Fancy a round? What better way to relax than with a game at one of Britain's great golf courses? Book ahead to play on some of the most famous, challenging and majestically set golf courses in the world. Here are 10 of the best.
Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland
The indisputable iconic home of golf is St Andrews Old Course located in Scotland. With the price per round varying between £70-150, this is a place of pilgrimage for golfers from around the world. Join the hallowed ranks of pro golfers to play the golf course that Tiger Woods calls “the ultimate.” Old Course is considered to be one of the world’s oldest golf courses and is joined by six other courses at St Andrews Links. All are open to the public, so book your tee time soon!
Royal West Norfolk, England
Set on the blustery Norfolk coast and sandwiched between the North Sea and saltmarsh, Royal West Norfolk is wonderfully atmospheric. You walk across the beach to get from the clubhouse to the golf course and at high tide you’ll be marooned on an island. Look out for high winds and rapidly changing conditions on this tough course. Price per round varies between £50-85, and while visitors are welcome, numbers are strictly limited. So, you will need to contact the office if interested in playing at the club.
Royal County Down, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
The Royal County Down is one of the oldest clubs in Northern Ireland and has two courses that cater to all standards. The Championship Links are considered more of a challenge with patches of gorse and heather-rimmed bunkers that players will need to avoid. On the other end, The Annesley Links are a shorter and less intimidating ride that might be a bit more relaxing to some. Price per round varies between £50-180 and no matter what course you decide on, you'll still get to marvel at the same spellbinding view of Dundrum Bay.
Nefyn Golf Club, Gwynedd, Wales
Nefyn Golf Club is a gorgeous coastal club complete with sea views, the Snowdonia mountain range on the horizon, and a pub a minute’s walk from the 12th green. Prices are fair, between £25-41 per round, and the relaxed atmosphere allows you to take your time and enjoy the fantastic setting.
The Belfry, West Midlands, England
Carved out of lush North Warwickshire countryside, The Belfry’s three golf courses are rightfully considered as some of the best in the world. The PGA National is England’s only PGA course and The Brabazon Gold Course is revered as the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup. If these sound a bit too challenging, there’s always The Derby, a great all-round golf course for every level of ability. Price per round varies between £25-150, but it's also worth taking a look at the golf packages if you're looking for a more enhanced experience.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, England
The Royal Liverpool Golf Club is one of the oldest of all the English seaside Clubs and has a strong record of holding pro tournaments. A combination of deceptively bumpy grounds and strong seaside winds makes for a challenging course. Make sure you also take the time to wander around the local area, The Royal Liverpool has the largest collection of golf memorabilia outside St Andrews. Price per round varies from £50-150.
Royal Birkdale, Southport, England
Known simply as "Birkdale" until 1951 when King George VI granted the Royal Charter to the club, The Royal Birkdale is one of the top golf courses in the United Kingdom. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, it demands skilful reading of the greens which are watched over by the splendid art-deco clubhouse. The exhilarating seaside setting adds an extra edge when the wind freshens. Price per round varies from £125-205.
Braid Hills, Edinburgh, Scotland
Braid Hills Golf Centre is a municipal golf course so, the price per round varies from £15-24. The centre is one of the best public golf courses in Scotland, sitting loftily above Edinburgh with stirring views to the castle and beyond. It’s a tough, hilly course with gorse bushes to trap wandering putts, but offers a relaxing pace for players to enjoy.
Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland
The Ailsa Championship Course at Turnberry Resort is a classic. Next to the Firth of Clyde, the course has views of the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran. The ninth hole is backed by the famous lighthouse and from here you can see Robert the Bruce’s ruined castle. Price per round varies from £25-175.
Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, England
The Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa is widely regarded as one of the top inland golf courses in the United Kingdom. Surrounded by pine and birch trees, the heathland course is a delightful atmosphere for anyone to play a round. But, the gorse, heather, and deep sand traps make for a bit of a challenge. Price per round varies from £44-85.
For more great UK golf courses, check out Top 100 Golf Courses of the World Images: St Andrews © Tour Scotland Photographs, Royal Birkdale © SN#1
