Play the summer game on some of the world’s greatest courses
On the island that gave birth to golf, it’s difficult to imagine a summer game more suited to the great outdoors of Britain’s sweeping landscapes and coastal scenery. From Aberdeenshire to the Southern coast, famous and challenging courses abound. Though you can’t just walk in and expect a tee time, with a little preparation most of these historic courses welcome visiting players. Here is a selection of 10 gorgeous links and inland courses beloved by golfers everywhere.
The Old Course, St. Andrews
No listing Great British golf courses can fail to start with Royal and Ancient St. Andrews, on the coast of Fife. The birthplace of golf, and most famous links in the world, is a veritable mecca for golfers everywhere. Book well in advance and be prepared for the greens fees.
Royal Porthcawl, Glamorgan
Wales’ highest rated course, Royal Porthcawl is tucked off the beaten track west of Cardiff, and relatively unknown. The links course rises onto gorse-covered heathland offering spectacular views over the Bristol Channel. Considered a friendly, relaxed place to play, tee times are available weekdays.
ST. ANDREWS LINKS
ST. ANDREWS LINKS
Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
Here’s a lesser known gem widely considered one of Britain’s best inland courses. Tucked among pines and birch on the Lincolnshire heath, the Hotchkin course at the National Golf Centre is known for its steep broad bunkers, and is reviewed as “an absolute delight to play.”
ST. ANDREWS LINKS
Royal Troon, Troon
This year, the Open returns for the ninth time to this famed links course on the Ayrshire coast. Troon hosts the 145th annual event July 10-17. The 7,150-yard course includes both the longest par five and the shortest hole on the championship circuit. Visiting golfers are welcome Monday, Tuesday and Thursday—May to October.
Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s, Lytham
More than 200 bunkers line one of the toughest courses in Britain. England’s northernmost championship links course (with Blackpool Tower in the distance) has periodically held the Open since 1926 and hosted the Walker Cup in 2015. With advance arrangements, play on Monday and Thursday.
MARK ALEXANDER
Royal St. George, Sandwich
Royal St. George is a classic links course overlooking Pegwell Bay and the white cliffs of Dover—and considered one of the toughest in England. Hosting Open Championships since 1894, the club maintains a high standard of dress on the course and in the clubhouse, but welcomes visitors on weekdays.
ST. ANDREWS LINKS
Sunningdale Old Course
One of the prettiest courses in the country, lined with evergreens and oaks, Sunningdale hosted the Senior Open in 2015. Undulating over the green Berkshire moorland not far from Windsor, and considered a flawless golfing venue by many, the course has the extra advantage of being accessible as a day trip from London.
ST. ANDREWS LINKS
Celtic Manor, Newport
With three championship courses, including most recently the 2010 course, built specifically for the 2010 Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor was voted Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year in 2011. Just across the Severn Estuary, the resort hotel is visible from the M4. Check out golf breaks and monitor online seasonal offers to stay and play.
Muirfield, Edinburgh
Course of the “Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers” in 1744, Muirfield has hosted the Open Championship 16 times. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, the course design is considered a masterpiece, with two concentric rings of nine holes. Open to visitors on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but plan ahead.
Royal Birkdale, Southport
A favorite on the Open Championship rotation, this links course on the Merseyside coast north of Liverpool has also hosted the Ryder Cup many times since King George VI gave it a royal charter in 1951. The Open returns again next year. Book your tee time online ahead now to March 31, 2017.