Our picks for the 10 top UK golf courses

The UK is home to the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the world. The game of golf originated in Scotland and is very popular all over Great Britain, where you can find about 2,750 separate courses. Here we pick our 10 top UK golf courses get you inspired.

St. Andrews – Old Course

The Old Course at St. Andrews links is known to many as the ‘home of golf’ and is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. Play at St. Andrews, situated in Fife, was first recorded in 1552 and has played host to more Opens than any other site in the world. This course is fast, challenging and open to the public – and number one on the list for any golf fan. Expect green fees of £80-£160 depending on the season.

Royal County Down - Championship

Royal County Down is one of the oldest clubs in Northern Ireland. It has 2 links courses: the challenging Championship Links is rated as one of the best in the world while its Annesley Links is shorter but still very testing. Surrounded by picturesque heathland, Royal County Down boasts spectacular views of the mountains, dunes and sea. Green fees are £50 to £185 per round depending on the season.

Royal St. George’s

Royal St. George’s is a fantastic links course in Kent with a distinguished golfing history which dates from the 1880’s. Expect a welcoming reception at its clubhouse and some fine southern weather during the warmer months. Green fees are £80 in the winter and £170 in the summer.

Muirfield

Many consider Muirfield to be the finest links course in the UK, if not the world. This very tough and outstanding course is famous for its unusual layout, consisting of an inner and outer loop. It is also known for its fairness, with no hidden bunkers or blind shots. Green Fees are £110 in winter and £210 in summer.

Sunningdale - Old

The fantastic Old Course at Sunningdale is one of the UK’s most aesthetically pleasing inland courses. Sunningdale New Course is also superb and could equally have been included on this list - together these two courses offer some of the best golfing in the UK. Green Fees are £105 to £205 depending on the season.

Turnberry - Ailsa

The Ailsa at Turnberry is an excellent links and one of the most scenic golf courses in the world. The course runs along the Firth of Clyde and even features a functional lighthouse. Over the years, Turnberry’s two championship courses have witnessed many memorable golfing moments. Green fees range from £110 to £250 depending on the season.

Carnoustie - Championship

The Carnoustie Championship Course is considered to be one of the most challenging courses in Europe. Situated in Angus, Scotland, this coastal links overlooks a beautiful rugged coastline. Players from all around the world come to Carnoustie to try their hands at its formidable fairways and bunkers. Expect green fees of around £150.

Royal Birkdale

The Royal Birkdale Golf Course in Southport, England is a hugely famous links and well known for its fairness. This course is seriously tough and too tough for many when the wind is up. The fabulous art-deco clubhouse is one of golf’s best buildings. Green fees range from £135 to £235 depending on the season and day of the week.

Royal Aberdeen - Balgownie

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club was founded in 1780, which makes it the 6th oldest golf course in the world. The challenging Balgownie Course is a traditional Scottish links with some superb sand dune formations which lies along the beautiful North Sea coastline. Green fees are £70 to £140 per person per round, depending on the season.

Royal Liverpool

The high quality Royal Liverpool Links  staged the 2014 Open (its 12th Open Championships). Hoylake, as the course is known, is the second oldest links course in England and one of the toughest. The clubhouse is full of history and worth taking the time to explore. Green fees range from £80 to £175 depending on the season.

The incredible world class golf courses on this list are tough, challenging and provide incredible landscapes in which to play the game. But this is just the beginning, the UK is full of awesome golf courses and, whether you are a beginner or a pro, wherever you go there will be an excellent course within easy reach.