How will Brexit affect my golf holiday?

With Brexit, the United Kingdom and the European Union have a new political relationship, which establishes new agreements and arrangements. These new policies change the way we’ve been travelling and visiting European golf courses and might make you wonder how Brexit will affect your next golf holiday.

Even if since the 31st of January the UK is no longer part of the EU, British golf players travelling abroad haven’t experienced any critical changes in their holiday arrangements yet. You won’t have needed a visa to enter an EU country or had to pay extra charges, and it’s because travelling conditions will stay the same until the end of the current transition period. 

What is the transition period and how long it will take?

The transition period goes from the 31st of January 2020 until the end of December 2020, meaning that the UK is considered an independent country from the European Union. However, many agreements decided before this stage will still be active, especially the ones related to travellers. After the transition period, the United Kingdom and the EU will have new rules and agreements that haven’t yet been defined.

Do British citizens need a visa to travel to the EU?

The first question that comes to the mind of many British golfers planning their golf break in a European country is: will I need a visa to travel to Europe? The answer is no. Well, not for now. During the transition period, British citizens won’t need to get a visa if they’re going to stay as a tourist for up to 90 days in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Therefore, if you’re planning to travel after the 1st of January 2021, it’s likely that you need more requirements that the ones you have required for now and British citizens might have to pay for ‘visa-exempt travel’. Also, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias) by 2022, a specific programme for non-EU citizens that would like to travel in Europe, including British citizens. The application for Etias will cost 7 Euros.

Do I need a new passport?

After the transition period, if the expiration date is shorter than 6 months or if it’s more than 10 years old, you’ll need to renew your British passport. Keep in mind that replacing your passport usually takes 3 weeks. 

What will I need to travel after Brexit?

Currently, many non-EU citizens need to show their return ticket and prove that they have enough money for their stay and it’s possible that Britons will have to fulfil the same requirement after the transition period. Once at border control, British citizens will have to queue in different lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. Besides, when travelling between the UK and the EU, you’ll need to declare cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency).

How long can I stay in the EU?

If you are planning to live in an eternal golf break, you might keep in mind that British citizens will be able to stay as a tourist for up to 90 days in any 180 days in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

How will Brexit affect travel insurance?

Until the end of 2020, citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) are entitled to have healthcare in any EEA member state as well as Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland. 

Therefore, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance that covers your healthcare and pre-existing medical condition.

What will happen to roaming charges after Brexit?

After the transition period, the guarantee of free-roaming for British mobiles in EU countries will stop. We recommend you check the new terms with your phone operator to avoid any weird bills from getting that perfect photo for the ‘Gram. However, a new law protects you from getting phone charges over £45 without you knowing.

Brexit brings new policies when it comes to crossing borders, but once you arrive at the golf course, the enjoyable golf rounds with your friends will be the same. 

We hope we’ve covered your questions about travelling or planning a golf break after Brexit. In case you need more details, you can find more advice here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021

If you are going on a golf holiday after the 1st of January 2021, we recommend visiting gov.uk to check the latest news about Brexit. 

The Top 50 Hidden Gem Golf Courses

Welcome to our guide to the top 50 hidden gem golf courses in Europe. We often hear about the same well-known golf courses across Europe, especially in the Algarve and the Costa del Sol, but we wanted to provide recognition to those courses who aren’t as well-known, but which offer an equally spectacular or even better game of golf!

To compile the rankings, we tracked hundreds of independent golf websites from around the globe and collected first-hand information from golf enthusiasts. We then created a shortlist of the top 50 hidden gem golf courses in Europe.

If you’re in the midst of researching and planning your next golfing holiday, make sure to read through our list of hidden gems. You never know, you could find the ideal course you’ve been searching for! While you’re here, why not find out more about our golf transfer services, for complete transport convenience on your next golf trip.

The Best Hidden Gem Golf Courses in Europe

1. Costa Navarino (The Bay Course)   

© Photo by costanavarino (www.flickr.com/photos/costanavarino/6174781947/)

This stunning course is laid out across a landscape which includes everything from olive greens, brash mountain canyons and the seashore leading into the sparkling blue ocean. It has to be said a particular highlight is the two holes which have been laid out alongside the famous Bay of Navarino. Robert Trent Jones Jnr has designed a gem of a golf course.

