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Best Golf Courses in the United Kingdom

Ask this member a question. HJ_WiseGuy Avid golfer
19 Apr 2006
4.0 of 5 stars based on 2 votes
You will find some of the most challenging golf courses in the world in the United Kingdom. True golf fans have to make a point to make the trip if they can.
1. The St. Andrews Links
The St. Andrews Links, St Andrews, Fife
This is the most storied of all the world's golf courses. While it is not obstensibly the most beautiful course in the world, it earns a no. 1 ranking for its significance in advancing the game of golf. It is known by many as being the course of the first golf game ever played. What makes it special in aesthetic terms is its natural, unadulterated layout.
2. Ailsa at Turnberry
Turnberry, South Ayrshire
The Ailsa course at Turnberry is thought by many as being "the Pebble Beach of Scotland". Anyone who has played Pebble Beach or seen pictures of it knows how much weight that statement carries. Virtually the entire course looks out onto the Irish Sea. As one might imagine, the wind can make it a challenging round for even the world's top golfers.
3. Royal County Down Golf Club
Royal County Down Golf Club, Newcastle, County Down
Located right on the Bay of Dundrum, the Royal County Down offers a stunningly scenic landscape, while also providing a challenge for golfers of all levels. It opened in 1849 and was modified by Harry Vardon in 1908. The sandunes make for for great scenery as well.
4. Old Course at Ballybunion
Old Course at Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland
Massive sand dunes lining the perimeter of the course make for breathtaking views--- and a high score! This is one of the most celebrate courses in all of Europe. Bill Clinton played the course in 1998. Apparently he was fond of the mulligan.
5. Royal Portrush Golf Club
Royal Portrush Golf Club - Dunluce Links, Portrush, County Antrim
This beautiful course in Antrim is a links heaven. Just like the others in this list, it is very challenging, but even the poorest of rounds won't spoil your appreciation, as the course hosts magnificent ocean views.
6. Muirfield
Muirfield, East Lothian
While St. Andrews is home to the first game ever played, Muirfied is recognized as being the first golf club, formed in 1744 by "The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers". It is unique in that it was the first course to include the back nine within the front nine, as opposed to the old links which simply had nine in and nine out. The set up makes it very hard to play when there is wind.
7. Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Greater Liverpool
This is celebrated as being the favorite of all the English courses on the British Open circuit. It is thought of as being a "fair" course, in that you will be rewarded for hitting your tee shot in the fairway and punished for hitting your tee shot into the tough rough. Be very careful of how you handle the greens, as they are very hard to read.
8. Carnoustie Championship Course
Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie, Angus
Carnoustie is to have one of the most difficult back nines in all of golf. Many will recall Jean Van de Velde's British Open 18th-hole collapse here several years ago.
9. Lahinch Golf Club
Lahinch Golf Club, Lahinch, County Clare
Lahinch is no cinch! Many of the holes are directly adjacent to the bay , which can make for brutal winds. If that wasn't enough, try dealing with the diabolical triple-tiered greens.
10. Ganton Golf Club
Ganton Golf Club, Scarborough
Ganton has hosted a number of championship tournaments over the years. Unlike the others on this list, Ganton has very few holes on water and is certainly more inland. It is very welcoming to visitors and should not be missed if you are a serious golfer.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: St Andrews, Turnberry, Newcastle, County Kerry, Portrush, Muirfield, Southport, Carnoustie, Lahinch, Scarborough