Moortown
The first time Samuel Ryder’s eponymous event was held in the UK it was held at Moortown, near Leeds, on a course designed originally by Dr Alister MacKenzie, of Augusta National fame. The appropriately named Moortown – a fine example of its type – is set in 125 acres of dramatically contrasting woodland and moorland.
In addition to the Ryder Cup, the Yorkshire venue has also hosted the Tournament Players Championship, the Car Care Plan International, qualifying rounds for the Open Championship, the English Amateur and the Brabazon Trophy. It is a genuine championship course.
The fairways are deceiving – they’re not as wide as they first appear and the rough has an appetite for stray balls. But if you’re accurate you can soon have a good-looking card as the opening two holes are short, par-fives. However, there are also plenty of opportunities for the course to take back any shots gained. Legend has it that the cost of building the course’s signature hole, the par-three 10th – Gibraltar – was more than the remainder of the course. Unlikely, but it’s a nice tale nonetheless.
Moortown can split opinion, however: Classic ambience or faded grandeur? You pays your money and takes your choice. Alwoodley and Moor Allerton are not too far away so you can enjoy three top-notch courses from one base.
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