Every golfer has imagined crossing the Swilcan Bridge at St. Andrews, swinging beneath the watchful ruins of Dunluce Castle at Royal Portrush, or teeing off at Ardglass, where dramatic cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic. These iconic courses, integral to the history of the game, are bucket-list destinations for golfers worldwide. And here’s the exciting news… you don’t only have to dream about them.
With All Access Golf Trips & Events, in partnership with ShipSticks, you can play these legendary courses without the stress of planning an international golf trip or the hassle of hauling your clubs across the globe. All Access GTE is a full-service tour operator that works closely with you to understand your preferences, budget, and interests, ensuring every detail of your UK golf getaway is customized to perfection.
So, ready to turn your dreams into reality? Let’s explore the best golf courses in the UK and start planning the golf trip of a lifetime.
The Best Golf Courses in the UK
1. St. Andrews – The Home of Golf
A golf trip to St. Andrews isn’t really just a golf trip – it’s a rare opportunity to play where the game all started, to experience the courses that have defined the sport, and to follow in the footsteps of legends. No pressure, right? Here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll experience during your All Access golf trip to St. Andrews:
The Old Course at St. Andrews
Dating back to 1552, the Old Course lives up to its name as the world’s oldest course, where golf (or, “gowff” as it was initially recorded) was first played. The significance of the place is undeniable, but nothing compares to the drama of crossing the Swilcan Bridge, facing the treacherous Road Hole, or standing before the Hell Bunker – the only sandtrap you might actually hope to find yourself in, just for the experience. Our advice? Take a deep breath and soak in every moment.
The New Course at St. Andrews
Though the New Course opened in 1895, it feels somewhat paradoxical – century-old, yet still bearing the name ‘New.’ While it may not have the depth of history that its older sibling boasts, it offers a distinct and equally captivating experience. Designed by Old Tom Morris, the New Course features a more modern layout, with wide fairways, deep bunkers, doglegs, and that classic links golf experience you’d expect.
Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns has a history that’s almost as interesting as the golf itself. Created in 1922, it was lost during World War II, only to be resurrected at the turn of the 21st century. And not just anywhere – this was the first new Scottish course built on links land in over 70 years. Just seven miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns now rubs elbows with the legends, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea from nearly every hole. The course isn’t exactly a beast, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending 5+ hours out there. Golfers often pause and take in the views. Can you blame them?
Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie, or “Carnasty” as it’s known – both affectionately and, at times, with a bit of frustration – is where golfers meet their ultimate test. Established in 1842, it’s earned its reputation as one of the toughest yet best golf courses in the UK. Its demanding layout has humbled many, with the 1999 Open Championship being a particularly painful chapter. Nestled along the rugged Angus coast, just a short drive from St. Andrews, Carnoustie’s oceanfront setting affords striking views of the North Sea, giving this beast some beauty, too.
Jubilee Course at St. Andrews
We’re heading back to St. Andrews with our next stop. The Jubilee Course, another gem at the Home of Golf, has been around since 1897. Originally created as a course for ladies and beginning golfers, it was transformed into a championship layout in the late ’90s, due to its prime location between the New Course and the sea. Today, it’s considered one of the toughest courses at St. Andrews, proving that even its humble beginnings were just the start of something special.
Crail Golfing Society
Crail Golfing Society might be one of the best-kept secrets in the UK, but it’s got a lot to brag about. There are two stellar golf courses on-site: The Balcomie Course and the Craighead Course. The land itself overlooks the Firth of Forth (say that five times fast) and it is truly rich in legend. One of its most fascinating features is Danes Dike, a 1,200-year-old Viking defensive wall that comes into play on four holes. And between the 14th and 15th holes on Craighead, you’ll find a cave that dates back to 800-1000AD – an enduring piece of the course’s legacy.
2. Northern Ireland – Golf Royalty
With more than 90 golf courses across the country, including two internationally ranked, Northern Ireland boasts an exceptional blend of links and parkland courses, creating an unbeatable atmosphere for golf. Here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll experience during your All Access golf trip to Northern Ireland:
Royal County Down
Nestled within the breathtaking Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down is a masterpiece of golf course design set against one of the most stunning backdrops in the world of golf. The course unfolds along the shores of Dundrum Bay, with the majestic Mountains of Mourne rising dramatically in the distance, with a layout that zigzags through the rugged dunes and golden grasses.
