The UK and Ireland is blessed with some of the world’s greatest golf courses, from historic links to beautiful heathlands, pretty parklands and breathtaking clifftops. Below, we list our Top 100 courses on these shores… for 2021/22.
top 100 golf courses uk and ireland - full list
1. ROYAL COUNTY DOWN - CHAMPIONSHIP
Up 3 from previous ranking
One of the most photographed courses in the world, Royal County Down boasts arguably the most spectacular setting of any of our traditional links.
2. ST ANDREWS - OLD
No change
Packed with goose-bump factor, history and drama, the Old Course is probably the favourite of more people than any other course in the world.
3. MUIRFIELD
No change
A unique and characterful golfing experience. The course at Muirfield is a near-perfect links, delivering superb variety and a firm but fair test.
4. TRUMP TURNBERRY RESORT - AILSA
Down 3 from previous ranking
A perfect blend of championship challenge and wow-factor location; not for the faint-hearted.
5. CARNOUSTIE - CHAMPIONSHIP
No change
Carnoustie’s Championship course delivers a complete test of golf. It’s an immaculate stretch of links land with a fabulous selection of uniquely memorable holes. The finish is as good as it gets.
6. ROYAL DORNOCH - CHAMPIONSHIP
Up 1 from previous ranking
Royal Dornoch delivers a selection of highly individual and unadulterated golf holes flowing across the most exquisite playing surfaces. This is golf in its purest form.
7. ROYAL BIRKDALE
Down 1 from previous ranking
Running through some of the finest dunes in England, this is the jewel in the crown of English golf; a perfect links that is guaranteed to please.
8. ROYAL PORTRUSH - DUNLUCE
No change
A thrilling journey through the dunes packed with wow-factor, top quality links holes and more charisma than just about anywhere.
9. SUNNINGDALE - OLD
Up 2 from previous ranking
A majestic heathland course delivering a great selection of holes and superb conditioning. It’s a classic and one of the world’s very best inland layouts.
10. SUNNINGDALE - NEW
Down 1 from previous ranking
A hugely enjoyable, classic, beautiful and testing heathland course, Sunningdale’s New Course delivers a complete examination of the game. It’s an inland masterpiece.
11. ROYAL ST GEORGE'S
Up 2 from previous ranking
One of the strongest layouts in the UK and Ireland, it’s a challenging yet fair windswept links offering a thorough examination of ball-striking and strategy.
12. ROYAL LIVERPOOL
Up 2 from previous ranking
Exciting changes at this historic links will see it in tip-top shape when The Open Championship returns in 2023.
13. ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES
Down 1 from previous ranking
A tough strategic links test with a selection of highly memorable holes and a fine history. There’s an interesting juxtaposition of nature and urbanity to be seen on the fairways.
14. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS, SCOTLAND
Down 4 from previous ranking
Sheer golfing exhilaration from start to finish on this magnificent links blending traditional features with modern styling. Tough when the wind blows, but hugely enjoyable. A real experience.
15. KINGSBARNS
No change
A very special course, with a price tag to match, where the emphasis is on fun and relaxation. It’s a fabulous modern take on a traditional Scottish links set on a beautiful section of the Fife coastline.
16. ROYAL ABERDEEN - BALGOWNIE
No change
A high-quality course at an historic club that the links purist will love. It’s rugged and rumpled but carefully thought out and the surfaces are of the highest possible quality.
17. ROYAL TROON - OLD
No change
A high quality, traditional links that delivers the challenge and experience you would expect from a course on the Open rota.
18. WOODHALL SPA - HOTCHKIN
Up 2 from previous ranking
The beautifully renovated Hotchkin course is heathland golf at its finest, with heather and its famous bunkers placing a real premium on accuracy.
19. THE EUROPEAN CLUB
Down 1 from previous ranking
This modern-day links offers a superb golfing experience that mixes fun and challenge with more than a hint of quirkiness in places.
20. WATERVILLE
Up 1 since previous ranking
Waterville is a true links blessed with one of the most dreamy, unspoilt locations in the Top 100.
21. CASTLE STUART
Down 2 from previous ranking
The real beauty of the visually striking Castle Stuart is its clever design – generous off the tee before asking sterner questions of your approach play.
22. ROYAL PORTHCAWL
Up 1 from previous ranking
Perhaps the greatest strength of Wales’ finest links is that it has 18 fresh and different challenges that serve up splendid sea views at almost every turn.
22. THE GOLF COURSE AT ADARE MANOR
Up 2 from previous ranking
For modern, perfectly-conditioned parkland golf of the very top order in terms of interest, excitement and beauty, there is simply none better.
