Top-Notch UK Golf Courses I've Experienced, Not Quite Elite but Highly Recommended: My Personal Picks
Ready to explore some fantastic golf courses that just missed the Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100? Here's a list of ten standout courses, each with its own charm and distinct character. These beauty spots are worth a visit, and some might even say they deserve a place in the prestigious Top 100!
- Blackmoor, Hampshire: This charming heathland course boasts a gorgeous par-3 9th hole, playing slightly uphill to an attractively bunkered green. Fancy a challenge? Test your skills on this compact yet challenging layout.
- Crowborough Beacon, East Sussex: Play a round at this heathland gem, located on Ashdown Forest. Standing out is the par-5 14th hole, a generous driving hole with fine views and a downhill approach over heather.
- East Devon, Devon: Featuring dramatic cliffside holes, heather and gorse throughout, East Devon is a traditional downland course with a beautiful par-4 17th hole: a clifftop beauty where accuracy off the tee is essential to avoid a heathery downslope.
- Hayling, Hampshire: This classic links-style course offers a subtle mix of woodland and seaside holes with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Don't miss the par-4 12th, with a slightly raised green handsomely framed by shallow dunes.
- Kilspindie, East Lothian: This seaside links is ideal for all skill levels, offering excellent coastal views and a welcoming clubhouse. The par-3 8th, nicknamed "Gosford Bay," awaits—be careful not to push your shot over the adjacent fence!
- Lough Erne, County Fermanagh: This modern, resort-style course set in a beautiful lakeland landscape offers a variety of scenic and strategic challenges. Don't forget the par-5 16th: a long hole played from a "launchpad" tee close to Castle Hume Lough.
- Pleasington, Lancashire: Featuring dramatic elevation changes, woodland and moorland terrain, Pleasington offers a strong sense of place. Golfer's must-see opportunities include the par-3 8th hole, a magnificent uphill beauty toward a prominent railway viaduct.
- Royal Ashdown Forest Old Course, East Sussex: This traditional heathland course offers panoramic views, undulating fairways, and a true golfing challenge. Interestingly, it operates under a unique "no-bunkers" policy for a truly timeless experience.
- St Mellion (Nicklaus), Cornwall: Jack Nicklaus' design masterpiece offers an American-style challenge with challenging bunkering, dramatic elevation changes, and a premium on accuracy. Particularly striking is the par-3 11th hole, playing downhill over water to a shallow green from up to 202 yards.
- Tenby, Pembrokeshire: One of the oldest golf clubs in Wales, Tenby presents classic seaside links with fast-running fairways, subtle contours, and breathtaking coastal views. The par-4 3rd hole is modest in length, but its raised, plateau green is hard to find even with a wedge.
We hope this list provides a fresh perspective on UK and Irish golf courses. Happy exploring!
- The heathland charm of Blackmoor, Hampshire, with its challenging par-3 9th hole, makes it a top choice for golf enthusiasts who love sports like golf.
- Tenby, Pembrokeshire, a classic seaside links course in Wales, is home to several stunning golf holes, such as the par-4 3rd hole with its raised, plateau green, offering a great experience for golfers seeking a diverse sports playground.