Find out more on Costa Navarino (The Bay Course)

2. Golf Club Vuissens  

© Photo by Gorilla Golf Blog (www.flickr.com/photos/gorillagolfblog/7366725666/)

This course was initially opened as 6-holes in 2001. It wasn’t until the end of 2002 when people got to appreciate the brilliance of Vuissens across two returning loops of 9 holes. Rather impressively the course includes 5,000 planet trees and several man-made water hazards. This course is a real golfing challenge even for the very best of golfers, however, it does offer a little respite for the less proficient golfers with it being a shorter course.

Find out more on Golf Club Vuissens

3. Waterford Castle Golf Course  

© Photo by Antonio Campoy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/viviendoenlaerapop/25806223837/)

This course can only be accessed by a private ferry, the only course of its nature in Ireland. This par 72 parkland resort was designed by Des Smyth and Declan Branigan. Although there is water surrounding the whole course, this hasn’t stopped the addition of water hazards coming into play. Playing on this course most times of the year is possible down to the sand based greens and tees used when the course was first built

Find out more on Waterford Castle Golf Course

4. Thracian Cliffs Golf Course  

© Photo by Mircea Caraman (https://www.flickr.com/photos/59520287@N02/5789977662/)

This course was opened in 2011 and is located on the northern Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria it offers unique and stunning views for players. There is no other course like this one on the planet. It truly is one of a kind. When you play on this course you will appreciate the views, sometimes photos do not do justice to the vistas of the course or the layout once you play on it.

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5. Sandiway Golf Course  

The main emphasis on this course is accuracy. It can be a real challenge to keep the ball in play, so you’ll need to be on the top of your game to score well. With a par of 70 and measuring 6,400 yards from the back tees, this course is a true test for even the best of golfers. Straight from the off Sandiway holds your interest, with each of the first 7 holes having a different par from the last.

Find out more on Sandiway Golf Course

6. Dundalk Golf Course  

© Photo by Bossi (www.flickr.com/photos/thisisbossi/3109941548/)

This 72-par course which stretches over 6,800 yards provides stunning views of the close-by Cooley and Mourne mountains, Dundalk Bay and the Irish Sea. In combination with the outstanding picturesque views you’re treated to, you can also enjoy a testing round of golf. Following the 18th hole, you can then move on to the 19th hole in the magnificent clubhouse. A must-visit for any golf holiday in Ireland.

Find out more on Dundalk Golf Course

8. Mottram Hall Golf Club  

This hidden gem is found within 270 acres of the finest parkland in the country of Cheshire, England. The front nine offers a picturesque backdrop of the 18th Century Hall. While the back nine winds across lush woodland and provides a more demanding test, even for the very best of golfers. This 7,006 year 18-hole par 72 Championship course is a must-visit for any golf trip in England.

Find out more on Mottram Hall Golf Club

9. Mount Wolseley Golf Course  

© Photo by Greg Clarke (www.flickr.com/photos/leppre/13774968803/)

Situated on within a 2,500-acre estate in County Carlow, Mount Wolseley Golf Course certainly has the surroundings to match the brilliant 18-holes. The course has a par of 72 and spreads across a total length of 7,106 yards. This parkland course is very demanding with more than half of the holes including water hazards. 8/10 par fours are more than 400 yards long. Are you up for the challenge?

Find out more on Mount Wolseley Golf Course

10. Wicklow Golf Club  

© Photo by Mark Hogan (www.flickr.com/photos/mjhogan/463931761/)

Prior to being a full 18-hole course, golfers at Wicklow had to play on a 9-hole course from 1904. However, 90 years later the course was extended to 18-holes and then in 2002, a new clubhouse was built for members to celebrate Wicklows centenary year. This scenic parkland course is laid out on cliffs which overlook the Irish Sea. The whole course measures just under 6,000 years and has a par of 71.