24. ST GEORGE'S HILL - RED & BLUE
No change
Achingly beautiful, a lesson in golf course design and presentation, this Colt classic is quintessential, timeless, heathland perfection.
25. BALLYBUNION - OLD
Down 3 from previous ranking
This must-play jewel, with echoes along the coast of Pebble Beach, features some of the most dramatic and scenic holes in Ireland.
26. LAHINCH - OLD
Up 6 from previous ranking
A wonderfully natural links that showcases the very best in design. It’s a must visit for golfing purists.
27. PORTMARNOCK - RED & BLUE
Down 1 from previous ranking
Attention to detail and conditioning has always been very evident at this superb, timeless and very honest championship links.
28. BURNHAM & BERROW - CHAMPIONSHIP
Up 2 from previous ranking
Burnham & Berrow is a links with a difference, with a strong cast of par 3s and a short stretch of reed-lined holes adding to the course’s individuality.
29. WALTON HEATH - OLD
Down 2 from previous ranking
A classic heathland golf course with a great heritage where firm fairways and smooth greens demand good ball striking and a delicate touch.
30. NORTH BERWICK
Down 1 from previous ranking
Although imitation is often attempted, North Berwick is a unique course. It’s natural and pure links golf.
31. HILLSIDE
Up 3 from previous ranking
A superb links course with an incredible back nine, mature pines alongside many holes at Hillside add great definition and character.
32. HANKLEY COMMON
Up 1 from previous ranking
A tremendous free-draining course in a peaceful and expansive setting.
33. OLD HEAD
Down 2 from previous ranking
In places, this unique track, mixing cliff-top with links, defies belief with its incredible setting and series of spectacular holes.
34. GANTON
Down 6 since previous ranking
A great course blending heathland with a feel of the links that will test the very best players.
35. NAIRN - CHAMPIONSHIP
Up 3 from previous ranking
Gorse-lined, criss-crossed by burns and pockmarked by perilous pot bunkers, the newly upgraded Nairn delivers typical Scottish links golf.
36. ST ENODOC - CHURCH
Up 4 from previous ranking
One of the most distinctive, memorable and scenic courses in the Top 100, packed with endless variety and views.
37. HOLLINWELL THE HOME OF NOTTS GOLF CLUB
Down 1 from previous ranking
A fine heathland routing with sometimes breath-taking changes in elevation and a host of exceptional holes - easy to see why the course is riding so high.
38. GLENEAGLES - KING'S
Down 1 from previous ranking
Nowhere gives you the chance to pit yourself against Braid’s design mind in quite as gloriously serene a setting as Gleneagles King’s course.
39. SWINLEY FOREST
No change
Swinley Forest is a shining diamond; a Colt classic that has passed the test of time with flying colours.
40. DUMBARNIE LINKS
New entry
A modern masterpiece, Dumbarnie boasts a wonderful, elevated setting above the Firth of Forth and a great mix of holes to both challenge and tempt you.
41. FORMBY
No change
This superb championship links is very distinctive and memorable, all the more so due to its heathland characteristics - a perfect blend of styles.
42. THE BERKSHIRE - RED
Up 1 from previous ranking
A dizzying blend of six short holes, six par 4s and six par 5s add maximum variety to a sublime heathland setting on this engaging Herbert Fowler design.
43. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS, DOONBEG
Down 8 from previous ranking
A striking layout set amidst towering dunes. A fabulous modern links in a beautiful location.
44. PRESTWICK
Down 2 from previous ranking
Packed with blind shots, drivable par 4s, desert-sized bunkers and rollercoaster greens, Prestwick is a living link with the game’s past.
45. ROYAL ST DAVID'S
Up 1 from previous ranking
A traditional links packed with strong par 4s and a particularly challenging finish; very much a golfer’s golf course.
46. ROSAPENNA - SANDY HILLS
Down 2 from previous ranking
A tremendous modern links carved through impressive dunes. It’s challenging but fair with some interesting holes to negotiate – a real thinker’s course.
47. WESTERN GAILES
Up 2 from previous ranking
Set between railway and sea, the recently improved Western Gailes in Ayrshire delivers an exacting challenge over the purest golfing terrain.
48. TRALEE
No change
The back nine was always the star of Arnold Palmer’s magnificent creation but the latest upgrades are seeing an already good front nine seriously up its game.
49. SAUNTON - EAST
Down 4 from previous ranking
Designed by Herbert Fowler in the 1920s, Saunton East is a challenging links that has played host to a number of significant championships.
