Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-golf-courses-in-the-uk-v10235.html
- Royal Birkdale
- Sunningdale- New
- Royal St George’s
- Royal Liverpool
- Royal Lytham and St Annes
- Woodhall Spa- Hotchkin
- St George’s Hill
- Burnham And Berrow
- Walton Heath – Old
- Hillside
Royal Birkdale
Royal Birkdale, located in the picturesque town of Southport, England, is a golf course that exudes elegance and tradition. Steeped in history, this renowned links course has earned its place as one of the crown jewels of British golf.
Designed by the legendary golf course architect Frederick G. Hawtree and opened in 1889, Royal Birkdale has played host to numerous prestigious golf events, including the Open Championship on multiple occasions. Its championship layout, characterized by its strategic design and natural dunescape, has attracted some of the game’s greatest players and showcased their skills on stage.
Golfers who have the privilege of teeing off at Royal Birkdale are greeted with a breathtaking landscape, featuring stunning views of the coastline and an ever-changing sea breeze that adds an extra layer of challenge to the game. The course demands accurate shot-making and strategic decision-making.
Beyond the exceptional golfing experience, Royal Birkdale offers a welcoming and inviting clubhouse, complete with luxurious amenities and a rich heritage. The club’s warm hospitality and commitment to preserving the traditions of the game create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and refined.
Location: Southport, Merseyside
Founded: 1889
Designed by: Fred Hawtree and JH Taylor
Green fee: £185-£285
Top 100 ranking: 7th
Website: https://royalbirkdale.com/
Image by Royal Birkdale via Instagram
Sunningdale- New
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, England, the Sunningdale Golf Club’s New Course stands as a testament to timeless elegance and exceptional golfing experiences. Established in 1900, this historic course has become synonymous with classic golfing charm.
Designed by renowned course architect Willie Park Jr., the Sunningdale Old Course showcases his expertise in creating a layout that seamlessly harmonizes with the natural surroundings. Lush fairways wind their way through heathland and mature woodland, while strategically placed bunkers and cunningly contoured greens
As players traverse the undulating fairways, they are treated to stunning views of the rolling English countryside. The course’s beauty is enhanced by its peaceful seclusion, which allows golfers to immerse themselves in the game while enjoying the serenity of their surroundings.
Beyond the exceptional golfing experience, Sunningdale Golf Club offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The clubhouse exudes traditional charm, providing a relaxing environment for players to unwind and reflect on their rounds.
Location: Sunningdale, Berkshire
Opened: 1923
Designed by: Harry Colt
Green fee: £300
Top 100 ranking: 10th
Website: https://www.sunningdalegolfclub.co.uk/
Sunningdale Golf Club
Royal St George’s
Situated on the captivating Kent coastline in Sandwich, England, Royal St George’s Golf Club is a revered institution in the world of golf. With a rich history dating back to 1887, this prestigious course has firmly established itself as one of the most esteemed and challenging venues in the United Kingdom.
Designed by the legendary course architect Dr. Laidlaw Purves, Royal St. George’s showcases a breathtaking links layout that seamlessly blends with its rugged surroundings. The course is renowned for its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds, all of which combine to create a true test of skill and strategy.
Royal St. George’s has proudly hosted The Open Championship numerous times, welcoming the world’s best golfers to compete on its revered fairways. The course’s demanding nature and strategic design have resulted in memorable battles and remarkable moments etched into the annals of golfing history.
Beyond its golfing prowess, Royal St. George’s offers a clubhouse that exudes timeless elegance and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Steeped in tradition, the clubhouse provides a sanctuary for golfers to relax, share stories, and savor the camaraderie that comes with the sport.
Location: Sandwich, Kent
Founded: 1887
Designed by: Laidlaw Purves
Green fee: £125-£290
Top 100 ranking: 11th
Website: https://www.royalstgeorges.com/
Image by Royal St George’s Golf Course via Instagram
Royal Liverpool
Perched on the stunning Wirral Peninsula in Hoylake, England, Royal Liverpool Golf Club is a cherished gem among the UK’s golfing landscape. With a rich heritage spanning back to 1869, this historic links course has earned its place as a revered venue for championship golf and a true testament to the sport’s traditions.
