The United Kingdom is celebrated for its exceptional golf courses, blending centuries-old links with picturesque parklands. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or planning your first UK golf trip, the courses across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2026 offer diverse challenges and memorable experiences.
Scotland: Legendary Links Courses
- St Andrews Old Course (Fife): Revered as the "Home of Golf," this course dates back to the 15th century and has hosted The Open Championship 30 times. Iconic holes include the Swilcan Bridge and the Road Hole 17th.
- Royal Troon (Ayrshire): Famous for its tough links layout and the "Postage Stamp" 8th hole, a short but demanding par 3.
- Muirfield (East Lothian): An exclusive Open Championship venue with a rich history.
- Carnoustie (Angus): Nicknamed "Car-nasty" for its formidable challenge.
- Royal Dornoch (Highlands): A remote, highly regarded links course beloved by purists.
- Turnberry (Ayrshire): Offers breathtaking coastal views and a championship pedigree, with the Ailsa course recently renovated for modern play.
- Gleneagles (Perthshire): A luxury resort with multiple courses, including Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup venues.
- Kingsbarns (Fife): A modern links course near St Andrews, already considered a classic.
- Dumbarnie Links (Fife): A trending new course gaining global attention for its innovative design and sustainability focus.
England: Premier Championship Courses
- Royal Birkdale (Southport, Merseyside): Ten-time Open Championship host, known for its dramatic dunes and strategic bunkers along the Lancashire coast.
- Sunningdale Golf Club (Berkshire): Just outside London, Sunningdale features two top-ranked heathland courses, with the Old Course designed by Willie Park Jr.
- Royal Lytham & St Annes (Lancashire): A storied Open Championship venue with a challenging inland links layout.
- Hillside (Southport): Renowned for its links excellence and proximity to Royal Birkdale.
- Formby (Merseyside): A classic links experience set among pine trees and sand dunes.
- Silloth-on-Solway (Cumbria): A hidden gem on the northwest coast, praised for its natural setting.
Wales: Coastal Gems
- Royal Porthcawl (South Wales): Overlooking the Bristol Channel, this course is consistently ranked as Wales’ finest, with dramatic seaside views and challenging winds.
- Royal St David’s (Harlech, North Wales): Set beneath the mountains of Snowdonia, offering a scenic and testing layout.
- Conwy (Caernarvonshire) (North Wales): The oldest golf club in Wales, with a classic links design.
- Pennard (Gower Peninsula): Known as the “links in the sky” for its elevated position and panoramic views.
- Aberdovey (Mid Wales): A favorite of golf writer Bernard Darwin, celebrated for its charm and playability.
Northern Ireland: World-Class Links
- Royal County Down (Newcastle, County Down): Frequently rated as the world’s best course, set against the Mourne Mountains with a demanding and scenic layout.
- Royal Portrush (County Antrim): An Open Championship venue with dramatic coastal holes and a history of elite competition.
- Portstewart (County Londonderry): Offers spectacular links golf with stunning dunes and ocean views.
- Ardglass (County Down): A clifftop course with a historic clubhouse and challenging holes along the coast.
Republic of Ireland: Notable Neighbours
- Ballybunion (County Kerry): A classic Irish links, revered for its rugged beauty.
- Lahinch (County Clare): A standout on the Wild Atlantic Way, famous for its unique holes and scenery.
- Portmarnock (County Dublin): Championship links close to Dublin city.
- The European Club (County Wicklow): Designed by Pat Ruddy, known for its modern links challenge.
- Waterville (County Kerry): Set on the Ring of Kerry, offering stunning coastal golf.
Other Top UK Regions for Golf
North East England
- Lindisfarne (Holy Island): A unique island course with tidal access.
- Seaton Carew (County Durham): One of England’s oldest historic links.
- Bamburgh Castle (Northumberland): Overlooks the medieval castle and North Sea.
- Close House (Newcastle): Lee Westwood’s home course, featuring modern facilities.
Yorkshire & Humber
- Ganton (North Yorkshire): An inland championship course with a rich tournament history.
