Experience the best golf West Yorkshire has to offer
Home to around 80 of Yorkshire’s 180-plus golf clubs, the west of the county offers a diverse selection of golf experiences – from some of the top ranked courses in the UK, to village golf clubs laid out over spectacular landscapes and challenging layouts over parkland, heathland and moorland.
The former West Riding district is no stranger to the biggest tournaments in the amateur and professional games, with numerous clubs playing their part in showcasing what this part of the county has to offer to a global golfing audience.
Born in Normanton in 1870, the course designer and architect Dr Alister MacKenzie played a huge role in shaping many of the great layouts in this part of the world. Add in work by more of the great designers of the last century, and there’s a lot to explore. Join us for a tour of some of our favourites…
Crow Nest Park Golf Club
Established in 1995 by local farming family the Harrisons, the nine-hole golf course at Crow Nest Park was created on 70 acres of grounds, set some 450ft above sea level, which were once owned by the industrialist, philanthropist and entrepreneur Sir Titus Salt.
While it may be relatively young, the course is routed among many mature trees, while its USGA-specification greens ensure year-round playing opportunities and an exacting challenge on the putting surfaces. Shaped beautifully among the trees and with many well-positioned bunkers, the nine holes here will test your entire game, and the alternate set of tees for your second nine makes for interesting new challenges.
Darrington Golf Club
The ever-improving course at Darrington Golf Club offers a fantastic challenge for players of all abilities. Weaved around mature trees and several water features, the gently rolling fairways lead to a challenging set of green complexes which continue to present fantastic opportunities to score well when played skilfully.
Opened in 1993, Darrington (formerly known as Mid Yorkshire) was designed by Steve Marnoch, who saw the potential of this great landscape for golf just a short distance from Leeds, Wakefield and Pontefract.
Measuring just over 6,300 yards, the course continues to be developed – with the greenkeeping team adding a drainage ditch to the ninth hole to create an island green, while a new irrigation system has also been installed recently.
Off the course, there’s a lot to enjoy as well – from the Wednesday driving range deal (50 balls and a pint of Cruzcampo for £6) to the weekday breakfast range deal (50 balls, breakfast butty and coffee for £7). Meanwhile, the bar is open to members and visitors alike, with excellent homecooked breakfast and lunch menus, and Sunday lunch served noon-4pm every week. The club can also cater for up to 200 people for events including weddings, christenings, birthday parties, funerals and conferences.
Garforth Golf Club
Garforth Golf Club continues to play an important role in the game in Yorkshire.
Formed by a group of local golf enthusiasts in 1912, the club engaged Dr Alister MacKenzie to design an 18-hole layout, and this opened for play in 1913.
MacKenzie features – found at courses around the world including Augusta National and Royal Melbourne as well as nearby Alwoodley and Moortown – can be found throughout the course, while Cock Beck and Carr Beck pose numerous challenges as well.
Significant investments in the course and facilities in recent years have ensured Garforth continues to offer an enviable members’ experience, and an engaging and rewarding playing opportunity for visitors.
Close to Leeds and York, and just five minutes from the M1 and 10 minutes from the M62, Garforth is also a great spot for those visiting the area.
With a relatively easy walk – and halfway house to take a break – you’ll enjoy the full experience of a day on the course here. Before and after your game, the excellent clubhouse offers a well-stocked bar, great food, a snooker table and Sky TV. There’s also a balcony to unwind in the sunshine late into the evening in the summer. With flexible packages for visiting groups and corporate days, whether you’re a lifelong member or visiting for the day, the team at Garforth will ensure you enjoy the course, clubhouse and facilities.
Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club
West Yorkshire has a lot to offer when it comes to its golf courses – from the hallowed heathland and moorland layouts to stunning hillside and parkland ones – and the golf course at Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club is among the best in the latter category.