Designed by renowned architect Robert Chambers and later refined by Harry Colt, Royal Liverpool presents a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all levels. The course showcases classic links characteristics, with undulating fairways, strategically placed pot bunkers, and firm, fast-running greens.
Royal Liverpool has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Open Championship, which it has welcomed on multiple occasions. The course’s demanding layout, particularly when winds whip off the coast, has tested the skills and resilience of the world’s best players.
Beyond the exceptional golfing experience, Royal Liverpool offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The clubhouse, steeped in history, exudes elegance and provides a comfortable setting for golfers to relax, socialize, and relish in the camaraderie that accompanies the game.
Location: Hoylake, Wirral
Founded: 1869
Designed by: Robert Chambers, George Morris and Harry Colt
Green fee: £135-£250
Top 100 ranking: 12th
Website: https://www.royal-liverpool-golf.com/
Image by Royal Liverpool Golf Club via Instagram
Royal Lytham and St Annes
Nestled along the picturesque Lancashire coastline in England, Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club stands as a legendary testament to the artistry and challenge of links golf. Established in 1886, this historic course has earned its reputation as one of the true jewels in the crown of British golf.
Designed by the esteemed course architect George Lowe, Royal Lytham and St. Annes present a formidable test for golfers of all calibers. The course is renowned for its intricately placed bunkers, strategic dune formations, and fast-running fairways.
Beyond its exceptional golfing pedigree, Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s offer a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere. The clubhouse, steeped in tradition, serves as a gathering place for golfers to relax, share stories, and immerse themselves in the camaraderie that is synonymous with the game.
The natural beauty of the Lancashire coastline provides a stunning backdrop to the course, with panoramic views of the Irish Sea enhancing the sensory experience. The sound of crashing waves and the salty sea breeze add an extra dimension to each round, immersing players in the timeless allure of links golf.
Location: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Founded: 1886
Designed by: George Lowe and Harry Colt
Green fee: £160-£305
Top 100 ranking: 13th
Website: https://www.royallytham.org/
Image by Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club via Instagram
Woodhall Spa- Hotchkin
Nestled in the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside, Woodhall Spa Golf Club’s Hotchkin Course stands as a true hidden gem among the UK’s golfing treasures. Renowned for its architectural beauty, rich history, and exceptional playing conditions, this classic heathland course offers a golfing experience that is both challenging and unforgettable.
Designed by renowned course architect Harry Vardon in 1905 and later refined by Harry Colt, the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa embodies the essence of traditional golf. The course is characterized by its heather-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and subtly contoured greens.
Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin Course has played host to numerous prestigious tournaments, showcasing its ability to challenge the world’s best golfers. Its reputation for impeccable playing conditions, meticulous course maintenance, and a true test of skill has earned it recognition as one of the finest heathland courses in the United Kingdom.
Beyond its golfing prowess, Woodhall Spa Golf Club offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The clubhouse, with its elegant charm and panoramic views of the course, provides a sanctuary for golfers to relax, recount their rounds, and soak in the rich heritage of the game.
Location: Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Opened: 1905
Designed by: Harry Vardon
Green fee: £70-£135
Top 100 ranking: 18th
Website: https://www.woodhallspagolf.com/
Image by Woodhall Spa Golf Club via Instagram
St George’s Hill
Nestled amidst the picturesque Surrey countryside in Weybridge, England, St George’s Hill Golf Club is a captivating sanctuary for golf enthusiasts seeking a refined and exclusive golfing experience.
Designed by the visionary course architect Harry Colt in 1913, St. George’s Hill showcases a masterful blend of parkland and heathland characteristics. The course’s undulating fairways wind through majestic woodlands, while strategically placed bunkers and subtly contoured greens demand precise shot-making and strategic decision-making.
St. George’s Hill has been a regular host of notable championships, showcasing its ability to challenge even the most skilled golfers. The course’s championship layout, featuring an array of formidable hazards and meticulously maintained playing surfaces, offers a true test of skill and provides a stage for unforgettable golfing moments.
