The 19 Best Golf Courses in England

England is not only a dream destination for sightseers and history buffs, but it’s also home to some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. A golf vacation in England allows you to play on world-class courses while soaking in the beauty of the picturesque, rolling countryside and visiting iconic landmarks that make the country so special. 

From the legendary links of Royal St George’s and Royal Liverpool, both regulars on the Open Championship rota, to the player favorites of Royal Birkdale and Sunningdale Golf Club, England offers a rich variety of golfing experiences. 

Here we’ll explore these renowned courses, uncovering their unique histories, design details, and the unforgettable challenges they present, making them must-play destinations for golfers seeking a truly remarkable experience.

1. The Royal St George’s Golf Club

Founded in 1887 by Scottish-born surgeon William Laidlaw Purves, Royal St Georges was envisioned as the southern rival of St Andrews, named after the patron saint of England. It quickly became a premier golf destination and is now the crown jewel of golf in Kent. 

With 15 Open Championships hosted, more than any other club outside Scotland, Royal St Georges is renowned for its challenging holes, expertly crafted greens and bunkers, unique character, and stunning scenery, making it a must-play course on any golf vacation in England.

Opened: 1887
Par: 70
Length: 7,204 yards
Designers include: Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie (2011), Martin Ebert (2011), Frank Pennink
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 75.2

2. Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course)

The Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club, located in Berkshire, England, is a historic and revered course, that opened in 1900. Set among scenic heathland, it combines narrow, undulating fairways with fast, subtle greens and strategically placed bunkers. 

Designed by Willie Park Jr., the course blends traditional layout with natural beauty, offering a true test of skill and strategy. Known for its rich history and prestigious tournaments, the Old Course remains one of the finest examples of English golf.

Opened: 1901
Par: 70
Length: 6329 yards
Designers include: Willie Park, Jr. (1901), Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Difficulty: Slope 113 / Rating 70.0

3. Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale, established in 1889, is a must-visit on any England golf trip. This classic links course is known for its magnificent dunes, elevated tees, and stunning views. One of the finest clubs in England and the North West, it has hosted numerous prestigious events, including 10 Open Championships and the Ryder Cup.

 The 1961 Open, where Arnold Palmer triumphed in true Open weather, is a key moment in the club’s history, earning the event immense respect in the US. For golfers visiting the North West, Royal Birkdale is an essential stop.

Opened: 1897
Par: 70
Length: 7,156 yards
Designers include: Donald Steel Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert, Fred G. Hawtree, Martin Hawtree (1993), John Henry Taylor, Ken Moodie (1993)
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 74.4

4. Swinley Forest Golf Club

Founded in 1909 by Edward George Villiers, the 17th Earl of Derby, Swinley Forest is one of London’s most unique golf clubs. Located on the golf-friendly Surrey sand belt, it offers a par 68/69 course that measures 6,431 yards but plays deceptively long due to its undulating greens, false fronts, and stunning run-offs. 

While it has never gained a “Royal” designation, the club sits on land rented from King George VII. A beautiful and challenging course with a mix of par 4s, par 3s, and just two par 5s, Swinley Forest is a must-play, especially for those on a London golf tour.

Opened: 1909
Par: 69
Length: 6,431 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1909), Frank Pont (2012)
Difficulty: Slope 136 / Rating 71.0

5. Sunningdale Golf Club (New Course)

Harry Colt, is a striking complement to the club’s historic Old Course. Set amidst the same beautiful heathland, the New Course offers a modern yet traditional layout, blending challenging design with natural beauty. The course features wide, undulating fairways and demanding, well-protected greens that require precision and strategy. 

Its strategic bunkering and natural hazards, such as heather and tall trees, add complexity to the game, testing a golfer’s shot-making and course management skills. While the New Course is often considered slightly more forgiving than its older counterpart, it remains a formidable challenge.

Opened: 1923
Par: 70
Length: 6716 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1923), Tom Simpson (1934), John S. F. Morrison (1923 & 1939), Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie Martin Ebert, H. S. Colt (1939)
Difficulty: Slope 113 / Rating 70.0

6. Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Royal Lytham, one of England’s finest links courses, is unique despite its differences from other Open Championship venues. Located over a mile from the sea and surrounded by red brick housing and a train track, it features many man-made sand dunes and numerous bunkers, setting it apart from traditional links layouts. 

A crown jewel of English golf, along with Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool, Lytham has hosted numerous prestigious events, including 11 Open Championships and two Ryder Cups. With its distinctive start—a 206-yard par 3—Royal Lytham is a must-play on any England golf tour.

Opened: 1897
Par: 70
Length: 7,118 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1919), Tom MacKenzie (2011), Martin Ebert (2011), Tom Simpson, European Golf Design (2001), Herbert Fowler
Difficulty: Slope 152 / Rating 76.5

7. St Georges Hill Golf Club (Red & Blue)

Red

The Red Course at St. George’s Hill Golf Club, designed by Harry Colt in 1912, is a stunning example of classic English golf course design. Set in the Surrey heathland, the course features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and subtly contoured greens that provide both a challenging and visually striking golfing experience.

