NORTHERN ENGLAND, ENGLAND

Alwoodley Golf Club

MacKenzie's first design tacks across heathered Wigton Moor above Leeds.

NORTHERN ENGLAND Lieu
HEATHLAND Course type
18 TROUS Holes
PAR 71 Par

Beyond the Scorecard

Course established: 1907
Course designer/s: Dr Alister MacKenzie, Harry Colt
Known for: Alister MacKenzie's first golf course design
Defining feature: Rugged bunkers across elevated Wigton Moor
Classement national: #19

The Original MacKenzie on Wigton Moor

The golf course at Alwoodley Golf Club opened in 1907 as the first design by Dr Alister MacKenzie. He was also a founder member and the club's first secretary. When some of his early ideas caused concern, Harry Colt was invited to review them, beginning an important exchange between two leading architects. MacKenzie's plan survived and became the starting point of his design career.

The course occupies elevated heathland on Wigton Moor, north of Leeds. Its routing changes direction often rather than following a simple outward and inward line. Springy fairways run through heather and gorse, while irregular bunkers rise from natural-looking mounds. Large, moving greens ask golfers to consider where the next putt will begin.

The prevailing wind usually strengthens the inward nine, making the closing stretch especially demanding. Central bunkers also influence several doglegs, rewarding a confident line that opens the better angle into the green. The result remains closely tied to MacKenzie's original principles, with visibility, ground play, and strategic choice guiding the round.

Why Add This Course to Your Golf Experience

Alwoodley gives a Kinfern Northern England golf experience a direct link to the beginning of Alister MacKenzie's architectural career. A Leeds base also allows Kinfern to pair it with nearby Moortown, another early MacKenzie course, so golfers can compare how his ideas developed without spending much of the day travelling.

Alwoodley's record of hosting R&A, England Golf, and major amateur events adds further weight, while its traditional club setting suits travellers who value design history alongside a nationally ranked round.

Course Facts

Country: England
Region: Northern England
Course type: Heathland

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