The Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK

Golfing in the UK is a unique experience, with some of the most revered courses in the world. From ancient links to modern masterpieces, the top 10 courses in the UK offer a blend of history, challenge, and natural beauty that is unmatched. Here’s a closer look at the best of the best.

1. St Andrews (Old Course) – Scotland

• Location: St Andrews, Fife
• Highlights: Widely regarded as “The Home of Golf,” St Andrews’ Old Course is the epitome of golfing history. Established in 1552, it has hosted The Open Championship 30 times. The Old Course’s wide fairways and double greens, combined with the iconic Swilcan Bridge and Road Hole, make it a must-play for any golfer.
• Website: St Andrews Links

2. Royal County Down – Northern Ireland

• Location: Newcastle, County Down
• Highlights: Nestled in the Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down is one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the world. Established in 1889, it offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay. The course is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and tricky blind shots, particularly on the famous par-3 9th hole.
• Website: Royal County Down Golf Club

3. Muirfield – Scotland

• Location: Gullane, East Lothian
• Highlights: A paragon of traditional links golf, Muirfield is famous for its challenging layout and has been a regular venue for The Open Championship since 1892. Its unique circular routing provides a stern test in all wind conditions. Precision and strategic play are key to conquering this classic course.
• Website: Muirfield Golf Club

4. Royal Dornoch (Championship Course) – Scotland

• Location: Dornoch, Sutherland
• Highlights: Often described as one of the most natural golf courses in the world, Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course is a blend of beauty and challenge. The course’s gorse-lined fairways and plateau greens make it a tough but rewarding experience.
• Website: Royal Dornoch Golf Club

5. Royal Portrush (Dunluce Links) – Northern Ireland

• Location: Portrush, County Antrim
• Highlights: Host of The Open Championship in 2019, Royal Portrush is known for its dramatic clifftop setting. The Dunluce Links course is a masterpiece of golf architecture, with standout holes like the 16th, known as “Calamity Corner.”
• Website: Royal Portrush Golf Club

6. Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Scotland

• Location: Turnberry, Ayrshire
• Highlights: Set against the backdrop of the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig, Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is as beautiful as it is challenging. Redesigned by Martin Ebert, this course offers a mix of history and modern design, with the iconic lighthouse marking the signature hole.
• Website: Trump Turnberry

7. Royal Birkdale – England

• Location: Southport, Merseyside
• Highlights: Known for its towering dunes and immaculate fairways, Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open Championship multiple times. Its fair but demanding layout is a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike.
• Website: Royal Birkdale Golf Club

8. Carnoustie (Championship Course) – Scotland

• Location: Carnoustie, Angus
• Highlights: Often dubbed “Carnasty” due to its difficulty, Carnoustie’s Championship Course is one of the toughest tests in golf. Its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging finishing stretch, particularly the 18th, make it a favorite among those seeking a serious challenge.
• Website: Carnoustie Golf Links

9. Sunningdale (Old Course) – England

• Location: Sunningdale, Berkshire
• Highlights: A beautiful parkland course with a heathland feel, Sunningdale’s Old Course is known for its strategic design and natural beauty. Designed by Willie Park Jr., the course blends seamlessly with the landscape, offering a peaceful yet challenging round.
• Website: Sunningdale Golf Club

10. Royal St George’s – England

• Location: Sandwich, Kent
• Highlights: Royal St George’s is a classic links course that has hosted The Open Championship 15 times. Known for its undulating fairways and deep bunkers, the course offers a true test of links golf, especially when the wind is up.
• Website: Royal St George’s Golf Club

Remaining Top 90 Golf Courses in the UK.