Best UK golf clubs to play in 2026: prices and packages

Best UK golf clubs to play in 2026: prices and packages

Explore The UK’s best golf courses, from historic links to luxurious retreats, perfect for your next golf adventure.

St Andrews Old Course, 17th Hole. Fife, Scotland

The UK is home to some of the world’s finest golf courses – truly one of the top locations for golf travel – no matter if you want to tour the most popular English golf destinations or punt around on a luxurious Scotland golf course, you’ll be amazed by some of these courses.

Royal St George’s 

RSG needs no introduction – 15 Open Championships have been held there. The rolling fairways and the chilly coastal wind create a test that feels as real and raw as the game itself.

Why it’s worth it 

  • Unique terrain
  • Coastal view
  • Reputation for the best golf course food in the British Isles
  • Hosted The Open 15 times
Architecture - Royal St George's
The Claret Jug on the first tee. (Photo by David Cannon/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

Prices

April to October £175 (Kent members) £350 (Standard)
November to March (Tuesdays) £175
Juniors 50% off

Booking & options

Booking available online at Royal St. George’s.

When to play 

Experienced golfers recommend visiting this course in late spring and early autumn. If you get there during winter, rates will be cheaper, but the course is only open on Tuesdays.

Getting there

Local visitors can arrive at the course by car or public transportation. It will take approximately five minutes to get there from the Sandwich Station. Yet, if you are travelling beyond the UK, the transfer from London Gatwick Airport will take around two hours.

Quick verdict 

This iconic UK golf course is on the pricey side, but the lavish experience ranks high among elite and serious golfers.

St Andrews 

The next golf holiday spot that ranks high with players in the UK is the town of St. Andrews ; with multiple courses to choose from. 

Why it’s worth it 

  • Various championship golf courses
  • Discounted rate for Scottish golfers
  • Popular spot for tournaments
The AIG Women's Open will be held at St Andrews
The Old Course, St. Andrews

Prices

Standard rate £340
Scottish residents £42.50
Green fee £270 on the weekend and £240 on weekdays

Booking & options

Tee times can be booked at standrews.com, or you can phone directly at +44 (0)1334 479799.

When to play

The main golfing season at St. Andrews runs from May through October. If you’re booking a golf trip to this site, you should keep in mind that the course will be unavailable during the late summer season of 2026 for Open Prep.

Getting there 

If you’re visiting internationally, this golf course is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Edinburgh Airport. You can get there by car or take a taxi and enjoy a 20-minute taxi ride from Leuchars Station.

Quick verdict 

If you’re not a Scottish resident, this course can be on the expensive side. However, history buffs will agree that it’s well worth the high-ticket cost.

Off the course leisure

After an exciting round, golfers also can enjoy relaxing with some online entertainment from the comfort of their place or while getting home from the course. Paysafecard casinos UK are a solid alternative. Platforms that support this payment mode offer a safe and convenient way to make transactions without using a card. This ensures your financial information remains protected while you unwind with some virtual gaming.

Royal Birkdale 

Royal Birkdale is one of  the finest golf course in the UK. It has been the hosting spot of the Open Championship 10 times as of 2025.

Why it’s worth it

  • Sustainable golfing options
  • Online vouchers
  • Iconic Art Deco Clubhouse
Open Championship venue - Royal Birkdale 18th
Royal Birkdale, 18th green.

Prices

 

March/April £450
May to October £495

Booking & options

Visits can be booked directly online at the Visitor’s Teetime Booking at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

When to play

Most golfers prefer visiting this course after May, during the warmer months. However, it is recommended to plan your trip accordingly and avoid Open prep dates. 

Getting there

This golf tourism destination is situated about an hour from Liverpool airport if you drive a car. Travellers who use public transport can reach Southport Station and then take a short ten-minute taxi ride.

Quick verdict 

Royal Birkdale is a high-end experience that’s best tailored to prestige golfers.

