Alwoodley is regarded as one of Britain’s finest inland courses. It was designed by the great Dr Alister MacKenzie. This famed architect left a legacy of classic courses around the world – among them Augusta National, Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne.

However, Alwoodley was the first course he designed and is therefore known as the Original MacKenzie.

The Original MacKenzie layout remains at Alwoodley to this day. The course has now been lengthened to over 6,900 yards from the championship tees. This heathland course, set high atop Wigton Moor, is long established as one of Great Britain and Ireland’s top 100 courses. The tight, springy, fast-running fairways are cut out of heather and gorse.

MacKenzie's Design Principles

MacKenzie’s “13 Principles of Golf Course Design” are famous and have been published in numerous places, including his books Golf Architecture and The Spirit of St. Andrews.

Read our introduction to the good doctor’s timeless golf course design principles and how they apply to Alwoodley – The Original MacKenzie.

Read More

The MacKenzie Story

Alister MacKenzie was born in Normanton, near Leeds, in 1870 to Scottish parents.

MacKenzie was both a founder member of Alwoodley and also the first secretary until he resigned in May 1909. He was then immediately elected as a member of the green committee.

He became captain of Alwoodley in 1912.

 

More

The Course

Alwoodley is regarded as one of the finest inland courses in Britain as well as being of great historical significance.

Alwoodley’s world-renowned architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, created a layout of rare subtlety and sophistication on a swathe of moorland to the north of the city of Leeds.

It enjoys natural heathland characteristics, with firm, springy fairways lined by heather and occasional outcrops of gorse.

More

Play Alwoodley

We are delighted to welcome all our visitors to enjoy and experience what we are privileged to enjoy as members.

From the moment you arrive at our club you will leave behind any worries as our club envelops you into its unique atmosphere and environment.

More