The Best Public Golf Courses near Leeds
Temple Newsam Golf Club stands as one of two ‘pay and play’ courses operated by Leeds City Council. [1] The club’s history dates back to 1923 when the first course, designed by renowned architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta National), opened to the public. [4] Located in east Leeds, the course became immediately popular with 25,000 rounds played in the first two years, leading to a second course being opened in 1925. [4]
Roundhay Golf Club, established in 1922, sits approximately four miles from Leeds town center as part of Roundhay Park. [9] While technically a 9-hole course, it extends to 5250 yards over 18 tees. [9] The course features distinctive Alister MacKenzie style two-tier greens, for that Augusta feel! [9] The 9th signature hole requires players to drive through two copses of trees, making par a good challenge. [9]
Gotts Park Golf Club in Armley is an 18-hole, par-70 parkland course stretching over 5,896 yards. [13] Built and developed by Leeds City Council, the course opened on April 21, 1933, as part of the council’s municipal golf provision. [6] In 2015, management transferred to a local Community Interest Company after the course faced potential closure due to budgetary pressures. [6] Set within the historic Gotts Park estate grounds, the course includes mature trees, natural water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers! [13]
City Golf Leeds provides a simple, accessible 9-hole golf experience with no booking required and a cheap price – see below!. [7] Located at Redcoat Lane in Leeds (LS4 2AW), the course welcomes players of all abilities and a nice family-friendly atmosphere. [7] There is a relaxed dress code and club rental too. [7]
Leeds Golf Centre, positioned midway between Leeds and Harrogate in Shadwell, is now one of Northern England’s premier golf complexes. [5] Bought by Parklane Properties in February 2011, the centre underwent a multi million-pound investment program that transformed the facility. [5] The centre operates all year round, maintaining 95% of play off proper tees and never using temporary greens. [14] While offering memberships, the facility welcomes all visitors and golf societies. [14]
Other notable public golf options near Leeds include Cookridge Hall Golf Club, located just 15 minutes from Leeds City Centre, with its par-72 championship course offering views across the Yorkshire Dales. [3] Howley Hall Golf Club, founded in 1900, stands as one of the oldest courses in the area and hosts the PGA Yorkshire Open Championship. [3] Express Golf near Bradford provides an affordable 9-hole option with green fees starting from £12. [12]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near Leeds
- Dr. Alister MacKenzie, designer of the world-famous Augusta National (home of the Masters Tournament (and the famous Rory victory!), also designed Temple Newsam Golf Club and contributed to improvements at Howley Hall Golf Club in 1913. [3] [4]
- The first Ryder Cup competition ever held on European soil took place at Moortown Golf Club in Leeds in 1929. [2]
- Temple Newsam Golf Club proved so popular upon opening that 25,000 rounds were played in the first two years, prompting the opening of a second course in 1925 to meet demand. [4]
- Gotts Park Golf Course faced closure due to council budget pressures in 2015 but was saved when management transferred to a newly-formed Community Interest Company, preserving public access to the historic course. [6]
- City Golf Leeds offers what may be the most affordable golf in the area at just £5 per person (at the time of writing) with no membership fees or booking required. [7]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest golf course near Leeds?
Howley Hall Golf Club was founded in 1900, making it the oldest in the Leeds area, with course improvements advised by Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1913. [3]
Which famous golf course architect has designed courses in Leeds?
Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who designed Augusta National (home of the Masters Tournament), created the original Temple Newsam Golf Club and contributed to improvements at Howley Hall Golf Club. [3] [4]
Are there any 9-hole public golf courses in Leeds?
Yes, Roundhay Golf Club and City Golf Leeds both offer 9-hole courses, and also the Roundhay’s course designed to be played over 18 tees for a full round. [7] [9]
Which public golf course in Leeds is known for supporting junior golfers?
Leeds Golf Centre is particularly strong in supporting juniors and operates as an official ‘Starter Centre’ with weekend junior group lessons for various ages and standards. [14]
Which public golf course in Leeds has features designed by the same architect as Augusta National?
Temple Newsam Golf Club was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie (again!) and Alwoodley in Leeds. [4]
References
[1] https://active.leeds.gov.uk/classesandactivities/sports/golf [2] https://leeds-list.com/things-to-do/where-to-play-golf-in-leeds/ [3] https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/lifestyle/outdoors/10-of-the-best-golf-courses-in-leeds-1755970 [4] https://www.templenewsamgolf.co.uk [5] https://www.leedsgolfcentre.com/visit [6] https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/social-enterprise-group-to-take-over-management-of-gotts-park-golf-club [7] https://citygolfleeds.co.uk/about.html [8] https://www.golfnow.co.uk/destinations/247-leeds [9] https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/things-to-do/view-all/roundhay-golf-club/ [10] https://www.howleyhall.co.uk [11] https://www.leedsgolfcentre.com/safeplay [12] https://www.expressgolf.co.uk/golf-course/ [13] https://www.thesocialgolfer.com/golf-courses/united-kingdom/gotts-park-golf-club [14] https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/courses/33470-leeds-golf-centre-wike-ridge-course [15] https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/courses/33120-gotts-park-public-golf-course [16] https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/courses/33922-roundhay-public-park-golf-course