Best golf courses in Yorkshire

One of the liveliest regions of England, the northeast is a vast area with some exceptional tracks to be discovered – not least the historical county of Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire has its pick of fantastic courses, with areas of outstanding natural beauty bordering leading UK cities – in particular, York. With its famous 13th century cathedral, narrow cobbled streets, numerous charming pubs and excellent courses, a break in this city is truly an all-round great experience.

From historic Ryder Cup courses to lesser-known hidden gems, we explore the very best golf courses in Yorkshire you can play on your next golf trip.

Originally designed by Tom Chisholm and Tom Dunn in 1891, Ganton Golf Club has been touched by some of the game’s most influential and prolific designers, including Harry Vardon and James Braid. The excellent layout gives golfers a challenge like few others, and with a driving range, clubhouse, and dormy house, Ganton offers a great all-round golfing experience.

The course is ranked among the very best in the UK, littered with deep bunkers on every hole as well as plenty of gorse to test even the very best golfers. Having hosted the Ryder Cup, among many other prestigious competitions, Ganton provides a round that will live long in the memory.

Alwoodley Golf Club is recognised as one of Britain’s finest inland courses, having been the first designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, the famous golf course architect who left a legacy of classic golf courses. Located within touching distance of the city of Leeds, this majestic course offers the perfect getaway from the city.

With excellent practice facilities alongside a state-of-the-art clubhouse, Alwoodley is a natural heathland course, with springy fairways cutting through a profusion of heather, whins, and shrubs. It features eye-catching and naturalistic-looking bunkers, strategic choices and large, often undulating greens. Having played host to Regional Qualifying for The Open on numerous occasions, it is immediately clear how much quality Alwoodley possesses.

Moortown Golf Club hosted the first-ever Ryder Cup on European soil and has a rich history, with several prestigious tournaments having been held here. The club boasts an excellent course as well as great facilities, providing an all-round golfing experience.

The course at Moortown Golf Club is of the highest quality and ranked among the very best in the region. Fairways are lined with gorse and heather, with this Dr Alister MacKenzie course posing a fair challenge to even the most experienced golfers. Set on Black Moor, it provides a typical moorland feel, with springy turf underfoot and wide fairways. The signature hole is the par-three 10th hole, named Gibraltar, with its steep undulations and well-guarded green. This 158-yard gem is ranked amongst the best par 3s in the country.

Lindrick Golf Club dates back to 1891 and is ranked among the very best courses in Yorkshire. The course is laid out over prime common land, which provides a blend of heathland and moorland as well as offering great views of the surrounding landscape.

Lindrick Golf Club requires accuracy rather than length and is a great test of golf. The signature hole has to be the 18th, which features in the World’s 500 Greatest Golf Holes. The greens tend to be firm and fast, and even during the winter months you’ll find the playability to be outstanding. Strategic bunkers, gorse, and heather line the immaculate fairways, which are just waiting to challenge you on each individual hole.

Fulford Golf Club was founded in 1906 and is a former European Tour venue that has been played by great golfers including Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam. The course is ranked among the best in Yorkshire, showcasing an array of fantastic holes. Located just outside of York, golfers can enjoy the beautiful city during a golf break to the region.

The course measures 6,900 yards and provides a fairly flat, tree-lined parkland layout with the main hazards being the challengingly placed bunkers and heather. The greens are very well kept and run fast, but extremely true, often proving to be hard targets to attack thanks to the surrounding well-placed bunkers.

Founded in 1926, Sand Moor Golf Club provides top-class facilities for the modern-day golfer. It boasts a 300-yard driving range, chipping greens and a fantastic putting green. It is a classic moorland course designed by the world-renowned architect, Dr Alister Mackenzie. Located just five miles from the centre of Leeds, the course was updated in the 1960s and enjoys stunning views over Eccup Reservoir, providing a true break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The first-ever golf course in York and still one of its top courses, York Golf Club is one of the premium courses in the area. J H Taylor designed this 18-hole course which offers a challenge to all levels of golfer – combined with excellent practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse with good food and ale for all.

All holes force golfers to hit the ball straight, and the par 3’s give added pressure as they are particularly difficult. The signature 7th is guarded by a pond, with out of bounds located very tight to the green. Despite the modest 6,147 yardage off the yellow tees, golfers of any level will be able to enjoy playing at York.