United Kingdom
Ancient courses, dramatic coastal links, and rich golfing heritage combine to deliver an exceptional golf experience
The United Kingdom is one of the world’s greatest golfing destinations, steeped in history, tradition, and some of the most iconic courses ever created.
From the windswept links of Scotland to the rolling parklands of England, the UK offers an incredibly diverse and enriching golf experience for players of all skill levels.
At the heart of UK golf is Scotland, the birthplace of the game. Nowhere captures the spirit of golf better than St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” The Old Course is the most famous in the world, offering a challenging yet fair links experience, full of history and character. Beyond St Andrews, Scotland boasts legendary venues like Royal Dornoch, Carnoustie, Muirfield, Turnberry, and Royal Troon, each offering dramatic landscapes, fast-running fairways, and deep-rooted traditions. Whether on the east coast or in the Highlands, Scottish golf combines beauty, challenge, and soul like nowhere else.
England is home to some of the world’s best courses, many of which have hosted major championships. The English Golf Coast, particularly around Southport, features a cluster of elite links including Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham & St Annes, and Formby.
Inland, England offers beautiful heathland layouts such as Sunningdale, Walton Heath, and Woodhall Spa, where sandy soil and natural terrain create strategic and memorable golf. England’s golf scene blends prestigious championship venues with charming local clubs in every corner of the country.
Wales may be smaller in golfing footprint, but it boasts outstanding layouts like Royal Porthcawl, which sits dramatically above the Bristol Channel. With a mix of links, parkland, and mountain courses, Welsh golf is rich in variety and hospitality. The Celtic Manor Resort, host of the 2010 Ryder Cup, adds a modern touch to Wales’s golf portfolio.
Northern Ireland punches well above its weight in golfing prestige. Courses like Royal County Down, often ranked among the top five in the world, and Royal Portrush, a recent host of The Open Championship, offer breathtaking scenery and exceptional quality. Portstewart and Castlerock provide additional links excellence along the north coast.
What makes golf in the UK so special is its authenticity and variety. Many courses are open to visitors and steeped in centuries of history. You'll find everything from ancient links shaped by nature to inland parklands defined by their architectural finesse. Weather, terrain, and tradition are all part of the experience, as is the warm welcome in the clubhouse and the stories told over a post-round pint.
Whether you’re ticking off Open Championship venues or discovering hidden gems along the coast, golf in the United Kingdom is not just about playing great courses—it’s about connecting with the origins of the game in its purest and most atmospheric form. For lovers of the sport, a UK golf trip is an unforgettable rite of passage.