Find out more on Wicklow Golf Club

11. Balbriggan Golf Club  

© Photo by tiarescott (www.flickr.com/photos/tiarescott/33597918/)

Formed in 1945 as a 9-hole layout, Balbriggan Golf Club expanded into an 18-hole course 44 years later once the land was available. The many doglegged tree-lined fairways of Balbriggan are laid out on the pleasantly undulating terrain. From the 13th to the 18th hole the elevated tee positions and raised green offer brilliant variety over the closing holes to really finish your round on a fantastic note.

Find out more on Balbriggan Golf Club

12. Tulfarris Golf Resort  

This championship golf course is located on a grand 200-acre estate which also contains a stunning restored 18th century Manor House. The course is laid out in a classical formation of two par 5s and two par 3s on each loop of 9 holes. The most difficult thing about this course is keeping your net score below the par of 72, with a combination of strategic bunkering and the length of the tee at most holes, it tests the best of golfers.

Find out more on Tulfarris Golf Resort

13. Miramar Club de Golf  

© Photo by Manel (www.flickr.com/photos/manel/21847054901/)

Miramar Golf Club is the third oldest club in Portugal and in our eyes, one of the best. The course measures just over 3,000 yards in length, with just 1 par 5 at the 8th hole and 6 par 4s varying from 292 yards a the 7th hole all the way to 399 yards at the 3rd hole. The layout of this course is much the same as it was 75 years, paying testament to the excellent design.

Find out more on Miramar Club de Golf

14. Torremirona Golf Course  

One of the lesser-known golf clubs in the Emporda region of Catalonia, but this course can hold its own to the best in the area. It truly is one of Europes golf course hidden gems. This course is laid out in the true resort course style, with generously proportioned fairways surrounded by a tranquil landscape. The even lie of the land ensures that Torremirona is an easy course to walk.

Find out more on Torremirona Golf Course

15. Fulford Golf Club  

© Photo by Zenmasterdod (www.flickr.com/photos/zenmasterdod/3758719456/)

This high-class heathland/parkland course is located just 1 mile outside of York. Initially founded in 1906, the club didn’t move to its current site until 1935. This course is a true test for the handicap golfer, measuring 6,779 yards from the back tees. There’s no doubt you will enjoy your round on Fulford, it’s a brilliant course surrounding by beautiful countryside.

Find out more on Fulford Golf Club

16. Powerscourt Golf Club (East Course)  

© Photo by Sean MacEntee (www.flickr.com/photos/smemon/8677324629/)

Powerscourt Golf Club is located just a short drive from Dublin Airport. However, the setting is polar opposite from the nearby capital. Powerscourt Estate stands in 1000 acres of beautiful parkland. The natural beauty of this club alone is worth the visit. However, the main attractions are the brilliant two championship golf courses, in particular, the East Course.

Find out more on Powerscourt Golf Club

17. Villa Padierna Golf Club (Alferini Course)  

This course was designed by Antonia Garcia Garrido and that’s clear to see by its conserved landscaping. The Alferini Course is a challenge for any level of golfer. This course has a total length of 6,614 metres and is one of the few par-73s on the coast. The course is surrounded by serenity and peace and quiet, thanks to the course being in the middle of a lush valley within the mountain of Benahavis.

Find out more on Villa Padierna Golf Club

18. Golf de Bitche  

Nestled in the slopes of Grand Kindelberg, this 27-hole course stretches over 70 hectares of stunning forestland. This course is filled with water hazards and elevated tee boxes to fit in well with the contours of the terrain. The par 4s and 5s of the course which are exposed to hilltop winds offer brilliant challenges to every level of golfer. The most challenging and recommended combination is course A+B. This course is playable all year round.

Find out more on Golf de Bitche

19. La Envía Golf  

La Envia Golf and Country Club is located in a valley surrounded by mountains. The mountains surrounding the course ensure that the 18-holes are protected from east and western winds, which leads to brilliant golfing conditions. Each of the 18-holes are lined with palm and mimosa trees, giving the feeling you’re playing golf in a true paradise.

