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Alwoodley is regarded as one of the finest inland courses in Britain as well as being of great historical significance.
Alwoodley’s world-renowned architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, created a layout of rare subtlety and sophistication on a swathe of moorland to the north of the city of Leeds.
It enjoys natural heathland characteristics, with firm, springy fairways lined by heather and occasional outcrops of gorse.
Among many distinguishing feature are the eye-catching, irregularly shaped and naturalistic-looking bunkers as well as large, often undulating, greens.
Dating back to 1907, Alwoodley is a course of subtle angles and great strategic interest. Rarely is driver taken out of the skilled player’s hands but discretion is often the better part of valour. Wider landing areas are often available at the expense of longer approach shots.
The heathland terrain of this course, and excellent greenkeeping, make some of the playing surfaces of this course the best I have ever played from. The design is tricky without being disheartening – the bunkers aren’t generally imposing, and are often tucked off the fairway where you shouldn’t be hitting anyway. There are some long and punishing carries off the tee - shorter hitters will need to play off the very forward tees if they want to visit here. The red tees are often well-thought out, but often just a few yards in front of the yellows. For women this is offset by some of the par 4s as achievable par 5s, but because the stroke indices are the same for both genders you get a shot on these holes, which seems a bit generous! It’s not the most dramatic course you will play, but it does provide a varied test and is really enjoyable to play. The clubhouse is like a lovely French chateau, there is no halfway hut but there is a loo hidden away by the 10th tee.
| Are the tees rated for women? | no |
| Are there on-course toilet facilities? | yes |
| Does the pro-shop stock women's gear? | yes |
| Was the green fee value for money? | unsure |
| How would you rate the women's changing rooms? | |
