The golf courses in GB&I you need to play this year
We’ve picked out eight must-play courses in the British Isles worthy of headlining any golf trip
If you’re anything like us you’ll often have conversations with your golf buddies that almost always start with: “Do you know where we should go and play this summer?”
So to help you out we’ve compiled a list of the eight must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland that you absolutely should be adding to your bucket list.
Now we know these courses generally break the bank in terms of green fees, so make sure you come back and check out our rundown of the best affordable golf courses in GB&I.
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Prestwick
Why go? It’s a total mystery why it is not more revered, and a fixture on any discerning American’s Scotland itinerary. Has a quieter mid-round section but starts and ends with unique, unforgettable holes and arguably has more history to lap up than anywhere else. Don’t forget, it was the host of the very first Open Championship.
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
Why go? Revered architect Tom Doak has taken this heathland to new heights with a huge three-stage woodland management and bunker refurbishment programme.
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Kilspindie
Why go? With the Scottish Open at the nearby Renaissance Club, make a trip of it with some professional golf to watch and some of your own golf to play at Kilspindie!
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Prince’s
Why go? This historic 27-hole Kent links has never been better thanks to the input of the R&A’s preferred architect Martin Ebert. There is now not a weaker nine after the Himalayas was comprehensively upgraded. The club were so taken aback by Ebert’s work that they asked him to stay on and work his magic on the Shore and Dunes nines as well. The work is now complete so this year is the perfect time to pay a visit. With excellent on-site accommodation, it is a no-brainer.
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: St Andrews (Old)
Why go? It’s the Old Course. What more needs to be said?
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
Why go? The 2019 Open host is now a top five GB&I course thanks to the new holes among the dunes stolen from the Dunluce’s sister course the Valley. Oozes “I was there” factor plus World Top 50 quality.
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Gleneagles (King’s)
Why go? It’s the best golf resort in the world. Naturally not cheap, but worth it – on and off the course. Treat yourself. And of its three courses, make sure you play the world-class King’s Course.
Must-play golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland: Dumbarnie Links
Why go? Scotland’s new links superstar? Well, the Fife course is one of the newest venues in the country and has sea views from every hole. The course is earning rave reviews – including from us – so go and see it for yourself.
- NOW READ: The best affordable golf courses in GB&I
Now have your say
How many of these golf courses have you played? What do you think about our list of the golf courses you must play in Great Britain & Ireland? Let us know with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
Chris Bertram
Chris Bertram is a specialist in all things golf courses.
He was born and brought up in Dumfriesshire and has been a sports journalist since 1996, initially as a junior writer with National Club Golfer magazine.
Chris then spent four years writing about football and rugby union for the Press Association but returned to be Editor and then Publisher of NCG.
He has been freelance since 2010 and spends the majority of his time playing golf and writing about the world’s finest golf courses.
