Profiling some of the finest golf courses

From extensive parkland sets to heathland offerings that span acres of historic grounds, some even with castles, lighthouses and Grade listed buildings to add to the picturesque settings, there are some fine golf courses. 

Whether you’re currently planning your trip to the UK for a spot of golf, or you have a dream UK golf tour in mind for the future, below we’ll take a look at some of the best golf courses.

Augusta National Golf Course

Where better to start than Augusta? This iconic venue hosts the Masters and with this years event rapidly approaching, the Masters odds suggest Scottie Scheffler has the best chance of taking home the green jacket. 

Unfortunately, membership at Augusta National Golf Club is by invitation only and there is no application process so only a very few privileged people get the opportunity to experience the course. 

Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club

Lying 10 miles from the picturesque Birkdale on the Irish sea coast and in the county of Lancashire, the Royal Lytham and St Annes golf course is bordered by a picturesque railway line. The famous Blackpool tower can also be seen in the background for an extra dose of British culture. 

The course itself has an 11 open championship layout, with famous tournaments visiting the grounds frequently. 

Formby Golf Club

While this isn’t the most popular golf club in Southport, it is often thought of as a hidden gem. Forby is one of the most picturesque golf courses in the area, however it is rather underrated as it lies in an area full of famous and historic golf courses. 

At 6, 725 yards, there’s plenty of space to spend the day enjoying the course, which is steeped in traditions, having been founded in 1884. Be prepared to come in your best golf attire and expect no less from the club either. This course is sure to offer a truly British golfing experience.  

St Andrews Golf Course 

Lying in the Heart of Scotland and just a few hours outside the iconic city of Edinburgh, St Andrews Golf Course is one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses not just in the UK, but in the world. One of the best aspects about this course is that while it is one of the oldest and most famous golf courses in the world, it still remains open to the public for all to enjoy. 

Golf has been played at St Andrews for over 600 years, with game origins dating back to the 12th century. The course is considered as the birth place of golf, with iconic history and landmarks on the site. 

St Andrews town is an iconic place to stay in itself when visiting the golf course; the town is described as a vibrant and bustling hub of color. From the Chariots of Fire to St Andrews Castle and The University of St Andrews where Prince William and Princess Kate attended school, there is so much history for US visitors to delight in.  

Royal Country Down

As we head across the channel to Ireland, Royal County Down golf course lies in Newcastle, Northern IrelandIt has ranked as the No. 1 course on Golf Digest's World's 100 Greatest ranking in each edition in the past decade, even topping our combined U.S. and international ranking in 2016-2017.

Nestled inside the Murlough Nature Reserve and flanked by the Mountains of Mourne and Dundrum Bay, the course is considered by many as one of the most breathtaking golf courses in the world. The course itself is 7,186 yards and was established in 1890. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, the city of Belfast isn’t far and offers an iconic stay in a historic city.

Sunningdale Old Golf Club

Known as one of the finest inland courses in England, and in fact the whole of the UK, this course has a delightful heathland layout and boasts many strong holes. Opened in 1901, the course lies in the county of Berkshire which also boasts many great British attractions, from Windsor Castle to the Ascot Racecourse, Windsor Great Park, and the LegoLand Resort. 

Overall, the UK is one of the best places in the world for golf, and the British Isles are lucky to be home to some of the oldest and most picturesque courses across the globe. Whether you’re looking for challenging holes, picturesque courses, or historic sites, the UK really does offer it all when it comes to golf. 

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