Beyond its exceptional golfing experience, St. George’s Hill Golf Club offers a refined and welcoming atmosphere. The clubhouse, exuding elegance and charm, provides a haven for golfers to relax, socialize, and relish in the camaraderie that comes with the sport.
Location: Weybridge, Surrey
Opened: 1911
Green fee: £225
Top 100 ranking: 25th
Website: https://www.stgeorgeshillgolfclub.co.uk/
Image by St George’s Hill Golf Club via Instagram
Burnham And Berrow
Nestled along the stunning Somerset coastline in England, Burnham and Berrow Golf Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its timeless charm and exceptional links golfing experience.
The course, designed by legendary architect Harry Colt, showcases the epitome of traditional links golf. The rugged dunes, undulating fairways, and strategically placed bunkers create a challenging yet fair layout that demands accuracy, creativity, and adaptability from golfers.
Burnham and Berrow has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including qualifying rounds for The Open Championship. The course’s reputation as a challenging links venue is further enhanced by its fast-running fairways and well-guarded greens, testing the skills of both amateur and professional golfers alike.
Beyond its golfing prowess, Burnham and Berrow offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The clubhouse, with its traditional charm, provides a sanctuary for golfers to relax, savor a meal, and share stories of the day’s rounds. The club’s commitment to preserving the spirit of the game creates an environment that fosters camaraderie and a deep appreciation for the sport.
Location: Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
Founded: 1891
Designed by: Charles Gibson
Green fee: £130-£155
Top 100 ranking: 29th
Website: https://www.burnhamandberrowgolfclub.co.uk/
Image by Burnham And Berrow Golf Club via Instagram
Walton Heath – Old
Nestled in the heart of Surrey’s stunning countryside, Walton Heath Golf Club’s Old Course stands as a timeless testament to the beauty and challenge of heathland golf. Established in 1903, this historic course has garnered a reputation as one of the UK’s most prestigious and celebrated golfing destinations.
Designed by the esteemed course architect Herbert Fowler, the Old Course at Walton Heath showcases a blend of natural beauty and strategic design. The course’s undulating fairways meander through heather-covered hills, while strategically placed bunkers and fast-paced greens demand precision and strategic shot-making.
Walton Heath’s Old Course has played host to numerous significant tournaments, including the Open Championship, Ryder Cup, and European Tour events. Its demanding layout, coupled with its exceptional playing conditions, has tested the skills of some of the world’s finest golfers.
Beyond its championship pedigree, Walton Heath Golf Club offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The clubhouse exudes timeless elegance, providing a sanctuary for golfers to relax, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow players, and revel in the rich heritage of the game.
Location: Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey
Opened: 1904
Designed by: Herbert Fowler
Green fee: Contact club
Website: https://www.waltonheath.com/
Image by Walton Heath Golf Club’s Old via Instagram
Hillside
Perched atop the sand dunes overlooking the Irish Sea in Southport, England, Hillside Golf Club is a hidden gem that captivates golfers with its stunning coastal beauty and challenging links layout. Established in 1911, this prestigious course has quietly earned a reputation as one of the finest links courses in the United Kingdom.
Designed by renowned course architect Fred Hawtree, Hillside showcases a remarkable blend of natural terrain and strategic design. The undulating fairways wind through towering sand dunes, offering panoramic views of the coastline and creating a sense of isolation and tranquility.
Hillside has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including Open Championship qualifiers, showcasing its ability to challenge and inspire the world’s best golfers. The course’s rugged beauty and strategic layout demand accuracy, creativity, and strategic thinking from players.
Beyond its exceptional golfing experience, Hillside Golf Club offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. The clubhouse, with its rich history and panoramic views of the course, provides a welcoming haven for golfers to relax, share stories, and soak in the camaraderie that comes with the game.
Founded: 1911
Designed by: Fred Hawtree
Green fee: £90-£230
Top 100 ranking: 31st
Website: https://www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk/
Image by Hillside Golf Club via Instagram