- Alwoodley (Leeds): Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, offering classic heathland golf.
- Moortown (Leeds): Site of the first Ryder Cup on British soil.
- Lindrick (South Yorkshire): Hosted the 1957 Ryder Cup.
Midlands
- The Belfry (Warwickshire): Legendary Ryder Cup host, with multiple championship courses.
- Woodhall Spa (Lincolnshire): The Hotchkin Course is an inland masterpiece.
- Notts (Hollinwell) (Nottinghamshire): A classic heathland layout.
- Little Aston (Sutton Coldfield): Designed by Harry Vardon, known for its parkland beauty.
South West England
- St Enodoc (Cornwall): The Church Course features the famous Himalayan bunker.
- Saunton (Devon): Two championship links courses with natural dunes.
- Trevose (Cornwall): A championship links with Atlantic views.
- Burnham & Berrow (Somerset): Classic links golf on the Somerset coast.
- The Manor House (Castle Combe): A scenic parkland course in a historic village.
South East England
- Royal St George’s (Kent): A regular Open Championship venue.
- Royal Cinque Ports (Deal, Kent): Championship links with a storied history.
- Sunningdale (Berkshire): Features both Old and New courses among the UK’s best.
- Wentworth (Surrey): Home of the BMW PGA Championship and iconic West Course.
- Walton Heath (Surrey): Old and New courses with a championship pedigree.
- The Berkshire (Ascot): Red and Blue courses, both highly regarded.
- Rye (East Sussex): A links course with traditional charm.
London & Home Counties
- Sunningdale (Berkshire): Renowned for its heathland excellence.
- The Grove (Hertfordshire): A modern championship parkland course.
- The Addington (Surrey): A heathland gem with dramatic elevation changes.
- North Hants (Fleet): Designed by James Braid, offering classic parkland golf.
Use this regional guide to plan your golf tour across the British Isles in 2026. Whether you’re searching for championship challenges, historic venues, or hidden gems, the UK has a course for every golfer.
Planning Your UK Golf Trip
- Book early: Tee times at top courses are limited, especially during peak season (July–August). Reserve 6–12 months in advance for the best selection.
- Handicap certificates: Many courses require proof of handicap for visitors. Check requirements on each club’s website before booking.
- Dress code: Each club has its own dress standards. Review these before your visit to avoid surprises.
- Best times to visit: Shoulder seasons (May–June, September) offer better availability, fewer crowds, and milder weather.
- Equipment: Bring quality golf balls, reliable clubs, waterproofs, and sun protection. Pack layered clothing for the UK’s variable climate.
From iconic links like St Andrews to modern courses such as Dumbarnie Links, the UK’s golf destinations are must-plays for every golfer in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top golf courses to play in the UK in 2026?
Leading UK courses for 2026 include Scotland’s St Andrews Old Course, England’s Royal Birkdale, Wales’ Royal Porthcawl, and Northern Ireland’s Royal County Down. Each offers a unique blend of history, challenge, and scenery.
How can I book a tee time at famous UK golf courses?
Most top courses offer online booking, but tee times fill up fast, especially in summer. Book 6–12 months ahead. Some clubs, like St Andrews Old Course, use a ballot or lottery system for visitor tee times.
Do I need a handicap certificate to play at UK championship courses?
Yes, many prestigious courses require visitors to present a valid handicap certificate. Always check the specific requirements on the club’s website before booking.
When is the best time of year to golf in the UK?
The best months for golf in the UK are May, June, and September. These periods offer mild weather and less crowded courses compared to peak summer.
What should I pack for a golf trip to the UK?
Pack waterproof clothing, layers for changing weather, quality golf shoes, extra golf balls, and sun protection. Check each course’s dress code before you travel.
What are some trending or new golf courses to watch in 2026?
Dumbarnie Links (Fife) and the renovated Turnberry Ailsa (Ayrshire) are attracting attention. Sustainability and eco-friendly course designs are also trending across the UK golf scene.
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