Hello there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 best golf courses in the United Kingdom. If you are planning your next golf holiday in the United Kingdom, then you can rest assured that the country is home to some of the best golf courses in the world.
From the strategic intricacies that test even the most skilled golfers to the breathtaking landscapes that serve as backdrops, the golf courses gracing the landscapes of the U.K. are nothing short of extraordinary.
- Royal St. George’s Golf Club
- Carnoustie Golf Links
- Royal Lytham and St Annes
- Swinley Forest Golf Club
- St Andrews Links
- The Alwoodley Golf Club
- Royal County Down
- Royal Birkdale
- Billingbear Park Golf Course
- Treloy Golf Course
United Kingdom Golf Courses Map
Use the map below to locate the best golf courses in Britain listed in this post.
Best Golf Courses in the United Kingdom
So, in no particular order, below is my shortlist of the top 10 best golf courses in UK:
1. Royal St. George’s Golf Club
Royal St. George’s Golf Club is a prestigious golf course located in Sandwich, Kent, England. It is one of the courses on The Open Championship rotation and is the only Open rota golf course to be located in South East England. The course was designed by Laidlaw Purves and opened in the late 1880s and has hosted the Open Championship 14 times, with the most recent being in 2021, where Collin Morikawa won his first major championship.
The course is known for its challenging layout, with undulating fairways, deep bunkers and unpredictable winds that can make it difficult for even the best golfers. It is a par-70 course that measures 7,211 yards in length. The course has a handicap limit of 18 for men and 24 for ladies. The club also has a second course, the Prince’s Golf Club, located nearby.
The course is open to visitors Monday, Tuesday and Thursday – with singles or two-balls only able to play on Monday and Thursday. Depending on the season, green fees range from £125 up to £330 for 18 holes. Keep in mind that there is a strict dress code, with collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers required on the course. It also has a clubhouse that dates back to the 19th century that offers stunning views of the course and the surrounding area with lounges, dining and a fully stocked pro shop as well.
2. Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie Golf Links is a world-renowned golf course located in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland and one of the most famous in the United Kingdom. The course boasts four courses – the Championship Course, the Burnside Course, the Buddon Links Course and a free-to-play short, five-hole course called The Nestie. The Championship Course is the most famous and has hosted eight Open Championships and two Women’s Opens. It is also known for its challenging layout and notorious difficulty, earning it the nickname “Carnasty”.
The Championship Course at Carnoustie Golf Links is a par-71 course that measures 6945 yards in length. The course has a slope rating of 139 and a course rating of 75.2. It is considered one of the most challenging courses in the world due to its narrow fairways, deep bunkers and thick rough. The course has seen winners including Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Tom Watson and most recently Padraig Harrington in 2007.
Carnoustie Golf Links has received numerous accolades, including being voted the World’s Best Golf Course in 2019. The course is undoubtedly one of the most memorable golf courses that you’ll ever play, not just in Scotland but in all of golf. The course has a handicap limit of 28 for men and 36 for ladies, and under 14s are not allowed to play the Championship Course.
Green fees for the championship course range from range from £198.00 to £282.00 depending on the season.
3. Royal Lytham and St Annes
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club is a world-renowned golf course located in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England. It is another one of the courses on The Open Championship rotation and has hosted the championship 11 times. The course is a par-70 that measures 7,086 yards in length and is known for its challenging layout with deep bunkers and undulating fairways. The course is also known for its proximity to the sea, which can make the wind a significant factor in the game.
The course was designed by George Lowe and opened in 1897. It has seen winners including Bobby Jones, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros and Ernie Els. The course is also known for hosting other major tournaments including the Women’s British Open, the Senior Open and the Walker Cup.
Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club also has a rich history and a beautiful clubhouse that dates back to the early 1900s. The clubhouse offers stunning views of the course and the surrounding area and it is a popular spot for golfers to relax after a round. The handicap limit is 18 for men and 24 for ladies and it also has a second course, the Green Drive Course, which is a par-66 course that measures 5,128 yards in length.
