Best Golf Courses in Yorkshire

The Golf World Top 100 panel selects the best courses in Yorkshire.

The Golf World Top 100 panel selects the best golf courses in Yorkshire, England’s biggest county.

With more clubs affiliated to the English Golf Union than any other county, and a host of options in our Top 100 Courses in England, it is hardly surprising Yorkshire enjoys considerable depth to the quality of its courses. In fact, only Surrey can surpass it in terms of strength in depth.

There are nearly 200 clubs under the EGU umbrella and with a topography stretching from the moors of West Yorkshire to the seaside in the East, the county is also able to offer genuine variety in its golf experiences.

Home to US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and Masters champion Danny Willett, it is a county that is ideal for superb golf break – and a damn site cheaper than those further south.

But why should you trust our ranking? Well, the Golf World Top 100 panel has been ranking the finest courses in England for decades and has the most comprehensive knowledge in the game.

We welcome your feedback on all of our rankings and know that everyone will have an opinion on their favourite’s position. We’d love to hear from you via email, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

And, once you’ve enjoyed this ranking, please do take a look at some of our others – including the best courses in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Europe.

Chris Bertram, Golf World Top 100 Editor

What are the best golf courses in Yorkshire?

1. Alwoodley

Alwoodley is our No.1 in this well-endowed county, a stellar heathland that was the birthplace of one of the game’s greatest architects. Alister MacKenzie was a local GP who had developed a passion for course design when he laid out Alwoodley. As you’ll see in this ranking, he left an indelible mark on Yorkshire golf as well as further afield. 

2. Ganton

Could easily be No.1. A host of the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup and Curtis Cup, it sits on land once submerged as part of an inlet from the North Sea. An ‘inland links’ that warrants the title.

3. Moortown

Yorkshire’s other Ryder Cup host returned to the GB&I Top 100 in 2012 after we were impressed by the tree removal and bunker and heather regeneration. Another Mackenzie heathland of rare class.

4. Lindrick

Yorkshire’s third host of the Ryder Cup is right on the border with Notts and is a championship heathland-moorland that has been a GB&I Top 100 entry. It has been renovated in recent years to make the most of its fine variety of well-bunkered holes. Expect fast-running fairways lined with gorse and silver birch leading to greens full of subtle slopes.

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5. Fulford 

A regular European Tour venue for over two decade,  it was here in 1981 that Bernhard Langer climbed the ash tree next to the 17th to play his third shot. A classy heathland-woodland on predominantly sandy heathland that was designed by Charles Mackenzie, the brother of Alister. The pick of the holes come once you cross the A64 and the heathland character comes through most strongly.

6. The Hallamshire 

Opened in 1897 and then modified by Colt, Alison and Morrison 40 years later, expect slick greens and heather-lined fairways at this high-class Sheffield course. The home club of Matt Fitzpatrick is a Harry Colt-designed heathland/moorland that is a tough test and features some of the slickest and trickiest greens you’ll find.  

7. Cleveland 

This Teesside club is the oldest in Yorkshire having been founded in 1887. Yorkshire’s only links may not be the most scenic – the neighbouring steelworks are an ever-present companion – but it’s a great test. Harry Colt did much to shape a course set down over flat linksland guarded by proper bunkers. So good that it is unlucky not to be in the England Top 100.  

8. Halifax 

‘Ogden’ is one of the finest moorland courses in the country, which perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise given Herbert Fowler, Alister MacKenzie and James Braid all left their mark here. There are few more challenging opening stretches than the first five and a few higher drop-shot par 3s than the stunning 17th.

9. Huddersfield 

Better known as Fixby, Huddersfield is a classy 6,500-yard test draped over fast-running moorland with undulating greens.  You’ll need to play the five par 3s well to make a score here. 

10. Bingley St Ives 

Former European Tour host is three courses in one, beginning with a parkland feel and then moving to woodland and moorland sections. The moorland phase ‘on the tops’, as the locals say, is the pick, with holes guarded by heather and offering fabulous views. Home club of Billy Foster, the legendary caddie who was on the bag for Matt Fitzpatrick’s US Open win.

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11. Pannal 

Harrogate’s leading course is a regular championship venue, including Open qualifying. A lovely wooded moorland setting south of the spa town with fabulous views. The pick of the holes are on the higher ground with the par-3 17th the standout. 

12. York 

Originally a heathland when laid out by JH Taylor in 1904 (the club moved to its present site 14 years after it was founded on Knavesmire, where Dick Turpin was executed for horse theft), tree growth has seen it morph into more of a woodland.

The soil remains of the fast-draining variety though, meaning ’Strensall’, as it is known locally, is a fine course all year round. Taylor made really good use of a flat stretch of common, with the majority of greens raised slightly and pitched at a variety of angles to play and recent work by Jonathan Gaunt keeps it among Yorkshire’s elite.

13. Sand Moor 

The ‘third’ course of the famous north Leeds trio, Sand Moor was also developed by Alister Mackenzie. Sand Moor travels over undulating ground and is headlined by a fine collection par 3s and characterised by its bunkering. Plenty of notable Mackenzie features.

14. Headingley 

It’s not located in the vicinity of the cricket ground but a few miles north in leafy Adel. Founded in 1892, it is Leeds’ oldest club, but later moved to its present site was developed by the estimable duo of Alister Mackenzie and Harry Colt.

It makes excellent use of its varied terrain and the run for home is high calibre. Pick of the holes is the par-3 17th, which plays downhill to a fabulous well-bunkered green. 

15. Ilkley 

Colin Montgomerie’s metronomic fade is explained on the opening section of this parkland; Monty grew up here and his natural shape was no doubt shaped by the river Wharfe that winds up the left of the first few holes. An elegant course on the edge of the moor in superb nick.