What makes this course even more prestigious is its “Royal” designation, which you’ll see more of on our list of the best golf courses in the UK. The Royal title is granted by the British monarchy, typically reserved for clubs with a long-standing tradition of excellence, significant contributions to the game of golf, or a historical connection to the royal family.
Royal Portrush
There’s arguably no golf course in the area more accustomed to professional play than Royal Portrush, having hosted more than sixty national championships. The Dunluce Links, its crown jewel, is a masterpiece of links golf, as rugged and mesmerizing as the medieval ruins it’s named after. Those ruins, Dunluce Castle, cling to a basalt cliff, as if daring the Atlantic winds to knock them down. And the course is just as bold. With hole names like Purgatory and Calamity Corner, well, just consider yourself warned.
Ardglass Golf Club
Ardglass really feels like a course that’s always been there, shaped by centuries of wind and weather. The name, derived from the Irish word for “green height,” is a fitting tribute to the rolling hills and dramatic rock outcroppings that define the landscape. With the Irish Sea in play on eight holes, and visible from all 18, it’s almost impossible to play yardage-based golf here – the wind is always part of the test.
When it’s time to seek refuge, step into the clubhouse, believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the world. It was initially constructed in the 15th century, but with the harbor in use during Sir John De Courcy’s 1177 invasion, there’s a chance the structure’s roots go even deeper into history.
Portmarnock Golf Club
The Championship Links at Portmarnock Golf Club is undeniably one of the best golf courses in the UK. And despite being just 10 miles from Dublin, it feels like a world away, set along a stretch of coastline that’s as beautiful as it is demanding. Exposed to the elements, the course demands a level of adaptability, with the wind influencing every shot and the sea providing a constant, powerful presence.
Portstewart Golf Club
With over 38,000 golf courses scattered across the globe, fewer than 250 can truly call themselves links courses – where the only opponents are the land, the wind, and your own nerve. The three courses at Portstewart Golf Club are as authentic as they come, offering a pure, unfiltered links golf experience. Of the trio, the Strand Course is the standout, often mentioned in the same breath as Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. Its towering dunes, sweeping coastal vistas, and perfectly crafted layout deliver not just a round of golf but a genuine connection to the game’s roots.
Ballyliffin Golf Club
Ballyliffin Golf Club, nestled on the northernmost tip of Ireland, is a true celebration of links golf, featuring two championship courses: The Old Links and Glashedy Links. Despite its name, The Old Links isn’t as old as it sounds – having opened in the 1970s – but you’d never guess it. It’s a testament to how seamlessly the course blends with the natural surroundings. The Glashedy Links, a more modern addition conceived by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, offers a different experience. It’s a test of precision and creativity, perfectly complementing the more traditional flow of The Old Links.
3. Highlands & Aberdeen – Scotland’s Best
Now this is golf as it was meant to be: pure, untamed, and utterly captivating. It’s the kind of place where every shot feels like it matters a little more, where the wind and the land confront you in ways you didn’t know you craved. Here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll experience during your All Access golf trip to the Scottish Highlands & Aberdeen:
Cabot Highlands
Cabot Highlands marks a significant milestone as Cabot’s first UK destination, adding to their already stellar golf portfolio. Nestled in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this property captures the essence of golf as it once was. With infinity-edge greens that stretch into the horizon, fairways that roll with character, and bunkers shaped by the land itself, every detail honors the timeless beauty of links golf. Already home to the renowned Castle Stuart Golf Links, Cabot Highlands is poised to elevate its legacy with the addition of Old Petty, a championship course designed by the legendary Tom Doak.
Royal Dornoch
While Cabot Highlands is just beginning to make its mark, Royal Dornoch has been thriving for over a century, remaining largely unchanged since 1886. Golf has been played here on the world’s most northerly championship links for longer than most can imagine, and the game is as much a part of the ancient Highlands town as the land itself. The holes, set against an incredible backdrop of a deserted beach and the Dornoch Firth, require players to embrace the elements – especially the wind, your constant companion.
Nairn Golf Club
Designed by a who’s who of golf architects, including Old Tom Morris, James Braid, and Ben Sayers, Nairn has evolved into one of the best golf courses in the UK. It has all the hallmarks of classic links golf: golden gorse, pot bunkers, and breathtaking views across the Moray Firth to the Black Isle. While it may not garner the same acclaim on layout alone, visitors are consistently impressed by the impeccable condition of the course, maintained to the highest standard year-round.
