|
 |
 |
Moortown, England |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 Moortown Golf Club hosted the second “official” Ryder Cup match between the USA and Great Britain in 1929. Team Captains were Walter Hagen (US), George Duncan (GB). It was a close match, which the British won, GB 7 - USA 5. The Ryder Cup was inaugurated two years earlier at the Worcester Country Club and the 1931 Ryder Cup was played at Scioto Country Club.
| Fred Lawson-Brown, a non-golfer, was inspired by the beauty of Ganton and decided that Leeds should have an equivalent golf course. 175 acres of potential golfing terrain were acquired from the landlord of the Bramham Park Estate, and, as luck would have it, Dr Alister MacKenzie was in the area, busily working on nearby Alwoodley. And so, in 1910, seven years after Lawson-Brown’s visit to Ganton, the Moortown golf course on Black Moor was ready for play. To mark the occasion, an exhibition match was staged between James Braid and Harry Vardon.
Moortown Golf Club is classic moorland golf course with lovely peaty turf that provides the bouncy cushion-effect when walking, a course that is gentle on the feet. The fairways appear wide and inviting – many of the holes are flanked with silver birch, gorse and heather. But don’t be fooled, Moortown is no pushover; this golf course is tough and exacting.
It turned out to be a tough test for Walter Hagen, the 1929 Ryder Cup captain, and his American team. For it was here, at a cold Moortown, that Great Britain, with George Duncan as captain, beat the USA 7-5. This was the first Ryder Cup to be held on home soil. The competition had been inaugurated two years earlier at the Worcester Country Club in the USA.
In addition to the Ryder Cup, Moortown has hosted numerous important professional competitions, Nick Faldo and Bernard Gallagher emerging as winners. A host of important amateur events have also been contested over the moorland, and in the 1974 English Open Amateur strokeplay championship, Nigel Denham hit an over-zealous second shot into the billiard room of the then in-bounds clubhouse. Undeterred, Denham marched inside and chipped through the open window to within five yards of the pin.
Moortown measures almost 6,500 yards from the regular tees, but accuracy will reap more rewards than length. Whilst the fairways appear to be wide, it’s an optical illusion and the rough can be punishing. Moortown opens with a relatively short par five, so make the most of an early birdie opportunity before facing two testing par fours at the 2nd and 3rd, two of seven par fours at Moortown measuring in excess of 400 yards. The 10th is MacKenzie’s signature hole, a cracking 158-yard par three called “Gibraltar”, so called because the green is sited on a rocky plateau. This par three was the first hole MacKenzie built and the cost of this one hole absorbed the entire budget for all 18 holes.
As Patric Dickinson stated in his book, A Round of Golf Courses: “The site of Moortown was chosen with courage and vision.” There is absolutely no doubt that Moortown is an exciting place to play golf. The holes offer a great deal of variety, both in terms of look and feel and in shot-making requirements and as always with MacKenzie’s design, Moortown fits the land like a glove. | |
|
| |
If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
|
|
|
|
|
 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | | There is plenty of work taking place currently on the Moortown course; tree removal, heather re-generation and bunker upgrades which is great to see. This will take a little while to bed-in but this planned work is exactly what this type of course needs. There is a super visitor welcome and the members that I spoke to, were all proud to be at the club and there is a great community feel. There are plenty of memorable holes too; the 5th is a clever par-4, dog-legging left with a tee-shot that needs to carry gorse, heather and a ditch – do this and a mid-iron to a green bunkered on both sides awaits. The 9th is a favourite of mine, teeing from a high tee to a left to right shaped fairway, with a rather tough approach. The 10th has to be mentioned; a par-3 known as Gibraltar because of the rocky slope to the right of the green and with bunkers left and right plus a typically tricky MacKenzie green, this is not easy. Holes 11-14 are out on the moor and are great fun and the green at the 15th is the toughest on the course with plenty of subtle undulations. The course ends with a really nice par-4 that includes a long approach to the green for most golfers and another perfectly bunkered green-site right in front of the clubhouse terrace. The course is now well over 100 years old (1909) and the club history is well worth a read, especially the staging of the 1929 Ryder Cup – it was this that put the course on the map. |
|
|
| 18 April 2013
|
Reply
|
| | Cracking course! Played the junior open here today and thought the course was outstanding! Great driving range and practise facilities, tees in perfect condition, bunkers were excellent and an absolutely fantastic layout! The only downside which came as a bit of a surprise is the greens were slow and bobbly after being holotined a week ago. Apart from this a fantastic course with the best holes being 10 and 18! |
|
|
| 20 August 2012
|
Reply
|
| | Another course in Yorkshire with a good reputation- probably not as good as alwoodley but a classy course all the same. It's a pretty long course especially off the tips- this is shown by the stature of the 2nd hole- a real brute of around 450 yards in to wind! Some fabulous holes- the 10th (Gibraltar) is a stunner, but the stretch from 11-14 is a bit samey. Excellent greens, so deserving of a 5 ball at least! |
|
|
| 17 August 2012
|
Reply
|
| | Enjoyed playing Moortown. The course has some lovely holes - and I preferred it to Alwoodley, which I also played on this trip.
