Best Golf Courses In England

England is home to some of the world's best and most famous golf courses...

Royal Liverpool Golf Club pictured from above with the sea in background
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, venue for the 2023 Open Championship
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Popular opinion might have you believing that the cream of the crop in the UK & Ireland lies north of the border or across the Irish Sea, but English courses fare well in the most illustrious of golfing company with the country boasting 50 of the UK and Ireland's top 100 golf courses. England is home to multiple Open Championship, Ryder Cup and DP World Tour venues and is renowned for its historic, world class links like Royal Birkdale and Royal St George's to its famous heathlands like Sunningdale and Swinley Forest.

England features some of most exclusive golf clubs in the UK like Queenwood, Wentworth and Bearwood Lakes, but none of these feature in our Top 100 rankings due to their exclusivity and that's why they do not feature below.

Best Golf Courses In England

Below we list the top 50 golf courses in England, in order, based on the most recent Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100 golf course rankings...

Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale 2nd green pictured on a sunny day


(Image credit: David Cannon/Getty Images)
  • Location: Southport, Merseyside
  • Founded: 1889
  • Designed by: Fred Hawtree and JH Taylor
  • Green fee: £185-£285
  • Top 100 ranking: 7th
  • Book: Visit website

The Southport coast has way more than its fair share of very fine links, but one stands above them all – Royal Birkdale, where the holes play predominantly along the valleys between tall dunes. Birkdale has played host to 10 Open Championships, as well as the 1965 and 1969 Ryder Cups. It has also played host to Women's British Opens, Senior Opens, Amateur Championships, Walker Cups and Curtis Cups. Most recently, it was also the site of Jordan Spieth's infamous drop and unbelievable last five holes to win the 2017 Open Championship. Birkdale is one of the best links courses in England and a must-play for avid golfers.

- Full Royal Birkdale Golf Club review

Sunningdale - Old

Sunningdale 18th hole and clubhouse pictured


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Sunningdale, Berkshire
  • Opened: 1901
  • Designed by: Willie Park Jr
  • Green fee: £300
  • Top 100 ranking: 9th
  • Book: Visit website

The Old at Sunningdale vies strongly with its younger sibling for the honour of finest inland course in the UK, let alone England. It's without doubt one of the best heathland golf courses in the UK, showcasing inland golf at its very finest. There are so many strong holes on this wonderful heathland layout, that picking out one over another is tough, but the stretch from the 6th to the 8th excels heading out, while the 10th is a glorious down and up par 4 that will test you to the full. 

- Full Sunningdale Golf Club Old Course Review

Sunningdale - New

Sunningdale New Course 5th hole pictured with blue sky

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Sunningdale, Berkshire
  • Opened: 1923
  • Designed by: Harry Colt
  • Green fee: £300
  • Top 100 ranking: 10th
  • Book: Visit website

New in name but getting on for 100 years old now, Harry Colt and John Morrison’s design has just got better and better over the years. It is a supremely beautiful place to play golf, with holes that will test and tease you, and others where you may just fancy your chances. Whatever happens on the day, you can’t help but enjoy yourself as Sunningdale is home to 36 of the best golf holes in the world, let alone the country!

- Full Sunningdale Golf Club New Course review

Royal St George's

Royal St George's pictured from above

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Sandwich, Kent
  • Founded: 1887
  • Designed by: Laidlaw Purves
  • Green fee: £125-£290
  • Top 100 ranking: 11th
  • Book: Visit website

Founded in 1887, Royal St George’s was the first English course to play host to The Open Championship, which it did in 1894. This links with a difference boasts fairways more rumpled in nature than on any other course on the current Open rota. There’s a glorious feeling of space around the 1st tee, but the challenge is stiff from the outset in any sort of breeze. Among the standout holes are the famous 4th with its mighty sleepered bunkers and extremely testing green.