Find out more on La Envía Golf

20. Golf De Saint Jean De Monts  

© Photo by The-JMG (www.flickr.com/photos/the-jmg/22851919809/)

This brilliant links course is located in ideal golfing terrain right on the western coast of France. You won’t be let down by the fantastic views. The first 9-holes of the course are set in pine woods which act as protection from the sea winds, but watch out for the tricky, tactically placed bunkers. The next 9-holes have traditional links characteristics and run right alongside the ocean.

Find out more on Golf De Saint Jean De Monts

21. Golf De L’Ailette  

With many water hazards set throughout this course, even the most experienced of golfer will find this a challenge. Set on the outskirts of Ailette water park and on mature woodland, this 18-hole course is a true hidden gem. Before you tackle ‘Chemin des Dames’ course you can practice your play on a shorter 9-hole course.

Find out more on Golf De L’Ailette

22. Galway Golf Club  

© Photo by Catherine Cronin (www.flickr.com/photos/catherinecronin/21840400416/)

There are plenty of mature trees, elevated and tiered greens to pose a challenge, so you must be accurate off the tee on this course! If you really want to score well, you need to be on top of all your game, including having a good short and putting game. The course stretches over 5,974 metres and plays to a par of 70.

Find out more on Galway Golf Club

23. Pitlochry Golf Club  

© Photo by Ron Almog (www.flickr.com/photos/ronalmog/232040461/)

This is one of Scotland finest inland courses. It’s not the longest course you’ll find, measuring at just under 5,700 yards. However, what you will find, is that it is a tricky course with small and fast greens. There’s no par-5s on Pitlochry, however, as most of us know, short doesn’t necessarily mean easy.

Find out more on Pitlochry Golf Club

24. Greenore Golf Club  

Back in 1899 Greenore Golf Course was extended from 9-holes to 18-holes and the following year a pavilion style clubhouse was constructed. The course is a mixture of parkland and links-like holes which are surrounded by tall pine trees. Over the year continuous improvements have been made to Greenore Golf Course.

Find out more on Greenore Golf Club

25. Golf Colline Del Gavi  

There is no doubt that Golf Colline Del Gavi is a challenging course. Sometimes the course can be so quiet that it will be only you and the birds playing a round of golf. This course is a true hidden gem, which appeals to both beginners and advanced golfers. The fairways are placed through forests and hills, while little creeks and lakes form natural water hazards.

Find out more on Golf Colline Del Gavi

26. Tramore Golf Club  

The Old Course at Tramore has managed to retain much of its original character which makes this course so great after recent remodelling. If you’re accurate off the tee, you will be rewarded on this course. This parkland course has a par-72 and some fantastic features. One thing that is consistent all the way through the course is quality, hence why Tramore makes our list of hidden gems.

Find out more on Tramore Golf Club

27. Golf de Bauge  

© Photo by Guilhem Vellut (www.flickr.com/photos/o_0/40458361810/)

Set in the beautiful French countryside, Golf de Bauge will keep you on the top of your game. Your head will have to be on the game for every single shot if not, you’re likely to be punished from one of the unforgiving hazards. This hidden gem offers a great challenge with fantastic surroundings to match.

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28. Club de Golf Son Servera  

This unique members club is the second oldest course on the Spanish island of Majorca. The 18-hole course sits between pine-clad mountains on one side and stunning views over the bay of Cala Millor on the other. All levels of golfer will enjoy their game while being challenged by water hazards and bunkers around the course.

Find out more on Club de Golf Son Servera

29. Golf de Roquebrune Resort  

Situated between Cannes and St Tropez, Roquebrune Golf Course is a must-visit for anyone in the region. The club is nestled in peaceful and tranquil natural surroundings, allowing you to mix your passion for golf with a relaxing walk taking in a side to the French Riviera that is barely talked about.

Find out more on Golf de Roquebrune Resort

30. Auchterarder Golf Club  

© Photo by Ninian Reid (www.flickr.com/photos/ninian_reid/35074545155/)

This parkland course has views towards the Ochil Hills and Gleneagles. It runs alongside the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles Hotel, so it is no surprise this brilliant course is sometimes overlooked. However, we would urge anyone to make this 5775-yard course a priority when they visit Scotland. Each of the holes throughout the course offers a different test to golfers of all abilities.
Find out more on Auchterarder Golf Club

31. Golf Club Padova  

Situated in a valley at the foot of Colli Euganei, Golf Club Padova is mostly set over even ground, however, there are plenty of tactically placed water hazards to catch you out. As well as looking out for water hazards, do not forget about the biggest test on the course, avoiding the dense vegetation on both sides of the fairways.

