UK Golf Courses: 50 Bucket-List Links, Heathland and Parkland Rounds
Golf was born on these shores, and you can feel it the moment you step on to a proper British links. Wind in your face, firm turf under your feet, a pot bunker swallowing your ball and the sea glinting just over the dunes. Brilliant, maddening, unforgettable.
This guide covers 50 of the finest courses in the UK, from the Old Course at St Andrews to the heather and pine of Surrey and Berkshire, the wild dunes of Northern Ireland and the clifftop drama of Wales. Lincolnshire gets a shout too, because Woodhall Spa is one of the great inland courses anywhere.
Many of these are private members' clubs with limited visitor times, so always check the club's own booking rules, dress code and handicap requirements before you plan a trip. Get that sorted and you're in for the round of your life.
Championship links in Scotland
Scotland is the spiritual home of the game, and its coastline is lined with legendary links. Pack waterproofs, practise your bump-and-run and prepare to be humbled.
St Andrews (Old Course) The Home of Golf. The Old Course in Fife has hosted the Open more times than anywhere else, and walking over the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th is a moment you'll never forget. It's a public course, with a ballot system for some tee times, so plan well ahead.
Muirfield Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield at Gullane in East Lothian is a regular Open venue famed for its fairness. Its clever layout runs in two loops, so the wind keeps changing direction. Visitor days are limited, so book early.
Royal Dornoch (Championship) Way up in Sutherland, Royal Dornoch is the far-flung links that golfers rave about. Raised greens, gorse and miles of empty beach make it magical. It's a long drive, but make a holiday of it by exploring the Highlands and the North Coast 500 too.
Turnberry (Ailsa) Turnberry's Ailsa course hugs the Ayrshire coast, with its lighthouse and views to Ailsa Craig. It was the setting for the famous 1977 Duel in the Sun between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. Expect a luxury resort feel and jaw-dropping clifftop holes.
Carnoustie (Championship) Carnoustie in Angus has a reputation as perhaps the toughest Open venue of all, earning the nickname Carnasty. The Barry Burn twists through the closing holes and has broken many hearts, most famously Jean van de Velde's in 1999. Bring your A-game.
North Berwick (West) North Berwick's West Links is pure joy, with stone walls, quirky blind shots and views of the Bass Rock. The 15th, Redan, has been copied by course designers around the world. A short train ride from Edinburgh makes it easy to reach.
Royal Troon (Old) Royal Troon in Ayrshire is home to the Postage Stamp, a tiny par-three 8th that has ruined plenty of scorecards. It has hosted several Opens, including 2016's epic Stenson versus Mickelson battle. The back nine into the wind is a real test.
Kingsbarns Just along the Fife coast from St Andrews, Kingsbarns opened in 2000 but looks like it has always been there. Every hole seems to have a sea view. It's a brilliant partner to the Old Course on a golf trip to the Kingdom of Fife.
Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands) Overlooking the Moray Firth near Inverness, Castle Stuart is a modern links with wide fairways and big views. Now part of Cabot Highlands, it's a fun, playable course that suits golfers of all levels. Combine it with Royal Dornoch for a Highland adventure.
Royal Aberdeen (Balgownie) Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie course is one of the oldest clubs in the world, with a front nine weaving through towering dunes. The coastline just north of the city centre is wild and beautiful. Make a weekend of it and explore the Granite City too. Explore Aberdeen →
Cruden Bay (Championship) Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire is all about huge dunes, hidden greens and blind shots that make you grin. It's a course with bags of character and stunning North Sea views. Golfers who play it tend to call it their favourite secret.
Machrihanish (Championship) Out on the Kintyre peninsula, Machrihanish starts with one of golf's most famous tee shots, across the beach towards the fairway. It's remote, but that's the point. Getting there is part of the adventure, and the peace when you arrive is wonderful.
Prestwick Prestwick in Ayrshire hosted the very first Open Championship in 1860, and history drips from every corner. Blind shots, walls and the Himalayas hole make it endlessly entertaining. Lunch in the clubhouse is a tradition in itself.
Western Gailes Squeezed between the railway and the sea on the Ayrshire coast, Western Gailes is a narrow strip of classic links. The wind is almost always a factor, and the greens are superb. A must-play on any Ayrshire golf trip alongside Troon and Prestwick.
Scotland's inland classics
Not every great Scottish course is by the sea. These inland beauties offer a different kind of drama, with mountains, moorland and lochs.
Gleneagles (King's) The King's course at Gleneagles, designed by James Braid, rolls across Perthshire moorland with the Ochil Hills as a backdrop. It's part of the famous Gleneagles resort, so you can add a spa day or falconry for the non-golfers in the group.