The club has a strict dress code, with collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers required on the course. Green fees range from £205.00 to £380.00 depending on day of the week and the season.
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4. Swinley Forest Golf Club
Swinley Forest Golf Club is a prestigious golf course located in Swinley Forest, Ascot, Berkshire, England. The course was established in 1909 and was designed by the renowned golf course architect Harry Colt. For a long time, it was a private members’ club that charmed, inspired and challenged its members. It has however in recent times opened up to visitors as well.
The course has a unique layout that carves its way through spectacular heathland vistas framed by heather, pine woods, azaleas and rhododendrons and measures a little over 6,000 yards (5,500 m). Known for its challenging layout with narrow fairways, deep bunkers and tricky greens, the course has a slope rating of 131 and a course rating of 70.2.
Swinley Forest Golf Club has received numerous accolades, including being ranked as the 9th best course in England by Golf World Magazine in 2021. The club also has a unique and charming clubhouse that dates back to the early 1900s with dining and a good pro shop available. The club has a handicap limit of 24 for men and 36 for ladies and it also has a second course, the Coronation Nine, which is a short, nine-hole course that measures 1,900 yards in length.
On the course, traditional golfing attire is required and green fees range from £135.00 to £220.00 depending on day of the week and the season. Booking must be made directly to the club.
5. St Andrews Links
Perhaps the most famous golf course in the world, St Andrews Links is a world-renowned golf course located in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is known as the “Home of Golf” and has a rich history dating back over 600 years. The club actually consists of seven courses – the Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Strathtyrum Course, Balgove Course and Castle Course. The Old Course is the most famous and has hosted the Open Championship 29 times. It is also known for its challenging layout and unique features, such as the famous Swilcan Bridge and Hell Bunker.
The Old Course at St Andrews Links is a par-72 course that measures 7,305 yards in length with a slope rating of 138 and a course rating of 75.5. It is considered one of the most challenging courses in the world due to its unique layout, with shared fairways, blind shots, and deep bunkers. The course has seen winners including Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and most recently Shane Lowry in 2019.
St Andrews Links has received numerous accolades including being voted the World’s Best Golf Course in 2020. The course is undoubtedly one of the most memorable golf courses that you’ll ever play, not just in Scotland but in all of golf. The club also has a unique and charming clubhouse that dates back to the early 1900s. The handicap limit is 24 for men and 36 for ladies.
Green fees for the old course range from £150.00 to £295.00 depending on the season. Golfers should wear attire appropriate to the sport and clothing should not be scruffy or torn. The dress code in the clubhouses is smart/casual.
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6. The Alwoodley Golf Club
The Alwoodley Golf Club is a prestigious golf course located in Alwoodley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It was founded in 1907 and is known for its challenging layout and unique features. The course was designed by the renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, who also designed Augusta National, home of the Masters. The course is a par-71 that measures 6,900 yards in length and is considered one of the best inland heathland courses in England.
The course has a unique layout that carves its way through spectacular heathland vistas framed by heather, gorse and pine trees. It runs narrow fairways, deep bunkers and tricky greens which make it a challenging course for even the best golfers. The course has a slope rating of 139 and a course rating of 74.2 and has seen winners including Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood and most recently, Tyrrell Hatton.
The Alwoodley Golf Club has received numerous accolades, including being ranked as the 6th best course in England by Golf World Magazine in 2021. The club also has a unique and charming clubhouse that dates back to the early 1900s and is a popular spot for golfers to relax after a round. T
The club has a handicap limit of 24 for men and 36 for ladies and visitors can book a round every day except Wednesdays and Saturdays. Green fees ranging from £95 up to £225 depending on the season.
7. Royal County Down
Royal County Down Golf Club is a world-renowned golf course located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is known for its stunning setting with views of the Mountains of Mourne and the Irish Sea. The course was designed by Old Tom Morris and opened in 1889. It has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup and the Irish Open.
