The United Kingdom is home to some of the greatest golf courses on earth. From the ancient links of the Scottish coast to the Surrey heathlands and the wild cliffs of the Welsh shore, British golf spans centuries of history and every type of terrain imaginable.
This is our definitive ranked list of the 100 best golf courses in the UK, compiled from the NCG Top 100s country rankings and enriched with live Google ratings from thousands of verified golfers. Every course on this list has its own dedicated page with opening hours, reviews, contact details and a map.
How We Compiled the List
Our Top 100 draws on the National Club Golfer Top 100s rankings for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are compiled by panels of experienced golfers who have played every course. We then weighted the list by prestige and reputation, placing the world-famous courses at the top.
The breakdown is: 60 courses from England, 25 from Scotland, 10 from Wales and 5 from Northern Ireland, reflecting both the size of each golfing nation and the depth of quality available.
Google ratings and review counts are pulled live from Google Places, giving you an independent, crowd-sourced quality signal alongside the editorial rankings.
The Top 10 UK Golf Courses
These ten courses sit at the very peak of British golf. Most have hosted The Open Championship, all are on every serious golfer's bucket list.
1. St Andrews (Old Course), Fife
The oldest and most famous golf course in the world. The Old Course has been played since the 15th century and remains the spiritual home of the game. Playing it is an experience unlike any other in sport. Google rating: 4.8 from over 2,100 reviews.
See full details for St Andrews (Old Course)
2. Royal County Down, County Down
Set against the Mourne Mountains with Dundrum Bay stretching beyond, Royal County Down is considered by many to be the greatest golf course on the planet. Blindfolded tee shots, gorse-lined fairways and an atmosphere that stays with you forever.
See full details for Royal County Down
3. Muirfield, East Lothian
The home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is a masterclass in traditional links design. Its famous concentric ring layout means the wind plays from a different angle on every hole.
See full details for Muirfield
4. Royal Dornoch, Highland
Deep in the Scottish Highlands, Royal Dornoch is as close to a perfect links course as exists. Consistently ranked in the world's top five, it rewards the journey north with unforgettable golf and genuine warmth from its members.
See full details for Royal Dornoch
5. Royal Portrush, County Antrim
Host of The Open Championship in 1951 and 2019, Royal Portrush sits on the Causeway Coast with views across to Scotland on a clear day. The Dunluce Links is one of the most dramatic layouts in world golf.
See full details for Royal Portrush
6. Carnoustie, Angus
Known as "Car-nasty" for its brutal challenge, Carnoustie has broken the world's best players across multiple Open Championships. Playing it in the wind is a true test of every shot in the bag.
See full details for Carnoustie
7. Royal St George's, Kent
The only Open venue south of the Wash, Royal St George's is a true links course on the Kent coast near Sandwich. Undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers and sea views combine for an authentic seaside experience.
See full details for Royal St George's
8. Royal Birkdale, Merseyside
Ranked the best course in England by many, Royal Birkdale is a fair but fierce test on the Lancashire coast. The willows lining the fairways are unique among links courses, and the clubhouse is a stunning art deco landmark. Google rating: 4.9.
See full details for Royal Birkdale
9. Kingsbarns, Fife
A relative newcomer opened in 2000, Kingsbarns was carved from coastal farmland near St Andrews and immediately established itself as one of the finest links in Scotland. Every hole has a sea view.
See full details for Kingsbarns
10. Turnberry (Ailsa Course), Ayrshire
The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is one of the most photographed in the world, with views across to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. Its lighthouse-guarded 9th hole is among the most iconic in golf.
See full details for Turnberry (Ailsa Course)
Gift a Round at a Top UK Course
A Swyng voucher lets them choose their own course and date from over 2,800 venues across the UK.
Complete Top 100 List
England (60 courses)
Scotland (25 courses)
| Rank | Course | County |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Andrews (Old Course) | Fife |
| 3 | Muirfield | East Lothian |
| 4 | Royal Dornoch | Highland |
| 6 | Carnoustie | Angus |
| 9 | Kingsbarns | Fife |
| 10 | Turnberry (Ailsa Course) | Ayrshire |
| 11 | North Berwick | East Lothian |
| 15 | Royal Troon | Ayrshire |
| 16 | Gleneagles (King's Course) | Perthshire |
| 18 | Prestwick | Ayrshire |
| 19 | Cruden Bay | Aberdeenshire |
| 20 | Loch Lomond | Dunbartonshire |
| 22 | Western Gailes | Ayrshire |
| 24 | Royal Aberdeen | Aberdeenshire |
| 25 | Gullane No.1 | East Lothian |
| 27 | Cabot Highlands | Highland |
| 28 | Dumbarnie Links | Fife |
| 30 | Nairn | Highland |
| 33 | Machrihanish | Argyll |
| 37 | The Golf House Club, Elie | Fife |
| 41 | Gleneagles (Queen's Course) | Perthshire |
| 42 | Machrihanish Dunes | Argyll |
| 98 | Trump International Golf Links | Aberdeenshire |
| 99 | The Machrie | Argyll |
| 100 | Skibo Castle | Highland |
Wales (10 courses)
| Rank | Course | County |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Royal Porthcawl | Bridgend |
| 32 | Royal St David's | Gwynedd |
| 38 | Aberdovey | Gwynedd |
| 46 | Pennard | Glamorgan |
| 48 | Conwy | Conwy |
| 51 | Tenby | Pembrokeshire |
| 54 | Pyle & Kenfig | Bridgend |
| 58 | Ashburnham | Carmarthenshire |
| 61 | Southerndown | Vale of Glamorgan |
| 63 | Machynys Peninsula | Carmarthenshire |
Northern Ireland (5 courses)
| Rank | Course | County |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Royal County Down | County Down |
| 5 | Royal Portrush | County Antrim |
| 29 | Portstewart (Strand Course) | County Londonderry |
| 36 | Castlerock | County Londonderry |
| 44 | Royal County Down (Annesley) | County Down |
Gifting a Round at a Top UK Course
Many of the courses on this list are visitor-friendly, particularly the links courses of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Kent coast. Others, including Muirfield, Swinley Forest and Sunningdale, require an introduction from a member.
The safest way to gift a round at any level is a Swyng voucher. The recipient chooses the course and date that works for them, from over 2,800 venues across the UK. No risk of booking the wrong course or missing a booking window.
For a more personal touch, pair the voucher with a note: "I thought you could put this towards a round at Royal Dornoch" or "this one is for Carnoustie, when you're ready."
Use our Golf Courses directory to browse all 2,800+ venues, or try the Gift Finder Quiz if you want a personalised recommendation based on budget and occasion.
Sandy Grewal
Golf Expert & Writer
Sandy is a lifelong golfer and gifting enthusiast who has spent over 15 years reviewing golf equipment and experiences. From luxury golf breaks to the perfect stocking fillers, Sandy knows what makes a golfer smile.
