England has more golf courses than any other country in Europe, from historic links on the coast to the heathland courses of Surrey and Berkshire. Here are the courses every golfer should try to play at least once, plus some great resort options for your next golf break in England.
England’s Must-Play Courses
1. Royal St George’s
Opened in 1887 on the dunes at Sandwich, Royal St George’s is one of the great links courses and a regular host of The Open.
Sandwich, Kent · Designed by William Laidlaw Purves, with later work by Alister MacKenzie and Frank Pennink · 18 holes, par 70
2. Sunningdale (Old Course)
Opened in 1901, the Old Course at Sunningdale is widely regarded as one of the finest heathland courses in the world.
Sunningdale, Berkshire · Willie Park Jr and Harry Colt · 18 holes, par 70
3. Royal Birkdale
A championship links among the dunes of Southport and one of the most respected venues on The Open rota.
Southport, Merseyside · George Lowe · 18 holes, par 70
4. Swinley Forest
A quiet, beautifully kept heathland course near Ascot, and one of Harry Colt’s finest designs.
Ascot, Berkshire · Harry Colt · 18 holes, par 69
5. Royal Lytham & St Annes
A classic links on the Lancashire coast that has hosted The Open many times.
St Annes on Sea, Lancashire · George Lowe · 18 holes, par 71
6. Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
A heathland course in the Lincolnshire countryside, often ranked among the best in England.
Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire · Harry Vardon, Harry Colt and S.V. Hotchkin · 18 holes, par 73
7. St George’s Hill
A Harry Colt heathland layout in Surrey, played as 27 holes.
Weybridge, Surrey · Harry Colt · 27 holes
More Great English Courses
Wentworth in Surrey, Royal Liverpool at Hoylake, Woburn in Bedfordshire, Ganton in North Yorkshire, Saunton in Devon and Royal Cinque Ports at Deal are all well worth adding to your list.
Many of these are private members’ clubs with limited visitor tee times, so they need booking well in advance.
Golf Breaks in England With Direct Golf Holidays
For a relaxed golf break, we arrange stays at resort hotels with their own courses on site, so you can play every day without travelling. Our England golf resorts include Belton Woods, Breadsall Priory, Close House, Dunston Hall, East Sussex National, Forest of Arden, Forest Pines, Oulton Hall, Slaley Hall and the Telford Hotel & Golf Resort.
See all our golf breaks in England, or ask us for a quote.