The greens, unfortunately, had been treated - so were very bobbly and not much fun to putt on. We were charged a lower green fee as a result. However, we had booked over the phone a couple of months before - and it would have been nice to have been warned about this (as another club in the area had done). I appreciate it may not have been planned maintenance.
A super course - and I would like to play it again when the greens are at a better standard. |
|
|
| 13 August 2012
|
Reply
|
| | I had played Moortown before so took 15 guys there who had never been and all fully enjoyed the experience. Friendly staff, great course in great condition even with no sun for the previous 4 weeks and a wonderful clubhouse. Only comment was we thought it was slightly too expensive for a mid week round. |
|
|
| 23 May 2012
|
Reply
|
| | Played here in early January and was again impressed having played here twice before. Stood on the first tee I immediately noticed the improvements to the bunkers, aesthetically they looked superb and made course look the better for it. The second changes I noticed were on holes 11 through 14 were a lot of trees have been cut down. Even before these changes were made this stretch of holes were my least favourite of the course, up-down-up-down, and with the removal of the trees I feel that this has made the course easier. So overall in my opinion the course looks better but plays easier as a result of the changes to the course. This review is just my opinion, I like the course and have booked to play again later this year. |
|
|
| 27 February 2012
|
Reply
|
| | My heart sunk today when I saw the putting green and then tried to putt on it. I thought surely the greens will be much better than this, but unfortunately I was wrong, they were bobbly, spongey and a real disappointment for a club of Moortowns standing. I have played the course a number of occasions this year and only in the summer were the greens anything like they should be. Why doesnt the club, which must have some very dillusional members, spend money where it is truly needed, on the greens. Bunkers are lovely but please make the greens playable for more than just a few months of the year. They should be firm not spongey and taking footprints. Sorry not good enough ! I will only play Moortown again in the summer, it is not a Spring or Winter course. I wish it was as its a great layout, with beautiful scenery. |
|
|
| 28 October 2011
|
Reply
|
| Response: | | | Paul | 29 October 2011 | | Strange review for me as I played it on Wednesday and found the course in great nic. Would have given a 5 ball rating if I had bothered to review it. There were tine holes in the greens as many courses tend to have at this time of year but it didnt effect the roll for me. Generally it is one of the best winter courses around and I often go there when my course is on temp greens. | | | marcus | 30 October 2011 | | Why did you not review it Paul - I'd be interested to hear what you think (couldn't be bothered!). Greens can be up and down like a fidlers elbow at this time of year but poor greens can tarnish ones experience. |
| | | Enjoyed a lovely spring afternoon at Moortown. Warm welcome in Pro Shop and from members (despite it being a busy Medal Day). Excellent practice ground with balls included in green fee. Atmospheric clubhouse and good food. We were encouraged to play from the White tees and the course was a fair and lengthy challenge with the long clubs having to fire on all cylinders as early as holes 2 and 3. Good parkland holes at the par 4 7th, par 5 8th and par 3 9th rounded off a pleasant 9. The back 9 is more open and moor / heath in style. A welcome contrast but a bit of an underwhelming up one hole and down another feel at times. ood finish with a neat par 3 and a corking par 4 at the 18th, where you simply must find the left half of the fairway from the tee. The surrounding houses are also a bit more readily apparent on the back 9. Greens in good order for early April and signs of extensive work around the course, especially t the bunkers. Not entirely convinced by the "American" look to some of the new bunkering - the sand was very bright and soft and fried egg lies were frustratingly common. However, the refurbishment may bed in over time. All in all, a very good day out thanks to the club and its employees and members but the course was arguably not quite as top notch as I had expected and hoped for. |
|
|
| 18 April 2011
|
Reply
|
| Response: | | | MGCChairman | 07 May 2011 | | The new bunkers have a have been restored to the original Alister MacKenzie designs. New sand has been put in all bunkers over the winter to improve playability. They have only just been brought back into play and due to the prolonged drought have not yet settled - but they will do so. |
| | | Played just before the snow and really enjoyed it. Course was in fantastic condition for this time of year. Looks like there is additional bunkers being added this winter so looking forward to the challenge next year. |
