Originally designed by renowned course architect Alister Mackenzie in 1909, few British clubs have a more illustrious history than Moortown Golf Club. From the exhibition match between James Braid and the legendary Harry Vardon, which took place to mark the official opening, through to the club's hosting of the first Ryder Cup to be held in Britain in 1929, to the staging of countless major amateur and professional events over the years, Moortown's standing among the upper echelons of Britain's finest golf courses, is beyond question.
By the mid 1920's, Moortown had assumed the layout, which was to exist without major alteration for the next sixty years and it was not until 1989 that in response to the changing demands of golf, the course was redesigned and two new holes created. Today, Moortown Golf Club still boasts much of its original character, yet it offers a magnificent inland championship course, which more than meets the exacting standards and requirements of modern tournament golf.
Throughout the course at Moortown, there is a premium on accuracy and while the bold shot is generally rewarded, straying too far from the narrow fairways is not recommended. From the opening par five there are many fine holes to enjoy, including the testing par four, 3rd, which after an accurate drive avoiding the trees, requires a medium iron approach to the green; and the 446-yard 6th hole, which is rated the most difficult on the course and requires a claustrophobic drive from an elevated tee followed by a long second through an avenue of trees to a notoriously tricky, upward sloping green.
Among the finest holes on the inward journey are the 552-yard par five, 12th, its fairway interrupted by a heathery ridge; the long par four, 13th, rated the second most difficult hole on the course; and the 16th, which has remained relatively unchanged over the course of time. And as you cross the stream on the 16th hole, spare a thought for one Sam King, who had the traversing planks removed in order to play a shot from the water, during a tournament he went on to win.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
It is rare to find a course with such a colourful history and an amazing layout to match. This is certainly one of the must-play parkland courses in England. Given the choice between being long or straight, however, I know which one I'd choose.
Situated approximately six miles north of Leeds, just off the main A61 Leeds to Harrogate route.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:
Rascasse Restaurant, Canal Wharf, Water Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS11 5PS. Tel: (44) 113 244 6611. A stylish, split-level restaurant housed in an old granary warehouse. Wooden floors, linen covered tables and brightly upholstered chairs provide the perfect backdrop for the modern French cooking.
Brasserie Forty-Four, 44 The Calls, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 7EW. Tel: (44) 113 234 3232. Converted from a grain store in a trendy area of the city, this is a fun place to eat, with an off-the-wall interior design. An engaging menu ranges from Catalan mussel broth to griddled calf liver on candied turnip.
Teatro Leeds Club and Restaurant, The Quays, Concordia Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 4BJ. Tel: (44) 113 243 6699. Set in a stunning riverside location with windows overlooking a large terrace used for al fresco dining, the cuisine is modern European with several adventurous combinations.
Brio Restaurant, St. George House, 40 St. Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS1 3DL. Tel: (44) 113 246 5225. Both the vibrant decor and trendy cooking live up to the name, which means "brilliant". Punchy Italian food of the highest order.
Originally designed by renowned course architect Alister Mackenzie in 1909, few British clubs have a more illustrious history than Moortown Golf Club. From the exhibition match between James Braid and the legendary Harry Vardon, which took place to mark the official opening, through to the club's hosting of the first Ryder Cup to be held in Britain in 1929, to the staging of countless major amateur and professional events over the years, Moortown's standing among the upper echelons of Britain's finest golf courses, is beyond question.