Find out more on Golf Club Padova

32. Esker Hills Golf Club  

Christy O’Connor Jnr has created a brilliant yet challenging parkland course, measuring a total distance of 6,669 yards. The course contains a total of 4 lakes, along with many trees which will add more and more definition to the course over time. There are 4 par-3s (all 170 yards in length), several of the par-4s have doglegs and one of them is a huge 490 yards in length!

Find out more on Esker Hills Golf Club

33. Club de Golf Vallromanes  

Club de Golf Vallromanes is an 18-hole course with a par of 72. The course is divided into two distinct sections. The first 9 holes of the course stretch across a flat valley, while the last 9 holes hang on the edge of a hill. The enormous greens on the course are one of the stand out features, with a putt of over 40 metres!

Find out more on Club de Golf Vallromanes

34. Shirland Golf Club  

Just a few minutes from junction 28 of the M1, you will find an 18-hole course hidden away at the head of a stunning Derbyshire valley. Shirland has a manicured layout which merges brilliantly with the rugged beauty of the surrounding area. This all makes for an unforgettable golf experience. If you’re looking for a game of golf in tranquil surroundings, then Shirland is the place for you.

Find out more on Shirland Golf Club

35. Garlenda Golf Club  

Garlenda Golf Club features an 18-hole course with no two holes the same, the variety across the course will suck you in and leave you wondering why you’d never played here before. One of the highlights for us is the par-4 4th hole, which is slightly doglegging to the left. The green is protected by 2 bunkers and a river at the back, while the fairway is closely lined with trees, so you’ll need to be on the top of your game.

Find out more on Garlenda Golf Club

36. Golfclub Petersberg  

This scenic course is situated on the southern slope of the Dolomite Alps, set at an altitude of around 1,200 metres. One thing you’ll instantly notice is that the course is surrounding by pictorial mountaintops. The course was opened in the spring of 1989, being the first course in South Tyrol. Numerous doglegs and beautiful greens are surrounded by trees.

Find out more on Golfclub Petersberg

37. Druids Heath Golf Club  

Druids Heath Golf Club offers a challenging and exciting 18-hole, par 72 course. This course is a test for all levels of golfer. The course stretches over 6,660 yards. As well as a quality course, the surroundings of Druids Heath Golf Club also add to the experience, with the course being set in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside.

Find out more on Druids Heath Golf Club

38. BlackSeaRama Golf  

© Photo by PGAs of Europe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/pgasofeurope/15231087330/)

Another addition from Bulgaria, which is one of the true hidden gems in Europe when it comes to golf courses. BlackSeaRama Golf Course is another course with stunning views over coastal cliffs, what more could you ask for while you’re being tested on a brilliant Championship golf course?

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39. Forfar Golf Club  

This heathland course is just 12 miles from Carnoustie and a must-visit for any golf holiday in the area. The tight fairways and classic layout give this inland course a similar feel to a links course. There are several difficult holes on the course to keep you challenged throughout. A tough test for golfers of all levels of ability.

Find out more on Forfar Golf Club

40. El Valle Golf  

Situated in a natural desert valley, you will be hard pushed to find a golf course with better surroundings. With the small dunes and elevated views over the desert valley, you might be tricked into thinking you’re playing golf in the middle of Arizona. This course is routed in a core format, so basically, several holes are grouped together, keeping the surrounding development on the perimeter.

Find out more on El Valle Golf

41. Calanova Golf Club  

With the Mijas mountains on one side of the course and the sea on the other side of the course, you are sure to find spectacular surrounding views on every hole you play on the course at Calanova Golf Club. Credit to Manuel Pinero who designed this 18-hole course in late 2005, the greens consist of brilliant shaping work. Be careful of the hazards which are clearly visible on every hole.