The par 71 championship course is laid out over 200 acres of prime Yorkshire Dales hillside, just minutes from Leeds and Bradford, and offers a mix of testing holes and scoring opportunities with stunning views throughout the round.
A host of PGA EuroPro Tour events in the past, the Ross McMurray (European Golf Design) layout has proved a stern test from the back tees for amateurs and professionals since it opened in 1999.
The changes in elevation here are one of the course’s great features and you will be greeted by them before you even reach the first tee – take up the offer of a lift to the tee from the team in the pro shop!
There are a lot of generous fairways here, while the shorter holes are well-guarded by their bunkers and rough. These features come together wonderfully at the short par four 14th, which is played from a tee set on top of a steep bank. The well-defended fairway is tricky to find, while the uphill wedge shot to the green – which is set in the shadow of the spectacular Victorian railway viaduct – requires tremendous accuracy.
Off the course, guests will enjoy the wonderful hotel accommodation along with several dining options to suit all tastes; and the gym, spa and swimming pool.
Low Laithes Golf Club
The golf course at Low Laithes is set in picturesque Yorkshire countryside and offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity.
Celebrating its centenary in 2025, the club’s layout was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie and it is home to many of his challenging green designs. Meanwhile, the rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, Alverthorpe Beck, and mature trees make for a scenic walk and demanding test for golfers of all skill levels.
Although the spires of Wakefield city centre can be seen from the fairways, and the M1 is just yards from the top of the course, this is a haven for golfers. With several challenging holes, players also have birdie opportunities in every round – particularly coming home with back-to-back par fives to end the round.
Off the course, you can expect a warm welcome in the clubhouse overlooking the course and in Shaun Goswami’s pro shop – and visitors from near and far, and groups of all sizes, are welcome year-round.
Moortown Golf Club
One of Yorkshire’s, and England’s, most important golf clubs, Moortown is a must-visit for all who have the opportunity.
The home of the first Ryder Cup on British soil in 1929 – won by the British team 7-5 – the opening match on the Black Moor course in 1910 was played between the legendary James Braid and Harry Vardon.
The Alister MacKenzie-designed layout remains a celebration of traditional English golf – with the Good Doctor’s fascinating green shapes and philosophies on routing and bunker design on full show. While his work is celebrated and cherished, the club continues to develop and enhance its foundations – with recent work recreating vast heather-strewn bunkering which closely matches features envisioned by MacKenzie more than a century ago.
Measuring almost 6,500 yards from the yellow tees, and 7,001 yards from the blue tees, accuracy is the key to success here with heather, gorse, rough and sand awaiting errant tee shots. Approaching the devilish greens from the fairways is the only way to have control over the ball, and those who follow these rules will be rewarded. Meanwhile, the world-famous par three 10th, Gibraltar, features a sloping plateau green which is as beautiful as it is challenging.
Off the course, guests can spend hours exploring the clubhouse and the rich history of the club – and revelling in a golf experience which has been enjoyed by many of the greatest to ever pick up a club.
Pontefract & District Golf Club
Situated beside the town’s racecourse, the undulating mature parkland layout at Pontefract & District Golf Club is a fantastic place to test your game.
For visiting golfers, it is also handily situated just off junction 32 of the M62 and only 10 minutes from the A1.
The club was established in 1904 – with founder members creating a nine-hole course on land belonging to the local park, near the current location.
In the early 1920s, a new course was laid out on adjoining land which was leased from the Duchy of Lancaster. A decade later, this layout was extended to 18 holes based on a layout drawn by Dr Alister MacKenzie.
The course has evolved over the years with new land being acquired, and today it measures 6,520 yards with a par of 72.
Having tested your game on the rolling fairways and plotted your way through the mature trees, the clubhouse is a welcoming spot to relax with the patio overlooking the 18th green.