|
|
| 07 December 2010
|
Reply
|
| | Excellent and friendly which is always an added bonus, from the pro shop, practice ground which is superb, the course was a great test, to the bar staff and members who went out of their way to be friendly. What a great club. We played in a competition at the end of October, with my favourite hole being the par 3 Gibraltar, the red rough was magnificent, a real picture on a gloomy day in Leeds. As the ball wasnt running and we were off the whites, I must say Ive not hit so many long iron approaches for a while, a really good test. For example the 18th was driver 3 wood, which is rare these days. A cracking course which I rate slightly above Alwoodley, but both are extremely good. |
|
|
| 17 November 2010
|
Reply
|
| | Great experience, played last week on the twilight package, (good value) greens were superb, very quick and true. Great to see the work that is going on to reinstate the heathland, taking areas back to the orginal desgin. We shall be visiting again soon. |
|
|
| 17 May 2010
|
Reply
|
| | I played Moortown last week having travelled a considerable distance. I was at first disappointed to hear that there was a trolley ban and it looked like quite a long walking course. The weather was breezy and overcast, but dry. When we walked down the first it was obvious why the ban was in place as it was very wet underfoot. I don't think I have ever played a course that was so wet when there hadn't been any real heavy downpours.
The course itself however is very nice and there are some very long par 4s. I was expecting it to be a lot tighter and maybe in the summer when everything in bloom it will be a good bit tougher.
There are a some very nice holes, particularly 9,10,12 and 18, but a lot of the holes are very samey.
The greens were superb and very consistent but the bunkers were either very hard and compacted or heavy and clay-like. I think a return visit in summer would be worthwhile and hopefully find drier conditions. |
|
|
| 29 March 2010
|
Reply
|
| Response: | | | Steve | 07 April 2010 | | I played the course myself last week with a couple of members who I paired up with, the course was wet but in fantastic order. From what I was told there had been considerable rainfall recently and many other local courses where shut. I also experienced pretty poor weather whilst there, but it didn't take away from the great experience. |
| | | I havent played here for 3 or 4 years but what a tranformation since the last time. As good as anywhere I have played and that is most of the top 100. Superb. |
|
|
| 21 March 2010
|
Reply
|
| Response: | | | shab | 21 March 2010 | | For a man of such Top 100 experience, could you not be bothered to write any more? |
| | | Played this course last week in brilliant sunshine with a friend who's just become a member here. Must say I think my previous review was a bit harsh. Make no mistake, this is a quality golf club. Pro shop very impressive, as is a very true running and realistic practice green. Range balls are free and even lined up in small triangles for you! Clubhouse very dated in my opinion tho and old-school, stuffy attitude still present. Was told to take off my cap by the chef!!
The course is a huge challenge and I think many people's reviews on here are clouded by getting beaten up by it (as was my previous review). Definately most challenging course in West Yorkshire area tha i've played. Long par 4's with penal rough. Second is a brute which needs driver 3 wood/long iron for the longer hitter in perfect conditions. Not sure how most of members play here as i'm sure they won't be able to reach alot of the par 4's. Being long is not enough tho. Penal rough and cleverly designed holes means 3 wood off the tee is often the best strategy. Greens are lightening quick, but too flat IMO. Main gripe is state of bunkers tho. Variable sand and diferent colours in places. par 3's are all delightfull, with particular praise to Gibraltar. Two courses in one to a degree as very old Englishy Parklandy for first nine, then classic Moorland for most of back. I reiterate that the fairways are as good as the greens at some clubs. I'll be coming back soon. Shab. |
|
|
| 07 March 2010
|
Reply
|
| | Visited Moortown recently on a very attractive winter package that I had read about in Golf World a couple of months ago. Even after all the snow the course was in fantastic condition, exceptionally dry considering. The greens where some of the best I've played on (and this was in February!!) and the whole experience was great, somewhere we will be definately re-visiting again soon. |
|
|
| 01 March 2010
|
Reply
|