Beyond the course, Nairn Golf Club’s history comes alive through the Icehouse and Bothy, two storied landmarks located between the 9th green and 10th tee. Built in 1877 and 1904, these structures were once integral to the local salmon trade, reflecting the area’s deep connection to the sea. Today, the Bothy has been thoughtfully transformed into a charming halfway house
Cruden Bay Golf Club
What sets Cruden Bay apart is its quirky, character-filled design. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson in 1899 and later refined by Tom Simpson in the 1920s, the course offers a thrilling mix of blind shots, dramatic elevation changes, and undulating fairways. It’s a layout that keeps golfers on their toes and it’s a thrilling adventure from start to finish. The setting is equally unforgettable. The course overlooks the North Sea, with panoramic views that stretch for miles, and is bordered by golden dunes and the ruins of Slains Castle – a supposed inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
Established in 1780 and granted Royal patronage by Edward VII in 1903, Royal Aberdeen is a no-nonsense test of links golf that rewards creativity and resilience in equal measure. The club boasts two courses: the championship Balgownie Links and the shorter Silverburn. While Silverburn offers a fun, par-three course, it’s the Balgownie Links that steals the spotlight.
Widely regarded as one of the truest linksland layouts in the world, Balgownie is a course that demands respect. Its classic out-and-back design starts with a front nine that many consider among the finest in golf where no two holes are alike. The back nine poses a shift to higher ground where the challenge remains but the perspective changes. The plateau offers a new vantage point, but the wind and terrain ensure that your game will be tested until the very last putt drops.
Trump International Golf Links
Trump International Golf Links isn’t a course that holds your hand. It asks you to think strategically, to embrace the elements, and to trust your instincts. It’s 18 holes that wind through one of the most stunning landscapes in golf, through towering dunes, sweeping views of the North Sea, striking elevation changes, and hidden valleys. Quite simply put by the designer himself, Dr. Martin Hawtree, “The golf course will lack for nothing.” And trust us, it doesn’t.
4. Southport – England’s Golf Coast
Southport has earned its title as England’s Golf Coast thanks to its lineup of world-class courses. But golf isn’t the only thing worth bragging about in this charming coastal town. Off the course, Southport’s Victorian charm and lively promenade mean there’s just as much fun to be had away from the links. Here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll experience during your All Access golf trip to Southport:
Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
As it’s not technically located on the sea, Royal Lytham & St. Annes isn’t your typical links course, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a test. While the sea breeze is definitely part of the experience, the real test here comes from the 170+ bunkers scattered throughout the course. It’s not a question of if you’ll find one, it’s how many. It’s no wonder this course has hosted the Open Championship eleven times.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Just one Open behind Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale has hosted the prestigious tournament 10 times, cementing its status as one of the game’s greats. What sets this course apart is its elevated tee boxes, an uncommon feature on most links courses, that offer a clear view of each hole before you even take a swing. The fairways are relatively flat, and the greens are inviting, but miss them, and you’re certain to find yourself in a bit of a bind.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake)
In keeping with the tradition of multiple Open hosts, The Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake has welcomed the prestigious championship a remarkable 13 times. Legends like Brian Harman, Harold Hilton, Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Roberto De Vicenzo, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy have all lifted the Claret Jug here. If you judge a course by the caliber of its champions, then this one speaks for itself.
At first glance, you might think this course lacks the bite required for such an event. But you’d be mistaken. While it may seem relatively flat, scoring well at Hoylake demands impeccable club selection, precise distance control, and unwavering accuracy. Add in the deep summer rough and the ever-present wind, and you’ve got a predicament that keeps even the best on their toes.
Hillside Golf Club
Hillside may be a mere commoner among its ‘Royal’ neighbors, but it’s still one of the best golf courses in the UK. Set on an utterly captivating stretch of linksland, it offers a little bit of everything – from serene pine forests to wildly undulating dunes. Simply put, it’s a course that’s just plain beautiful. While the front nine plays over relatively flat ground, it’s the back nine that truly dazzles, with holes winding through the giant dunes – or should we say “Hillsides”?