- Full Royal St George's Golf Club review

Royal Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Golf Club pictured from above

(Image credit: Sam Cooper)
  • Location: Hoylake, Wirral
  • Founded: 1869
  • Designed by: Robert Chambers, George Morris and Harry Colt
  • Green fee: £135-£250
  • Top 100 ranking: 12th
  • Book: Visit website

The course that made its Open return in 2006, when Tiger reigned supreme over a bone-dry links, is a little different. Looking out from the fine red-brick clubhouse, you’ll see a number of flat holes playing around what was once a racecourse but is now the practice ground. But the course at Hoylake really comes alive in the middle when it ventures closer to the Dee estuary for a prolonged spell of dramatic links golf. This testing and historic links plays host to its 13th Open Championship in 2023, nine years after Rory McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug here.

- Full Royal Liverpool Golf Club review

Royal Lytham and St Annes

Royal Lytham and St Annes pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
  • Founded: 1886
  • Designed by: George Lowe and Harry Colt 
  • Green fee: £160-£305
  • Top 100 ranking: 13th
  • Book: Telephone 01253 724 206. Email: bookings@royallytham.org

This 11-time Open venue and two-time Ryder Cup host really is a thinker’s course where plotting your way round is of at least equal merit to length of the tee. Uniquely among The Open venues, it starts with a heavily bunkered par 3, which is followed by two strong par 4s flanking the railway. The run for home is stout indeed. The long par 4s at 15 and 17 – the latter’s approach blind if you’re too far left off the tee - yield par figures with some reluctance. It's another fantastic links in the North West and easily one of best golf courses in Lancashire.

- Full Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club review

Woodhall Spa - Hotchkin

Woodhall Spa Hotchkin Course pictured from above


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire
  • Opened: 1905
  • Designed by: Harry Vardon
  • Green fee: £70-£135
  • Top 100 ranking: 18th
  • Book: 01526 352511 or Email booking@woodhallspagolf.com

Yes, the deep, testing bunkers are what the Hotchkin is most famous for, but Lincolnshire’s finest is about so much more than that. There are so many strong holes it’s almost impossible to single one out, but if pushed, the par-5 9th sets up particularly magnificently from the tee. A stunning Tom Doak renovation project has recently been completed at Woodhall Spa, where the vision was to restore much of the course's original character with some trees, shrubs and gorse removed and bunkered returned to their original style with other long-lost ones re-introduced. The club, home to the National Golf Centre and home to England Golf, features two of the best golf courses in Lincolnshire with the world class Hotchkin and the superb Bracken Course - a very good second course.

- Full Woodhall Spa Golf Club Hotchkin Course review

St George's Hill

St George's Hill Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Weybridge, Surrey
  • Opened: 1911
  • Designed by: Harry Colt
  • Green fee: £225
  • Top 100 ranking: 25th
  • Book: 01932 847758

There is drama, variety and challenge aplenty laid out beneath the imposing red brick clubhouse that you play back up towards on the Red nine’s finale. The stunning St George's Hill is home to three nines (Red and Blue main 18 plus Green) for what is one of the very best golf courses in Surrey. To pick out one or two standout holes from such a strong cast is tough, but the 2nd on the Red is a demanding par 4 played from a raised tee over a crest, then gently back up to the green, while the 2nd on the Blue is a well-guarded 120-yarder where trouble awaits in the form of deep bunkers and steep banks.

- Full St George's Hill Golf Club review

Burnham and Berrow

Burnham and Berrow links pictured

(Image credit: Geoff Ellis (golfworking.co.uk))
  • Location: Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
  • Founded: 1891
  • Designed by: Charles Gibson
  • Green fee: £130-£155
  • Top 100 ranking: 29th
  • Book: Visit website

Featuring tight fairways, impressive sand hills and thick rough, Burnham and Berrow seems a daunting prospect requiring strict accuracy off the tee. However, it has hosted more than 50 amateur competitions and provides a fair challenge that links enthusiasts will relish. It's not only one of the best golf courses in Somerset but one of, if not the, best courses in the South West.

