The Leeds Golf Tour

Leeds Golf Tour – A Premier Golfing Experience in Yorkshire

The Leeds Golf Tour offers an outstanding collection of historic and highly regarded golf courses, all situated just north of the vibrant city of Leeds. With world-class layouts at Moortown, Alwoodley, and Sand Moor, and the scenic Ilkley Golf Club just a short drive away, this is one of the finest golf itineraries in Northern England.

Moortown Golf Club

A cornerstone of the Leeds Golf Tour, Moortown Golf Club has long held a reputation as one of England’s top courses. Designed by the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie, the course is laid out over 125 acres of natural woodland and moorland terrain.

From the very first par-five hole, Moortown delivers a mix of strategy and beauty. The sixth – a relatively recent addition – is widely regarded as the most difficult hole on the course. The signature hole, the Gibraltar par-three 10th, features a sloping plateau green and demands pinpoint accuracy. Further highlights include the 554-yard par-five 12th and a classic finishing hole – a dogleg par four that calls for two outstanding shots to find a well-protected green.

Alwoodley Golf Club

Another essential stop on the Leeds Golf Tour, Alwoodley Golf Club is widely considered one of England’s finest inland courses. It was also Alister MacKenzie’s first design, created during his time as club secretary.

Alwoodley is a year-round joy to play, but particularly special during the summer months when firm fairways reward accuracy and creativity over brute strength. Though not long by modern standards, the course challenges golfers with clever design, strategic bunkering, and natural hazards. The par-five 10th, said to have inspired the 13th hole at Augusta National, is a standout. Recent updates include enhanced bunkering on the 7th and 13th holes and the installation of a modern drainage system to improve playability in all conditions.

Sand Moor Golf Club

Described in 1962 by noted course architect Frank Pennink as “one of the most beautiful courses in the north of England,” Sand Moor brings both natural charm and golfing quality to the Leeds Golf Tour.

The course is built on moorland turf with sandy subsoil and features clumps of fir trees, patches of gorse and heather, and views across the nearby Eccup Reservoir. The undulating landscape creates a picturesque yet testing challenge, with moments of thrilling golf throughout.

As early as 1935, Sand Moor was praised for its layout and setting. Golf writer Kolin Robertson compared it favourably with Moortown, Alwoodley, and Moor Allerton, concluding that in terms of natural surroundings and overall design, Sand Moor might receive the most votes.

Ilkley Golf Club

No Leeds Golf Tour would be complete without a visit to Ilkley Golf Club, the third-oldest golf club in Yorkshire and one steeped in history. The club boasts a prestigious membership list, including Colin Montgomerie, who learned the game here and still holds the course record. Former Ryder Cup captain Mark James and acclaimed amateur Rodney Foster are also honorary life members.

The course itself is as beautiful as it is challenging. The River Wharfe runs alongside the opening stretch, creating a stunning setting – and a serious hazard. The third and fourth holes play across an island bordered by the river, rewarding accuracy and punishing errant hooks.

Early professional Tom Vardon helped shape Ilkley, and his brother Harry Vardon won his first professional prize here in 1893. With its scenic riverside holes, rich heritage, and excellent conditioning, Ilkley provides a memorable and picturesque finish to the Leeds Golf Tour.

Plan Your Leeds Golf Tour

Whether you’re drawn by the architectural brilliance of Alister MacKenzie, the championship pedigree of Moortown, or the historic charm of Ilkley, the Leeds Golf Tour offers an unforgettable golfing journey through some of Yorkshire’s finest courses – all within easy reach of a thriving city.

TREVOSE, CORNWALL - MAY 24: The green on the par 5, 4th hole at sunset at the Trevose Golf and Country Club, on May 24, in Trevose, England. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)