Up and down the country, there are hundreds of golf courses all claiming to be the biggest and the best.
Whether you are a golfing amateur, or you take the sport more seriously, finding the right course can be tough, and entering contracts and agreements can mean months or even years of commitment – an expensive mistake if you choose the wrong course! To give you some inspiration, we’ve rounded up five of the best golf courses available in the UK.
Old Course, St Andrews
The Old Course at St Andrews serves as the oldest and most iconic course in the world, which makes it an ideal destination for any budding or professional golfer. Despite its world-renowned reputation, the Old Course is still open to the general public, making it a go-to choice for any golfing trip.
As part of a holiday package through companies like Scotia Golfing, the Old Course offers guaranteed tee time to anybody interested in the sport. The course has hosted The Open Championship nearly 30 times, the last being when Zach Johnson triumphed in 2015.
Carnoustie
The Carnoustie golfing resort features three courses, all of which have been rated as Top 50 links in the UK. Its Championship Course has played host to Open Championships, one Ladies Open and a Seniors Open, making it one of very few clubs to have hosted all three in the UK. In 2018, the Open Championship will return to the course, which is already exciting both staff and visitors alike. Carnoustie’s newest course, The Buddon, recently had a $1m investment with two new holes added. The investment brought the course to par 68, making it very testing for even advanced golfers.
Muirfield, East Lothian
Based in East Lothian, the Muirfield golf course boasts a 7,245-yard link, making it an ideal location for any professional golfing player. The course has changed very little since 1936, but in 2010 fifteen holes were changed to keep the course challenging for the world’s best golfers.
As well its course, the Muirfield boasts a traditional clubhouse, built in 1891. Full of character, the clubhouse look out onto the course, and facilities such as a ladies room, smoking room and dining room are available, offering all guests a truly quality service and experience.
Royal County Down
Set in the Murlough Nature Reserve, the Royal County Down course benefits from the stunning backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy nature. The Championship Links include ‘bearded bunkers’, with growths such as heather and red fescue. The wildlife here not only adds beauty to the game but also tests players who prefer a smoother bump-and-go game. The Annesley Links, on the other hand, offer a much shorter game than the Championship Links, and again offer the beautiful surroundings of mountains, dunes and sea.
Trump Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire
With over 100 years of history, Turnberry is one of the UK’s finest golfing resorts, featuring the iconic Aisla course, which has been recently transferred by architect Martin Ebert. The course features five of the world’s best par 3’s, making it perfect for any golfing enthusiast.
Golfing facilities aside, the Trump Turnbery Resort includes a tea lounge and bar, an Italian restaurant and a hotel, so once you arrive, you don’t need to leave the resort for anything.