- Full Burnham and Berrow Golf Club review

Walton Heath - Old

Walton Heath Old Course par-3 pictured


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey
  • Opened: 1904
  • Designed by: Herbert Fowler
  • Green fee: Contact club
  • Top 100 ranking: 29th
  • Book: 01737 812060 option 2

The older of Walton Heath’s two excellent courses has a long and rich history that features a Ryder Cup and many other high-profile events with the 2023 AIG Women's Open on the horizon. The stunning Surrey heathland is blessed with an expansive landscape where you can often gaze out over several holes, though rarely will they impinge on each other. If you’re into the wind heading out, the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th will all test your game to the full, especially if you’re unable to keep it out of the heather.

- Full Walton Heath Golf Club Old Course review

Hillside

Hillside Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Southport, Merseyside
  • Founded: 1911
  • Designed by: Fred Hawtree
  • Green fee: £90-£230
  • Top 100 ranking: 31st
  • Book: Visit website

One of England's finest links, and as an unusual one with a number of holes beautifully framed by towering pines. The front nine is strong, but the back nine really shines - it's arguably one of the best back nines in the entire UK. The par 5s - the 11th, sweeping from right to left, and the 17th through a dune-lined valley - really stand out. 

- Full Hillside Golf Club review

Hankley Common

Hankley Common Golf Club pictured from above


(Image credit: Jason Livy)
  • Location: Farnham, Surrey
  • Opened: 1897
  • Designed by: Harry Colt and James Braid
  • Green fee: £130
  • Top 100 ranking: 32nd
  • Book: 01252 797717

Hankley Common is a beautiful golf course that is of top quality. The surrounding area is a site of special scientific interest and the setting features thousands of birches, rowans, pines and oaks. The course is renowned for its good drainage and the dry conditions make for fast-running fairways akin to a links course, as Bobby Locke once pointed out. The club never rests on its laurels and continues to improve what is one of England's premier inland layouts.

- Full Hankley Common Golf Club review

Ganton

Ganton Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Vale of Pickering, Yorkshire
  • Opened: 1897
  • Designed by: Tom Chisholm and Robert Bird
  • Green fee: £75-£170
  • Top 100 ranking: 34th
  • Book: Tel: 01944 710329 Email: secretary@gantongolfclub.com

Ganton is a gem of a course with an embarrassment of riches, and a number of holes that will quickly expose your weaknesses, especially if you stray into one of many bunkers that wouldn’t look out of place at Woodhall Spa. The final run for home is strong, with the 17th not quite able to decide if it’s a par 3 or 4 on the card, and 18 then somewhat unusually playing over an entrance road that is actually OOB should your ball come to rest on it. It's an historic club that once boasted six-time Open champion Harry Vardon as its professional, and it has hosted the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup and the Amateur Championship. Officially designed by Tom Chisholm and Robert Bird, Ganton has been altered by legendary architects James Braid, Alister MacKenzie, Harry Colt, John Henry Taylor, and Harry Vardon.

- Full Ganton Golf Club review

St Enodoc - Church

St Enodoc Church course pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Rock, Cornwall
  • Opened: 1890
  • Designed by: James Braid
  • Green fee: £75-£135
  • Top 100 ranking: 36th
  • Book: Visit website

St Enodoc is one of a kind and a real treat that offers excellent value, variety and views. The Cornish coastline provides a stunning backdrop to this wonderfully varied James Braid design that changes direction and elevation throughout. Packed with memorable features such as the Himalayas bunker, the course's namesake church and stunning views across the Camel Estuary to Padstow, it's a thrilling ride from start to finish. It's top of the list when it comes to the best golf courses in Cornwall and is right up there as one of England's best links courses.