The course is a par-71 that measures 7,186 yards in length and is considered one of the most challenging courses in the world with a unique layout that carves its way through spectacular linksland vistas framed by heather, gorse and sand dunes. The course has a slope rating of 136 and a course rating of 75.4 and has seen winners including Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and most recently, Jon Rahm.
Royal County Down Golf Club has received numerous accolades including being ranked as the best course in the world by Golf Digest in 2018. The club also has a unique and charming clubhouse that dates back to the early 1900s. The clubhouse offers stunning views of the course and the surrounding areas with a fully stocked pro shop and bar facilities.
The handicap limit is 24 for men and 36 for ladies with green fees for the championship links course ranging from £195 up to £325 depending on the season.
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8 Royal Birkdale
Royal Birkdale Golf Club is a world-renowned golf course located in Southport, Merseyside, England. It was founded in 1889 and is known for its stunning setting, with views of the Irish Sea. The course has hosted many prestigious tournaments including the Open Championship 10 times, the Ryder Cup and the Women’s British Open. The course is a par-70 that measures 7,156 yards in length and is considered one of the most challenging courses in the world.
The course has a unique layout that carves its way through spectacular linksland vistas framed by sand dunes, heather and gorse. The course is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers and unpredictable winds which make it a challenging course for even the best golfers. The course has a slope rating of 142 and a course rating of 75.5. It has seen winners including Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and most recently, Jordan Spieth.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club has received numerous accolades including being ranked as the 17th best course in the world by Golf Digest in 2020. The club also has a unique and charming clubhouse equipped with a fine dining restaurant, bistro and fully stocked bar.
The club has a handicap limit of 18 for men and 24 for ladies and visitors may play the links on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and some limited times on Sundays. Green fees range from £240 up to £370 depending on the season.
9. Billingbear Park Golf Course
Billingbear Park Golf Course is a picturesque golf course located in Wokingham, Berkshire, England. The course is set in 200 acres of beautiful parkland and is known for its stunning setting and challenging layout. It is a public course that offers a unique and memorable golfing experience for golfers of all levels. The course has two 9-hole courses, the Old Course and the New Course, which can be played as an 18-hole course.
The New Course at Billingbear Park Golf Course is a par-72 that measures 6,500 yards in length and is known for its challenging layout with undulating fairways, deep bunkers and water hazards. The course has a handicap limit of 28 for men and 36 for ladies and it is a popular course for both experienced and novice golfers alike.
Billingbear Park Golf Course also has a charming clubhouse with a bar and restaurant that serves a range of delicious food and drinks. The club also hosts regular events, such as live music under the canopy every Saturday during the summer. The club has received positive reviews from golfers and is a popular spot for golfers to relax after a round.
This is one of the more budget friendly courses on the list with 9 hole green fees starting at around £20 up to £31 for both course (18 holes).
10. Treloy Golf Course
Treloy Golf Course is a spacious parkland golf course located in Newquay, Cornwall, England. The course was developed in 1991 and is known for its beautiful Cornish countryside setting and challenging layout. It is a public course that offers a unique and memorable golfing experience for golfers of all levels.
The course has nine holes, which can be played as an 18-hole course that runs at par-64 measuring 4,439 yards in length. It is known for its challenging layout with tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers and undulating greens. The course has a handicap limit of 28 for men and 36 for ladies and is a popular option for both experienced and novice golfers and has a range of tees to play from to suit all abilities.
Treloy Golf Course also has a charming clubhouse that offers stunning views of the course with a bar and restaurant that serves a range of delicious food and drinks. The club also hosts regular events, such as live music and quiz nights.
This is another great budget friendly course with green fees averaging around £26.50 for 18 holes.
Conclusion
And there they are, my 10 of the best golf courses in the UK. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know f your experiences here – or if there are any you would like me to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
