Each golfer has imagined crossing the Swilcan Bridge at St. Andrews, swinging beneath the watchful ruins of Dunluce Citadel at Royal Portrush, or teeing off at Ardglass, the place dramatic cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic. These iconic programs, integral to the historical past of the sport, are bucket-list locations for golfers worldwide. And right here’s the thrilling information… you don’t solely must dream about them.
With All Entry Golf Journeys & Occasions, in partnership with ShipSticks, you possibly can play these legendary programs with out the stress of planning a global golf journey or the trouble of hauling your golf equipment throughout the globe. All Entry GTE is a full-service tour operator that works intently with you to grasp your preferences, funds, and pursuits, guaranteeing each element of your UK golf getaway is personalized to perfection.
So, prepared to show your goals into actuality? Let’s discover the very best golf programs within the UK and begin planning the golf journey of a lifetime.
The Finest Golf Programs within the UK
1. St. Andrews – The Residence of Golf
A golf journey to St. Andrews isn’t actually only a golf journey – it’s a uncommon alternative to play the place the sport all began, to expertise the programs which have outlined the game, and to observe within the footsteps of legends. No strain, proper? Right here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll expertise throughout your All Entry golf journey to St. Andrews:
The Outdated Course at St. Andrews
Relationship again to 1552, the Outdated Course lives as much as its identify because the world’s oldest course, the place golf (or, “gowff” because it was initially recorded) was first performed. The importance of the place is plain, however nothing compares to the drama of crossing the Swilcan Bridge, dealing with the treacherous Highway Gap, or standing earlier than the Hell Bunker – the one sandtrap you may truly hope to search out your self in, only for the expertise. Our recommendation? Take a deep breath and soak in each second.
The New Course at St. Andrews
Although the New Course opened in 1895, it feels considerably paradoxical – century-old, but nonetheless bearing the identify ‘New.’ Whereas it might not have the depth of historical past that its older sibling boasts, it affords a definite and equally fascinating expertise. Designed by Outdated Tom Morris, the New Course incorporates a extra fashionable structure, with extensive fairways, deep bunkers, doglegs, and that traditional hyperlinks golf expertise you’d count on.
Kingsbarns Golf Hyperlinks
Kingsbarns has a historical past that’s virtually as attention-grabbing because the golf itself. Created in 1922, it was misplaced throughout World Struggle II, solely to be resurrected on the flip of the twenty first century. And never simply wherever – this was the primary new Scottish course constructed on hyperlinks land in over 70 years. Simply seven miles from St. Andrews, Kingsbarns now rubs elbows with the legends, providing breathtaking views of the North Sea from practically each gap. The course isn’t precisely a beast, however don’t be stunned if you end up spending 5+ hours on the market. Golfers usually pause and take within the views. Are you able to blame them?
Carnoustie Golf Hyperlinks
Carnoustie, or “Carnasty” because it’s identified – each affectionately and, at occasions, with a little bit of frustration – is the place golfers meet their final take a look at. Established in 1842, it’s earned its repute as one of many hardest but greatest golf programs within the UK. Its demanding structure has humbled many, with the 1999 Open Championship being a very painful chapter. Nestled alongside the rugged Angus coast, only a quick drive from St. Andrews, Carnoustie’s oceanfront setting affords putting views of the North Sea, giving this beast some magnificence, too.
Jubilee Course at St. Andrews
We’re heading again to St. Andrews with our subsequent cease. The Jubilee Course, one other gem on the Residence of Golf, has been round since 1897. Initially created as a course for girls and starting golfers, it was reworked right into a championship structure within the late ’90s, resulting from its prime location between the New Course and the ocean. Right this moment, it’s thought of one of many hardest programs at St. Andrews, proving that even its humble beginnings have been simply the beginning of one thing particular.