- Full St Enodoc Church Course review

Hollinwell The Home of Notts Golf Club

Holinwell Golf Club pictured


(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
  • Opened: 1901 (club founded 1887)
  • Designed by: Willie Park Jr
  • Green fee: £75-£200
  • Top 100 ranking: 37th
  • Book: Tel: 01623 753225 option 3 Email office@hollinwell.co.uk

Notts provides a genuine away-from-it-all feeling. The course is a fine heathland routing with sometimes breathtaking changes in elevation and a host of exceptional holes. An ongoing bunker-improvement programme is successfully recreating a true heathland appearance. Not only is it top of the best golf courses in Nottinghamshire list but it is also the best golf course in the midlands. The course has hosted numerous high-level events including Open Final Qualifying and is only getting better thanks to work from Martin Ebert.

- Full Holinwell Home of Notts Golf Club review

Swinley Forest

Swinley Forest GC pictured


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Ascot, Berkshire
  • Opened: 1909
  • Designed by: Harry Colt
  • Green fee: Contact club
  • Top 100 ranking: 39th
  • Book: Tel 01344 620197 Email office@swinleyfgc.co.uk

Swinley Forest is a quintessentially old-school course that is always a delight. Tunnelling through beautiful pines it provides a sublime balance of fun and variety, making it one of Harry Colt's greatest legacies. It's not the longest but this golden-age classic has more than survived the test of time. It's only second to Sunningdale when it comes to the best golf courses in Berkshire.

- Full Swinley Forest Golf Club review

Formby

Formby GC clubhouse and accommodation pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Formby, Merseyside
  • Founded: 1884
  • Designed by: Willie Park Jr, James Braid and Harry Colt
  • Green fee: £110-£200
  • Top 100 ranking: 41st
  • Book: Visit website

While many links courses lack the framing and variety offered by trees, Formby features the best of both worlds with an almost heathland feel in place. It is abound with strong par 4s that contribute to its reputation as one of the very best courses on a coastline packed with excellent golf. This premier-league links is distinctive and memorable and its future is safeguarded with changes on the way.

- Full Formby Golf Club review

The Berkshire - Red

The Berkshire GC Red Course hole pictured


(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Ascot, Berkshire
  • Founded: 1928
  • Designed by: Herbert Fowler
  • Green fee: £125-£255
  • Top 100 ranking: 42nd
  • Book: Tel 01344 621 495 option 1 Email golf@theberkshire.co.uk

With six wildly differing short holes, six par 4s and six long holes, there is something for everyone. This fabulous Herbert Fowler design provides enormous fun with variety with something new in store at every turn. It's a stunning heathland layout that more than packs its punch in a popular area, and a 36-hole day at the Berkshire playing the Red as well as the superb Blue course is a day to remember.

- Full The Berkshire Red Course review

Saunton - East

Saunton Golf Club East Course pictured


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Braunton, Devon
  • Founded: 1897
  • Designed by: Herbert Fowler
  • Green fee: £80-£130
  • Top 100 ranking: 49th
  • Book: Email info@sauntongolf.co.uk Tel 01271 812436 (option 1)

Saunton is home to two of the best golf courses in Devon with the East and West, which both feature in the Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100 rankings. The more challenging of two wonderful links courses is the East, which is set in the glorious North Devon dunes to provide a wonderful and testing setting to play golf.

- Full Saunton Golf Club East Course review

Alwoodley

Alwoodley Golf Club 1st and 2nd hole pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Moortown, Leeds, Yorkshire
  • Founded: 1907
  • Designed by: Alister MacKenzie
  • Green fee: From £95
  • Top 100 ranking: 50th
  • Book: Visit website

As course design debuts go, this Alister MacKenzie heathland beauty on the outskirts of Leeds takes some beating - it's so good that MacKenzie even based a couple of holes at Augusta National on it. Some of his original design features lost over the years have even been re-introduced in the 21st century. Fine opening and closing holes bookend this testing inland classic, which is one of England's finest heathlands and one of the very best golf courses in Yorkshire.

