Where is the Best Place to Play Golf in England?
England, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is a golfer’s paradise. From the rugged coastlines to the serene parklands, this country boasts some of the most exceptional golf courses in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a new challenge or a beginner eager to experience the game’s beauty, England offers an array of courses to suit every golfer’s preference.
What Are the Best Golf Courses in England?
England is home to an array of outstanding golf courses that have garnered global recognition for their beauty, design, and challenges. The following list showcases the best golf courses in England:
| No. | Golf Course | Location | LSI Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Andrews Links | St. Andrews, Fife | British Open venues, Old Course, Links Golf |
| 2 | Royal Birkdale Golf Club | Southport, Merseyside | Championship Links Course, The Open Championship, Stunning Coastline |
| 3 | Sunningdale Golf Club | Sunningdale, Berkshire | Heathland Course, Top 100 Golf Courses, Exclusive Golf Experience |
| 4 | Royal St. George’s Golf Club | Sandwich, Kent | Links Golf, The Open Championship, Historic Golf Course |
| 5 | Wentworth Golf Club | Virginia Water, Surrey | West Course, BMW PGA Championship, Elegant Clubhouse |
| 6 | Muirfield | Gullane, East Lothian | Private Members Club, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Classic Links |
| 7 | Woodhall Spa Golf Club | Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire | Hotchkin Course, Inland Links, England’s Best Golfing Secret |
| 8 | Royal Liverpool Golf Club | Hoylake, Merseyside | Hoylake, Open Championship Venue, Coastal Golf |
| 9 | Woburn Golf Club | Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire | The Marquess Course, Three Looped Courses, Woburn Abbey Estate |
| 10 | Saunton Golf Club | Braunton, North Devon | East Course, Championship Links, Stunning Natural Beauty |
| 11 | Ganton Golf Club | Ganton, North Yorkshire | Inland Links, Hosted Walker Cup, Challenging Course |
| 12 | Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club | Deal, Kent | Championship Links, Undulating Fairways, Coastal Breezes |
| 13 | The Grove | Chandlers Cross, Hertfordshire | Luxury Golf Resort, Kyle Phillips Design, Home of the British Masters |
| 14 | Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club | Lytham St Annes, Lancashire | Championship Links, The Open Championship, Bunkers Galore |
| 15 | Hillside Golf Club | Southport, Merseyside | Links Golf, Stunning Dunes, Next to Royal Birkdale |
| 16 | Woking Golf Club | Woking, Surrey | Surrey Heathland Gem, Heavily Wooded, Harry Colt Design |
| 17 | Trevose Golf & Country Club | Padstow, Cornwall | Championship Course, Stunning Sea Views, Cornish Hospitality |
| 18 | Swinley Forest Golf Club | Ascot, Berkshire | Exclusive Members Club, Harry Colt’s Design, Natural Heathland |
| 19 | The Wisley Golf Club | Ripley, Surrey | Three Looped Courses, Lush Greenery, Peaceful Atmosphere |
| 20 | Royal West Norfolk Golf Club | Brancaster, Norfolk | Coastal Links, Old-Fashioned Charm, Romantic Setting |
| 21 | St. Enodoc Golf Club | Rock, North Cornwall | Church Course, James Braid Design, Panoramic Ocean Views |
| 22 | Alwoodley Golf Club | Leeds, West Yorkshire | Alister MacKenzie Design, Heathland Beauty, Championship Layout |
| 23 | Little Aston Golf Club | Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands | Top-Ranked Course, Challenging Par 3s, Private Members Club |
| 24 | Hunstanton Golf Club | Old Hunstanton, Norfolk | Traditional Links, Old Tom Morris Design, Stunning Coastal Views |
| 25 | Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club | Worlington, Suffolk | One of England’s Oldest Courses, Heathland Gem, Quaint Setting |
St. Andrews Links
St. Andrews Links, located in St. Andrews, Fife, is a legendary golfing destination and holds the title of the world’s oldest golf course. The Old Course, with its iconic layout and historical significance, has hosted numerous British Open championships. This hallowed ground, dating back to the 15th century, has seen some of the greatest players in history tee off and has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Golf enthusiasts flock to St. Andrews from around the globe to experience the tradition of links golf, where the game is played on sandy, undulating terrain, often influenced by coastal winds. The awe-inspiring Swilcan Bridge and the intimidating “Road Hole” are just some of the features that make this course unforgettable.
Visiting St. Andrews is not only about playing golf; it’s about immersing yourself in the history and culture of the sport. The town of St. Andrews exudes a unique charm, and the ambiance of the clubhouse at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews adds to the experience. If you’re seeking a pilgrimage to the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews Links should be at the top of your list.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Nestled in Southport, Merseyside, Royal Birkdale Golf Club is a championship links course that has hosted The Open Championship on multiple occasions. The course offers a stern test of golf, with its undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and strategic layout.
The stunning coastline serves as a picturesque backdrop, making the experience even more memorable. Royal Birkdale’s challenging nature has seen some of the game’s greats showcase their skills, and it continues to attract golfers seeking an exhilarating challenge.
The clubhouse, with its warm and inviting atmosphere, provides the perfect place to relax after a round of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a championship test or a golf enthusiast eager to witness the best players in the world, Royal Birkdale is a must-visit destination.
Sunningdale Golf Club
Located in Sunningdale, Berkshire, Sunningdale Golf Club boasts two stunning 18-hole courses – the Old Course and the New Course. The heathland setting creates a beautiful canvas for golfers to indulge in their passion.
The Old Course, consistently ranked among the top 100 golf courses globally, offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience. The undulating fairways, heather-lined bunkers, and immaculate greens provide a well-rounded test for all golfers. On the other hand, the New Course presents a different challenge with its strategic design and delightful layout.