Crail {Golfing} Society
Crail {Golfing} Society is perhaps one of many best-kept secrets and techniques within the UK, nevertheless it’s acquired rather a lot to brag about. There are two stellar golf programs on-site: The Balcomie Course and the Craighead Course. The land itself overlooks the Firth of Forth (say that 5 occasions quick) and it’s really wealthy in legend. One in every of its most fascinating options is Danes Dike, a 1,200-year-old Viking defensive wall that comes into play on 4 holes. And between the 14th and fifteenth holes on Craighead, you’ll discover a cave that dates again to 800-1000AD – an everlasting piece of the course’s legacy.
2. Northern Eire – Golf Royalty
With greater than 90 golf programs throughout the nation, together with two internationally ranked, Northern Eire boasts an distinctive mix of hyperlinks and parkland programs, creating an unbeatable ambiance for golf. Right here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll expertise throughout your All Entry golf journey to Northern Eire:
Royal County Down
Nestled inside the breathtaking Murlough Nature Reserve, Royal County Down is a masterpiece of golf course design set towards some of the gorgeous backdrops on the planet of golf. The course unfolds alongside the shores of Dundrum Bay, with the majestic Mountains of Mourne rising dramatically within the distance, with a structure that zigzags by way of the rugged dunes and golden grasses.
What makes this course much more prestigious is its “Royal” designation, which you’ll see extra of on our checklist of the very best golf programs within the UK. The Royal title is granted by the British monarchy, sometimes reserved for golf equipment with a long-standing custom of excellence, important contributions to the sport of golf, or a historic connection to the royal household.
Royal Portrush
There’s arguably no golf course within the space extra accustomed to skilled play than Royal Portrush, having hosted greater than sixty nationwide championships. The Dunluce Hyperlinks, its crown jewel, is a masterpiece of hyperlinks golf, as rugged and mesmerizing because the medieval ruins it’s named after. These ruins, Dunluce Citadel, cling to a basalt cliff, as if daring the Atlantic winds to knock them down. And the course is simply as daring. With gap names like Purgatory and Calamity Nook, effectively, simply contemplate your self warned.
Ardglass Golf Membership
Ardglass actually appears like a course that’s at all times been there, formed by centuries of wind and climate. The identify, derived from the Irish phrase for “inexperienced peak,” is a becoming tribute to the rolling hills and dramatic rock outcroppings that outline the panorama. With the Irish Sea in play on eight holes, and visual from all 18, it’s virtually unattainable to play yardage-based golf right here – the wind is at all times a part of the take a look at.
When it’s time to hunt refuge, step into the clubhouse, believed to be one of many oldest buildings on the planet. It was initially constructed within the fifteenth century, however with the harbor in use throughout Sir John De Courcy’s 1177 invasion, there’s an opportunity the construction’s roots go even deeper into historical past.
Portmarnock Golf Membership
The Championship Hyperlinks at Portmarnock Golf Membership is undeniably top-of-the-line golf programs within the UK. And regardless of being simply 10 miles from Dublin, it appears like a world away, set alongside a stretch of shoreline that’s as lovely as it’s demanding. Uncovered to the weather, the course calls for a degree of adaptability, with the wind influencing each shot and the ocean offering a relentless, highly effective presence.
Portstewart Golf Membership
With over 38,000 golf programs scattered throughout the globe, fewer than 250 can really name themselves hyperlinks programs – the place the one opponents are the land, the wind, and your individual nerve. The three programs at Portstewart Golf Membership are as genuine as they arrive, providing a pure, unfiltered hyperlinks golf expertise. Of the trio, the Strand Course is the standout, usually talked about in the identical breath as Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. Its towering dunes, sweeping coastal vistas, and completely crafted structure ship not only a spherical of golf however a real connection to the sport’s roots.
Ballyliffin Golf Membership
Ballyliffin Golf Membership, nestled on the northernmost tip of Eire, is a real celebration of hyperlinks golf, that includes two championship programs: The Outdated Hyperlinks and Glashedy Hyperlinks. Regardless of its identify, The Outdated Hyperlinks isn’t as outdated because it sounds – having opened within the Seventies – however you’d by no means guess it. It’s a testomony to how seamlessly the course blends with the pure environment. The Glashedy Hyperlinks, a extra fashionable addition conceived by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, affords a special expertise. It’s a take a look at of precision and creativity, completely complementing the extra conventional circulation of The Outdated Hyperlinks.
