The UK is home to some of the best destinations in the world for golf getaways. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to three of them, including the legendary ‘home of golf’ itself. Each is home to world-class courses set amidst the beautiful landscapes that surround some of our most popular holiday towns and cities. We’ve also included some suggested accommodation and a few attractions that might tempt you between games.
St Andrews
St Andrews, as all golfers know, is the home of golf. This little town on the east coast of the Scottish county of Fife has earnt its reputation as the epicentre of the golfing world partly because of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which, until 2004, was golf’s leading international authority. It remains the world’s oldest and most prestigious golf club. St Andrews is also renowned for its sandy beaches, the towering ruins of what was once the largest cathedral in Scotland, its mighty castle, and its famous university. All help to make this the ideal spot for a golfing holiday in every sense of the phrase.
Top golf courses in St Andrews
As you might expect, the home of golf is also home to a selection of world-class golf courses. The most famous is the Old Course, which is the oldest golf course in the world and has hosted The Open Championship on more occasions than any other. Several clubs have playing privileges on the Old Course, but it remains a public course. The many other noteworthy golf courses in the area include Castle Course, with its fantastic elevated views overlooking St Andrews, The New Course, which actually opened back in 1895 and is regarded as one of the area’s best-kept secrets, Duke’s, Kingsbarns, Fairmont St Andrews, and Scottscraig.
Where to stay
You can rent the two luxury homes on the St Andrews Luxury Holiday Homes estate together or separately. Each is equipped with its own 270-yard driving range and guests have access to the estate’s private short-game area. St. Andrews is just a 15-minute drive away. A holiday apartment, lodge, or cottage in St. Andrews will suit smaller groups and anyone who wants a base in the heart of the action.
Bournemouth
If you’re a fan of heathland courses, Bournemouth is the perfect place for your next golf getaway. The first golf courses were built in Bournemouth during the late 19th century – the period of the city’s rapid rise in popularity as a seaside holiday destination. Here you’ll find coastal courses with stunning seaside views and others further inland nestled within the heather-clad rolling hills of the Dorset countryside. Bournemouth is also known for its charming Victorian architecture, two piers, and miles of sandy beaches.
Golf courses in Bournemouth
Parkstone is a heathland course with lakes, pines, beautiful views across Poole Harbour, and a place on Golf Monthly Magazine’s top 100 golf courses in Britain and Ireland. According to the winner of the 1938 Open Championship, Reg Whitcombe, “There Is No Better Place.” Broadstone is another local top 100 course situated a little further inland. Ferndown, which lies just north of Bournemouth’s city limits, is former pro golfer and current commentator Peter Alliss’s favourite course. Rolex considers Ferndown a member of the top 3% of golf courses in the world.
Parkstone is a heathland course with lakes, pines, beautiful views across Poole Harbour, and a place on Golf Monthly Magazine’s top 100 golf courses in Britain and Ireland. According to the winner of the 1938 Open Championship, Reg Whitcombe, “There Is No Better Place.” Broadstone is another local top 100 course situated a little further inland. Ferndown, which lies just north of Bournemouth’s city limits, is former pro golfer and current commentator Peter Alliss’s favourite course. Rolex considers Ferndown a member of the top 3% of golf courses in the world.
Cornwall
Stunning natural landscapes make excellent locations for golf courses and Cornwall has plenty of both. England’s far south-western county is also dotted with a dazzling range of picturesque towns and some of the best beaches in the UK. If you’re looking for the ideal place to combine a golf getaway with a traditional holiday, this is it. You can learn about three famous Cornwall attractions and the stories behind them in our guide to the best sites and stories of Cornwall.
Golf courses in Cornwall
Two Cornish golf courses rank among the top 100 in Britain and Ireland. The first, St Enodoc, sits high atop the grassy dunes that overlook Padstow across the Camel Estuary. The second, Trevose, is situated a short distance south along the coast at Constantine Bay. Trevose was designed by the great golf course architect Harry Colt and has a reputation for its technical challenges. It’s a great course if you’re a golfer looking to put your ability to the test.
Hopefully, you’re now buzzing with inspiration for your next golf getaway. If you choose to take it in Cornwall, you might also be interested to find out about some of the county’s best surfing spots.
