Leeds Golf Club
History of Leeds Golf Club
Interwoven in the history of the Leeds Golf Club is the story of the beginning of golf in Leeds. It was on the Soldiers field at Roundhay that the first golf ball was struck in the Leeds district.
In 1890, these players and some others rented the horse pastures which now forms the top nine of the present course of the Leeds Golf Club, or "Cobble Hall" as it is more affectionately known locally. They played there until 1893 when they left and fashioned a nine hole course on the low side of the Wetherby Road, forming the Roundhay Club.
In 1896 several gentlemen met in the Gipton Wood Inn and decided to form a golf club. They obtained the original lease of the present course from the local at a rent of £25 per annum. After some deliberation, they decided to name the Leeds Golf Club. The old Roundhay Club was merged with the Leeds Golf in 1900.
The famous golf architect Doctor Alastair MacKenzie was a member of Leeds Golf Club between 1900 and 1910. During that time he gave advice on bunkers and the layout of the course. Doctor MacKenzie has influenced the design of many courses including St. Andrews, Prestwick, Troon, Alwoodley, Moortown, Royal Melbourne and, of course, Augusta National. Leeds Golf Club are active members of the Dr. Alastair MacKenzie Society.
In 1909 a substantial new clubhouse was opened, which is now fully modernised to cater for todays needs. The layout of the course changed in 1928 following the construction of the Leeds outer ring road.
Professional golf tournaments are always encouraged and in 1902 the then president of Leeds Golf Club gave the Professional Golfers Association a trophy to be know as The Leeds Cup, to be played for annually.
In 1938 the club hosted the Yorkshire Evening News Trophy for the first time.
Top quality amateur golf has also played a major part with The Leeds Amateur Cup being hosted here since 1912 as well as The Cobble Hall scratch since 1962. Both are still played for every August to this day.
In 2002 the club purchased the lease of the course from the local council, which now allows for the continual update, improvement and ongoing development of the course.