3. Highlands & Aberdeen – Scotland’s Finest
Now that is golf because it was meant to be: pure, untamed, and completely fascinating. It’s the form of place the place each shot feels prefer it issues a bit of extra, the place the wind and the land confront you in methods you didn’t know you craved. Right here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll expertise throughout your All Entry golf journey to the Scottish Highlands & Aberdeen:
Cabot Highlands
Cabot Highlands marks a big milestone as Cabot’s first UK vacation spot, including to their already stellar golf portfolio. Nestled within the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this property captures the essence of golf because it as soon as was. With infinity-edge greens that stretch into the horizon, fairways that roll with character, and bunkers formed by the land itself, each element honors the timeless fantastic thing about hyperlinks golf. Already residence to the famend Citadel Stuart Golf Hyperlinks, Cabot Highlands is poised to raise its legacy with the addition of Outdated Petty, a championship course designed by the legendary Tom Doak.
Royal Dornoch
Whereas Cabot Highlands is simply starting to make its mark, Royal Dornoch has been thriving for over a century, remaining largely unchanged since 1886. Golf has been performed right here on the world’s most northerly championship hyperlinks for longer than most can think about, and the sport is as a lot part of the traditional Highlands city because the land itself. The holes, set towards an unimaginable backdrop of a abandoned seaside and the Dornoch Firth, require gamers to embrace the weather – particularly the wind, your fixed companion.
Nairn Golf Membership
Designed by a who’s who of golf architects, together with Outdated Tom Morris, James Braid, and Ben Sayers, Nairn has developed into top-of-the-line golf programs within the UK. It has all of the hallmarks of traditional hyperlinks golf: golden gorse, pot bunkers, and breathtaking views throughout the Moray Firth to the Black Isle. Whereas it might not garner the identical acclaim on structure alone, guests are constantly impressed by the impeccable situation of the course, maintained to the best commonplace year-round.
Past the course, Nairn Golf Membership’s historical past comes alive by way of the Icehouse and Bothy, two storied landmarks positioned between the ninth inexperienced and tenth tee. Inbuilt 1877 and 1904, these constructions have been as soon as integral to the native salmon commerce, reflecting the world’s deep connection to the ocean. Right this moment, the Bothy has been thoughtfully reworked into a captivating midway home
Cruden Bay Golf Membership
What units Cruden Bay aside is its quirky, character-filled design. Initially laid out by Outdated Tom Morris and Archie Simpson in 1899 and later refined by Tom Simpson within the Nineteen Twenties, the course affords an exhilarating mixture of blind pictures, dramatic elevation modifications, and undulating fairways. It’s a structure that retains golfers on their toes and it’s an exhilarating journey from begin to end. 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 Citadel – a supposed inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Royal Aberdeen Golf Membership
Established in 1780 and granted Royal patronage by Edward VII in 1903, Royal Aberdeen is a no-nonsense take a look at of hyperlinks golf that rewards creativity and resilience in equal measure. The membership boasts two programs: the championship Balgownie Hyperlinks and the shorter Silverburn. Whereas Silverburn affords a enjoyable, par-three course, it’s the Balgownie Hyperlinks that steals the highlight.
Broadly thought to be one of many truest linksland layouts on the planet, Balgownie is a course that calls for respect. Its traditional out-and-back design begins with a entrance 9 that many contemplate among the many best in golf the place no two holes are alike. The again 9 poses a shift to increased floor the place the problem stays however the perspective modifications. The plateau affords a brand new vantage level, however the wind and terrain be certain that your recreation can be examined till the final putt drops.
