Top 100 Golf Courses
The Ultimate Golfer's Guide: Exploring England's Top 100 Courses
There’s a special magic to golf in England. It’s not just a game; it’s a walk through history, a battle with the elements, and a test of skill on turf that has challenged legends for centuries. From the hallowed links of the coast to the pristine heathland of the interior, England boasts an astonishing variety of world-class courses.
Compiling a definitive "Top 100" list is a near-impossible task, as beauty and challenge are often in the eye of the beholder. However, by weaving together the rankings from Golf World, Today's Golfer, and the wisdom of the golfing community, a clear picture of England's elite emerges.
Rather than just list 100 names, let's journey through the crème de la crème, the courses that consistently battle for the top spots and define what makes English golf so extraordinary.
The Crown Jewels: England's World Top 100 Contenders
These are the titans, the courses that don't just top the English lists but are regularly featured among the best in the entire world.
- Royal Birkdale Golf Club (Southport)
Often hailed as the number one course in England, Royal Birkdale is the quintessential Open Championship links. Its famous towering dunes frame every hole, creating a sense of isolation and pure, strategic golf. The par is never a bad score here. - Royal St George's Golf Club (Sandwich)
Host of the first Open Championship outside Scotland, 'Sandwich' is a brutal but beautiful links. Home to some of the most formidable bunkers and wildest fairway undulations in golf, it’s a true championship test that demands every shot in your bag. - Sunningdale Golf Club - Old Course (Berkshire)
The undisputed king of English heathland. The Old Course is a masterpiece of design, weaving through pine, heather, and birch. It’s renowned for its perfect conditioning, strategic brilliance, and perhaps the greatest set of par-3s in the country. - Woodhall Spa Golf Club - Hotchkin Course (Lincolnshire)
A unique and magnificent inland test. Woodhall Spa is famed for having the deepest, most fearsome bunkers in the British Isles. It’s a course that punishes wayward shots but rewards thoughtful, precise golf like few others. - Royal Liverpool Golf Club - Hoylake (Wirral)
Steeped in history, Hoylake returned to the Open rota in spectacular fashion. A links that plays differently to its northwestern cousins, it requires intelligent positioning and cunning strategy, especially when the wind blows off the Dee estuary.
The Best of the Rest: Categories of Greatness
Beyond the very top, the list is filled with incredible courses that fall into distinct and glorious categories.
The Historic Links:
- Royal Lytham & St Annes: A tough, quirky links where accuracy from the tee is paramount, surrounded by punishing bunkers.
- Formby Golf Club: A stunning blend of links and pine forest, offering a unique and beautiful challenge.
- Rye Golf Club: A timeless, private members' club with a fast-and-firm links character that feels like stepping back in time.
The Heathland Heroes:
- Swinley Forest Golf Club: Often called "the best inland course in the world," it's a secluded, understated, and perfect Archie Simpson design.
- The Berkshire Golf Club - Red & Blue Courses: Two magnificent Herbert Fowler designs that are consistently ranked among the best heathland experiences.
- St George's Hill Golf Club (Surrey): A stunningly beautiful and hilly course with incredible variety and breathtaking scenery.
The Modern Marvels:
- The Grove (Hertfordshire): A luxurious, modern parkland course that has hosted a WGC-American Express Championship. Impeccably conditioned and a fantastic resort experience.
- London Golf Club - Heritage Course (Kent): A bold, modern Jack Nicklaus design that feels more like a stadium course, offering a different kind of challenge.
The Hidden Gems & Regional Stars:
The beauty of the Top 100 is discovering courses that might not have global fame but are cherished locally. Keep an eye out for:
- Ganton Golf Club (Yorkshire): A superb inland/links hybrid that has hosted the Ryder Cup.
- Silloth on Solway Golf Club (Cumbria): A remote but magical links that is pure, raw, and unforgettable.
- Saunton Golf Club - East Course (Devon): A magnificent two-course links complex, with the East Course being a relentless and brilliant test.
How to Use the Top 100 List
A list of the top 100 is a fantastic starting point for any golfing pilgrimage, but remember:
- It's Subjective: Your personal preference matters. Do you prefer raw links or manicured heathland?
- Accessibility: Many top clubs are private, but most have visitor times or open competitions. Always check in advance.
- Play Your Own Game: Don't be intimidated. Playing a top course is about the experience. Soak in the history, enjoy the walk, and celebrate the good shots!
The Quest is the Reward
The dream of playing all of England's Top 100 courses is a lifelong quest for many. It’s a journey that will take you to every corner of the country, from the dramatic coasts of Cornwall to the serene forests of Surrey.
Whether you manage to tick off five or fifty, each round played on these hallowed grounds is a privilege and a story to tell. So, grab your clubs, book a tee time, and start your own adventure.