Everybody knows that golf was born in Scotland, at least modern golf. The origins of golf, exactly, are hard to pinpoint. But, from the 1457 ban of golf in Scotland, to the first formations of a golf course, Scotland has been the traditional birthplace of modern golf and consequently, the UK itself. Golf was quick to spread to the rest of the UK, birthing some of the best and most iconic golf courses and clubs in the world. The rest of the world caught up, eventually but the UK remains the birthplace of golf and as such, has some of the most famous courses. Here they are, in no particular order.
The Old Course at St. Andrews
St. Andrews is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world and probably the oldest golf course. The Old Course was commissioned by the Queen Mary of Scots in 1552 and it remains a staple of what a golf course should look like. A typical links course, the Old Course is everything but typical. Even to this day, it is one of the most beautiful courses in the world. It helps that it oozes with history and culture.
Alisa Course at Trump Turnberry
Scotland is full of beautiful courses and this is one of them. The Alisa course is everything and then some, especially beautiful on a warm sunny day. It hosted plenty of matches, Open championships, Ryder Cups and many more. It is flanked by the Turnberry lighthouse, which you can imagine, overlooks a beautiful part of coastal Scotland, the mouth of the river Clyde, also called the Firth of Clyde. It is a breathtaking landscape so if you have an opportunity to visit Alisa on a sunny day, remember to do so.
Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush
Northern Ireland is a place one must visit if they find themselves in the UK. What other reason could you want than to visit the only club to host The Open outside of mainland UK and its iconic course, Dunluce Links. Just like every other links, it is near a coast and that means amazing views and breathtaking greens. Located in Antrim county in Northern Ireland, be sure to visit it.
Tralee Golf Course – Ireland
Tralee golf club and course is located at Barrow close to Tralee, County Kerry in Ireland. It is a natural, amazing course, designed by none other than Arnold Palmer, a golfing legend. The course is an 18 hole links, meaning stunning landscapes and beauty.
Royal St. George’s Golf Club
Located in Sandwich, Kent, England, on the Kent coast, the Royal St. George’s Golf Club is a sight to see. It hosted a few Opens and it will most likely host a few more. The Kent coast is another thing to behold, and not just the course.
The UK has some of the most amazing golf courses, many of which are scattered all over the UK. Pack your gear and visit all of them for an otherworldly golfing experience.