When you are thinking of holidays that can help you relax and unwind, you can opt for golf holidays that can help you enjoy the outdoors without having to stress physically. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or just a time to unwind, the UK and Ireland offer some of the finest golf courses in the world.
From the historic links of St Andrews to the rugged charm of Royal County Down, each course blends sporting prestige with jaw-dropping scenery. These aren’t just places to play; they’re destinations to experience, especially when you have time to spare. With all the amenities and facilities available, these golf courses can offer you a great time to improve your golfing skills or just make a lasting impression on others.
With Halcyon Golf Travel, you can have a great time with bespoke golf trips that let you venture off the beaten track, nurture friendships, and craft memorable stories and moments together. If you’re ready for a truly unforgettable golf holiday, these seven iconic courses in the UK and Ireland should be at the top of your list.
St Andrews, Scotland
If you are already interested in golf, you would have heard of the legendary Old Course at St Andrews. This course is widely regarded as the ‘Home of Golf’ as this is where the game began over six centuries ago. Those who want to make the most of the golf’s history and heritage and enjoy some challenges can make the most of this course. Here you get to pose at the iconic Swilcan Bridge and try your skills to beat the fearsome Road Hole.
For many golfers and golf enthusiasts, this course is a lot more than just an open space, it’s a rite of passage. While you are here, you can pair your trip to this iconic golf course with a stay in a historic inn and even enjoy some of the Scottish coastline. With plenty of things to do in Scotland, golfing being one, you can have a great time when you are in Scotland.
Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
Over the years, Northern Ireland has been a great place for golfers looking for a lovely time outdoors. Located in the town of Newcastle, Royal County Down ranks consistently among the top in global golf rankings. As you enjoy the views of the Mourne Mountains, you can have a great time trying your golfing skills, whether you are with friends or business colleagues.
While its natural beauty is simply staggering, with fairways winding through gorse-covered dunes and fast, sloping greens that challenge even the steadiest hand. The 9th hole, a breathtaking par 4 played from an elevated tee, is worth the trip alone. To make it even better, the exclusivity of tailored tee times and boutique accommodations nearby, and Royal County Down, becomes more than a round that you can experience.
Sunningdale Golf Club, England
If you are looking for history and elegance, Sunningdale Old is where golf meets grandeur. Laid out in 1901, this inland heathland course in Berkshire is often described as the most beautiful inland course in England. As you walk through the course, you can admire towering pines, blooming heather, and gently rolling fairways that offer you a picturesque backdrop to your golf holidays.
Despite its proximity to London, Sunningdale maintains a countryside charm, complete with an ivy-clad clubhouse and first-class hospitality. Luxury travelers appreciate the ease of access, making it an ideal blend of convenience and exclusivity. Hence, this remains one of the top spots close to London to enjoy a good game of golf over the weekend.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Scotland
Another golf course in Scotland that you should add to your itinerary is the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, which is highly adored by purists worldwide. Nestled in the wilds of Sutherland, this amazing golf course offers you the challenges and fun that come with the game. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Dornoch Firth and make the most of the layout that flows naturally through rugged linksland.
One of the best things about Royal Dornoch is that this course focuses on the old-school way of making shots and provides the soulful solitude that only the Highlands can offer. For travellers seeking both luxury and authenticity, the experience is elevated with castle stays, private whisky tastings, and a true immersion into Scotland’s golf heritage, one windswept flag at a time.
Ballybunion Golf Club, Ireland
Nestled on Ireland’s southwest coast, Ballybunion’s Old Course offers a thrilling encounter with the raw power of nature. If you are interested in challenges combined with spectacular ocean views, this is one of the top golf courses that you should add to your itinerary. With sweeping dunes, towering cliffs, and unpredictable Atlantic winds, every hole here is a unique challenge, rewarding creativity and precision.
Apart from its stunning views, amazing course, there’s plenty of history associated with it which adds to the experience. While you are exploring the course, you can look around and enjoy the wild Irish shoreline. This allows you to unwind in style and also explore some of the best beaches in Ireland to help you have a great coastal holiday.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club, England
One of the top golf courses in England that you should not miss is the Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Set amid the dunes of Southport, Royal Birkdale stands tall as England’s premier championship course. It’s hosted The Open ten times and continues to impress golfers with its broad fairways, excellent conditioning, and fair-but-firm challenges. This is where you can try your golfing skills and have a great time as well.
What sets Birkdale apart is its sense of balance; the course has enough challenges to test the pros, but it is also quite playable for golfing enthusiasts trying their skills. While you are here in Southport, you can make the most of the Victorian architecture, delicious seaside dining, and upscale accommodations that add to the overall experience.
Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland
For those looking for golf courses with plenty of heritage and natural landscape, Muirfield is a great choice. Home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, this legendary East Lothian links has hosted The Open Championship 16 times, shaping the legacies of golf’s greatest. The course’s layout forms two concentric loops that allow you to challenge your mind and body and make the most of your skills.
It’s an exclusive experience, with limited tee times and a strong emphasis on tradition (jackets and ties still required in the dining room). Hence, if you are looking for an experience along with golfing holidays, you would want to choose this one. Nearby, luxury travellers can retreat to elegant manors, enjoy private distillery tours, and unwind along East Lothian’s dramatic coast in style.