Top 10 Links Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland

The UK is home to some of the world’s greatest links courses. If you’re looking for an unforgettable golf experience, check out our list of the best links golf courses in the UK and Ireland, and find the perfect place for your next golf staycation. 

St Andrews Old Course, Fife

Dating back to 1552, the St Andrews Old Course is renowned for being the oldest golf course in the world. St Andrews Old Course is located in Fife, on the east coast of Scotland and offers players spectacular sea views in a stunning coastal setting. To this day, the championship course upholds a fantastic reputation and is known for its immaculate, tournament-standard greens and tricky fairways. In fact, since 1873, the Old Course has hosted the Open Championship 29 times (and counting!). Although it has such a high status, you don’t need to be a pro to play at the Old Course. The beautiful 18-hole links is open for play for golfers of all abilities so why not book your next family golf staycation at the Old Course Hotel and enjoy a five-star stay on the breathtaking coast of Fife?

Old Tom Morris Course, Sheephaven Bay

The Old Tom Morris Links Course is located in County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, overlooking the picturesque Sheephaven Bay. Golf has been played here since the 19th century and the modern course continues its legacy, having been ranked in the top 3 courses in the British Isles, along with the St Andrews Old Course and the Royal County Down. The Old Tom Morris Links was designed by none other than famous Scottish golfer, Tom Morris, featuring a challenging 18 holes that offer a test of golf skill for even the most seasoned player. In 1893, the first ever golf resort in the British Isles was opened: the Rosapenna Golf Hotel & Golf Resort, a fine resort offering ocean views, lavish guest rooms, a luxury spa and first-class golf at the Old Tom Morris. Book your country golf escape to Rosapenna!

The Carnoustie Buddon Course, Angus

Located in Perthshire, the Carnoustie Buddon Course is another excellent Scottish links course, offering magnificent coastal views and a brilliant golf experience for players of all skill levels. The course was designed in 1981 by renowned architects Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss on land that was formerly used by the Military of Defence. To pay homage to military services, each hole on the course is named after battles. Enjoy the serene surroundings and outstanding natural beauty, with glistening lakes and an abundance of rare wildlife species across the courseYou can stay at the nearby Carnoustie Golf Hotel, a luxury golf hotel which offers guests fabulous en-suite rooms, deluxe suites, swimming pool, sauna and steam room – perfect for kicking back after an exciting day on the course.

Trump Turnberry, South Ayrshire

The Trump Turnberry is an impressive links course owned by former US president Donald Trump, located on the idyllic west coast of Scotland in Ayr. The club features two magnificent golf courses: the Alisa Course and the King Robert the Bruce. The Alisa has hosted the Open Championship four times since its opening in the early 20th century. Play at the Alisa and follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest golfers of all time, including Watson, Norman and Price. The King Robert the Bruce was opened in 2017 by Trump’s son, Eric F Trump, and designed by the talented golf architect, Martin Ebert. Both courses offer pleasant ocean views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, and a challenging test of golf for players of all levels. In 2016, the golf resort underwent a £200 million renovation across hotel facilities and courses, making the Trump Turnberry one of the best golf resorts in Europe: with five-star accommodation, luxury spa facilities and top-notch golf, it’s a true golfer’s paradise.

Dunluce Links, Antrim

The Royal Portrush Golf Club is located in Portrush County in Antrim, Northern Ireland, and is home to the renowned Dunluce Links Course. The Dunluce is considered one of greatest links courses in the British Isles and was the first course to host the Open, outside of Great Britain. The championship course is set among natural sand dunes, green valleys and white rock beaches, offering players striking coastal views, natural hazards and a brilliant golf experience for anyone who likes a challenge. The course gets its name from the majestic 13th century Dunluce Castle ruins that overlook the course – it’s definitely a site worth visiting when you’re not on the course. 

The Royal St George’s Course

Situated in Sandwich, Kent, the Royal St George’s Course is considered one of the best links courses in England. The Royal St George’s Course is the only Rota course in southern England to have hosted the Open Championships on multiple occasions, making it a popular choice for golfers across the world in search of exquisite championship golf. The wild sand dunes across the course make for a real challenge with many holes requiring partially blind shots due to extremely deep bunkers. In fact, the 4th hole has one of the deepest bunkers in all of championship golf. Do you think you have what it takes? Book a golf trip to Kent and give it a go!

Fun fact: The Royal St George’s Course was included in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel ‘Goldfinger’ under the name ‘Royal St Marks’.

Ballybunion Golf Club, County Kerry

The Ballybunion Golf Club is located in a small coastal town called Ballybunion, a seaside resort in Country Kerry, Ireland. The Ballybunion was founded in 1893 as a 12-hole course but was soon extended to the amazing 18-hole course it is today. It remained under the radar for a few years until its debut in the Irish Championships in 1937. The fantastic links course is surrounded by the tallest sand dunes in Ireland and looks out onto the Atlantic sea, ideal for a serene golfing getaway. A gentle breeze makes for a pleasant game but on a windy day, we recommend ditching the scorecard and making the most of the enchanting natural setting and enjoying yourself. There are a range of accommodation options available for your golf breaks in Ireland, suitable for families, couples and large groups. 

Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Merseyside

The Royal Birkdale Golf Club is located on the north west coast of England in Southport, Merseyside. The Royal Birkdale has an impressive tournament portfolio, being in the rotation for both the Open Championship and Women’s British Open, as well as hosting the Ryder Cup as well as other famous golf tournaments. The course is built on a flat valley surrounded by dunes, with amazing sea views across the greens and a fair game for all players. The course was founded in 1889 however in 1935, an iconic art deco-style club house was built by George E. Tonge, creating a beautiful contrast with the history of the course. Why not book a golf weekend in the North West of England and test your skills at this incredible royal-status golf course?

Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Wales

The Royal Porthcawl Golf Club was established in 1895 and since then has earned the title of the best links course in Wales. The course has hosted multiple international and national tournaments including the Walker Cup, Ladies Open Championship, Curtis Cup, The Amateur Championship, The Senior Open Championship and many more. Golfers can enjoy tremendous views over the Bristol channel while the stunning course leads all the way down to the seashore. There are holes in every direction on the Royal Porthcawl which means players are sure to tackle stern winds along the course. There are also excellent on-site practice facilities, including two putting greens and a chipping area. The club is located between Cardiff and Swansea so if you’re travelling by car, we recommend taking a day trip to explore the wonderful Welsh cities while you’re there.

Muirfield Golf Course, East Lothian

Muirfield Golf Course is located in East Lothian in Scotland, not far from Edinburgh, and overlooks the Firth of Forth. The fabulous links course was originally designed by Old Tom Morris but was later revamped by renowned course designers Harry Colt and Tom Simpson. It features a very unusual layout for a links course, incorporating two loops of 9: one running clockwise and the other anti-clockwise. The course was updated again in 2010 to ensure it was up to scratch to challenge the world’s best professional and amateur golfers, adding in new bunkers and extending the greens to 7,245 yards. The Muirfield is a very challenging course that has been described by Jack Nicklaus as ‘the best golf course in Britain’. Book a golf break in Edinburgh and find out for yourself!

Please browse our selection of UK golf breaks to book your next golf holiday and play at the best links courses in the UK.