A Golfing Pilgrimage Through the British Isles
The United Kingdom is the birthplace of golf—and it shows. From the wind-carved dunes of Scotland’s linksland to the coastal cliff courses of Wales and the lush, rolling countryside of England and Northern Ireland, the UK offers a rich tapestry of legendary golf courses that cater to tradition, challenge, and pure beauty.
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Open Champions or seeking out hidden gems with panoramic views, these are the best golf courses in the UK—organized across regions so you can plan your ultimate golf adventure.
Scotland: The Home of Golf
1. St Andrews Old Course – Fife
- Why Play It: The most famous course in the world. History at every turn.
- What to Expect: Shared fairways, double greens, and a chance to walk over the Swilcan Bridge.
2. Muirfield – East Lothian
- Why Play It: Home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and host of 16 Open Championships.
- What to Expect: A fair but demanding links with strategic design and rich tradition.
3. Royal Dornoch – Highlands
- Why Play It: Often ranked among the top 10 courses globally, yet delightfully remote.
- What to Expect: Golden gorse, wild linksland, and brilliant routing.
4. Carnoustie Golf Links – Angus
- Why Play It: One of the toughest Open venues. It demands precision.
- What to Expect: Deep bunkers, firm fairways, and plenty of wind.
5. Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Ayrshire
- Why Play It: Breathtaking coastal holes and rich Open Championship history.
- What to Expect: Dramatic clifftop scenery and revamped design that flows beautifully.
England: Championship Tradition Meets Countryside Charm
6. Royal Birkdale – Southport, Lancashire
- Why Play It: A regular Open host with pristine conditioning and memorable dunes.
- What to Expect: Straightforward but visually stunning links.
7. Royal St George’s – Sandwich, Kent
- Why Play It: Unpredictable, quirky, and deeply historical.
- What to Expect: Blind shots, dramatic terrain, and plenty of Open magic.
8. Sunningdale (Old Course) – Berkshire
- Why Play It: One of England’s finest inland courses.
- What to Expect: Heathland beauty, fast-running turf, and peaceful surroundings.
9. Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin Course) – Lincolnshire
- Why Play It: Considered the UK’s best inland course.
- What to Expect: Deep bunkers, towering pines, and strategic shot values.
10. Royal Lytham & St Annes – Lancashire
- Why Play It: Frequent Open venue surrounded by urban setting.
- What to Expect: A strong opening without a driving range and brilliant bunkering throughout.
Wales: Coastal Beauty and Hidden Gems
11. Royal Porthcawl – Bridgend
- Why Play It: Wales’s most prestigious course, and host of multiple Senior Opens.
- What to Expect: Ocean views, exposed fairways, and fast greens.
12. Aberdovey Golf Club – Gwynedd
- Why Play It: Classic links layout with a strong sense of place.
- What to Expect: Playable and scenic, with a friendly local vibe.
13. Tenby Golf Club – Pembrokeshire
- Why Play It: One of the oldest in Wales, and full of charm.
- What to Expect: Tight, quirky links holes near the sea.
Northern Ireland: Major Winners’ Territory
14. Royal County Down – Newcastle
- Why Play It: Often ranked No.1 in the world. Stunning and stern.
- What to Expect: Majestic views of the Mourne Mountains and wild linksland.
15. Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links) – County Antrim
- Why Play It: Host of the 2019 Open Championship, and returning in 2025.
- What to Expect: Windswept drama, cliffside holes, and championship pedigree.
16. Portstewart Golf Club (Strand Course) – County Londonderry
- Why Play It: A rising star in UK links golf.
- What to Expect: Huge dunes, creative routing, and gorgeous Atlantic views.
Honourable Mentions Across the Isles
- North Berwick (West Links) – Quirky, historic, and adored by architecture nerds.
- Cruden Bay – Scotland – Rollercoaster elevation, charm, and mystery.
- Saunton Golf Club (East Course) – Devon, England – Coastal golf at its finest.
- Machrihanish Golf Club – Scotland – Legendary opening tee shot over the beach.
- Prestwick Golf Club – Scotland – Birthplace of The Open.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on Open Championship venues or explore under-the-radar links with endless character, the UK offers some of the most memorable golf experiences on Earth. Every course on this list is worth the journey, not just for the golf, but for the stories you’ll collect along the way.
So grab your passport, lace up your spikes, and walk the same fairways as golf’s legends—across the historic and awe-inspiring courses of the United Kingdom.
FAQs
- Can visitors play most of these famous UK courses?
Yes. Many of the UK’s top courses, including Open venues, are open to the public with advance booking. - What’s the best region to visit for a first UK golf trip?
Scotland is a classic choice, especially St Andrews and the surrounding Fife area. - Are caddies required at UK courses?
Not required, but often recommended—especially on links courses where local knowledge helps. - How early should you book tee times for top UK courses?
Many open booking windows 6–12 months in advance. Planning ahead is key. - What’s the best time of year for golfing in the UK?
Late spring through early autumn (May–September) offers the best weather and course conditions.
