12 Best beginner golf courses in the UK

A UK golf break is a great way to not only develop your skillset but also build your confidence. If you're a beginner golfer in the UK, you're in luck because across England, Scotland and Wales there is a range of golf courses tailored to suit all levels of play.

Our Golf Travel Experts have pulled together a list of their favourite beginner golf courses, each of which offers a unique experience for novice golfers as well as incredible practice facilities.

Best beginner golf courses in the UK:

• Dunston Hall Golf Course
• Bryn Meadows Golf Course
• George Washington Golf Course
• De Vere Wokefield Golf Course
• Cotswolds Golf Course
• Telford Golf Course
• Manor of Groves Golf Course
• Shendish Manor Golf Course
• Linden Hall Golf Course
• The Bruce Golf Course
• Donnington Valley
• Windmill Village Golf Course

Red Tees: 5,194 yards Par: 71 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green Course style: Parkland

This beautiful parkland-style track is situated in Norwich and will provide a good challenge for beginners. The 16th is considered the signature hole at Dunston, offering incredible panoramic views of the course and Norfolk countryside.

The golf club also features a driving range and putting green for you to practice before your round.

Red Tees: 5,357 yards Par: 71 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, 9-hole academy golf course, Foresight Golf Simulator Course style: Parkland

Bryn Meadows features a championship parkland layout which was designed to help golfers improve their power, accuracy, and flexibility. While there will be challenging holes, such as the signature 13th over water, you’re guaranteed to have an interesting round.

Additionally, Bryn Meadows is home to the largest junior golf academy in Wales – First Swing Academy. There are extensive facilities on-site to help beginners of all ages on their golfing journeys.

Red Tees: 5,723 yards Par: 74 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, par-3 academy course Course style: Parkland

The course at George Washington Golf Club measures 5,723 yards from the reds with a par of 74, so it’s certainly on the challenging end for beginners. However, the layout is relatively straightforward and the incredible facilities are sure to get you in a great position to enjoy your round.

From the 20-bay floodlit driving range to the complementary seven-hole academy course, it’s no wonder this is such a popular venue for golfers. Not to mention the close proximity to Newcastle city centre, making it perfect for golf & nightlife!

Red Tees: 5,761 yards Par: 73 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, short game area Course style: Parkland

Wokefield Estate Golf Course is located in Reading and features a popular golf course in a stunning setting. Though there are numerous hazards including streams, lakes, and large bunkers, you can choose to stay in play by taking a safer route. This course has also been thoughtfully designed to make it ideal for golfing groups of mixed abilities.

Red Tees: 5,409 yards Par: 71 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, TrackMan swing studio Course style: Parkland

Cotswolds Hotel & Spa is a popular contemporary resort in Oxfordshire with fantastic on-site golf - ideal for a stay & play golf break. The well-maintained course has been voted as one of the top three in Oxfordshire by National Club Golfer Magazine and is a great choice for your first golf break.

Additionally, the indoor swing studio is a great way to get some practice in via a coaching session. Or you could even test your group's game with a longest-drive competition!

Red Tees: 5,592 yards Par: 72 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green Course style: Parkland

With an on-site championship track and a team of seven PGA-qualified tuition experts, it’s no wonder Telford Golf Resort is a popular beginner golf course. The recently refurbished clubhouse also has a great bar with views of the 18th, the perfect place to relax after your round.

Red Tees: 5,139 yards Par: 71 Practice Facilities: Putting green Course style: Parkland

The 18-hole course at Manor of Groves is created by two unique 9-hole loops. For half the course you’ll be navigating around the beautiful manor gardens, then you’ll proceed to play through sweeping fairways towards the end of your round.

The PGA Professionals are also always available to offer expert advice or coaching sessions.

Red Tees: 5,090 yards Par: 70 Practice Facilities: Putting green Course style: Parkland

Shendish Manor Hotel in Hemel Hempstead presents an on-site course sculpted from beautiful parkland and woodland. After your round, enjoy a drink with friends at the 19th hole – Coach House bar. Private tuition is also available, and you can rent clubs for your round through the pro shop.

Red Tees: 5,530 yards Par: 72 Practice Facilities: Driving range, short game practice area Course style: Parkland

Wide fairways combined with unique water hazards will provide a good test for those new to golf, making Linden Hall a great destination for a golf break. Throughout your round you can enjoy panoramic views of the Cheviots, Coquet Island, and the Northumberland coastline.

Red Tees: 5,348 yards Par: 73 Practice Facilities: TrackMan launch monitor Course style: Parkland

Bordering Loch Leven, the two 18-hole courses at Kinross Golf Club, The Bruce and The Montgomery, are well-maintained with breathtaking scenery to match. For beginner golfers, we recommend a tee time at The Bruce which is the slightly shorter of the two layouts.

Additionally, this easily accessible course is located just a short 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, ideal for those looking for a golf & city break.

Red Tees: 5,430 yards Par: 71 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green Course style: Parkland

Nestled in Newbury’s charming countryside, Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa presents a fantastic 18-hole course. The on-site layout was re-designed in 2000 and includes some forgiving holes that are ideal for beginner golfers.

Donnington Valley also offer an Off Peak Beginners Club package, which includes lessons with a resident PGA Professional alongside a selection of off peak tee times for 9-holes of golf. This is a great way to build your confidence towards playing 18-holes.

Red Tees: 4,470 yards Par: 70 Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green Course style: Parkland

The track at Windmill Village begins with a series of par-3s, warming you up for some of the trickier holes where you’ll have some water hazards to navigate. However, with a shorter length of just 4,470 yards and a great four-star hotel on-site, this is certainly one of the best courses if you’re considering booking your first golf break.