Discover the Best British Golf Courses and Tips

Why Britain Is the Spiritual Home of the Game

Few places tie a sport so closely to their landscape and history as Britain does with golf. If you are searching for the best golf British courses have to offer, you are looking at the birthplace of the game. Players here have tested themselves against wind, rain and rolling dunes for more than six centuries. From the ancient links of Scotland to the pine-lined heathlands of Surrey, the variety is remarkable. Whether you are a seasoned single-figure handicapper or a weekend hacker, there is a course here that will challenge and charm you.

The earliest written reference to golf in Scotland dates to 1457. That year, King James II of Scotland banned the game because it distracted men from archery practice. The ban did not last. By the 1500s golf was being played on the common land of St Andrews, and in 1744 the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith drew up the first written rules. Ten years later, the Society of St Andrews Golfers, later the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, was founded. Its rules became the basis for the game played around the world.

Today the United Kingdom has more than 2,500 golf courses, one of the highest concentrations anywhere. Scotland alone has around 550, so there are few places where a round is more than a short drive away. Golf British-style is also about culture as much as geography. You will find clubhouse traditions, a strong sense of etiquette, and a love of walking rather than riding in buggies. Many players also prefer a quick pace of play to five-hour slogs.

British golf is also unusually accessible. Some of the world's most famous courses are public or semi-public. The Old Course at St Andrews is owned by a charitable trust, and anyone with a valid handicap certificate can enter its daily ballot for tee times. That democratic spirit runs through much of the game here. Village clubs welcome visitors, and municipal courses keep green fees low enough that golf remains a sport for everyone, not just the wealthy.

In this guide we cover the standout courses in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We also share practical tips for coping with links conditions, explain how to plan a trip and book tee times, and look at how to follow the big tournaments. Treat it as a starting point for your own golfing adventures across the UK.

Scotland's Legendary Links Courses

Any discussion of golf British enthusiasts care about has to start in Scotland. "Links" comes from the Old English word "hlinc," meaning rising ground. It describes the sandy, coastal strips of land that link the beach to farmland further inland. This terrain was too poor for crops but perfect for golf. It has firm, fast-draining turf, natural hollows that became bunkers, and constant exposure to the wind.

St Andrews Old Course

The Old Course is the most famous golf course in the world, and walking its fairways is a pilgrimage for many players. Its huge double greens are shared by two holes. It has over 100 bunkers, many hidden from the tee and some with names such as "Hell" and "Coffin." The Road Hole, the 17th, is one of the most feared par fours in golf. The finish across the Swilcan Bridge towards the Royal and Ancient clubhouse is unforgettable. The Old Course is also closed on Sundays, when it becomes a public park, as it has been for centuries.

If you cannot get a tee time on the Old Course, the St Andrews Links Trust runs six other courses. The New Course, the Jubilee and the Castle Course all offer great golf, often at much lower prices.

Carnoustie, Muirfield and Royal Troon

Carnoustie Championship Course on the Angus coast is often called the toughest course on the Open Championship rotation. The Barry Burn snakes across the closing holes. It is where Jean van de Velde famously came undone in 1999. Muirfield, home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, is a private club with limited visitor days. It is widely regarded as one of the fairest tests in golf, thanks to its clever routing in two loops of nine. Royal Troon on the Ayrshire coast has the "Postage Stamp," the 8th hole. At just over 120 yards, it is the shortest hole on the Open rota, yet one of the most nerve-racking.

Turnberry, Royal Dornoch and Beyond

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is famous for its lighthouse and views across to Ailsa Craig. It hosted the legendary "Duel in the Sun" between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977. In the far north, Royal Dornoch offers raised, plateau greens and beautiful remote scenery. Many experienced players rate it as the finest course in Scotland. Other names worth seeking out include North Berwick, Kingsbarns, Cruden Bay, Machrihanish and Prestwick, home of the first Open Championship in 1860.

Many of these clubs welcome visitors on set days. Fees range from under £100 at hidden gems to well over £300 at the most famous venues during peak season. Planning well ahead is essential, especially for summer.

England's Finest Courses: From Heathland to Coast

Scotland may claim the game's roots, but England offers enormous variety. It is home to some of the world's best heathland courses, along with a string of championship links along its coastline. For many visitors, exploring England reveals how broad golf British players enjoy really is, from sandy inland tracks to cliff-top layouts.

The Surrey and Berkshire Heathland Belt

Just south-west of London lies a cluster of courses built on sandy soil among heather, gorse and pine trees. Sunningdale's Old and New courses are both world-class. The Old Course, designed by Willie Park Jr in 1901, is a masterpiece of strategic design. Walton Heath, Swinley Forest, The Berkshire and Woking are equally revered. Wentworth hosts the BMW PGA Championship on the West Course, known as the "Burma Road." These courses drain well, so they play firm and fast for much of the year. They are good choices even in spring and autumn.

Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham and the North-West

The Lancashire and Merseyside coast is known as England's Golf Coast. Royal Birkdale near Southport winds through towering sand dunes. It has crowned Open champions such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jordan Spieth. Royal Lytham & St Annes is set back from the sea but has more than 170 bunkers. Royal Liverpool at Hoylake, known simply as Hoylake, has hosted the Open several times, most recently in 2023. Nearby courses such as Formby, Hillside and Southport & Ainsdale make this region ideal for a multi-day golf trip.

Royal St George's and the South Coast

In Kent, Royal St George's at Sandwich is the only English course in the south to host the Open in modern times. Its rolling fairways and blind shots reward local knowledge. Neighbouring Prince's and Royal Cinque Ports make Sandwich a superb base for a few days' golf. Further west, courses such as Saunton in North Devon and St Enodoc in Cornwall offer dramatic links golf. St Enodoc's "Himalayas" bunker is one of the largest in the country.

Inland Treasures

Beyond these famous names, England has hundreds of excellent parkland courses. Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire is home to the England Golf headquarters and the much-loved Hotchkin Course. Ganton in North Yorkshire and The Belfry in the Midlands, which has hosted the Ryder Cup four times, are also worth a visit. Each offers a different flavour of English golf.

Wales and Northern Ireland: Hidden Gems Worth the Journey

Many visitors focus on Scotland and England. Yet some of the most rewarding golf British travellers can find lies in Wales and Northern Ireland. Courses here are often quieter and better value, and the scenery is just as spectacular.

Golf in Wales

Wales hosted the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010, which gave the nation's golf scene a big boost. Royal Porthcawl on the south coast is the jewel of Welsh golf. The sea is visible from every hole, and it has hosted major amateur events and the Senior Open. Pennard, perched on cliffs above the Gower peninsula, is sometimes called "the links in the sky." Its wild, undulating fairways have a medieval castle ruin as a backdrop.

In North Wales, Royal St David's sits beneath Harlech Castle with views of Snowdonia. Nefyn & District, on the Llŷn Peninsula, has holes on a narrow headland with sea on both sides, and a beach pub halfway round. Aberdovey, Tenby and Ashburnham complete a coastline that deserves far more attention than it gets.

Golf in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has produced major winners such as Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke. It also has two of the world's highest-rated courses. Royal County Down in Newcastle sits beneath the Mountains of Mourne, framed by gorse that blazes yellow in spring. It regularly tops world rankings, and its blind tee shots and bearded bunkers make it a unique challenge.

Royal Portrush on the Antrim coast hosted the Open in 1951, 2019 and 2025. Its Dunluce Links includes "Calamity Corner," a long par three over a deep ravine. Portstewart, Castlerock and Ardglass are also well worth a visit. Ardglass has a clubhouse based in a 14th-century castle, said to be the oldest clubhouse in the world.

Travel between the two famous Northern Irish courses takes around 90 minutes by car. Combining them with the Causeway Coast and Belfast makes a superb long weekend.

Understanding Links Golf: Tips for Playing in British Conditions

Many visitors arrive on a British links course expecting a round like the one they play at home. They quickly find out that this is a different game. Firm turf, strong winds, deep pot bunkers and changeable weather all demand a different approach. Here are practical tips to help you enjoy golf British-style and keep your score respectable.

Keep the Ball Low

Wind is the biggest factor on any coastal course. A high, spinning shot can be blown far off line or stopped dead in the air. Learn to hit a "knockdown" or punch shot. Take one or two extra clubs, grip down, place the ball slightly back in your stance and make a shorter, smoother swing. The aim is a lower flight that bores through the wind and runs on landing. As the old Scottish saying goes, "When it's breezy, swing easy."

Use the Ground

Links fairways and greens are firm, so the ball will bounce and roll far more than on soft parkland courses. Instead of always flying the ball to the flag, think about landing it short and letting it run. The "Texas wedge," putting from off the green, is often the best option. Even from 20 or 30 yards off the putting surface, a putter or hybrid can be far more reliable than a lofted wedge.

Respect the Pot Bunkers

British links bunkers are often small, deep and revetted, with steep faces built from stacked turf. Getting out sideways or backwards is sometimes the only realistic option. Play away from danger, and accept that a bogey is a decent result after finding sand. On your first visit to a course, it helps to have a yardage book or a caddie. Many hazards are invisible from the tee.

Dress for Four Seasons in a Day

British weather can change rapidly, especially on the coast. Pack waterproof jacket and trousers, a warm layer, a hat and spare gloves, even in summer. Many experienced visitors carry a lightweight umbrella and a towel tucked under the bag hood. Good waterproof shoes with solid grip are essential, as links turf can be slippery in the wet.

Consider a Caddie

At many famous courses, including St Andrews, Carnoustie and Royal County Down, you can book a caddie. Fees usually run from £60 to £100 plus a tip. A good caddie will read the greens, recommend lines off the tee and share stories about the course's history. For a first visit, it is one of the best investments you can make.

Manage Expectations

Even top professionals see their scores rise in bad weather on a links. Do not let a few bad bounces spoil your day. Focus on enjoying the scenery, the history and the challenge, rather than the number on your card. Stableford scoring, where points are awarded on each hole, is popular in Britain because it keeps bad holes from ruining a round.