50. ALWOODLEY
No change
Recent clearing and renovation work at Alwoodley has further improved this superb heathland course blessed with particularly fine opening and closing holes.
51. SILLOTH ON SOLWAY
Down 4 from previous ranking
A timeless, idyllic outpost of wonderful links golf that will more than reward any effort made to get there.
52. THE MACHRIE
Up 38 from previous ranking
When renovation work at the ruggedly natural Machrie inks went beyond the original remit, the result was a truly breath-taking transformation.
53. ROYAL CINQUE PORTS
Up 5 from previous ranking
This strong links heads out along the sea wall before turning for home on 12 and asking big questions of your game all the way to the clubhouse.
54. WALTON HEATH - NEW
Down 3 from previous ranking
The New eases you in with a short par-4, delightful par-3 combo, before a beautiful and, at times, very challenging heathland examination.
55. LIPHOOK
Up 11 from previous ranking
This classy, absorbing, heathland design now boasts two new holes and three cleverly reworked ones to further strengthen its overall test and flow.
56. THE BERKSHIRE - BLUE
Up 3 from previous ranking
The Blue Course is an absolute cracker; a perfect complement to the Red over a similar, glorious landscape, but somehow still completely different.
57. WEST SUSSEX
Down 5 from previous ranking
One of the prettiest courses in the Top 100, West Sussex is an excellent test of golf with great variety - a real golfing oasis.
58. GLENEAGLES - QUEEN'S
Down 3 from previous ranking
The Queen’s is a gorgeous layout on the higher ground of the Gleneagles estate whose test and challenge confound its modest yardage.
59. COUNTY LOUTH
Down 6 from previous ranking
A traditional and classic course that delivers fair and honest links golf. It’s subtle and understated yet a true championship venue.
60. ROYAL WEST NORFOLK
Down 6 from previous ranking
Packed with character and more than a little bit different, Brancaster’s rugged links is a wonderful golfing experience from start to finish.
61. GULLANE - NO.1
No change
Gullane No. 1 is a unique and characterful links offering fabulous views of the Firth of Forth. New practice facilities have enhanced the offering.
62. SOUTHPORT & AINSDALE
Down 2 from previous ranking
A very natural layout with a selection of highly memorable holes. A welcoming golf club with a rich and interesting history.
63. WORPLESDON
Up 1 from previous ranking
Impressive renovation work at this classic heathland course has elevated the offering. The club has a great history and heritage.
64. MACHRIHANISH - CHAMPIONSHIP
Down 8 from previous ranking
This beguiling links with a magical allure and captivating front nine is blessed with stunning views out to the islands of Jura, Islay and Gigha.
65. RYE - OLD
Down 8 from previous ranking
A classic and historic links with fast-running, rumpled fairways. Playable all year round and always maintained in excellent condition.
66. MOORTOWN
Down 3 from previous ranking
Classic urban heathland course offering a fascinating history and one of the most characterful clubhouses you’ll find.
67. HUNSTANTON
Down 5 from previous ranking
A classic out and back links with some great and memorable holes, particularly the par 3s. Wind is always a factor, and the scenery is stunning.
68. BALLYLIFFIN - GLASHEDY
No change
A superb modern links that is capable of testing the best, but is nonetheless always a thrill and delight for golfers of all standards.
69. CRUDEN BAY - CHAMPIONSHIP
Up 2 from previous ranking
An old-school links charm with a twist. The elevation changes and dunes throw up the most wonderful, panoramic views. Burns, bunkers and bumps will test every element of your game.
70. ST ANDREWS - NEW
Down 5 from previous ranking
No second fiddle, the New Course is a very strong links that is completely worthy of consideration for its own merits and character.
71. WEST HILL
Up 2 from previous ranking
Defined by it majestic trees and abundant heather, this is a delightful course that is consistently strong from start to finish.
72. THE ISLAND
Up 3 from previous ranking
The Island gets off to a flier with a superb opener and never lets up, with major changes to the front nine further enhancing its reputation.
73. WOBURN - MARQUESS'
Down 4 from previous ranking
Running through stately pines, this expansive, modern classic is a firm favourite of professional and amateur alike
74. BLAIRGOWRIE - ROSEMOUNT
Down 7 from previous ranking
The Rosemount Course is a peaceful golfing haven offering a beautiful but challenging round of golf played through magnificent specimen trees.
75. SAUNTON - WEST
Down 5 from previous ranking
With plenty of variety and no real need for brute force, the West Course at Saunton offers a very happy balance of strategy and fun.