- Full Alwoodley Golf Club review

Royal Cinque Ports

Royal Cinque Ports pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Deal, Kent
  • Founded: 1892
  • Designed by: Harry Hunter and James Braid
  • Green fee: £115-£185
  • Top 100 ranking: 53rd
  • Book: Visit website

Along with Royal St George’s and Prince’s, Royal Cinque Ports is one of three Open Championship links in our Top 100 that lie almost back-to-back on the Kent coast between Sandwich and Deal. It's a very strong course with a great variety of holes forging out to the turn and then back into the prevailing wind. There's a fine run from home from the 12th, which is one of the most challenging stretches you will find.

- Full Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club review

Silloth on Solway

Silloth on Solway pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Wigton, Cumbria
  • Founded: 1892
  • Designed by: David Grant and Willie Park Jr
  • Green fee: £35-£80
  • Top 100 ranking: 51st
  • Book: Visit website

Blessed with an idyllic setting, the rumpled links never seems to attract a bad word. Heather, gorse and the breeze will challenge every department of your game. Somewhat paradoxically, this is a Top 100 hidden gem and undoubtedly the best value course in the Top 100.

- Full Silloth on Solway Golf Club review

Walton Heath - New

Walton Heath New Course pictured on a sunny day


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey
  • Opened: 1907 nine holes (1913 18 holes)
  • Designed by: Herbert Fowler
  • Green fee: Contact club
  • Top 100 ranking: 54th
  • Book: 01737 812060 option 2

The course eases you in with a short-par-4, delightful-par-3 combination, before a beautiful and, at times, very challenging heathland examination. Herbert Fowler created both heathland beauties at Walton Heath, with the first nine holes of the New arriving three years after its older sibling in 1907, before being extended to a full 18 in 1913. When tour events and the Ryder Cup have visited this corner of Surrey, they have typically played a composite course.

- Full Walton Heath New Course review

Liphook

Liphook Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Liphook, Hampshire
  • Opened: 1923
  • Designed by: Arthur Croome and Tom Simpson
  • Green fee: £90-£140
  • Top 100 ranking: 55th
  • Book: secretary@liphookgolfclub.com

Liphook is enjoyable all year round as it is delightful, engaging and peaceful. The classy healthland design welcomes all sorts of players and offers very good value for money. This already highly ranked course has undergone a major transformation over the past four years under the guidance of Tom Mackenzie with three goals in mind: 1) to improve safety when crossing the road after the 14th; 2) to create a better routing and flow, and;  3) to maximise the full potential of this glorious heathland terrain. It was already top of the pile when it comes to the best golf courses in Hamsphire and it has got even better.

- Full Liphook Golf Club review

The Berkshire - Blue

The Berkshire Blue Course pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Ascot, Berkshire
  • Founded: 1928
  • Designed by: Herbert Fowler
  • Green fee: £125-£255
  • Top 100 ranking: 56th
  • Book: Tel 01344 621 495 option 1 Email golf@theberkshire.co.uk

A picturesque and challenging Herbert Fowler course. Making use of the land's natural slopes, the holes fit naturally and comfortably into the landscape. The Blue Course is an absolute cracker; a perfect complement to the Red over a similar, glorious landscape, but somehow still completely different. It is probably the tougher of the two and is equally attractive.

- Full The Berkshire Blue Course review

West Sussex

West Sussex pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Pulborough, West Sussex
  • Opened: 1931
  • Designed by: Guy Campbell and Cecil Hutchison
  • Green fee: £105-£140
  • Top 100 ranking: 57th
  • Book: Tel 01798 872 426 Email proshop@westsussexgolf.co.uk

This heathland classic twists and turns constantly as it runs over gently undulating and very springy turf sitting on a free-draining subsoil. Don't be fooled by this charming layout's modest length of 6,351 yards, for the par is just 68. Take full advantage of the opening par 5, four several testing par 4s and the very long par 3 6th give little away willingly. Of the best golf courses in Sussex, West Sussex GC is top and it is certainly one of the best heathland golf courses in the country.