Scarcroft Golf Club
In recent years, the wonderful parkland course at Scarcroft Golf Club has undergone considerable improvement, and today it presents a fantastic test for players of all abilities. The improvements to the layout – including drainage, bunker renovations and extensive greens work – have ensured this tranquil setting just a few miles from the centre of Leeds and close to Wetherby, York and Harrogate remains one of Yorkshire’s finest.
The tree-lined fairways and challenging greens continue to present a true test, with the par 71 course measuring 6,456 yards from the back tees.
As well as warmly welcoming visitors, Scarcroft provides a great membership community with a focus on improving health and wellbeing through a quality golf and social experience. There is a true sense of community here too, with many volunteers running the club for the benefit of their fellow members. Meanwhile, the management team is ambitious and forward-thinking – with a consistent approach to the continuous improvement of both the facilities and the member experience, which is evidenced on every visit.
Temple Newsam & Roundhay Park golf courses
Leeds City Council operates two pay and play golf courses set in beautiful parkland around the city which everyone can play – Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park.
An incredibly popular place to play golf since it opened in July 1923 with a layout designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, today Temple Newsam – which is set in the Temple Newsam Estate – presents a fun test for every golfer. Redesigned in 2020/21, there are two loops of nine here – the Lady Dorothy nine and the Lord Irwin nine – with options to play one or both loops when you visit.
Meanwhile, the nine-hole Roundhay Park golf course is set in mature wooded parkland in the Roundhay Park Estate. Laid out in one of Leeds’ largest and most beautiful parks, this charming course has a par of 34 and welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities. The course is ideal for beginners and casual golfers – offering wide fairways, gentle slopes and stunning views of the surrounding parkland. Established in 1924, the course measures 2,976 yards and it is easily accessible from Leeds city centre.
With green fees from just £6.20 for juniors and £13 (twilight) for adults – as well as season tickets – Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park offer fantastic value for money and two unique opportunities to enjoy the game.
Waterton Park Golf Club
The golf course at Waterton Park celebrates its 30th birthday in 2025. Set within the picturesque and historic grounds of the world’s first nature reserve on the Waterton Park Estate, the course, designed by Simon Gidman, is a delightful challenge.
It is set in 250 acres of glorious parkland wrapped around the historic Waterton Park Hotel and its surrounding lake, ensuring breathtaking views throughout the round. Members and visitors are assured a warm welcome at this friendly club, which has a fully stocked pro shop with club fitting service; as well as fantastic practice facilities with a 13-bay floodlit driving range and a short game area with several short par three holes.
Delicious food is available daily in the clubhouse, restaurant and halfway house – and the Silvertini restaurant can cater for parties up to 120, making this a great venue for groups, societies and events.
The course and practice facilities are complemented by the team of teaching professionals, who provide group lessons for all levels and expert individual tuition using Trackman technology.
The club has significantly increased investment in its facilities and course equipment in recent years, with this securing a healthy membership as well as an increase in visitor numbers. The work continues in 2025 – ensuring members and visitors an unmatched golfing experience on and off the course. There are a limited number of membership opportunities available, and the team at Waterton Park looks forward to hosting you this season.
Woodsome Hall
With its fantastic mature golf course and historic 16th Century clubhouse, there is a lot for golfers to enjoy on every visit to Woodsome Hall – and you can even extend your visit with a stay in the Cottage on the Course.
Designed by Harry Colt in 1922, and modified later by James Braid, the golf course at Woodsome Hall is a classic English parkland test with mature trees and fascinating greens which are sure to test every golfer.
For those travelling to the area, a stay in the Cottage on the Course is highly recommended. There’s space for up to 16 people with eight en-suite rooms, and the cottage is located just a short chip away from the seventh green and eighth tee. Previous visitors have loved the experience of staying here, with reviewers giving it a score of 9.0 on Booking.com.
Readers can win a two-night stay and play break for four people – including accommodation in the Cottage on the Course and breakfast. To enter the free draw, email cottage@woodsome.co.uk with your name and contact number or click here and complete the entry form before May 31, 2025.