Trump Worldwide Golf Hyperlinks
Trump Worldwide Golf Hyperlinks isn’t a course that holds your hand. It asks you to suppose strategically, to embrace the weather, and to belief your instincts. It’s 18 holes that wind by way of some of the gorgeous landscapes in golf, by way of towering dunes, sweeping views of the North Sea, putting elevation modifications, and hidden valleys. Fairly merely put by the designer himself, Dr. Martin Hawtree, “The golf course will lack for nothing.” And belief us, it doesn’t.
4. Southport – England’s Golf Coast
Southport has earned its title as England’s Golf Coast because of its lineup of world-class programs. However golf isn’t the one factor price bragging about on this charming coastal city. Off the course, Southport’s Victorian attraction and full of life promenade imply there’s simply as a lot enjoyable available away from the hyperlinks. Right here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll expertise throughout your All Entry golf journey to Southport:
Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Membership
Because it’s not technically positioned on the ocean, Royal Lytham & St. Annes isn’t your typical hyperlinks course, however that doesn’t imply it’s any much less of a take a look at. Whereas the ocean breeze is certainly a part of the expertise, the actual take a look at right here comes from the 170+ bunkers scattered all through the course. It’s not a query of should you’ll discover one, it’s what number of. It’s no marvel this course has hosted the Open Championship eleven occasions.
Royal Birkdale Golf Membership
Only one Open behind Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale has hosted the distinguished match 10 occasions, cementing its standing as one of many recreation’s greats. What units this course aside is its elevated tee bins, an unusual function on most hyperlinks programs, that provide a transparent view of every gap earlier than you even take a swing. The fairways are comparatively flat, and the greens are inviting, however miss them, and also you’re sure to search out your self in a little bit of a bind.
Royal Liverpool Golf Membership (Hoylake)
In step with the custom of a number of Open hosts, The Royal Liverpool Golf Membership at Hoylake has welcomed the distinguished championship a exceptional 13 occasions. Legends like Brian Harman, Harold Hilton, Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Roberto De Vicenzo, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy have all lifted the Claret Jug right here. Should you choose a course by the caliber of its champions, then this one speaks for itself.
At first look, you may suppose this course lacks the chunk required for such an occasion. However you’d be mistaken. Whereas it might appear comparatively flat, scoring effectively at Hoylake calls for impeccable membership choice, exact distance management, and unwavering accuracy. Add within the deep summer season tough and the ever-present wind, and also you’ve acquired a predicament that retains even the very best on their toes.
Hillside Golf Membership
Hillside could also be a mere commoner amongst its ‘Royal’ neighbors, nevertheless it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line golf programs within the UK. Set on an completely fascinating stretch of linksland, it affords a bit of little bit of every thing – from serene pine forests to wildly undulating dunes. Merely put, it’s a course that’s simply plain lovely. Whereas the entrance 9 performs over comparatively flat floor, it’s the again 9 that really dazzles, with holes winding by way of the enormous dunes – or ought to we are saying “Hillsides”?
Formby Golf Membership
Formby is nestled amongst a few of the world’s best coastal programs, nevertheless it stays one in every of golf’s best-kept secrets and techniques. The course itself is a tapestry of contrasts, a mix of rolling sand dunes, dense pine forests, and views of the Irish Sea. Golfers of all ranges can be challenged by the strategic design which incorporates difficult doglegs, blind pictures, and undulating greens. And when your spherical involves an in depth, the clubhouse awaits. Voted the twelfth most iconic clubhouse on the planet, it’s top-of-the-line nineteenth holes in golf, providing a becoming finish to a memorable day.
West Lancashire Golf Membership
Based in 1873, West Lancashire Golf Membership, affectionately referred to as West Lancs, is one in every of England’s oldest and most revered programs. Each gap on this historic structure ups the ante, testing golfers at each flip. The true enamel of the course lie in its gnarly tough, the place precision reigns supreme over energy, and its inexperienced complexes, fiercely protected by deep bunkers and devious run-off areas.