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42. Sherry Golf Jerez  

This a new course to Andalusia, which has been designed in an American style, meaning you will have to use brains as well as brawn to score well. Be ready to get your driver out on the tee, with wide fairways and expansive greens. The flat fairways ensure that the course provides a test of accuracy. With every good golf course, Sherry Golf Jerez is suitable for both amateurs and professionals alike.

Find out more on Sherry Golf Jerez

43. Fermoy Golf Club  

Established in 1892, the wooded course at Fermoy Golf Club is a test for expert and novice golfers. Once you’ve enjoyed your round of golf, you can relax in the newly refurbished clubhouse and restaurant which overlooks the course and beautiful surrounding countryside. One thing you will notice when you’re at Fermoy Golf Club is Corrin Hill and its stone cross at the summit, a focal point for the whole area.

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44. Golf de Bastide de la Salette

This spectacular undulating 18-hole course is set out within a garden of Provence. In turn, this offers unrivalled views of the Garlaban Massif and the town of Marseille. The winding fairways are compliment the valleys perfectly, which creates an almost unbelievable contrast with the flatlands. It has got to be said, this course is one of the most exciting that architect Michel Gayon has ever designed.

Find out more on Golf de Bastide de La Salette

45. Golf De Falgos  

Right by the Spanish border Domaine de Falgos is a must play for any golf enthusiast in the area. This top quality course lies in a unique location with beautiful surroundings. It is set amongst rolling mountain countryside. Golfers of all abilities can hone their game on this course; it does require skilful shot-making. Enjoy a round of golf on a spectacular course right by the foot of Mount Canigou, overlooking the bay of Rosas.

Find out more on Golf De Falgos

46. Santa Clara Golf Club Marbella  

Just a couple of miles east of Marbella and surrounding by so many well-known golf course, it isn’t hard to see why Santa Clara Golf Club Marbella is sometimes overlooked. However, we would urge anyone who is on the Costa del Sol to visit this course. The course will test even the best of golfers and it is unforgiving. The course is designed to the latest USGA specifications of a parkland course. There are plenty of water hazards throughout the course, including a giant river which swirls across the golf course and many lakes.

Find out more on Santa Clara Golf Club Marbella

47. Golf Club Grado  

This 18-hole championship course is the most modern and largest course at the Northern Adriatic Sea. The location is breathtaking, with the pathway of the course being sandwiched between lakes and ponds. This course is arguably one of the most beautiful in Italy. Pack your bags and get to Golf Club Grado, you won’t regret it! A brilliant round of golf with views to match.

Find out more on Golf Club Grado

48. Golf Santo Antonio

With so many top courses in the Vilamoura and the Algarve, it is easy to understand why Santo Antonio Golf Course is sometimes overlooked. However, we would happily place this course in the same category as many of the regions top courses. The course architect has succeeded in creating a fascinating, yet challenging course, with its own unique style. This course is sure you have you eager to come back for another round in order to master the more challenging holes.

Find out more on Golf Santo Antonio

49. Guadalhorce Club de Golf

Guadalhorce Club de Golf has a course which can be divided into two distinct areas. The first area, from the 1st-9th hole, bears no major water hazards. Whereas the second area from the 9th-18th hole is where it gets tricky, with uneven terrain, raised greens and more difficult fairways. This course is a must-visit for any golf holiday in Malaga.

Find out more on Guadalhorce Club de Golf

50. El Paraiso Golf Club

What could be more appealing than a course situated in a location which gets over 300 days of sunshine a year? Well, southern Spain does and that’s exactly where El Paraiso Golf Club is. As with many of the hidden gem golf courses in our top 50, El Paraiso is surrounded by picturesque landscape, with hills on the boundaries and views of the coast. Fairways on this course are wide, but we warn you to attack them carefully, the roughs are dangerous traps. Also, make sure you watch out for the water hazards! Many Spanish courses get overlooked for those near the likes of Malaga and Alicante, but this one shouldn’t!

Find out more on El Paraiso Golf Club

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Many sports have their own vocabulary and golf is no exception. Learning golfing terminology can be like learning a foreign language at times.

Here at Golf Drives, we have put together an A-Z list of our favourite and the most commonly used golf phrases and terms, so you can be completely prepared the next time you hit the green.