76. PRINCE'S - SHORE/HIMALAYAS
New entry
Considerable investment in recent years plus new holes and a dramatic re-styling have seen this famous Kent coast links break our Top 100 for the first time.
77. ALDEBURGH - CHAMPIONSHIP
Down 3 from previous ranking
Aldeburgh Golf Club Championship Course Review - every birdie is hard-gained at this unique heathland-links hybrid with views out over the River Alde and the North Sea.
78. ABERDOVEY
Down 6 from previous ranking
An easy-walking, tranquil oasis of top-quality golf and charm, with plenty to engage and interest all keen golfers.
79. TREVOSE - CHAMPIONSHIP
Down 3 from previous ranking
For many golfers, the combination of a classic seaside test with the masterful design touches of Harry Colt’s hand is hard to beat.
80. PARKSTONE
Down 2 from previous ranking
The major improvements of previous years are now fully bedded in on this tremendous layout with a host of very attractive holes.
81. WEST LANCASHIRE
Down 2 from previous ranking
They invariably enjoy the test, but few come away from this revered links in any doubt that every aspect of their game has been fully examined
82. DRUIDS GLEN
Down 5 from previous ranking
Pat Ruddy may be more renowned for his spectacular Irish links, but Druids Glen is proof that he knows what he’s doing inland too.
83. WOKING
Down 3 from previous ranking
Many regard this Tom Dunn heathland classic as an ingenious example of a course that can test the best while remaining playable for all.
84. SHERWOOD FOREST
Down 1 from previous ranking
Challenging course where recent work has enhanced the heathland feel. A classic design played over ideal golfing terrain.
85. ROYAL NORTH DEVON
Down 3 from previous ranking
The links at Westward Ho! is steeped in history; sharing the fairways with sheep and horses evokes a tangible link to the game’s roots.
86. WOBURN - DUKE'S
No change
A very attractive course framed by a wonderful array of mature trees. It’s a layout where the ability to hit a straight drive is of paramount importance.
87. FERNDOWN - OLD
Up 1 from previous ranking
There are few courses that are maintained as well as Ferndown. It’s a pristine inland layout with exceptional playing surfaces.
88. MOUNT JULIET
Down 7 from previous ranking
Jack Nicklaus’ creation is parkland golf at its best; tranquil, beautiful and at times generously open, but with holes that are elegantly framed.
89. ST ANDREWS - CASTLE COURSE
Down 5 from previous ranking
A spectacular layout offering wonderful views of St Andrews. Very different to the other St Andrews Links courses, it provides an excellent alternative.
90. COUNTY SLIGO - CHAMPIONSHIP
Down 1 from previous ranking
This is a spectacular links with superb views. It’s a great example of Harry Colt’s expertise and must be one of the most scenic courses in Ireland.
91. THE GROVE
Down 6 from previous ranking
A superbly maintained parkland course that has tested the best players in the world. It’s a welcoming and enjoyable place to visit and play.
92. WOBURN - DUCHESS'
No change
The narrowest course in the Top 100, the Duchess’ is an exacting test off the tee that will reward patience, concentration and good strategy.
93. BROADSTONE
Up 1 from previous ranking
A heathland fan's dream, with changes in elevation, impressive variety and several cracking holes adding to its appeal.
94. MURCAR LINKS
Up 2 from previous ranking
A fabulous and quite natural links with elevated tees, gorse, variety and excellent views out to the North Sea.
95. ENNISCRONE - DUNES
Down 2 from previous ranking
Blessed with some of the finest dunes in the country, Enniscrone is a visual feast with fresh delights waiting at each and every one of its many twists and turns.
96. THE BELFRY - BRABAZON
Down 9 from previous ranking
Packed with history, there are plenty of thrills, especially at the two risk-reward holes that frame the back nine.
97. PORTSTEWART - STRAND
No change
Running through towering dunes, Portstewart is a joy to the eye with one of the most spectacular opening nines in golf.
98. PENNARD
Down 3 from previous ranking
One of the most distinct courses in the Top 100 with astonishing views; great fun for golfers of all standards, and absolutely full of the feel good factor.
99. BALLYLIFFIN - OLD
Up 1 from previous ranking
One half of a terrific golfing double act, Ballyliffin Old Links is an excellent course that has more variety than most links and is enormous fun no matter how you play.
100. REMEDY OAK
New entry
A modern classic that combines contemporary design and conditioning with a timeless charm derived from its stately setting.
How many of the top 100 course have you played? Let us know on our social media channels. Also check out our Next 100 rankings - the courses ranked 101-200.
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