5. London – Golf within the Capital
Golf in London is particular, partially, due to a singular reward from nature: a blanket of sandy soil that stretches throughout the suburban areas, creating an ideal basis for a few of the world’s best heathland programs. These programs, which resemble the plush parkland selection in look, play like a seaside hyperlinks course, providing golfers a problem that’s uncommon in city settings. Right here’s a glimpse into the unforgettable rounds you’ll expertise throughout your All Entry golf journey to London:
Swinley Forest Golf Membership
For over a century, Swinley Forest has maintained an air of exclusivity and mystique, fascinating golfers with its secluded attraction. Nestled between Sunningdale and Ascot, this personal members’ membership is a testomony to the artistry of Harry Colt, whose design weaves by way of breathtaking heathland landscapes. The course strikes a harmonious steadiness of magnificence and beast, with towering pines standing guard over the fairways with out overwhelming them, and alongside them, vibrant splashes of heather, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
Royal St. George’s
Opened in 1887, Royal St. George’s made historical past as the primary English course to host the Open Championship. Named after England’s patron saint, it proudly flies the purple cross of St. George on each flag. However what actually units this course aside are its quirks: thatched roof shelters that appear virtually out of one other time, and the 4th gap’s bunker – carved right into a towering dune, it’s the tallest and deepest within the UK. The remainder of the course unfolds in a method that feels effortlessly pure, as if it was at all times meant to be right here. From the sweeping views of Pegwell Bay to the daring white cliffs of Dover, the surroundings alone is sufficient to take your breath away.
Sunningdale Golf Membership (Outdated & New)
The Outdated and New tracks at Sunningdale Golf Membership are two of the very best golf programs within the UK. In actual fact, it’s uncommon to search out 36 holes of such high quality multi function place. The Outdated Course, opened in 1901 and was one thing of a trailblazer. It was one of many first profitable golf programs positioned away from the coast, at a time when many believed the turf wouldn’t thrive in inland areas.
After World Struggle I, membership soared, and with extra golfers and due to this fact much less time out there for play, the New Course was created to assist alleviate the strain on the Outdated. Whereas the New Course is thought to be a extra well-rounded take a look at of golf, the Outdated is cherished for its memorable, enjoyable holes and sweeping views throughout the treetops. Collectively, they provide a golf expertise that’s onerous to beat.
St. George’s Hill Golf Membership
Alongside Swinley Forest, St. George’s Hill Golf Membership is taken into account to be one in every of Harry Colt’s greatest designs. It’s additionally some of the picturesque heathland programs on the Surrey/Berkshire sand belt. The structure is split into three distinct loops, Crimson, Blue, and Inexperienced, every providing a singular problem. The land right here rolls and dips like a pure curler coaster, and it’s these staggering elevation modifications that Colt expertly harnessed to form his design.
Walton Heath Golf Membership
The Outdated and New Programs at Walton Heath Golf Membership have all of the hallmarks of hyperlinks golf, however don’t count on to catch a whiff of salty sea air. That’s a part of what makes this place so particular. The heather-lined fairways and undulating greens offer you that unmistakable seaside hyperlinks really feel, despite the fact that you’re miles from the coast. The panorama is framed by a mixture of dense woodlands and open heathland, making a exceptional backdrop for each shot.
From the windswept shores of St. Andrews to the rugged fantastic thing about Royal County Down, the very best golf programs within the UK await. With ShipSticks and All Entry GTE dealing with the small print, all that’s left is so that you can pack your golf equipment and excellent your swing. The golf journey of a lifetime is ready, and the reminiscences you’ll make can be each bit as legendary because the programs you’ll play.
About All Entry GTE
Expertise the very best golf programs within the UK like by no means earlier than with the personalised method at All Entry GTE. Past commonplace packages, they collaborate intently with every consumer, delving into their distinctive wants, funds constraints, and particular pursuits. The outcome? A meticulously tailor-made itinerary that transforms right into a bespoke golf journey, setting you other than the strange.
As a full-service tour operator catering to discerning vacationers, their wealth of business experience and private experiences ensures that your journey is within the arms of seasoned professionals. Belief them to raise your golf expertise to unparalleled heights.