A-Z Golf Slang and Terminology

The Top 10 Golf Courses in England

Most people don’t think of England as being a top golfing destination, but, actually, golf is a huge part of English culture. This is reflected by numerous golf courses across the entire country. It may surprise you to hear that there are more courses in England than in neighbouring Scotland.

This means that you’re spoilt for choice — it can be difficult to know which course to pick for your next golfing holiday. To help you choose, we’ve made a shortlist of the top 10 golf courses in England.

1. The Royal St George’s Golf Club

Royal St George’s in Kent has played an important role in golf history. In 1894, it became the first club outside of Scotland to host the Open Championship. To date, it has held 14 Open Championships, which is still more than any other club outside Scotland.

The course at Royal St George’s is set among wild dunes with blind and partially-blind shots. Although it has been adapted to be slightly more fair, it still has the deepest bunker in championship golf.

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2. Sunningdale Golf Club

A short distance from London, you’ll find Sunningdale Golf Club, home to two courses — the Old Course and the New Course.

An interesting thing about the Old Course is that designers had previously considered the heath, hills, and woodland unsuitable for playing golf. However, since it opened in 1901, it has been widely called one of the best inland courses in the country.

In contrast with the Old Course, the New Course at Sunningdale has undergone many changes since its inception in 1913. Only the first five holes remain as they were originally, but the redesign (which has fewer hills) has proved popular.

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3. St Enodoc Golf Club

St Enodoc also has two courses: Church Course and Holywell Course. Situated on the coast of Cornwall, both offer spectacular ocean views.

The most notable feature of Church Course is the so-called Himalaya bunker at the sixth hole. There is some argument as to whether it is the biggest bunker of any golf course in Europe. However, the signature hole of the course is the 10th, as this passes by St Enodoc Church, for which the course is named. Sir John Betjeman is buried here — the Poet Laureate was a fan of the course and even wrote a poem about its 13th hole called “Seaside Golf.”

Then you have Holywell Course. It is a great choice if you want a challenge, whatever your handicap. At the same time, it is far less strenuous than Church Course, making it ideal for a relaxing round.

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4. Saunton Golf Club

Saunton is another club with two courses, called the East Course and the West Course. Both are championship courses are were named among the 100 Best Courses in the UK. Visitors can play on either and are welcome most days after 9:30 am, provided they notify the club of their arrival in advance.

The land of Saunton Golf Club is managed particularly carefully, as it is situated on Braunton Burrows in Devon. This is the largest sand dune in England and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A great time to visit is the summer, when more than 400 varieties of wild flowers are in bloom. However, you can play at any time of the year. In fact, Golf World magazine even named the club the Best Value Winter Break destination.

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5. Ganton Golf Club

Ganton Golf Club is just south of North Riding Forest Park. Its Championship Course features undulating terrain of combined heathland and links. It is ideal for a relaxing game, but equally suitable for serious golfers who want to test their skills.

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6. Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Since World War II, no club has held more championship and international events than Royal Birkdale. It has been named top club in England and among the top 35 in the world. Located near the coast in Southport, the course provides you with a classic link experience.

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7.  Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

Another course in Southport, Royal Lytham & St Annes is a premier link course and has been the host of many tournaments. Although it is some distance from the sea, you’ll find that the breeze is still strong enough to impact your game. This makes for a difficult game and the need for great accuracy.

Unlike many choices on this list, the course is far from picturesque. However, it still has a unique charm that many golfers love.

To complete your experience, you can stay in the onsite accommodation, just off the first tee.

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8. Walton Health Golf Club

Since the very first release of the World’s Top Rankings in 1938, the Old Course at Walton has consistently been one of the named courses. Set in Surrey heathlands, this long course with small greens presents a challenge to any golfer.

While at Walton Heath, you need to also play a round on the New Course. Originally a nine-hole course, it has now been extended to a full 18 holes. There are even more hazards on the new course than on the old, presenting fresh challenges to keep you alert.

