5 Stunning UK Golf Courses To Visit

The UK is home to some of the best and most beautiful golf courses in the world, making it an ideal choice for an unforgettable golf tour experience. What better way to combine pleasant outdoor surroundings, a sporting pursuit, socialising with family and friends, and travel in a luxury minibus hire.

St Andrews Old Course

It would be impossible not to begin with St Andrews on the east coast of Scotland, just north of Edinburgh, which is considered to be the Home of Golf. The modern game developed here in the 15th century, and Archbishop Hamilton’s Charter of 1552 recognised the rights of the public to play golf at the Links.

The Old Course is the oldest golf course in the world, which today hosts prestigious events such as the 150th Open Championship. There are a total of 10 golf courses in and around the seaside town of St Andrews, which are open to the public. The Old Course requires a handicap certificate of 36, but the others are available to anyone for a modest fee.

Royal Birkdale

South of the border, Royal Birkdale in Southport, Merseyside, is a fine links course (a course built on coastal sand dunes, which provide an ideal golfing surface). The Royal Birkdale Golf Club was established in 1889, and was one of the few clubs to allow women members almost from the outset.

The course has hosted a multitude of prestigious events and championships throughout the decades, including the Ryder Cup, 10 open Championships, and the Women’s British Opens. The course is characterised by steep sand dunes which make great spectator points, and the white art deco clubhouse blends beautifully with the elegant surroundings. 

Sunningdale Old Course

This inland course in Berkshire is a must-see for even the most amateur of golfers. It features a heathland layout which has enough variety to accommodate both amateur players and seasoned professionals alike. The prestigious venue has been in operation since 1901, and now hosts some of the world’s biggest golf tournaments. 

The Sunningdale New course is just as worthy of a visit, and despite its name, will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year. 

Wentworth, Surrey

This 1,750-acre course in Surrey contains 800 houses as well as three full-length golf courses, and it is home to many a professional golfer. You may even bump into some star names on your visit here, and golf fans will certainly recognise the beautifully tended greens from the many televised tournaments that have been held here over the years. 

Royal St George’s

This Kent golf course is famous for its huge bunker, and for being referenced by James Bond in Goldfinger, albeit in a thinly veiled disguise as St Marks. According to Country Life, Bond author Ian Fleming was a member of St George’s, and would have become the captain if it wasn’t for his untimely death at the age of 56. 

Bond fans can check out the golf course scene with Sean Connery in the Goldfinger film, which was in fact filmed at Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire.