I quite often play at one of the best municipal golf courses in West Yorkshire at Temple Newsam, Leeds.There are 2 courses at Temple Newsam; The Lord Irwin and The Lady Dorothy courses built in 1923 and 1924 respectively. Designed by Alister MacKenzie on land earmarked, within the grounds of Temple Newsam House, by Leeds City Council for public recreation the courses quickly established a reputation as good tests of golf.
During the first two years the Lord Irwin course saw 25,000 rounds of golf played and such was it’s growing reputation it was shortlisted for the first ever Ryder Cup match to be held in Britain in 1929 ultimately played at Moortown GC.
Temple Newsam continued to be a prestigious golfing venue and 1933 Henry Cotton and Gene Sarazen played a challenge match over 36 holes with Cotton winning 4&3. In the same year Temple Newsam GC was again shortlisted for the Ryder Cup but missed out again, this time to Southort & Ainsdale GC.
The 1930’s saw a number of professional tournaments being held at Temple Newsam with many of the stars of the day competing including Ryder Cup players such as Dai Rees, Archie Compston, Percy Alliss and Abe Mitchell.
Over the years municipal golf has felt the squeeze of local authority budgets and it would not be unfair to say that Temple Newsam has not kept pace with the Moortowns and Southport & Ainsdales of the golfing world. Nevertheless, Temple still provides a good test of golf and the upkeep of the courses pay testimony to the skills of the Temple Newsam green keepers.The holes are varied and interesting and the views of the city from the high points of the courses unsurpassed.
Many golfers around Leeds will have started the game on one of the city’s municipal courses and its commitment to golf is to be applauded, the courses are well maintained and the green fees represent great value for money.
Through this post, therefore, it has been able to tie in themes of great golf green fee deals, famous golf course designers, urban golf and golf courses in West Yorkshire.
With linking skills like that I feel a job as a TV presenter beckons :-)

You can visit the Temple Newsam GC website at www.tngolfclub.co.uk