Return of golf at Temple Newsam marks start of family-friendly development plans at the estate

In line with the lifting of national lockdown restrictions next Monday (29 March), the council-owned golf courses at Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park are set to officially reopen.

Working with England Golf and government coronavirus guidelines, a number of measures will be in place to ensure golfers can enjoy their games safely. These include social distancing, providing hand sanitising stations for visitors and track and trace measures when booking and on-site.

Next Monday will also mark the first time players at Temple Newsam will be able to enjoy the course's reconfigured layout, providing picturesque views and a fun challenge across two nine-hole courses known as Lady Dorothy and Lord Irwin. These can also be played as a traditional 18-hole course.

The launch of this refreshed golf offering at Temple Newsam marks the first in a series of family-friendly facilities opening at the estate.

Approved at Executive Board last September, this £1.2m project will see a number of new facilities created at, and improvements made to, the site. The developments, which were informed by a large-scale public consultation, include:

• 'Learn to Ride' cycling facility for children.
• Several kilometres of walking and cycling trails.
• A new café, providing an attractive setting overlooking the park.
• A brand new children's play area.
• A range of landscaping improvements, which will enable visitors to explore little-known areas of the historic estate. A popular suggestion with consultees, this work will also help support the council's commitment to tackling the climate emergency through proposed tree planting and habitat creation.
• Potentially a new outdoor events space.

Construction on these developments is set to start at the end of the year, with the facilities expected to open in 2022. Be sure to keep an eye on the Leeds City Council and Temple Newsam social media channels for regular updates in the months ahead.

Whether you're looking to enjoy the nine-hole Lady Dorothy and Lord Irwin courses as a full 18 holes, or to visit the classic nine-hole course at Roundhay Park, pay and play golf is back alongside the reopening, providing an affordable way for residents to try the sport out.

Additionally, for those looking to play throughout the year, season tickets will go on sale on 1 April, giving you access to both courses until March 2022.

For further details, including pricing and the course phone numbers you'll need to book a tee time (with 48 hours' notice for existing members and 24 hours' notice for pay and play visitors), please visit the Active Leeds website here.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council's executive member for environment and active lifestyles, said:

"Over the past year, we have seen just how important the green spaces across our city are for our health and wellbeing, so I am delighted to see our golf courses reopen as another way for residents to safely enjoy the outdoors. For those returning to our picturesque fairways, or maybe thinking of giving golf a go for the first time, please keep a safe distance from those you don't live with and wash your hands regularly.

"The opening of the reconfigured golf course at Temple Newsam marks the start of an exciting project to transform a much-loved public space. Our plan, which could not have been possible without your views, allows us to keep the golf experience that many love while making this space an even more attractive, inclusive and enjoyable place to visit for people of all ages. Like many, I am excited to see these proposals come to life over the next year."