Best Golf Courses in Yorkshire: Links, Parkland, and Moorland

Yorkshire is not the first county that comes to mind for English golf, but it probably should be. The county's varied landscape produces golf of genuine character: exposed moorland tracks above the Pennines, classic parkland courses through historic estates, and a handful of heathland layouts that could hold their own against more famous southern counterparts. Here is where to play.

Moorland and Upland Golf

Alwoodley Golf Club (Leeds) is the jewel in Yorkshire's crown and one of the finest inland courses in England. Designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1907, before his work at Cypress Point and Augusta National, Alwoodley is a heathland-moorland hybrid that rewards local knowledge and punishes overconfidence. The greens are among the truest in the north. Visitors are welcome as guests of members; green fees for non-member visitors are limited and should be arranged in advance.

Moortown Golf Club (Leeds) hosted the 1929 Ryder Cup and has a pedigree to match that history. Another MacKenzie design, Moortown shares Alwoodley's heathland character with heather, birch, and open sky on holes that run into the wind from the north. More accessible to visitors than Alwoodley.

Ilkley Golf Club sits on the edge of Ilkley Moor with views across Wharfedale. The course climbs and falls with the moorland contours, and the walk from the 15th tee on a clear day is worth the round regardless of score.

Parkland Golf

Rudding Park Golf Club (Harrogate) is the county's most recent major addition. The Rees Jones-designed parkland course opened in 2009 and matured quickly into one of the north's best resort layouts, with a rooftop driving range that doubles as one of the best views in English golf. The resort hotel and spa make this an ideal overnight stay.

Ganton Golf Club (near Scarborough) is one of England's hidden gems, a links-like inland course whose sandy subsoil and gorse-lined fairways make it feel coastal despite being fifteen miles from the sea. Ganton has hosted multiple Open Championship qualifying events and the Ryder Cup in 1949. Green fees reflect its status as a serious members' club, but visitors with a genuine appreciation for traditional golf are genuinely welcomed.

Fulford Golf Club (York) is York's premier course, a tree-lined parkland layout that has hosted the Benson and Hedges International and multiple European Tour events. The greens run fast in summer and the river Ouse comes into play on several holes.

Best Value in Yorkshire

For golfers who want quality without the high green fees:

Wetherby Golf Club is a solid parkland course with river views and sensibly priced green fees that make it a regular choice for local society golf.

Harrogate Golf Club sits within easy reach of town and offers good parkland golf at rates well below the flagship venues.

Sand Moor Golf Club (Leeds) is another MacKenzie design and one of the most underrated courses in Yorkshire for visitors who have not discovered it yet.

Planning Your Yorkshire Golf Trip

Yorkshire's courses are spread across a large county, so plan your itinerary around a base. Leeds gives you access to Alwoodley, Moortown, Fulford, and Sand Moor within 45 minutes. Harrogate is well-placed for Harrogate, Rudding Park, and Alwoodley. York suits Fulford and provides easy rail access from both directions.

Booking ahead is essential for any of the private clubs. Most welcome visitors on weekdays; weekends at the top clubs often require member introduction.