The United Kingdom is known for having some of the most remarkable golf courses in the world. So even if you’re not a golfing expert, you can still pay them a visit to soak in the atmosphere and natural surroundings. There’s actually much more to golfing than meets the eye.
So what are some of the most magnificent golfing spots to visit in the British Isles?
Royal County Down (Northern Ireland)
If you’re into visiting the most scenic golf course in the UK, look no further than the Royal County Down. It’s one of the oldest golf clubs in existence, as it first opened on 23 March 1889. It offers two 18-hole link courses and frequently hosts major golfing championships.
But what stands out is the absolutely breathtaking scenery in which it’s ensconced. It’s a stone’s throw away from the sea and surrounded by rolling hills that make the landscape even more sublime.
Royal St. George’s (Kent)
This club’s history goes as far back as 1887, when it was founded by the surgeon Laidlaw Purves. It’s situated on a wild duneland that staggers the eyes with its wide reaching horizon, and perfectly trimmed grass. The course is based in Sandwich, not too far from London, so if you want to escape the city and watch the sun go down over green pastures, this is your top pick.
This course plays host to the Open Championship that’ll draw in crowds between 16–19 July, 2020. So, as well as admiring the surroundings, you can witness pros in action such as Ireland’s Rory McIlroy who’s currently among the championship favourites, with 10/1 odds of winning the tournament. Last year, Shane Lowry (also from Ireland) won the Championship, but this year he’ll have to face some fierce competitors in efforts to keep the title.
Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre (Essex)
This is a must-visit place, especially if you’re traveling with friends and in the mood for a few quick rounds of mini-golf. Located around 55 miles from the center of London, on the outskirts of Witham in Essex, this is a perfect weekend escape for busy city dwellers who want to soak in a bit of nature and take advantage of other attractions that everyone can enjoy. You can either go for the main course or, even better, have some fun with mini-golf.
The entrance fee is only £7.50 for Grizzlies, and £5.50 for Cubs, as they like to call golfers in the Bear Creek Adventure, which is the mini-golf part of the Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre.
Nefyn & District Golf Club (Wales)
Based just outside Morfa Nefyn at Gwynedd, Wales, this is a twenty-six hole golf course surrounded by sea from each side. It covers a vast area and has the necessary infrastructure so that you can enjoy a long weekend with the whole family.
This golf course is mainly famous for its “Point” with eight holes set high on the sea cliffs overlooking the Porthdinllaen bay. The view from this tiny promontory is simply unforgettable.
Kingsbarns Golf Links (Scotland)
If you ever happen to be visiting Scotland, you should definitely make a stop at Kingsbarns. It’s located 7 miles away from St Andrews, on the magnificent North Sea coastline where you can witness the rough seas as you make your way from hole to hole.
This course has been included in the Worldwide Top 100 ranking and for a good reason. Except for exquisite landscapes, there are also high-quality hotels and practice ranges around, to meet the needs of golfers from beginner to pro level.
Ilfracombe Golf Club (England)
Last but not least, the Ilfracombe located on the North Devon coast is a perfect place to visit if you’re into rugged cliffs and better than average weather. Because of the micro-climate that keeps the skies cloud-free, you can soak in some sun here and admire the stunning views of the Atlantic all year long.
Now you see that golfing isn’t just about hitting a tiny ball with a club. In the UK, the sport is a big part of the culture, with grand tournaments taking place regularly. But even if you’re not a golfing fanatic, you can still visit the locations described above as means of escaping the city and spending a relaxing weekend with your loved ones.
