The UK is a top location for golf lovers, with major golf tournaments like the upcoming Open Championship 2025. With multiple courses in exquisite resorts, you’re in for a fun time on your next visit to the United Kingdom. We’re talking world-class locations, breathtaking scenery, and amenities for players of all skill levels. We’ve come up with a list of the seven top golf resorts from Scotland to Wales.
St. Andrews, Scotland
Known as the birthplace of golf, St. Andrews is a top destination infused with rich golf history. It is one of the top spots in Scotland and boasts a state-of-the-art golf academy where PGA professionals will help polish your skills. The ‘Home of Golf’, the Old Course at St. Andrews, offers quite the challenge, with natural hazards and windswept fairways that’ll give pros a tough time. The 150th Open Championship was held here in 2022. There are six other courses — The Castle, Jubilee, Balgove, Strathtyum, Eden, and New — making St. Andrews the largest public golf complex in the whole of Europe.
The Belfry, England
This is a top spot promising the most alluring golfing experience. The Belfry is considered a pilgrimage for golf lovers, having had the honour of hosting top competitions like the Ryder Cup and the British Open. Visitors get three championship courses to explore their skills and wit, each designed to offer unique layouts. The Brabazon is the highlight of the Belfry, the same location that has witnessed multiple Tiger Woods clashes.
The other courses, PGA National and the Derby, are equally impressive. Guests also have various restaurants – fine dining and casual pubs — to keep you satiated, over 300 elegant rooms and suites, all with aesthetic views of the courses, and a spa for the most relaxing evening.
Celtic Manor, Wales
Let’s cast our sights away from England and towards Celtic Manor, the golfing gem in Wales that has stood tall since 1995. This is a spot you’ll enjoy, irrespective of your expertise. The manor boasts three championship courses with differing personalities. The Twenty Ten is a noteworthy course designed to host the 2010 Ryder Cup, so you know you’re in for quite the experience.
Next is the top-tier inland course, Roman Road, and The Montgomerie, a strategic course designed by the legendary Ryder Cup golfer, Colin Montgomerie. The promised five-star experience transcends golf, offering a mix of leading instructors for beginners and experts. The rich legacy at the Celtic Manor promises an unforgettable trip, whether you’re seeking a hole-in-one or a whole new experience. Take advantage of other amenities in this destination, including a jacuzzi, an indoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa, and seven dining options.
East Sussex National, England
Take a trip to the countryside for a unique golfing experience featuring two championship courses at East Sussex National. Testing rounds at the East and West courses would excite you as this destination boasts the best user experience. Set on 1100 acres of land, East Sussex National was designed with golfers in mind. The West Course is one of the most popular, with breathtaking scenery from the first hole, and the East Course guarantees even the most experienced golfers a challenge. Other side attractions at this resort include spa facilities, the Ryder Bar, rooms with spectacular views, and top dining options such as the Hunningtons Restaurant.
Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
Enjoy the magnificent view of the Mourne Mountains at the Royal County Down. This course, ranked #1 in Ireland, boasts about 135 years of golf history. The destination offers two 18-hole links — the Championship Course and the Annesley — each laden with intriguing layouts and challenges. The ever-changing winds at this spot guarantee a fun experience, but one that has proven even too challenging for an Open Championship.
Carden Park, England
Get a first-class experience that doubles as a break in the countryside in North-West England. Carden Park is one of the finest destinations, one that won the ‘England Best Golf Hotel’ award at the World Gold Awards in 2018. The mile-long drive into the resort offers a glimpse of the beauty that awaits. Start your day at the Nicklaus, a perfect course for enthusiasts and beginners, then move to the Cheshire, another top spot for your golfing pleasure. Move on to one of five dining options, with the top choice being the Vines Restaurant, and conclude your visit at the five-star standalone spa. Don’t forget to visit the vineyard at the resort!
Tee Up, Adventure Awaits
The fun is only beginning! Get your bags packed, warm your hands, and embark on a getaway to the heart of the United Kingdom. With six exquisite locations to choose from, you’d have quite the tale upon your return. Polish your skills, indulge in the relaxing and picturesque locations, and let your gulf club do the trick.