Gleneagles (Queen's) Gleneagles' Queen's course is shorter and slightly gentler than its big brother but every bit as scenic. Lochs, woods and heather make it a feast for the eyes. A great choice if you want a lovely round without too much stress.
Loch Lomond Loch Lomond Golf Club sits on the banks of the famous loch, with Ben Lomond towering above. It's a very private members' club and has hosted the Scottish Open, so visitor access is rare. If you ever get the chance, grab it.
English links classics
England's coastline is home to some of the world's great links, from the Lancashire dunes to the Kent coast and the wild beaches of Devon and Cornwall.
Royal Birkdale Royal Birkdale in Southport is a regular Open venue, with fairways running through valleys between giant dunes. It's widely seen as one of the fairest championship tests in the country. After your round, enjoy Southport's seafront, pier and Lord Street. Explore Southport →
Royal St George's At Sandwich in Kent, Royal St George's is the only current Open venue in the south of England. Huge dunes, blind shots and a giant bunker on the 4th make it memorable. Collin Morikawa won the Open here in 2021.
Royal Lytham & St Annes Royal Lytham is a links with no sea view, surrounded by houses and a railway, but it's absolutely packed with bunkers and a serious test. Seve Ballesteros won the first of his Opens here in 1979. Lytham's windmill and green make a lovely stroll afterwards. Explore Lytham St Annes →
Burnham & Berrow (Championship) Burnham & Berrow on the Somerset coast is a hidden gem among English links, with fairways threading through big sand hills. It's a proper test without the crowds of the more famous names. Afterwards, wander along Burnham-on-Sea's seafront. Explore Burnham-on-Sea →
Rye (Old) Rye Golf Club sits among the dunes on the East Sussex coast near Camber Sands. It's famous for its tough par threes and the President's Putter, an amateur event held every January, whatever the weather. A true golfer's course with old-school charm.
Royal Cinque Ports Royal Cinque Ports, along the coast at Deal in Kent, has hosted the Open twice and is a classic, wind-blown links. The closing holes along the shore are tough. Pop into Deal afterwards for its pier, seafront and Georgian streets. Explore Deal →
Saunton (East) Saunton's East course sits among the dunes of Braunton Burrows in North Devon. Big sand hills and rolling fairways make it a joy. It's close to the surfing beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe, so the whole family can enjoy a coastal holiday.
Formby Formby on the Merseyside coast combines links and pine woods, giving it a unique feel. It's quieter than its Southport neighbours, but just as good. Formby's nature reserve, home to red squirrels, is close by for non-golfers.
Hillside Hillside sits right next to Royal Birkdale in Southport and is arguably just as good. The back nine through towering dunes is spectacular. Play both on a Southport golf break and you'll understand why this coastline is so highly rated. Explore Southport →
Royal West Norfolk Royal West Norfolk at Brancaster is a links where the access road can flood at high tide, so check tide times before you go. Old-fashioned, characterful and surrounded by salt marsh. A brilliant addition to a North Norfolk coast break.
St Enodoc (Church) St Enodoc's Church course in Cornwall is named after the little church in the dunes, where poet John Betjeman is buried. Its Himalaya bunker on the 6th is legendary. Combine it with a trip to Padstow across the Camel Estuary.
Silloth on Solway Silloth on Solway in Cumbria is a superb links with views across the Solway Firth to Scotland and the Lake District fells. It's a little remote, which keeps it peaceful. The town itself has a lovely green and a quiet seafront. Explore Silloth →
Hunstanton Hunstanton Golf Club on the North Norfolk coast is a classic links with firm fairways and fast greens. The dunes and sea views are gorgeous. Afterwards, enjoy Hunstanton's striped cliffs, the beach and a stroll along the front. Explore Hunstanton →
Heathland and parkland gems
Away from the coast, the heathland belt of Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire is packed with gorgeous courses lined with heather, pine and silver birch. Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire hold their own too.
Sunningdale (Old) Sunningdale's Old course in Berkshire is heathland golf at its very best, with heather, pine and silver birch framing every hole. The halfway hut is famous for its sausage sandwiches. A bucket-list round for any golfer in the south of England.
Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin) Woodhall Spa's Hotchkin course in Lincolnshire is one of the finest inland courses anywhere. Huge, deep bunkers and heather-lined fairways make it a real test. It's home to England Golf, and the sister Bracken course is worth playing too.
Sunningdale (New) Sunningdale's New course was designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s and some say it's even better than the Old. More open heathland and big views. Play both in a day if you can for the ultimate Sunningdale experience.