As a private members’ club, Sunningdale maintains its exclusivity, providing a serene and tranquil environment for its members and guests. The rich history and superb course conditions make Sunningdale Golf Club a top choice for golfers seeking an unforgettable golfing experience in England.
Royal St. George’s Golf Club
Royal St. George’s Golf Club, situated in Sandwich, Kent, is one of England’s most historic golf courses. It has hosted The Open Championship multiple times and continues to challenge golfers with its strategic layout and unpredictable terrain.
The undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens demand accuracy and precision from players. The infamous “Duncan’s Hollow” and the demanding par-3 6th hole, known as “Maiden,” are just two examples of the course’s memorable features.
Apart from the golfing challenge, Royal St. George’s is steeped in history, and its prestigious clubhouse adds to the overall experience. If you’re looking to play on a course with a rich heritage and a demanding layout, Royal St. George’s is the place to be.
Wentworth Golf Club
Nestled in the picturesque town of Virginia Water, Surrey, Wentworth Golf Club is a golfing haven set amidst stunning parkland. The club boasts three exceptional 18-hole courses – the West Course, the East Course, and the Edinburgh Course.
The West Course, famous for hosting the BMW PGA Championship, provides a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers. The tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens create a tranquil setting, ensuring an enjoyable round of golf.
Wentworth’s elegant clubhouse, overlooking the 18th hole of the West Course, exudes luxury and sophistication. The club offers world-class amenities, making it an ideal destination for both golfers and non-golfers alike. Whether you’re seeking a championship challenge or a leisurely round in a breathtaking setting, Wentworth Golf Club has it all.
Muirfield
Situated in Gullane, East Lothian, Muirfield is a private members’ club that ranks among the finest golf courses in the world. The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the club’s founding organisation, ensures that the course retains its traditional charm and exclusivity.
Muirfield’s classic links layout, characterised by deep bunkers and natural hazards, requires strategic shot-making and precise ball control. The course has played host to multiple Open Championships, attracting golfers from across the globe.
The clubhouse at Muirfield provides a sophisticated setting for golfers to relax and reflect on their round. With its rich history and championship-caliber golf, Muirfield offers a privileged golfing experience that few courses can match.
Woodhall Spa Golf Club
Nestled in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, Woodhall Spa Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers a quintessential English golfing experience. The Hotchkin Course, designed by Harry Vardon and later enhanced by Harry Colt, is the crown jewel of the club.
The Hotchkin Course boasts an inland links layout, featuring heather-covered dunes, pot bunkers, and fast-paced greens. The course’s challenge lies in its ability to test every aspect of a golfer’s game, rewarding accuracy and strategic play.
Despite its remarkable layout and challenging nature, Woodhall Spa remains relatively unknown to many golfers, making it England’s best-kept golfing secret. If you seek an unforgettable golfing experience away from the crowds, Woodhall Spa Golf Club is a must-visit destination.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, also known as Hoylake, is located in Hoylake, Merseyside. This historic course has hosted The Open Championship on several occasions, leaving an indelible mark on golfing history.
The course’s links layout, influenced by coastal winds and tall dunes, offers a unique challenge for golfers. The “Duel in the Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus during the 1967 Open Championship is one of the many memorable moments that Hoylake has witnessed.
The clubhouse’s charming ambiance and the warm welcome from the members add to the overall experience. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or a history buff, Royal Liverpool Golf Club promises an exceptional coastal golfing adventure.
Woburn Golf Club
Nestled in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Woburn Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise with three distinct 18-hole courses – the Duke’s, the Duchess, and the Marquess.
The Marquess Course, designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, is the showpiece of the club. The course showcases a beautiful blend of woodland and parkland, making each hole a visual delight. Golfers are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as they make their way through the layout.
Woburn Golf Club offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, ensuring golfers feel at home while experiencing championship-caliber golf. Whether you’re looking for a challenging test or a peaceful round surrounded by nature, Woburn Golf Club has it all.
Saunton Golf Club
Located in Braunton, North Devon, Saunton Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise with two championship links courses – the East Course and the West Course.
The East Course, the older of the two, is renowned for its classic links layout and challenging design. The natural undulations, towering dunes, and subtle greens demand strategic play and precision shot-making.
The West Course, though slightly shorter, is equally stunning and challenging, offering breathtaking views of the coastline.
Saunton Golf Club’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its stunning natural beauty, makes it an exceptional destination for golfers seeking a memorable golfing experience on the North Devon coast.
Ganton Golf Club
Ganton Golf Club, located in Ganton, North Yorkshire, is an inland links gem that provides a superb test of golf.
The course’s undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and natural hazards offer a challenging yet enjoyable experience. It has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Walker Cup.
As a relatively unheralded course, Ganton remains a hidden gem, offering a serene and peaceful golfing experience away from the hustle and bustle.
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, situated in Deal, Kent, is another gem on the southeastern coastline of England.
The course, designed by Henry Hunter and subsequently improved by James Braid, offers a true links golfing experience. The firm and fast fairways, complemented by challenging pot bunkers, make Royal Cinque Ports a delightful challenge.
With The Open Championship and other prestigious events held here, golfers can follow in the footsteps of golfing legends while enjoying stunning views of the English Channel.
Conclusion
England’s golfing heritage is steeped in history and excellence. From the iconic St. Andrews Links to the hidden gems like Ganton Golf Club, every golf course on this list offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Embarking on a journey to explore the best golf courses in England opens up a world of beauty, challenges, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a passionate golfer or a casual enthusiast, these courses will leave a lasting impression and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.