Coastal British Town Blending Classic Resort Aesthetic with Premier Golf Course Connections
Hit up Lincolnshire for a fantastic golfing adventure, where traditional British seaside charm meets challenging links courses! Skegness might conjure images of Butlin's resorts or old GNR railway posters, but for golf enthusiasts, it's all about the top seaside gem in any 'Best Courses in Lincolnshire' ranking – Seacroft.
A true mainstay of our 'Next 100 Courses' list, this links delight stretches over a slender strip down to Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, although the sea seldom makes an appearance. The 2nd hole's challenging narrow, tiered green can be hard to spot in crosswinds, and don't let the steep drop-off right of the 3 green fool you!
Long, accurate drives will be rewarded on the daunting 7, but from the 8 tee, it might feel like there's hardly any fairway to aim for between the left dune ridge and the road to Gibraltar Point on the right. Golfers slicing into a left-to-right wind may feel the sweat trickling down their backs!
Turning for home on the 10th, you'll be confronted by a testing stretch if the wind's playing tricks on you – much like at Royal Cinque Ports in Kent. Luckily, some back-nine fairways gently valley to welcome slightly off-course shots back into play.
Hole 13 is a stunner, playing from an elevated tee over a dune ridge before veering right and ascending back up to a green perched upon that ridge. The exposed 14th continues along the ridge, while the 16th green presents a bizarre sight reminiscent of Royal St George's – a giant has seemingly taken a nibble from its front-right quarter!
Venturing westwards to Blankney near Lincoln, the distinctive clubhouse and the sweeping uphill par-5 3rd are sure to catch your eye. The left crater on the 6th fairway, a relic of a discarded bomb, will pique your curiosity, as will the first par-3 on the 7th, playing across a shallow dip to a steeply sloping, well-bunkered green.
The 9th is a beast of a par-4 into the wind, while the 11th boasts an attractive approach to a green guarded by trees to the left and a drystone wall as the backdrop. The 16th, a 190-yard par-3, may appear daunting from afar, but its playability belies its stiff facade.
Lastly, the 115-year-old James Braid course at North Shore in Skegness offers a blend of links and parkland play. The opener is surprisingly forgiving, but the 4th tee, the first true links hole, reveals a sliver of fairway – be prepared for a toughie! The 5th along the beach is no walk in the park, with a banking at driving distance ensuring a long approach to a super slim target.
A blind or semi-blind aspect haunts holes 11 to 17 on the back nine, although sometimes concave greens may gather in the odd miscue. For this journey, I happened to stay at Butlins – quite the change from usual golfing surroundings!
Butlins offers four-night midweek breaks and three-nighters over the weekend, making it an ideal base for a golfing group or for sneaking in a game or two during a short family break. So pack your golf clubs and your beach gear – golfing escapades in Lincolnshire await!
Best Golf Courses in Lincolnshire
- Seacroft Golf Club, Skegness
- Known for its challenging links layout, this par 71 course spans 6,492 yards.
- Green fees: £70-£90 weekdays, £85-£105 weekends; Twilight rates available after 2:30 pm.
- North Shore Golf Club, Skegness
- This course marries links and parkland elements, offering a mix of scenic and challenging holes.
- Rating: 4.33/5 on Golfshake[5].
- The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa
- Known for its two esteemed courses: Hotchkin and Bracken.
- Rating: 4.3/5 on Tripadvisor.
- Pottergate Golf Club, Gainsborough
- Offers a high-quality golfing experience, garnering a rating of 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor.
- Rating: 4.8/5 on Tripadvisor.
- Belton Park Golf Club, Grantham
- Situated within Belton Park, this course provides a peaceful, scenic golfing experience.
- Rating: 4.4/5 on Tripadvisor.
- Lincoln Golf Centre, Lincoln
- Offers a range of facilities, including a course and practice areas.
- Rating: 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor.
- Blankney Golf Club, Blankney
- Known for its natural surroundings, this club has been a favorite among golfers for over a century.
- Description: Offers a serene and picturesque golfing experience[3]
These courses cater to various preferences, offering a blend of links, parkland, and heathland golf. So grab your clubs and hit the greens for an unforgettable golfing adventure in Lincolnshire!
A fantastic golfing adventure awaits you in Lincolnshire, where Seacroft Golf Club in Skegness, known for its challenging links layout, is highly regarded as a top seaside gem. This par 71 course offers a chance to test your skills on its slender strip that stretches towards Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve.
In addition to Seacroft, the North Shore Golf Club in Skegness is another gem that blends links and parkland play, providing a mix of scenic and challenging holes. These courses, along with other renowned ones such as The National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa, Pottergate Golf Club, Belton Park Golf Club, Lincoln Golf Centre, and Blankney Golf Club, cater to various preferences, offering a blend of links, parkland, and heathland golf, making Lincolnshire an ideal destination for any sports enthusiast or golf traveler.
