In a completely rural setting, away from the hustle and bustle of Yorkshire’s busiest city, sits the glorious Headingley Golf Club.
Golfers playing the course will enjoy wonderful views, while the layout boasts many memorable holes which make full use of the varied and dramatic terrain.
Although the course is presented in a traditional style it has also been improved to meet modern standards and therefore will appeal to purists and modern golfers alike.
History
Founded in 1892, Headingley is the oldest golf club in Leeds. Originally located at Beckett’s Park, the club made the decision to move to its current home in Adel in 1905, so they could extend to an 18-hole layout.
The great Dr Alister MacKenzie, who was Yorkshire through and through, reshaped and remodelled much of the course shortly before the First World War.
His work notably included the 16th and 17th holes, which are regarded as two of the best on the course. The latter a spectacular short hole where the green is surrounded by the designer’s trademark bunkering. Henry Cotton called the 17th one of the best short holes he had ever seen.
Shortly after MacKenzie’s work at Headingley, the great Harry Colt was also drafted in to make some changes. The Englishman added a number of bunkers to the course.
What makes Headingley Golf Club special?
If you weren’t looking for it, you might not even realise that you’ve driven past Headingley Golf Club.
Not only is the course one of MacKenzie’s early works, but with a helping hand from Harry Colt, Headingley has certainly had two of the best to ever design golf courses at their disposal during their history.
There is an abundance of wildlife throughout the course. Pheasants congregate and the odd deer wanders across the fairways. All kinds of waterfowl fly over en route for Eccup Reservoir, and you should watch out for the majestic red kites, which often hover above the course.
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Where does it rank?
12th in Yorkshire
Where is Headingley Golf Club?
Headingley Golf Club is situated to the north of the Yorkshire city of Leeds. The city centre is around five miles south of the venue, with the club sitting next to the A660, which runs from Leeds up to Burley in Wharfedale. Leeds Bradford Airport is within a five-mile drive of Headingley while Manchester Airport, the busiest airport in the UK outside of London, is around 50 miles west of the golf club.
Get in touch with Headingley Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 0113 267 9573.
You can play at Headingley on the NCG Top 100s Tour this year!
- Book your spot to play at Headingley on the NCG Top 100s Tour on July 22nd, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Moortown, Sand Moor, Alwoodley and Fulford in our Yorkshire Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Headingley Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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