- Full West Sussex Golf Club review

Royal West Norfolk

Royal West Norfolk green and clubhouse pictured


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Brancaster, Norfolk
  • Opened: 1892
  • Designed by: Holcombe Ingleby
  • Green fee: Contact club
  • Top 100 ranking: 57th
  • Book: Tel 01485 210087 Email secretary@rwngc.org

Some holes and the entrance road have been affected by the tide, but this merely adds to the character of this step-back-in-time links that is still a true test in the modern era. Also known as 'Brancaster', this mainly two-ball only club is a wonderful experience of links golf from start to finish with some stirring holes. We think it's the pick of the bunch of the best golf courses in Norfolk.

- Full Royal West Norfolk Golf Club review

Southport and Ainsdale

Southport and Ainsdale GC pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Southport, Merseyside
  • Founded: 1906
  • Designed by: George Lowe and James Braid
  • Green fee: £85-£190
  • Top 100 ranking: 62nd
  • Book: 01704 578000 ext 1 or email charlotte.pilkington@sandagolf.co.uk

Two-time Ryder Cup host S&A is a welcoming golf club with a rich and interesting history. The current 18 holes date from 1925 and were the work of five-time Open champion and prolific course designer James Braid. His design remains largely unchanged. It is a very natural layout with a selection of highly memorable holes. It's a fine and challenging links that sets out its stall from the word go, with a daunting par 3 of nearly 200 yards as the opener.

- Full Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club review

Worplesdon

Worplesdon Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Worplesdon, Surrey
  • Opened: 1893
  • Designed by: J F Abercromby
  • Green fee: £160
  • Top 100 ranking: 63rd
  • Book: 01483 472277 (Option 1)

When the heather is in bloom, this pretty layout is simply fantastic. The heathland track is built on the Bagshot sand making it very well-draining. A blend of short and long holes make this a thoroughly enjoyable test. Recently, the club has worked hard to emphasise the natural heathland elements, with heather areas being restored and 80 bunkers renovated. The club is known for its Mixed Foursomes competition that dates back to 1921.

- Full Worplesdon Golf Club review

Rye - Old

Rye Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Rye, East Sussex
  • Opened: 1895
  • Designed by: Harry Colt
  • Green fee: Contact club
  • Top 100 ranking: 65th
  • Book: links@ryegolfclub.co.uk

Rye is a well-maintained course with a great heritage. The original layout was designed by a 25-year-old Harry Colt, the club's first captain, who produced this attractive and exciting course with a hugely characterful layout. It plays over fast-running, undulating turf and presents a strong challenge particular when the wind is up. One of the best links courses in the south of England, Rye is always in excellent condition and playable all year.

- Full Rye Golf Club review

Moortown

Moortown Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Moortown, Leeds, Yorkshire
  • Opened: 1909
  • Designed by: Alister MacKenzie
  • Green fee: £55-£130
  • Top 100 ranking: 66th
  • Book: Visit website

The first ever Ryder Cup in Britain was held here and it is one of Alister MacKenzie's finest designs. It's situated opposite to MacKenzie's first design, Alwoodley. The heathland/moorland hybrid has been re-worked to re-establish it's traditional heathland characteristics in recent years. The peace and serentiy found on the fairways is remarkable considering its close proximity to the centre of Leeds.

- Full Moortown Golf Club review

Hunstanton

Hunstanton GC 18th hole pictured


(Image credit: Geoff Ellis)
  • Location: Hunstanton, Norfolk
  • Founded: 1891 
  • Designed by: James Braid
  • Green fee: £85-£125
  • Top 100 ranking: 67th
  • Book: 01485 532811

The origins of the grand old links at Hunstanton on the north Norfolk coast date back to 1891 although the course has been altered many times since then, firstly when James Braid oversaw the addition of 40 new bunkers in 1907. More recently, Martin Hawtree has overseen some significant course improvements. There are tremendous holes around the turn on this challenging links. It is a traditional out-and-back layout played either side of a dune ridge. The end of the front nine delivers some great holes and there's lovely scenery throughout. The course's par-3s are particularly memorable.

