The United Kingdom is home to some of the world's most prestigious and challenging golf courses, steeped in history and tradition. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or planning your first golf holiday, these exceptional courses offer unforgettable experiences across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Scotland's Legendary Links
St Andrews Old Course
Known as the 'Home of Golf', St Andrews Old Course in Fife is the most iconic golf course in the world. Dating back to the 15th century, this historic links course has hosted The Open Championship 30 times. The famous Swilcan Bridge and the treacherous Road Hole 17th are must-see landmarks for any golf enthusiast.
Royal Troon
Located on Scotland's stunning Ayrshire coast, Royal Troon is renowned for its challenging links layout and the infamous 'Postage Stamp' 8th hole—one of the shortest yet most difficult par 3s in championship golf.
England's Premier Courses
Royal Birkdale
Situated in Southport, Merseyside, Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open Championship ten times. Its towering sand dunes and strategic bunkering make it a true test of golf, whilst offering spectacular views of the Lancashire coastline.
Sunningdale Golf Club
Just outside London in Berkshire, Sunningdale features two championship courses. The Old Course, designed by Willie Park Jr., is consistently ranked among the top courses in England and offers a beautiful heathland experience.
Wales and Northern Ireland Gems
Royal Porthcawl
This Welsh links course on the Bristol Channel offers dramatic coastal views and challenging seaside conditions. It's regularly ranked as the finest course in Wales.
Royal County Down
Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, County Down, this course is frequently rated the best in the world. Its stunning natural beauty and demanding layout make it a bucket-list destination.
Planning Your Golf Trip
When planning to play these prestigious courses, book well in advance as tee times can be limited. Many courses require handicap certificates, and some have dress codes. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (May-June or September) for better availability and favourable weather.
Whether you're chasing history at St Andrews or testing your skills against championship layouts, the UK's golf courses offer experiences that every golfer should enjoy at least once. Make sure you have the right equipment—quality golf balls, reliable clubs, and proper sun protection are essential for getting the most from your round.
Best Golf Courses by Region
Scotland
- St Andrews Old Course - Fife (The Home of Golf)
- Royal Troon - Ayrshire (Championship links)
- Muirfield - East Lothian (Exclusive championship venue)
- Carnoustie - Angus (Known as 'Car-nasty' for its difficulty)
- Royal Dornoch - Highlands (Remote links masterpiece)
- Turnberry - Ayrshire (Stunning coastal views)
- Gleneagles - Perthshire (Luxury resort courses)
- Kingsbarns - Fife (Modern links classic)
Northern Ireland
- Royal County Down - Newcastle, County Down (World's best)
- Royal Portrush - County Antrim (Open Championship venue)
- Portstewart - County Londonderry (Spectacular links)
- Ardglass - County Down (Clifftop challenge)
Republic of Ireland
- Ballybunion - County Kerry (Classic Irish links)
- Lahinch - County Clare (Wild Atlantic Way gem)
- Portmarnock - County Dublin (Championship links)
- The European Club - County Wicklow (Pat Ruddy's masterpiece)
- Waterville - County Kerry (Ring of Kerry beauty)
Wales
- Royal Porthcawl - South Wales (Wales' finest)
- Royal St David's - Harlech, North Wales (Mountain backdrop)
- Conwy (Caernarvonshire) - North Wales (Oldest in Wales)
- Pennard - Gower Peninsula (Clifftop links)
- Aberdovey - Mid Wales (Bernard Darwin's favourite)
North West England
- Royal Birkdale - Southport (Open Championship venue)
- Royal Lytham & St Annes - Lancashire (Historic championship course)
- Hillside - Southport (Links excellence)
- Formby - Merseyside (Classic links)
- Silloth-on-Solway - Cumbria (Hidden gem)
North East England
- Lindisfarne - Holy Island (Unique island course)
- Seaton Carew - County Durham (Historic links)
- Bamburgh Castle - Northumberland (Stunning castle views)
- Close House - Newcastle (Lee Westwood's home course)
Yorkshire & Humber
- Ganton - North Yorkshire (Inland championship course)
- Alwoodley - Leeds (Dr Alister MacKenzie design)
- Moortown - Leeds (Ryder Cup history)
- Lindrick - South Yorkshire (1957 Ryder Cup venue)
Midlands
- The Belfry - Warwickshire (Ryder Cup legend)
- Woodhall Spa - Lincolnshire (Hotchkin Course - inland masterpiece)
- Notts (Hollinwell) - Nottinghamshire (Heathland classic)
- Little Aston - Sutton Coldfield (Harry Vardon design)
South West England
- St Enodoc - Cornwall (Church Course with Himalayan bunker)
- Saunton - Devon (Two championship links)
- Trevose - Cornwall (Championship links)
- Burnham & Berrow - Somerset (Classic links)
- The Manor House - Castle Combe (Parkland beauty)
South East England
- Royal St George's - Kent (Open Championship venue)
- Royal Cinque Ports - Deal, Kent (Championship links)
- Sunningdale - Berkshire (Old & New courses)
- Wentworth - Surrey (BMW PGA Championship)
- Walton Heath - Surrey (Old & New courses)
- The Berkshire - Ascot (Red & Blue courses)
- Rye - East Sussex (Links charm)
London & Home Counties
- Sunningdale - Berkshire (Heathland excellence)
- The Grove - Hertfordshire (Championship parkland)
- The Addington - Surrey (Heathland gem)
- North Hants - Fleet (James Braid design)
This regional guide helps you plan your golf tour across the British Isles, whether you're seeking championship challenges, historic venues, or hidden gems in your local area.
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