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9. Notts Golf Club Ltd

From summer through winter, Notts Hollinwell is the perfect place to play. The free-draining sandstone means that even heavy downpours will not pose a problem. Furthermore, it is stunning all year round, thanks to its location in Kirkby Forest. It uses the natural hills for fairways and has dips and valleys covered in gorse, heather, and fern.

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10. West Sussex Golf Club

What makes West Sussex Golf Club so appealing is its location. Set against a backdrop of the Sussex Downs, it is framed by pine trees. This beauty continues on the golf course itself. In fact, it is renowned as being one of the most attractive golf clubs in the country, thanks to the incorporation of natural features like heather and softly-rolling hills.

Visitors are welcome most days. The only requirement is that you are a guest of a member of the club or yourself a member of another golf club, either in the UK or abroad.

You can play at the club any time of year, as it is almost always open. After a rainstorm, the sandy subsoil dries fast. Plus, the shelter offered by the Downs means that snow and frost hardly ever pose a problem. If the course does need to close, it is usually for a couple hours at most — nothing to spoil your holiday. This makes West Sussex an excellent choice if you are looking to continue playing late in the season or you want to start early.

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Arriving to the Golf Clubs

Many of these top golf courses are some distance from airports or even train stations. This makes arriving complicated, especially when you consider that you will be carrying a large amount of golfing equipment. Travel in comfort by booking an airport or hotel transfer and eliminate the need to rent a car.

For a service designed for golfers, choose Golf Drives. Unlike other transfer services, you’ll receive one golf bag per person included as standard luggage. Plus, you can arrange pickup and drop-off at a time that suits you.

Round Breakdown

In the first round, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (the current PGA Championship and U.S. Open champion) together took the lead with 66 (-6). Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler (both pre-tournament favorites) ended the round tied for 11th place with a score of 70 (-2), along with eight other players.

The second round saw Jason Day and Francesco Molinari (both of whom ended up in fifth place) rise to first place with 67 (-5). Also leading at the end of this round were Brooks Koepka (one of the runners up) with a score of 71 (-1), Louis Oosthuizen with 66 (-6), and Adam Scott (the 2013 champion) with 68 (-4), the second-best round of the day.

As per Masters golf rules, all players have to be within 10 shots of the leaders to make the 36-hole cut. A total of 65 succeeded (including four amateurs), which was a record number since the rule was introduced in 1957. Tiger Woods scored 68 (-7), putting him in joint sixth place.

In the third round, Francesco Molinari was still holding on to the lead, ending the round with 66 (-6). Tony Finau scored 64 (-8) and Tiger Woods scored 67 (-5), moving the two of them into joint second place.

At the start of the final round, it seemed as if Francesco Molinari would be the winner of the Masters tournament. In fact, he maintained his lead for the first 11 holes, but his shot at the 12th hole came up short and rolled in Rae’s Creek.

This gave Tiger Woods the chance he needed to rise to first place. He ended up winning the 2019 Masters by just one stroke, at 13 under par. This was the first time he has won a major championship after trailing for 54 holes.

The Rewards

In addition to a fifth green jacket and a Masters golf trophy, Tiger Woods will be taking home a large amount of cash.

The prize fund from the Masters tournament this year is $11,500,000 with a winner’s share of $2,070,000. This is up from a prize fund of $11,000,000 and a winner’s share of $1,980,000 in 2017 and 2018. The amount is larger than other golf events, simply because there are fewer contenders. This year, 87 golfers took part in the Masters. In comparison, the regular PGA tour and the other three majors see 156 players on the field.

After Tiger Woods receives his cut, the remaining amount will be divided among the other winners. The three runners up will each receive $858,667. The golfers in fifth place will each receive $403,938. The amount continues to decrease until 62nd position, with these four golfers each receiving $25,415. As per United States Golf Association rules, amateurs are forbidden to accept any prize money. Four amateurs placed in the 2019 Masters — in joint 32nd, joint 36th, 55th, and joint 58th places.

The Location

The Masters tournament was held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. One of the most famous clubs in the world, it opened in 1933 and has been the host of Masters golf since 1934. For the 2019 Masters tournament, the fifth hole (called Magnolia) was lengthened by 40 yards to 495 yards. This resulted in a total length of 7,475 yards. The course has a par of 72.