- Full Hunstanton Golf Club review

West Hill

West Hill Golf Club pictured

(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
  • Location: Brookwood, Surrey
  • Opened: 1907
  • Designed by: Cuthbert Butchart
  • Green fee: £90-£140
  • Top 100 ranking: 71st
  • Book: 01483 474365

Defined by it majestic trees and abundant heather, West Hill is a delightful course that is consistently strong from start to finish. Tall pines encircle the course and there are undulations, heathers, streams and ditches that provide constant interest and variety. One of the famous '3 W's' West Hill is a traditional Surrey heathland which has reaped the rewards of recent improvements.

- Full West Hill Golf Club review

Woburn - Marquess'

Woburn Marquess course pictured

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Woburn, Buckinghamshire
  • Opened: 2000
  • Designed by: Ross McMurray, Clive Clark, Peter Alliss and Alex Hay
  • Green fee: £180+
  • Top 100 ranking: 73rd
  • Book: Visit website

One of three courses at Woburn, this is the youngest and most highly rated. The fantastic club is home to three of the best golf courses in Buckinghamshire and the newest of the three, the Marquess', is the best on the property. It has staged three British Masters and hosted the Women's British Open in 2019. Woburn is the only club, aside from St Andrews, that has three courses in our Top 100 list which just shows you the quality of the golf on offer.

- Full Woburn Marquess' Course review

Saunton - West

Saunton West course pictured

(Image credit: Simon Boyd)
  • Location: Braunton, Devon
  • Founded: 1897
  • Designed by: Herbert Fowler
  • Green fee: £80-£130
  • Top 100 ranking: 75th
  • Book: Email info@sauntongolf.co.uk Tel 01271 812436 (option 1)

In the mid-1930s, demand for golf amongt the members at Saunton was so high that they decided they required a second course. Herbert Fowler was asked to submit a design, and the new course was built. When the Second World War came, however, it was occupied by the military and used for training. Shorter than the East, though not much, the West Course is arguably a little more forgiving, more varied, and most importantly for many, more fun. It is very hard to split both the West and East course here at Saunton so why not give both a try and decide for yourself. It is another truly enjoyable links course.

- Full Saunton West Course review

Prince's - Himalayas and Dunes

Prince's golf course pictured from above

(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Sandwich, Kent
  • Founded: 1906
  • Designed by: Charles Hutchings, Guy Campbell and John Morrison
  • Green fee: £100-£120
  • Top 100 ranking: 76th
  • Book: Visit website

Considerable investment in recent years plus new holes and a dramatic re-styling saw this famous Open Championship venue on the Kent coast break into the Golf Monthly Top 100 for the first time. Gene Sarazen won the Claret Jug here in 1932, introducing his new-fangled sand wedge to the golfing world to deal with the deep pot bunkers. Today’s Prince’s bears little resemblance to the 18-hole course over which Sarazen triumphed 89 years ago. Indeed, today’s 27 holes have changed beyond all recognition over the last three years thanks to major investment and the design mind of Martin Ebert.

- Full Prince's Golf Club review

Aldeburgh - Championship

Aldeburgh Championship course pictured


(Image credit: Getty Images)
  • Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk
  • Founded: 1884
  • Designed by: John Thompson and Willie Fernie, Willie Park Jr, JH Taylor, Hugh Alison and Harry Colt 
  • Green fee: £65-£125
  • Top 100 ranking: 77th
  • Book: 01728 453 309

This is England's second oldest heathland course with no par-5s and ten par-4s measuring over 400 yards, meaning a good score is very well earned. No need to worry though, it plays like a fast-running links course in summer. Aldeburgh tops the list of the best golf courses in Suffolk ahead of the likes of Ipswich, Thorpeness and Woodbridge.

- Full Aldeburgh Golf Club review

Trevose - Championship