Accuracy off the tee is crucial, as the narrow fairways require precise shot placement to avoid the trees and hazards.

Opened: 1913
Par: 35
Length: 3210 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1913), Tim Lobb (2017), Neil Coles
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 71.6

Blue

Another Harry Colt design, the Blue Course, is considered by many to be the most challenging of the three, and offers a blend of strategic design and natural beauty, with a mix of tight, tree-lined fairways, deep bunkers, and well-guarded greens. Colt’s design focuses on shot-making and course management, with many holes requiring precise placement rather than sheer power. 

Opened: 1913
Par: 35
Length: 3331 yards
Designers include: H. S. Colt (1913), Tim Lobb (2017), Neil Coles
Difficulty: Slope 135 / Rating 71.6

8. Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

Founded in 1892, Royal Cinque Ports, affectionately known as Deal, is a must-visit on any England golf trip. With a rich history, it has ranked on several World Top 100 lists and hosted the Open twice, in 1909 and 1920. 

The course has seen changes over the years, with James Braid and Guy Campbell making significant improvements, and recent modernization under Martin Ebert. Several holes border the sea, offering both a challenging test and stunning views.

Opened: 1892
Par: 71
Length: 7,245 yards
Designers include: James Braid (1919), Sir Guy Campbell (1946), Henry Cotton (1946), Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie (2011), Martin Ebert (2011), Tom Dunn
Difficulty: Slope 148 / Rating 76.9

9. Walton Heath Golf Club (Old Course)

The Old Course at Walton Heath, located in Surrey, England, is one of the most historic and prestigious golf courses in the country. Designed by renowned architect Herbert Fowler in 1903, it has long been celebrated for its natural beauty, challenging layout, and rich golfing heritage. 

The course is set in the heart of heathland, with vast, undulating fairways, strategic bunkers, and a mix of open and wooded areas, making it a true test of skill. Walton Heath has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the Ryder Cup in 1981, and remains a favorite among golf enthusiasts for its timeless design and tradition.

Opened: 1904
Par: 72
Length: 7331 yards
Designers include: Herbert Fowler (1904), Donald Steel (2014), Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 75.7

10. Royal Liverpool Golf Club

Affectionately known as ‘Hoylake,’ Royal Liverpool Golf Club is a standout stop on any England golf vacation. With 12 Open Championships hosted, most recently in 2023, it’s renowned for its contributions to amateur golf, including producing two Amateur Open Championship winners. 

Local hero John Ball made history in 1890 as the first amateur and Englishman to win the Open. Royal Liverpool also hosted the first international match between England and Scotland in 1902, paving the way for the Home International Matches. 

Opened: 1869
Par: 72
Length: 7312 yards
Designers include: Donald Steel, Tom MacKenzie  Martin Ebert, George Morris (1869), Cameron Sinclair  Martin Hawtree (2010), Marc Westenborg (2010)
Difficulty: Slope 130 / Rating 72.7

11. The Berkshire Golf Club (Red Course)

The Red Course at Berkshire Golf Club, opened in 1928 and designed by Harry Colt, is a classic British golf course known for its tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and subtle elevation changes. Renowned for its natural beauty and strategic layout, it demands accuracy and precision, particularly off the tee. 

While length is important, positioning your drives to avoid trees and bunkers is key, and approach shots require careful club selection to navigate the undulating greens. The course has hosted numerous prestigious events and remains a favorite for golfers, offering a true test of skill and a rich golfing experience.

Opened: 1928
Par: 72
Length: 6452 yards
Designers include: Herbert Fowler (1928), Tom Simpson (1928), Tim Lobb (2017)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 71.2

12. Hillside Golf Club

Hillside Golf Club, located next to Royal Birkdale, is a must-play links course often hailed as “the best course to not have hosted an Open Championship.” A standout on England’s World Top 100 list, Hillside gained fame in 1982 when Greg Norman called its back nine “the best in Britain,” a sentiment shared by Jack Nicklaus. 

Ideal for an England golf tour, it’s located near other top courses like Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Liverpool. Whether for a quick stop or a longer golf vacation, Hillside is a must-visit.

Opened: 1923
Par: 72
Length: 7109 yards
Designers include: Willie Park (1912), James Braid (1922), Hawtree Ltd (1933), Donald Steel (1980), H. S. Colt (1933), Tom MacKenzie (2011), Martin Ebert (2011), Frank Pennink
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 75.2

13. Formby Golf Club

Formby Golf Club, located near Royal Lytham & St Annes, offers an exceptional links course just off the sea. Designed by Willie Park Junior in 1912 and enhanced in the following decades, the course was rerouted inland in the 1970s due to coastal erosion. Known for its abundance of conifer trees, planted in 1887, Formby has long been a staple of English golf. 

In 1984, it hosted a memorable Amateur Championship final where a young José María Olazábal defeated Colin Montgomerie. A must-play for both amateurs and professionals, Formby is a standout on any England golf tour.

