Top 10 Golf Courses in England

England is home to some of the world’s greatest golf clubs and golf courses, from countryside championships to oceanic links. Our golf travel experts have hand-selected their favourite golf spots and compiled the ultimate list of the top 10 golf courses in England. 

Dorset Golf & Country Club

The Dorset Golf & Country Club offers three of the finest golf courses on the South West coast of England: The Lakeland, Parkland and Woodland Courses. All three magnificent courses were designed by renowned designer Martin Hawtree. Hawtree is most famous for his 5* Trump International Links Course in Aberdeen, built for former President Donald trump in Scotland. The Dorset Golf Club is no less impressive and considered one of the most esteemed golf locations in England, open for play all year round.

Location: Dorset

Par: 72, 72, 69

Holes: 9, 9, 9

Architect: Martin Hawtree

The Nicklaus Signature Golf Course

Follow in the footsteps of the greatest golfing legends at the Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, another of the most prestigious golf courses in England. The Nicklaus Signature was host to the Benson & Hedges International Open for six years from 1990 until 1995, and since has become a popular destination for golfers of all abilities from all over the world – and is definitely one to tick off your bucket list!

Location: Cornwall

Par: 72

Holes: 18

Architect: Jack Nicklaus

The PGA National

The PGA National is the only PGA golf course in England and is recognised by the PGA as a world-class tournament course. Set in the Warwickshire countryside, the PGA National provides a testing game of golf, as well as breathtaking rural views. The course features constructed lakes and well-placed sandtraps and bunkers, and makes for a pleasant game for both beginners and advanced players.

Location: Warwickshire

Par: 72

Holes: 18

Architect: Dave Thomas

Belton’s Woods Golf Course

The Belton’s Woods Golf Resort is situated in Lincolnshire and offers two challenging courses set on the beautiful resort’s woodland grounds. The Championship Lakes Course features tricky narrow fairways and water hazards throughout, providing a true test of golf for even the most experienced player. The Woods Course runs along the picturesque woodlands and offers a difficult game with well-placed bunkers and natural hazards, too. Both courses are suitable for golfers of all abilities.

Location: Lincolnshire

Par: 72, 73

Holes: 18, 18

Formby Hall Golf Course

Formby Hall Golf Course is located near Liverpool and Southport, and offers one of the finest games of golf in the North West of England. The Formby is known for its high standards and has been the proud venue for multiple tournaments, including the European Seniors Tour, European Challenge Tour and PGA EuroPro Tour. The links-style course is designed to provide a testing game for golfers of all abilities with potting bunkers, trees and water hazards throughout.

Location: Southport

Par: 72

Holes: 18

Architect: Harry Colt

Dunston Golf Course

The Dunston Golf Course is located in Norfolk on a fabulous historical estate, home to Dunston Hall manor house. The Dunston Parkland Course winds through the stunning woodland estate and boasts beautiful views of the manor, ancient trees and natural lakes. The course was built to USGA standards and offers a pleasant game of golf for players of all levels. If you are looking for a tranquil country golfing escape, Dunston Hall is the perfect place for you.

Location: Norfolk

Par: 71

Holes: 18

East Sussex National Golf Club

The East Sussex National Golf Club offers golfers two stunning championship golf courses: The East Course and The West Course. Both the East and the West are considered two of the top golf courses in England and Europe. The East Course was designed especially for tournament play and since opening has hosted the European Open Championship on two occasions.The courses are designed for tournament play and contain numerous water features and natural hazards, requiring a high level of putting accuracy.

Location: East Sussex

Par: 72

Holes: 18

Architect: Bob Cupp

Hollins Hall Championship Course

The Hollins Hall Championship Course is located on 200 acres with panoramic views over the Aire Valley and Yorkshire Dales in West Yorkshire. The course was built to USGA standards and has been a proud host venue for the PGA EuroPro Championship Tour. Players can enjoy rustic surroundings with the original stone walls of the manor as well as water features and mature trees along the course.

Location: Yorkshire

Par: 71

Holes: 18

Architect: Ross McMurray

The Championship Course at Macdonald Portal Hotel

The Championship Course at Macdonald Portal Hotel is situated in the picture-perfect Cheshire countryside, boasting amazing views of the rolling hills and green fields. Just a few years after opening in 1990, the course was named ‘Golf Course of the Year’ and still maintains its remarkably high standards today. The course is designed to complement its natural surroundings with glistening waterfalls and a beautiful lake.

Location: Cheshire

Par: 72

Holes: 18

Architect: Donald Steel

The Prince’s Golf Club

The Prince’s Golf Club is a hidden gem situated in the beautiful Kent countryside, home to three fantastic 9-hole golf courses: The Shore, The Dunes and The Himalayas. The Prince’s Golf Club is renowned for hosting the Open Championship in 1932 and co-hosting The Amateur Championship 2013 and 2017. Players can enjoy championship links golf with testing undulating grounds and serene coastal views of Sandwich Bay. 

Location: East Kent

Par: 36, 36, 36

Holes: 9, 9, 9

Architect: Charles Hutchings

If you’re looking for the best golf course in England for your next staycation, check out our exquisite selection of golf breaks in England or get in touch with our team for more information.