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16. Abbeydale 

A Herbert Fowler course in rolling parkland to the west of Sheffield.  Tree growth has obscured some of the features he left but it remains a good test with large and undulating greens.

17. Baildon 

One of the very few Old Tom Morris courses in England. If you want pristine condition then and a fair, sanitised experience, Baildon isn’t for you. If you want rollicking fun, terrific turf and gorgeous views, plan your trip now. Lined by heather and asking for heroic shots over ravines, Baildon could easily be much higher, it’s that good.

18. Selby 

Possibly a bit of a surprise to be so high but we really rate this parkland, which continues to improve. Always in immaculate condition and offers a firm, bouncy experience thanks to a sandy base. Some clever green complexes with tightly-mown surrounds.

19. Crosland Heath 

Situated high up on the undulating and usually windswept hills around Huddersfield, we’re big fans of this heathland, which begins in an intimidating fashion with an uphill drive and an approach over a deep hollow. Bundles of character, it makes full use of the old quarries that are such a feature of the property, particularly on the par 3s. 

20. Woodsome Hall 

Originally designed by James Braid in 1922, it is exceptionally well-manicured and a lovely experience. It is a test of accuracy and nous more than brute force. The magnificent 16th-century grade 1 listed clubhouse is the centrepiece of this Colt parkland set in rolling countryside outside Huddersfield.

21. Scarcroft 

A tranquil parkland experience on the north-east outskirts of Leeds, Scarcroft is not quite 6,300 yards off the backs but just three par 5s and enough about it to challenge even strong players. Another mature Leeds course, it was designed by Charles Mackenzie.

22. Rotherham

Home club of Danny Willett is set in Thrybergh Park, home to notable families down the years. This is a notable parkland, designed by Sandy Herd and revised by James Braid. A classy parkland which is not long at 6,400 yards but the tree-lined fairways and slopey greens make for a good test.

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23. The Bradford 

Sits in the idyllic village of Hawksworth and offers an elevated heathy moorland experience, set down on firm, sloping fairways by the revered Herbert Fowler.

Presented beautifully and the back-and-forth layout is more engaging than it would look on paper.

24. Moor Allerton (Lakes & Blackmoor) 

If you want a more brawny modern experience on your trip to Yorkshire, this is it. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, we rank the Lakes – which lives up to its name – and tighter Blackmoor nines but the High loop is equally as good.

Sits on clay so much better in summer. Expect trademark RTJ large, multi-tiered greens and water hazards.

25. Shipley 

Pains us to have ‘Beckfoot’ so low because this is a fine woodland course. Yorkshire is just exceptionally strong. Club was founded in 1896 but relocated to this site near Bingley in 1921 and Alister MacKenzie designed the course. 

26. Harrogate 

Known as ‘Starbeck’, this is another Alister MacKenzie course stretching back to 1892 and is where Tour player John Parry grew up. Tree-lined parkland is short by modern standards but Mackenzie’s greens make sure you are tested.

27. Hornsea 

Located near the coast south of Bridlington, it is the work of Sandy Herd (1908) with revisions by Alister Mackenzie, James Braid and latterly Howard Swan. It is a fast-running parkland laid out in several loops with a fine closing stretch. 

28. Meltham 

Founded in 1908 but has been developed down the years, Jonathan Gaunt doing the most recent work. Barely 6,300 yards but sloping fairways and astute bunkering keep you interested. Delightful setting with Pennine views.

29. Wakefield 

Another Sandy Herd-Alister Mackenzie creation, this 1891 parkland is set down in two loops that return to the clubhouse. Fine short holes and in good condition all year round.

30. Middlesbrough 

‘Brass Castle’ was founded in 1908 on undulating land five miles south of Middlesbrough. James Braid worked the land well, incorporating natural ravines to typically good effect. Quietly excellent parkland.

31. Scarborough North Cliff 

Just the pick of the Scarborough courses for us, North Cliff starts and ends on the bluffs and winds between trees in between. The work of James Braid.

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32. Oakdale 

Designed in two loops by Alister Mackenzie in 1914 and is Harrogate’s secret star. Don’t miss it if you go to the spa town for Pannal and ‘Starbeck’. A mix of moorland and parkland, it finishes with one of Yorkshire’s finest climaxes.

33. Hessle

On the western outskirts of Hull, this club has had a colourful history and finally set down roots with this Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas design in the 1970s. Nice parkland with superb putting surfaces.

34. Garforth 

Initially laid out by founding members in 1912 but revised by Alister Mackenzie a year later. Cock and Car becks (streams) are in play and the renovated bunkers help elevated this parkland east of Leeds.

35. Scarborough South Cliff 

Coastal erosion and a new road caused the work of Alister Mackenzie to be revised in relatively recent times but this is still a fine course south of the town. Works through different phases of largely parkland-woodland style golf.

36. Wheatley 

Firm parkland near Doncaster gets in this ahead of some better-known names. George Duncan got the most from a gently undulating site.

37. Leeds 

Usually known as Cobble Hall, this delightful parkland sits on the edge of Roundhay Park. Home of the oldest professional event in the game. Tempo increases as you reach the turn.

38. Howley Hall 

Unassuming club with a fine parkland on the edge of the town of Morley, Alister Mackenzie was involved in the layout. Gives you a chance of a good score at 6,400 yards off the tips but many a tidy card has been ruined by the epic closing par 3.

39. Rudding Park (Hawtree)

Resort course that keeps the interest up throughout. Designed by Martin Hawtree and several risk-reward holes.

40. Easingwold

Found north of York in a tranquil spot, this 1930 design by the Hawtree firm is characterised by trees, some water hazards and some often excellent green complexes.

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