Opened: 1884
Par: 72
Length: 7128 yards
Designers include: Willie Park Jr. (1912), James Braid (1922), Harry Colt (1933), Donald Steel (1980)
Difficulty: Slope 142 / Rating 76.6

14. Prince’s Golf Club (Shore & Dunes)

The Shore Course at Prince’s Golf Club offers golfers a true test of links golf, with rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Located along the stunning coastline of Sandwich Bay, the Shore Course is known for its demanding holes and beautiful views of the sea.

Opened: 1906
Par: 36
Length: 3419 yards
Designers include: Sir Guy Campbell (1950), John S. F. Morrison (1950), European Golf Design (2011)
Difficulty: Slope 131 / Rating 72.9

The Dunes Course at Prince’s Golf Club is a delightful blend of challenge and beauty, with several holes running along the sand dunes. This course presents an exciting challenge, with its undulating terrain, clever bunkering, and varying wind conditions. It offers golfers a chance to play an authentic and strategic links course.

Opened: 1906
Par: 36
Length: 3436 yards
Designers include: Sir Guy Campbell (1950), John S. F. Morrison (1950), European Golf Design (2011)
Difficulty: Slope 130 / Rating 72.8

15. West Lancashire Golf Club

West Lancashire Golf Club, founded in 1873 and designed by Old Tom Morris, is one of England’s oldest and most respected golf courses. Set along the picturesque coastline of Lancashire, the course features firm fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging winds, making it a true test of skill. 

The layout demands accuracy off the tee and strategic shot placement, especially when navigating the fast, undulating greens. Known for its traditional links feel, West Lancashire has hosted numerous prestigious events and remains a favorite among golfers, offering both a challenging and scenic golfing experience.

Opened: 1873
Par: 72
Length: 7016 yards
Designers include: Donald Steel Tom MacKenzie, Martin Ebert, Charles Kenneth Cotton (1961), James Braid (1921)
Difficulty: Slope 110 / Rating 70.0

16. Woodhall Spa Golf Club (Hotchkin Course)

The Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa Golf Club, designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie in 1911, is widely regarded as one of the finest inland courses in England. Set in the heart of Lincolnshire, it features a classic heathland layout with undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens that demand precision and strategic thinking. 

The course’s natural beauty and tactical design make it a true test of golf, requiring accurate tee shots and careful club selection.

Opened: 1905
Par: 73 
Length: 7024 yards
Designers Include: Harry Vardon (1905), H. S. Colt (1911), John Henry Taylor (1905)
Difficulty: Slope 152 / Rating 75.3

17. Ganton Golf Club

Ganton Golf Club is located in the Yorkshire Wolds, offering a traditional English golf experience. Known for its challenging layout and the outstanding condition of its greens, Ganton has earned a place among England’s finest courses. 

The course is a true test of all aspects of the game, with fast fairways and well-placed bunkers. Ganton has hosted the Ryder Cup and numerous prestigious amateur events.

Opened: 1891
Par: 71 
Length: 7055 yards
Designers Include: Charles Kenneth Cotton (1948), Alister MacKenzie (1920), Alister MacKenzie (1912), H. S. Colt (1907), James Braid (1905), Tom Simpson (1934), John Henry Taylor (1905), H. S. Colt (1911), Tom Dunn, Charles Kenneth Cotton (1952), Harry Vardon (1905), H. S. Colt (1931)
Difficulty: Slope 138 / Rating 74.7

18. St Enodoc Golf Club (Church Course)

St Enodoc Golf Club, set in the stunning Cornish countryside, is one of the most picturesque courses in England. The Church Course is known for its challenging layout, with tricky par 3s, undulating fairways, and scenic coastal views. 

A combination of natural beauty and design brilliance, the Church Course remains a must-play for golfers who enjoy both a challenge and spectacular views.

Opened: 1890
Par: 69 
Length: 6557 yards
Designers Include: James Braid (1907), Tom Simpson, Weller Designs (2006), Peter McEvoy (2006)
Difficulty: Slope 134 / Rating 73.2

19. Alwoodley Golf Club

Alwoodley Golf Club, founded in 1907, is considered one of the best inland courses in England. The course is set on beautiful heathland and provides a fair but challenging test of golf, with strategically placed bunkers, fast greens, and a layout that requires precision with every shot. 

Alwoodley is renowned for its natural beauty and the quality of its design, having hosted the English Amateur Championship.

Opened: 1907
Par: 71 
Length: 6914 yards
Designers Include: Alister MacKenzie (1907), Ken Moodie (2013), Jonathan Tucker (1997)
Difficulty: Slope 113 / Rating 70.0

Whether you’re teeing off at the prestigious Royal St George’s or enjoying the serene beauty of Sunningdale Golf Club, a golf vacation in England is sure to be a memorable adventure. If you’re ready to experience these iconic courses and explore the breathtaking scenery, Premier Golf can help turn your dream vacation into reality.

FAQs