal, so ensure that your ball is on the short grass! |
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| 17 August 2012
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| | Enjoyed playing this course in August 2012. The rough can be quite punishing - and playing out of the heather is a real challenge. A couple of holes are slightly featureless - the third, for example. However, it is definitely worth a visit.
I wouldn't recommend trying to get food afterwards - the system for ordering might suit members, but was not good for visitors - and the staff were not particularly helpful. |
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| 13 August 2012
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| | I spent a pleasant afternoon playing here and I would gladly do it again. Alwoodley is a stunning course. Loads of heather, holes going every which way, just an enjoyable day when you are walking these fairways. |
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| 24 July 2011
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| | Played in March, course was okay bearing in mind the tough winter. Agree with previous posts about a couple of weak holes, 10th and 17th. A bit harsh charging best part of 60 quid despite the greens being hollow tined, dressed etc. |
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| 02 April 2011
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| | A truly superb golf course. A real good test of your all round game. The course itself has some great holes but not a weak one. A reasonably straight forward first hole then the 2nd looks like a given birdie on the card, but the green is oh so tricky if the pin is placed just on the tier. The course then really gets going with a reachable par 5 then a tough long par 4. Played here twice now and have booked to go back again this summer. I think the rate is too low in my opinion for this course. Second only to Ganton in Yorkshire. |
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| 30 March 2011
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| | This is one of the best inland courses I have played. I prefer links golf but this was a treat. If you are looking for some modern monster don't bother to play it . It is real golf at its best. No two holes the same and mix of the quirky and the conventional. I am Scottish and have played golf for over 60 years and this was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had. |
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| 19 January 2010
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| | I have lived in Leeds for nearly 10 years now and today is the first time that I have played Alwoodley. For a self-confessed golf nut this is an awfully long time. My reasoning for not playing up until now have been either, 'It's too expensive' or 'I am not in good enough form to play there.' However, today has shattered both of those reasons. Despite copious amounts of recent rain the course was in good condition with only the odd bunker holding water. Alwoodley is not a long course and the fairways are more generous than I thought they would be. I was not playing very well having developed a big fade (slice?!) but still managed to keep the ball in play throughout. The greens are very tricky and I didn't have a straight putt all day. Despite the rains all the greens ran true. Winter rates are £55 for the whole day (midweek) and this was great value. Staff were friendly and so were the members. I would thouroughly recommend a round at Alwoodley and I certainly won't be waiting another 10 years to play this gem. |
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| 09 November 2009
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| | Alwoodley is almost definitely the second best course in Yorkshire and it is in fine fettle at present. The fairways are fast running and the heather is punishing. The greens were in beautiful condition albeit not as fast as they look or perhaps could be. The front nine is certainly the place to make your score as the finish is fiendish by comparison. For its location in the city of Leeds it is a fantastic course and very good value at £40 for a twilight round. The only slight let down is the odd smell in the men's changing rooms which should be addressed.
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| 15 May 2009
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| | A good course spoilt in my opinion by 2 poor holes. Not being a lover of blind approach shots to par 4's I found the 10th and 17th disappointing, despite a 4 on the latter - it was more good luck than good management! Quirky clubhouse but a friendly Pro. I think that nearby Moortown is a fairer test (though longer) and when I played was in better condition. |
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| 27 April 2009
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| Response: | | | Cameron Roy | 09 November 2009 | | The 10th is certainly not a hole with a blind second as you only require a drive of 230 yards to reach the elbow and have a great view of the green. I do, however, agree with your comment about the 17th as I don't think the hole fits the rest of the course. |
| | | Had the oportunity to play earlier this year. This is a good course and a test for all levels. I found the clubhouse a bit snobby. |
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| 25 September 2008
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| | Just played this course in the Yorkshire Amatuer. What a fantastic course a very fine test indeed. The whole setup is great the start not being to severe then the meat of the course being firm but fair. A wicked 5 finishing holes a real must play and slightly more difficult than nearby Moortown. |
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| 28 June 2008
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| | I had the chance to play here last June and what a pleasant place to enjoy a game. Very fun course t play and walk, excellent course design, and the clubhouse is really good, beautiful from the outside and on the inside. I would love to be a member here. Heather everywhere here so hit it straight. |
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| 10 February 2008
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| | Alwoodley is magnificent. The course is challenging yet fair. The course is in fabulous condition from tees to fairways to greens, even the heather! The closing holes are treacherous and demand concentration to preserve your score. The clubhouse and staff match the course. Overall a highly recommended experience. |
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| 01 August 2007
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| | As per other reviews, cannot fault this place. Absolute quality form arrival at the clubhouse to the 18th. Now played here 3 times in last 2 months and a masterpeice of design with great variety & top condition. Also not as tight of the tee as appears. Make your score on the front nine...last five holes are killers!! Looking forward to returning soon.
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| 25 July 2007
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| | Absolutely fantastic from start to finish.
Have played a number of times and walked round for Open Qualifying and the course is a breathtaking heathland experience. Fantastic Mackenzie layout mixing a series of challenging 4s, long and short 3s and super 5s all flanked by heather and gorse.
Cross the road after the short but tricky 2nd and walk onto golfing heaven. Grand isolation as you play round (the club has a strict limit on members numbers) and golf of the finest quality.
If the powers that be at Alwoodley read this please feel free to contact me with an offer of membership...please I'm begging!! |
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| 08 November 2006
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| Response: | | | Tony Potts | 29 May 2007 | | This is the first time I have ever felt compelled to comment on a course. Alwoodley is the finest track I have played in England. The turn for home (holes 10,11 and 12)is breathtaking. The greens were true and consisitent and club selection was crucial to making a score. What more can you want. |
| | | Alwoodley can be summed up in one word – fantastic. It’s certainly one of the best courses I’ve played and probably gives Ganton a run for its money in Yorkshire. It’s a MacKenzie classic, not only the greens but also in the distances that are tough to judge, even with a yardage chart. A golfer’s golf course that will test the best and you’ll need to have tour swing intact if you plan to score well. The clubhouse is very unusual – a similar design to that at Ballyliffin and a really great atmosphere inside. Simply tremendous and I can’t wait to return to try and improve on my last feeble score. |
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| 21 April 2005
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| | It's quite staggering that Golf Monthly omitted Alwoodley from their Top 120...this is top quality course, which is playable all year round. It's a tough no-frills heathland/moorland test and it's always a delight to play here. It's very much a member's club but it's accessible and well worth the green fee. A Mackenzie delight! |
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| 11 January 2005
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| | A must play course - only Ganton can better this course in Yorkshire. If I lived in or around Leeds, this is where I'd want to play. Stunning. |
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| 31 March 2004
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