 

Sunningdale 

Sunningdale has captured the hearts of golfers in London. But this popular course books up fast, so you will have to make your bookings well in advance to secure your spot.

Why it’s worth it 

  • Multiple courses — Old, New, and Junior
  • Various booking packages
  • Potentially the best golf experience in England.
Sunningdale Old, 7th hole.

Prices

Booking is for groups as opposed to individual players. Rates start at £540 for one round (24 golfers) and go as high as £46,080 for shotgun golf days (up to 80 players). 

Booking & options

You can check the availability of booking by phone at 01344 298 006 or email at simoned@sunningdale.com.

When to play 

The golf courses are open from May through October. As of now, the openings are already getting tight for the 2026 season.

Getting there 

International visitors flying in can expect a half-hour drive from Heathrow Airport to this golf holidays UK destination. Additionally, it’s a five-minute taxi ride from Sunningdale Station.

Quick verdict 

This luxury golf course does have expensive packages, but the pristine course ranks high with serious golfers. It’s an excellent location for group outings and events.

Royal Dornoch 

If you desire a Highland golfing pastime, Royal Dornoch is a top choice for your golf holidays. Old Tom Morris designed this course. While it wasn’t founded until 1877, its history dates back to 1616.

Why It’s Worth It 

  • Strong part of Highland heritage
  • Standard and championship courses
  • Stunning views

Prices

There are various combo prices available for group bookings and events. A regular tee on the Struie Course is £90 and £270 for the Championship Course.

Booking & options

Booking options are available directly at Book Royal Dornoch.

When to play

Golfers who frequent this Highlands course recommend visiting in April or October/November. The weather is crisp, and the courses aren’t as crowded.

Getting there 

When you arrive in Scotland, Royal Dornoch is roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Inverness Airport. If you travel by train, you can expect a 30-minute taxi ride from Tain Station.

Quick verdict 

This rugged golf course fares well with players who enjoy the remote views. It’s a better pick for nature lovers vs prestige players who prefer a pristine course.

Muirfield

This elite golf course inspires enthusiasts worldwide to visit Edinburgh. The private club adds a layer of sophistication that takes members back to the early days.

Why it’s worth it 

  • Exclusive clubhouse
  • Pristine golf courses
  • Distinctive circular layout

Game on! The Ryder Cup Killer Quiz

Prices 2025

18 Holes £395
36 Holes £605

 

Booking & options

If you want to inquire about availability, there is a contact form to fill out on the Muirfield website. Additionally, you can phone +44 (0)1620 842123.

When to play 

This course is best to visit between May and September. When planning your visit, do keep in mind that the course is closed on public holidays.

Getting there 

Muirfield golf course is a one-hour drive from Edinburgh Airport. If you take public transportation, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride from Drem Station.

Quick verdict

Since this is an exclusive golf club, it caters to serious players. It’s well-loved by these players because this club perfectly balances traditional golf heritage with modern equipment.

Tips to save

The top golf courses in the United Kingdom notoriously charge high prices. They create a high-end experience that resonates best with seasoned players. Even though the prices can skyrocket, you can follow some tips to help keep your budget in check while enjoying the lavish time.

  • Book in the off-season — Before May and after mid-September.
  • Take advantage of twilight rounds.
  • Locals and frequent travellers can receive discounts through country card packages.
  • Multi-course packages often offer a discount rate for groups.
  • Check for vouchers online for discounted rates.

Off the course, many golf travellers unwind with online entertainment that mirrors the same elegance and precision. Platforms like Verdecasino appeal to that crowd — sleek design, smart gameplay, and a calm atmosphere that fits the mindset of refined players.

Final Notes

As you choose your ultimate UK golfing destination, there are a few things to keep in mind for a memorable experience. Always book your outing in advance since these clubs fill up fast. Most high-end golf courses have strict rules for attire.  

Updated: November 26, 2025