Topping the list of the UK’s best golf courses is perhaps the most famous course in the world. Known as the “home of golf”, St Andrews Old Course and its links are legendary throughout the golfing community, and it’s the dream of many golfing enthusiasts to play here. Officially designated for golf by the Archbishop of St Andrews way back in 1553, this iconic course has hosted the Open Championships 29 times. But despite its revered status, it is still open to the public via a ballot system.
1. Muirfield
2. Sunningdale Old Course
3. Dunluce, Royal Portrush
4. Royal Porthcawl
5. St Andrews Old Course
1. Muirfield
Another world-famous golf course, Muirfield’s history goes back to the 18th century. Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield’s enduring appeal is partly down to its unusual layout, designed to challenge players with a different wind direction at every hole. The course boasts beautiful sea views, and the turf is pleasingly springy thanks to its seaside location. It might be old, but Muirfield is finally moving with the times; it admitted women as club members for the first time in 2017.
2. Sunningdale Old Course
No rundown of the UK’s top golf courses would be complete without mention of Sunningdale. This magnificent heathland location 30 miles south of London is home to one of the first inland golf courses in the country, and was designed by Willie Park Junior. Since it opened in 1901, Sunningdale’s oak and pine trees, heather and broom have provided the perfect backdrop for big tournaments including the 2015 Senior Open Championship.
3. Dunluce, Royal Portrush
Named after the 13th-century Dunluce Castle that overlooks it, North Antrim’s Dunluce Links is situated in a spectacular location next to the North Atlantic Ocean. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt in 1929, the course offers plenty of challenges, including the aptly-named 14th hole, ‘Calamity Corner’. Dunluce has undergone many alterations over the years and recently introduced new 7th and 9th holes situated in the dunes, masterminded by architect Martin Ebert. The course will host the Open Championship in 2019.
4. Royal Porthcawl
Founded in 1891, this spectacular links course in Mid Glamorgan offers varied terrain, dramatic slopes and stunning sea views. At its highest elevation, golfers are treated to an impressive outlook across the Bristol Channel. With strong prevailing winds, this is a challenging course that rewards your tenacity with a spectacular seaside finish.
5. St Andrews Old Course
Topping the list of the UK’s best golf courses is perhaps the most famous course in the world. Known as the “home of golf”, St Andrews Old Course and its links are legendary throughout the golfing community, and it’s the dream of many golfing enthusiasts to play here. Officially designated for golf by the Archbishop of St Andrews way back in 1553, this iconic course has hosted the Open Championships 29 times. But despite its revered status, it is still open to the public via a ballot system.
