England delivers golf in all its forms – rugged coastal links, refined parklands, and everything in between. Whether you’re chasing Open Championship venues or lesser-known gems tucked in the countryside, England offers something for every golfer who loves the game and respects its roots. Here’s a closer look at some of the best golf courses in England – each well worth the trip.
Looking for golf courses beyond England? Check out our guide to the best golf courses in the UK, where we highlight top destinations across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and more.
Best Golf Courses in England
1. Royal Birkdale Golf Club – Southport, Merseyside
If you’re going to start anywhere, start here. Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open Championship ten times, and many consider it the fairest test of all the Open rota courses. The dunes are dramatic, the routing is brilliant, and the conditioning is impeccable. Few courses better embody what championship links golf should feel like.
2. Royal St. George’s Golf Club – Sandwich, Kent
A brawny, beautiful brute of a course, Royal St. George’s has played host to more Open Championships than any other English course. Its wild undulations, deep bunkers, and seaside winds will demand every shot in your bag, and then some.
3. Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) – Berkshire
If Royal St. George’s is about grit, Sunningdale is all about grace. The Old Course, designed by Willie Park Jr., is inland heathland golf at its finest. Rolling fairways, heather-lined holes, and towering pines define the experience. It’s a masterclass in subtlety and shot-making.
4. Royal Lytham & St Annes – Lancashire
Don’t let the location fool you – this isn’t your typical seaside links. Set slightly inland, Royal Lytham has over 170 bunkers and a reputation for punishing inaccuracy. Its quirky layout and rich Open Championship history (hello, Seve Ballesteros) make it a must-play for those who like their golf with a bit of bite.
5. Walton Heath Golf Club – Surrey
A two-course club that’s long been a favorite among tour players and Ryder Cup captains, Walton Heath (especially the Old Course) delivers championship-level heathland golf just outside London. Its strategic layout and rugged beauty have stood the test of time.
6. Hillside Golf Club – Southport, Merseyside
Often overshadowed by nearby Royal Birkdale, Hillside is the best course you’ve probably never heard of. The back nine, in particular, has been lauded by the likes of Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, and recent design tweaks have only elevated the experience.
7. Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin Course) – Lincolnshire
Woodhall Spa offers a change of pace – a heathland layout known for its gorse, pine, and devilishly deep bunkers. Ranked among the top inland courses in the world, the Hotchkin Course is as fun as it is formidable.
Getting to the Best Golf Courses in England
Whether you’re headed to the rugged coastline of Kent or the heather-covered hills of Surrey, traveling with your clubs internationally can be… well, a hassle. Between baggage claim roulette, oversized fees, and juggling connecting flights, international golf trips can feel less like a vacation and more like a logistical puzzle.
That’s where ShipSticks comes in.
Ship your clubs directly to your hotel, resort, or even the course itself – no lugging clubs through customs, no waiting at the carousel, and no back pain before the first tee. Just reliable, door-to-door delivery with real-time tracking and insurance included. It’s how golf trips should start.
