Alister MacKenzie was a pioneering golf course designer whose early work helped define the spirit of strategic golf. Trained as a physician, MacKenzie brought a keen eye for observation and human psychology to the game, believing that great courses should reward thoughtful play rather than brute force. His early designs—most notably Alwoodley, Moortown, and Ganton in England—introduced naturalistic bunkering, wide fairways, and subtle greens that blended seamlessly with the land. These formative courses laid the foundation for MacKenzie’s enduring philosophy: that golf at its best should be challenging, beautiful, and endlessly engaging for players of all abilities.

Discover the home of the golf course design genius with a travel experience shaped by true local knowledge. Our service specializes in showcasing the Alister MacKenzie–designed courses in and around Leeds, offering guests an insider’s perspective on some of the most historically significant and quietly brilliant layouts in the game.

This region is more than a destination for us—it’s home. MacKenzie Trail guide Nick Smith grew up in nearby Ilkley, learning the rhythms of Yorkshire golf from an early age, while his father, Paul Smith, lives in Ilkley and regularly plays across the area’s storied courses. Their lifelong connection provides an authenticity that can’t be replicated by guidebooks or generic itineraries.

From understanding how the land plays in different seasons to knowing the subtleties of MacKenzie’s strategic design philosophy as it reveals itself on local terrain, we curate golf journeys with uncommon depth and insight. The result is a travel experience that goes beyond tee times—connecting you to the landscape, history, and character of Alister MacKenzie’s Yorkshire legacy through the eyes of those who know it best.

The Original Alister MacKenzie Golf Trail recommends three options in the Leeds area for an exquisite visit. We also provide tailored packages to suit your needs, such as full home rentals.

Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club -- Victorian hotel with golf on site

Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club is a 4-star Victorian hotel set on 200 acres near Shipley, West Yorkshire, offering extensive leisure facilities including an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service spa (with massages, sauna, steam room), an indoor pool, and fitness classes, plus British cuisine at Heathcliffs restaurant, making it a relaxing retreat. (pictured)

Weetwood Hall Estate -- manor house less than 10mins from "The Originals"

Weetwood Hall Estate is a 4-star hotel in Leeds, a blend of historic Jacobean manor house (parts from the 16th century) and modern facilities, set on nine acres of woodlands and gardens, offering contemporary rooms, dining at Convive Restaurant and The Stables Pub. It is known for its blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

The Devonshire Arms Hotel -- Duke-worthy country house lodgings

The Devonshire Arms Hotel is an historic, upscale 4-star country house hotel on the Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales, offering individually furnished rooms, two restaurants (including the fine-dining Burlington), a full-service spa with pools and treatments, and activities like clay pigeon shooting or riverside walks. Close to nearby Skipton and Ilkley for evening entertainment.

Day 1

Arrive to accommodation

Dinner arranged by our team, Michelin-star options available

Day 2

Alwoodley Golf Club

Day 3

Moortown Golf Club

Day 4

Sand Moor Golf Club

Day 5

Departure

Prices from $2,995  (pp incl. accommodation and ground transport)

Day 1

Arrive to accommodation

Dinner arranged by our team, Michelin-star options available

Day 2

Ilkley Golf Club

Day 3

Alwoodley Golf Club

Day 4

Moortown Golf Club

Day 5

Ganton Golf Club -- bigger day out, options to dine by the sea after play

Day 6

Bingley St Ives Golf Club

Optional rest day, outings available including fell walking, clay pigeon shooting

Day 7

Headingley Golf Club

Day 8

Sand Moor Golf Club

& departure

Prices from $4,995  (pp incl. accommodation and ground transport)

Our US and UK-based team:

Nick Smith

+1-786-635-6708

npsmith124@gmail.com