Swinley Forest Swinley Forest in Berkshire is a quiet, understated Harry Colt course hidden among pine trees. It's a private club with a famously relaxed approach. If you get an invite, take it, as it's one of the most charming rounds in England.
Ganton Ganton in North Yorkshire is an inland course with a links feel, thanks to its sandy soil and gorse. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 1949. Combine a round with a trip to Scarborough on the coast just down the road.
Walton Heath (Old) Walton Heath's Old course in Surrey is wide-open heathland where heather lines the fairways. It hosted the Ryder Cup in 1981 and James Braid was its professional for decades. A real test in the wind. Its sister New course is no slouch either.
St George's Hill (Red & Blue) St George's Hill in Surrey is a dramatic Harry Colt course with heather, pine and big elevation changes. The views across the hills make it special. One of the prettiest heathland rounds in the country. Weybridge is close by for lunch.
Alwoodley Alwoodley in Leeds was the first course designed by Alister MacKenzie, who went on to create Augusta National. Heather, clever bunkering and firm turf make it a gem. Pair it with Moortown next door. Harrogate is a short drive away for tea and a wander. Explore Leeds →
Hankley Common Hankley Common in Surrey is heathland golf at its wildest, with heather and sand everywhere. The closing hole across a gully is memorable. A real treat for golfers who love natural, rugged courses. Bring plenty of balls and a sense of humour.
Notts (Hollinwell) Notts Golf Club at Hollinwell near Kirkby-in-Ashfield is a rugged heathland course with gorse, heather and an old holy well that gives it its name. It's a proper test, with plenty of elevation changes. Sherwood Forest is close by for a family day out. Explore Kirkby-in-Ashfield →
West Sussex West Sussex Golf Club near Pulborough is a beautiful heathland course with heather and pine. Its par threes are especially admired. Pair it with a visit to the South Downs for a perfect day out. Arundel is a short drive away for a pub lunch.
Moortown Moortown in Leeds hosted the first Ryder Cup held in Britain in 1929. Heather, gorse and moorland give it a rugged feel. Play it with neighbour Alwoodley for a cracking Yorkshire golf break. Leeds city centre is close by for an evening out after. Explore Leeds →
The Berkshire (Red) The Berkshire's Red course near Ascot is famous for its unusual layout of six par threes, six par fours and six par fives. Pine woods and heather make it a lovely walk. The Blue course is excellent too.
Woking Woking Golf Club is one of the pioneers of heathland golf in Surrey. Strategic bunkering and heather-lined fairways make it a thoughtful test. A classic course with a relaxed, old-fashioned clubhouse. Several other famous Surrey heathland courses are just a short drive away. Explore Woking →
Liphook Liphook in Hampshire is a charming heathland course with heather and pine woods. It's quieter than some of its Surrey neighbours but just as lovely. A real hidden gem for golfers in the south. The South Downs and Petersfield are close by for an afternoon wander.
Wales and Northern Ireland
Don't overlook Wales and Northern Ireland. Some of the most dramatic golf in the UK is found on their coasts.
Royal County Down (Championship) Royal County Down in Newcastle, County Down, sits beneath the Mountains of Mourne and is often ranked among the best courses in the world. Gorse-topped dunes and blind tee shots make it unforgettable. A must for any serious golfer.
Royal Portrush (Dunluce) Royal Portrush's Dunluce course on the Antrim coast brought the Open back to Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2025. Clifftop holes and stunning views make it spectacular. Combine with a trip to the Giant's Causeway nearby. Explore Portrush →
Pennard Pennard on the Gower peninsula near Swansea is called the links in the sky, set high on clifftops above Three Cliffs Bay. Wild, quirky and beautiful, with the ruins of Pennard Castle on the course. Bring a windproof and a camera. Explore Swansea →
Royal Porthcawl Royal Porthcawl on the South Wales coast is a classic links where you can see the sea from every hole. It has hosted major amateur and senior championships. Enjoy Porthcawl's seafront afterwards. Bring a jumper, as the wind off the Bristol Channel can bite. Explore Porthcawl →
Aberdovey Aberdovey in Gwynedd is a classic links squeezed between the dunes and the railway on the Welsh coast. The writer Bernard Darwin loved it dearly. A peaceful, charming course with lovely estuary views. The village itself is lovely for a seaside stroll after.
Planning your golf trip
Most of these courses are private clubs that welcome visitors on certain days, so always book ahead and check the rules on handicaps, dress codes and tee times. Some of the most famous courses get booked up months in advance, especially in summer.
Links golf is all about the weather, so pack waterproofs, layers and a hat, even in summer. Hire a caddie if you can, as local knowledge is priceless. And remember, the best golf trips combine great rounds with great places to stay and eat, so build in time to explore the towns and coastlines along the way.
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