Whether it is courses pummelled by winds across the sea or historic fairways flanked with ancient oak, a range of courses make up the United Kingdom, part challenge, part inspiration. The UK has a wide range of stunning courses that should satisfy golfers who want all the excitement that a dramatic terrain and a bit of history can provide.

Gearing up to play in the best courses requires not only time and travel, but also the equipment that is adjusted to be precise and powerful. Depending on where they are going, many players buy golf drivers that are appropriate for windy links or narrow fairways that are surrounded by trees. Pairing the equipment to the terrain will provide more controlled ball flights and improved results on unknown greens.

Scotland: The Home of Golf

St Andrews – The Old Course

St Andrews is generally considered to be the spiritual centre of the sport and provides a unique experience. The Old Course provides a mixture of humbling land with centuries of history. It is open to the public, though tee times are reserved through balloting or reservation (as much as one year in advance). It is better to stay in town, and local inns are usually full of golfing history.

Royal Dornoch – Highland Majesty

Less busy, however no less sacred, Royal Dornoch offers a wilder coastal challenge. Tight fairways, wavy greens, and wind chill require the skill of shot-making. Out of the way location implies an extra travel time, usually through Inverness, but the place is worth all the trouble.

England: Tradition and Prestige

Royal Birkdale – Southport’s Signature Test

Situated along the Lancashire coastline, Royal Birkdale has hosted Open Championships and remains one of the fairest links layouts in the rotation. Its dunes frame holes with visual drama while maintaining strategic integrity. Booking requires direct contact with the club, and slots for visitors are limited during peak summer.

Sunningdale – Timeless Heathland

Close to London, Sunningdale offers two courses: the Old and the New. Both showcase heathland golf at its most refined—firm turf, sweeping vistas, and subtle elevation changes. The Old Course, in particular, is praised for walkability and its consistently high conditioning.

Wales: Underrated and Rewarding

Royal Porthcawl – Sea, Wind, and Strategy

Though lesser known than its Scottish and English counterparts, Royal Porthcawl is no less worthy. Its seaside holes invite creativity, especially when wind patterns shift unexpectedly. Access tends to be more relaxed, though advance tee booking is still recommended.

Aberdovey – Quiet Brilliance

Nestled between dunes and the Cambrian Mountains, Aberdovey provides a secluded and intimate golfing atmosphere. The train from Shrewsbury travels along the coast and drops players near the club—an old-fashioned journey with serious charm.

Northern Ireland: Rugged Beauty and Championship Pedigree

Royal County Down – Natural Perfection

Royal County Down is regularly featured in lists of the world’s best courses and combines an unpolished landscape with design. There are blind tee shots, undulating fairways and bright gorse to contend with. It is normal to book months in advance, and caddies are strongly recommended to avoid unseen pitfalls.

Royal Portrush – Open-Worthy

Royal Portrush came under the international limelight after hosting The Open in 2019. It takes on all the clubs in the bag with its vistas across the Atlantic and its inland tests that match inland classics. Local accommodation in Portrush is conveniently close and offers casual after-golf settings.

Travel and Booking Tips

●     Plan Early: Many top courses require booking six to twelve months in advance, especially during May to September.

●     Avoid Weekends: Midweek slots offer more availability and fewer crowds.

●     Hire Caddies: Especially on blind or links courses, local knowledge is invaluable.

●     Stay Local: Choosing nearby accommodation reduces travel stress and enhances immersion.

●     Respect Dress Codes: Traditional attire is often enforced. Confirm before arrival.

Legendary Greens Await

Every course in the UK has its personality, some created by the spray of the sea and others by an ancient forest. These golfing treasures come with a degree of planning, patience and passion. To the person who is willing to take the challenge, these fairways bring back unforgettable rounds that were played on sacred grounds.