Formby Golf Club
Formby is nestled among some of the world’s finest coastal courses, but it remains one of golf’s best-kept secrets. The course itself is a tapestry of contrasts, a mixture of rolling sand dunes, dense pine forests, and views of the Irish Sea. Golfers of all levels will be challenged by the strategic design which includes tricky doglegs, blind shots, and undulating greens. And when your round comes to a close, the clubhouse awaits. Voted the 12th most iconic clubhouse in the world, it’s one of the best 19th holes in golf, offering a fitting end to a memorable day.
West Lancashire Golf Club
Founded in 1873, West Lancashire Golf Club, affectionately known as West Lancs, is one of England’s oldest and most revered courses. Every hole on this historic layout ups the ante, testing golfers at every turn. The real teeth of the course lie in its gnarly rough, where precision reigns supreme over power, and its green complexes, fiercely protected by deep bunkers and devious run-off areas.
5. London – Golf in the Capital
Golf in London is special, in part, because of a unique gift from nature: a blanket of sandy soil that stretches across the suburban areas, creating a perfect foundation for some of the world’s finest heathland courses. These courses, which resemble the lush parkland variety in appearance, play like a seaside links course, offering golfers a challenge that’s rare in urban settings. Here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll experience during your All Access golf trip to London:
Swinley Forest Golf Club
For over a century, Swinley Forest has maintained an air of exclusivity and mystique, captivating golfers with its secluded charm. Nestled between Sunningdale and Ascot, this private members’ club is a testament to the artistry of Harry Colt, whose design weaves through breathtaking heathland landscapes. The course strikes a harmonious balance of beauty and beast, with towering pines standing guard over the fairways without overwhelming them, and alongside them, vibrant splashes of heather, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
Royal St. George’s
Opened in 1887, Royal St. George’s made history as the first English course to host the Open Championship. Named after England’s patron saint, it proudly flies the red cross of St. George on every flag. But what really sets this course apart are its quirks: thatched roof shelters that seem almost out of another time, and the 4th hole’s bunker – carved into a towering dune, it’s the tallest and deepest in the UK. The rest of the course unfolds in a way that feels effortlessly natural, as if it was always meant to be here. From the sweeping views of Pegwell Bay to the bold white cliffs of Dover, the scenery alone is enough to take your breath away.
Sunningdale Golf Club (Old & New)
The Old and New tracks at Sunningdale Golf Club are two of the best golf courses in the UK. In fact, it’s rare to find 36 holes of such quality all in one place. The Old Course, opened in 1901 and was something of a trailblazer. It was one of the first successful golf courses located away from the coast, at a time when many believed the turf wouldn’t thrive in inland regions.
After World War I, membership soared, and with more golfers and therefore less time available for play, the New Course was created to help alleviate the pressure on the Old. While the New Course is regarded as a more well-rounded test of golf, the Old is cherished for its memorable, fun holes and sweeping views across the treetops. Together, they offer a golf experience that’s hard to beat.
St. George’s Hill Golf Club
Alongside Swinley Forest, St. George’s Hill Golf Club is considered to be one of Harry Colt’s best designs. It’s also one of the most picturesque heathland courses on the Surrey/Berkshire sand belt. The layout is divided into three distinct loops, Red, Blue, and Green, each offering a unique challenge. The land here rolls and dips like a natural roller coaster, and it’s these staggering elevation changes that Colt expertly harnessed to shape his design.
Walton Heath Golf Club
The Old and New Courses at Walton Heath Golf Club have all the hallmarks of links golf, but don’t expect to catch a whiff of salty sea air. That’s part of what makes this place so special. The heather-lined fairways and undulating greens give you that unmistakable seaside links feel, even though you’re miles from the coast. The landscape is framed by a mix of dense woodlands and open heathland, creating a remarkable backdrop for every shot.
From the windswept shores of St. Andrews to the rugged beauty of Royal County Down, the best golf courses in the UK await. With ShipSticks and All Access GTE handling the details, all that’s left is for you to pack your clubs and perfect your swing. The golf trip of a lifetime is waiting, and the memories you’ll make will be every bit as legendary as the courses you’ll play.
About All Access GTE
Experience the best golf courses in the UK like never before with the personalized approach at All Access GTE. Beyond standard packages, they collaborate closely with each client, delving into their unique needs, budget constraints, and specific interests. The result? A meticulously tailored itinerary that transforms into a bespoke golf trip, setting you apart from the ordinary.
As a full-service tour operator catering to discerning travelers, their wealth of industry expertise and personal experiences guarantees that your journey is in the hands of seasoned professionals. Trust them to elevate your golf experience to unparalleled heights.