Planning Your Golf Trip: Tee Times, Costs and Etiquette

A well-planned trip makes all the difference. Whether you are travelling from abroad or simply heading to another part of the UK, a bit of preparation will help you get the most from the golf British clubs offer.

Booking Tee Times

Most courses now take online bookings for visitors, often up to a year in advance. The top courses fill quickly for the summer months, so book as early as you can. For the Old Course, you can apply for advance tee times through the St Andrews Links Trust. You can also enter the daily ballot two days before you wish to play, or queue as a single golfer hoping to fill a gap. Some private clubs, such as Muirfield, accept visitors only on certain days. Check each club's website for details before you travel.

Many golfers use specialist tour operators or booking platforms to secure packages. These often combine accommodation and transport with guaranteed tee times at sought-after courses. If you prefer to arrange things yourself, you can compare golf breaks and tee-time deals to find options that suit your budget.

Costs and Budgeting

Green fees vary widely. Municipal and smaller village courses may charge £20 to £50. Good-quality regional courses usually fall in the £60 to £150 range. Championship venues can cost between £200 and over £350 in peak season. Prices are often much lower in spring, autumn and winter, sometimes by half. Twilight rates for afternoon rounds are another way to save, and with long summer evenings in Scotland you can tee off as late as 6pm and still finish in daylight.

Also budget for caddies, club hire if you are not bringing your own, buggies where available, travel and food. A pint and a bowl of soup in the clubhouse after your round is part of the experience.

Handicap Certificates

Many famous courses require proof of handicap. The Old Course requires a maximum handicap of 24 for men and 36 for women, and other clubs set their own limits. Bring an official handicap certificate or a screenshot from the World Handicap System app used in your country.

Etiquette and Dress Codes

British golf clubs value tradition. Most expect collared shirts and tailored trousers or shorts, and jeans are often not allowed. Some clubhouses require jackets and ties in certain rooms, particularly at older, private clubs. Check each club's rules before arriving.

On the course, quick play is valued highly. Be ready to hit when it is your turn, and keep up with the group ahead. Repair pitch marks, rake bunkers and replace divots. Many British clubs encourage "ready golf," where whoever is ready plays first, rather than strictly following who is furthest from the hole.

Getting Around

A hire car gives you the most flexibility, as many top courses are in rural or coastal areas. Rail travel works well for some destinations. St Andrews is reached via Leuchars station, Troon and Prestwick have their own stations, and Southport is easily reached from Liverpool. Bringing clubs on trains is usually fine, but check luggage rules in advance.

Following the Big Tournaments: The Open and Beyond

For many fans, golf British-style is as much about watching as playing. Britain hosts some of the most important events in the sport, and attending one is a memorable experience.

The Open Championship

The Open, first played at Prestwick in 1860, is the oldest of golf's four majors. It is the only one played outside the United States. Organised by the R&A, it rotates around a group of links courses including St Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal Troon, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham, Royal St George's, Royal Portrush and Muirfield. The winner receives the famous Claret Jug and the title "Champion Golfer of the Year."

Tickets go on sale many months in advance through the official Open website, and practice-day tickets are cheaper and less crowded. Watching on a links course is special. Spectators can often stand close to the action, and the grandstands at the 18th green create a unique atmosphere on Sunday afternoon.

Other Major Events

Britain hosts several other high-profile tournaments. The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth is the flagship event of the DP World Tour. The Genesis Scottish Open, often played at The Renaissance Club near North Berwick, takes place the week before the Open. The AIG Women's Open is one of the five majors in women's golf and is played on similar historic links. The Senior Open and the Walker Cup, a top amateur team event, also visit British courses.

The Ryder Cup has been held in Britain many times, at venues including The Belfry, Celtic Manor and Gleneagles. Although the event is shared across Europe, British crowds bring an atmosphere few other sporting occasions can match.

Watching at Home and Betting Responsibly

If you cannot attend in person, major tournaments are broadcast widely on television and streaming services in the UK, with highlights on the BBC. Many fans also enjoy placing a bet on tournaments. Popular markets include outright winners, top-ten finishes and head-to-head matches. If you choose to bet, use only licensed UK operators regulated by the Gambling Commission. Set limits on time and money, and never chase losses. Responsible gambling tools and support are available through organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware.

To learn more about the courses and key players before big events, you can read our tournament previews and course guides. Understanding how a course plays in different winds is useful whether you are simply following along or making a prediction.

Getting Involved in Club Golf

Watching the professionals often inspires people to take up the game or join a club. British golf clubs offer many routes in. Beginner coaching, junior programmes, flexible memberships and social leagues are all common. Organisations such as England Golf, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland run schemes to help new players get started. Driving ranges, pitch-and-putt courses and nine-hole layouts are perfect for building confidence before tackling a full 18 holes on a championship links.

The traditions of golf British communities have kept alive for centuries continue to grow, and there has never been a better time to get involved. Many clubs now welcome families, offer women-only sessions, and are working hard to make the game more inclusive and modern while keeping their historic character.