| | Played the course in gale force conditions this spring. Had the incredible fortune of bumping into a friend who got me on for free as he was sponsoring a hole. Firstly i feel its important to say that i had one of the worst rounds of my life, so that could slightly cloud this review. Long and tough course. Fairways and greens as good as anywhere i've ever played. Par three's are a true joy, and the 17th is really special with the Mckenzie green. On downside, too many long and straight par 4's for me. Scenery not inspiring at times, and a distinct lack of water features. All in all, the club has the rep, but not quite the course to back it up. That said well worth a play if your in the area, but don't pay silly money to do it. Try nearby Moor Allerton or Alwoodley instead. Shab. hc-12. |
|
|
| 25 September 2009
|
Reply
|
| | I played Moortown last week and what a delight. The course was in excellent condition and even in April the greens were superb. It will be a wonderful test for those taking part in the Brabazon Trophy, which will be played there in May. There is a traditional atmosphere at the club supported by many historic photos of the Ryder Cup played there in 1929 but we were made to feel very welcome. A well stocked Pro shop, friendly staff and excellent catering rounded off a wonderful day. If you can only play Moortown or Alwoodley, Moortown has my vote. |
|
|
| 27 April 2009
|
Reply
|
| | Agree with the previous reviewer. Very friendly staff in the pro shop and the members were great. The club to me has a touch of faded grandeur about it and the days of the Ryder Cup are long behind it. Memorable holes were fairly few and far between (enjoyed the first 2, 4th and 11th though) and it was nowhere near as "special" as its near neighbour Alwoodley. Nice course for a day out but wont blow you away. |
|
|
| 03 December 2008
|
Reply
|
| | A very welcoming club with friendly members and staff, and a nice golf course. Sadly I don't feel that it ranks in the top 100 as there are very few memorable holes on the course. The par 3's are all beautiful, especially the 10th, but I just didn't feel inspired whilst there, something that is surely needed in order for it to live up to its ranking. Worth a visit but don't expect too much. |
|
|
| 10 June 2008
|
Reply
|
| | Just played in the Mixed Open Day and the course is in beautiful condition and the new 17th is a delight to play with a very tricky McKenzie green. All the staff were very friendly and the food was exceptional. Well Done! |
|
|
| 20 May 2008
|
Reply
|
| | A course living on past glories. Up and down holes with very average greens. A poor companion to the near by Alwoodley. After playing we waited 15 minutes for refreshments before leaving for a local restaurant. Aviod at all costs. |
|
|
| 25 October 2007
|
Reply
|
| Response: | | | Hugh | 25 September 2009 | | This review is just about as ridiculous as the two below it. Moortown is not a 1-ball course nor is it a 6-ball course IMO. It’s a great member’s course which relies on its history a bit too much. I know a member here and have played here many times. The original cost of building Gibraltar the 10th hole was enormous and the word is that the par three cost more than the other 17 put together. Over the years things have changed and the trees have encroached and tweaks and twiddles have been made. They would do well to dust off Alister Mac’s original plans and strive to return the course to its former glory. Until then it will remain a nice but bordering on average course. | | | John | 17 May 2010 | | A truly ridiculous comment, this person clearly has rather poorly hidden agenda! I really enjoy this course every time I play it, Hugh will be pleased to see the work has been done during the past few months to reastablish some of the orignal features. |
| | | Truly excellent day out. Must be the best Pro Shop in the North of England, Friendly welcome and a great test of golf. Low handicappers welcomed to play from the back tees what a change from places like Birkdale and others only letting you play half the course!! |
|
|
| 21 September 2005
|
Reply
|
| | Moortown is certainly worth playing for just one hole, the 10th, Gibraltar, it's a simply fantastic par three. There are a couple of other good holes but there are too many ordinary holes for my liking. Most of the greens are good but the course needs a bit of a facelift to return it to its former glory and for it to remain a long term Top 100 contender. |
|
|
| 13 August 2005
|
Reply
|
| | Even in the winter with a couple of temporary greens in play, the class of this lovely course shone through. You are presented with a variety of challenges and all aspects of your game need to be in order if you are to play to your handicap. We were made to feel welcome by the staff and members we met. The winter green fee made it excellent value too. |
|
|
| 09 March 2005
|
Reply
|
| | Varied and interesting layout that provides a testing challenge. Par threes are especially strong and the greens are simply superb. Play it in the summer and be prepared for plenty of three putts. Very friendly members club. Moortown has it all, it's a great course with plenty of history. |
|
|
| 20 May 2004
|
Reply
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
