Best inland golf courses in the UK and Ireland

Ranking: No. 5 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Berkshire, England | Designer: Willie Park Jr | Par: 70 | Yardage: c. 6,627 yards | Founded: 1901

Why play here?

The Old Course at Sunningdale is widely regarded as one of the greatest inland golf courses in the world and a benchmark for heathland design.

Its gently undulating fairways, immaculate turf, and superb green complexes create a timeless test that rewards shot-making and strategy. Despite its prestige, the course remains endlessly enjoyable and playable for all standards.

Signature Hole

Hole 10 – A classic par-4 playing uphill through a corridor of heather to a beautifully contoured green.

Key Features

• World-class heathland golf
• Exceptional green complexes
• Timeless Willie Park Jr design
• Pure, traditional playing surfaces
• Host of multiple professional and senior professional tournaments, including the Senior Open Championship and the Brabazon Trophy

Bonus Fact

Sunningdale Old has hosted countless elite amateur events and is frequently cited as the finest inland course in England.

Ranking: No. 12 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: North Yorkshire, England | Designer: Tom Chisholm (later work by Harry Colt) | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 6,700 yards | c. 6,700 yards | Founded: 1891

Why play here?

Often described as the finest inland links course in the world, Ganton delivers firm, fast-running fairways and intimidating bunkering that rivals the toughest seaside tests.

Despite its inland setting, the course plays with a distinctly links-like character, demanding strategic thinking and precision throughout. Its championship pedigree, including hosting the 1949 Ryder Cup, cements Ganton’s place among the very best inland courses anywhere in the UK.

Signature Hole

Hole 18 – A demanding finishing hole guarded by fearsome bunkers that punish anything less than a well-judged approach.

Key Features

• Inland links-style layout
• Over 100 deep, penal bunkers
• Championship pedigree
• Firm, fast-playing fairways

Bonus Fact

Ganton has hosted the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, and multiple Amateur Championships

Ranking: No. 14 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Surrey, England | Designer: Herbert Fowler | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 7,200 yards | Founded: 1903

Why play here?

One of England’s most revered heathland courses, the Old Course at Walton Heath blends strategic brilliance with natural beauty.

Flowering heather lines the fairways during summer months, while the layout’s rich history includes hosting the 1981 Ryder Cup. Accuracy off the tee is essential, with classic Fowler bunkering waiting to punish wayward shots.

Signature Hole

Hole 4 – A demanding par-4 that perfectly encapsulates the challenge of Surrey heathland golf.

Key Features

• Classic heathland layout
• Ryder Cup pedigree
• Fast, true greens
• Extensive heather-lined fairways

Bonus Fact

Winston Churchill was a member at Walton Heath for over 50 years.

Ranking: No. 16 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Berkshire, England | Designer: Harry Colt | Par: 70 | Yardage: c. 6,624 yards | Founded: 1923

Why play here?

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, the New Course at Sunningdale is a Harry Colt masterpiece in its own right.

More rugged and visually dramatic than the Old, the New features deeper bunkering, bolder shaping, and a sterner challenge, particularly from the back tees. Together, the two courses form one of the finest 36-hole experiences in world golf.

Signature Hole

Hole 5 – A demanding par-4 where bunkering and heather dominate the tee shot.

Key Features

• Classic Colt heathland design
• More demanding than the Old Course
• Bold bunkering and routing
• Exceptional companion course

Bonus Fact

Many professionals believe the New Course is the tougher test of the two at Sunningdale.

Ranking: No. 27 – Top 100 England (2024) | Location: Dorset, England | Designer: Harry Colt | Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,315 yards | Founded: 1898

Why play here?

A classic Harry Colt heathland design, Broadstone is a thinking golfer’s course that rewards accuracy and course management over raw power.

Though modest in length, the heather-lined fairways and subtly contoured greens ensure it remains a stern test. The back nine is particularly scenic, offering sweeping views towards Poole Harbour.

Read about our Broadstone golf tour experience here.

Signature Hole

Hole 12 – A picturesque par-4 requiring precise positioning from the tee.

Key Features

• Classic Colt design
• Tight, heather-lined fairways
• Strategic rather than long
• Scenic Dorset setting

Bonus Fact

Broadstone remains largely unchanged from Colt’s original redesign over a century ago.

Ranking: No. 10 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Surrey, England | Designer: Harry Colt | Par: 70 | Yardage: c. 6,624 yards | Founded: 1913

Why play here?

St George’s Hill is one of Harry Colt’s most dramatic and visually striking designs, built across bold heathland terrain with significant elevation changes.

The front nine climbs to the highest point on the course, offering breathtaking views across Surrey, before descending into a thrilling and demanding back nine. It is strategic, scenic, and unforgettable.

Signature Hole

Hole 9 – A spectacular par-4 played from an elevated tee with sweeping views across the course.

Key Features

• Dramatic elevation changes
• Classic Colt heathland design
• Panoramic Surrey views
• Unique routing and character

Bonus Fact

St George’s Hill is often considered one of the most visually impressive inland courses in England.

Ranking: No. 18 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: West Yorkshire, England | Designer: Dr Alister MacKenzie | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 6,700 yards | Founded: 1907

Why play here?

Alwoodley was Dr Alister MacKenzie’s first-ever golf course design, and it remains one of the purest expressions of his strategic philosophy.

Set on exposed moorland just north of Leeds, the course is a searching test where wind, heather, and clever green complexes demand thoughtful play. The back nine, often into the prevailing wind, is widely regarded as one of the toughest stretches in inland golf.

Signature Hole

Hole 9 – A superb par-3 played over a heather-filled valley to a subtly contoured green.

Key Features

• Historic MacKenzie design
• Exposed moorland setting
• Strategic green complexes
• One of England’s toughest back nines

Bonus Fact

MacKenzie would later go on to design Augusta National, Cypress Point, and Royal Melbourne.

Ranking: No. 20 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Perthshire, Scotland | Designer: James Braid | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 6,790 yards | Founded: 1919

Why play here?

Widely regarded as the best moorland course in the world, the King’s Course is the crown jewel of the Gleneagles Resort.

Set against breathtaking Perthshire scenery, the course combines natural beauty with a stern but fair test of golf. Strategic bunkering, elevation changes, and immaculate conditioning make it unforgettable from first tee to last green.

Signature Hole

Hole 11 – A stunning par-4 playing downhill with panoramic views across the Perthshire countryside.

Key Features

• World-class moorland golf
• Iconic Scottish scenery
• Championship pedigree
• Immaculate conditioning

Bonus Fact

Lee Trevino famously said: “If heaven is as good as this, I sure hope they have some tee times left.”

Ranking: No. 34 – Top 100 England (2024) | Location: Dorset, England | Designer: Willie Park Jr (with later work by Harry Colt) | Par: 71 | Yardage: c. 6,400 yards | Founded: 1893

Why play here?

Parkstone is one of England’s most underrated heathland courses, offering classic design, excellent conditioning, and superb views across Poole Harbour.

Set on elevated terrain, the course combines tight driving holes with beautifully contoured greens, demanding accuracy and thoughtful play rather than power.

Signature Hole

Hole 14 – A superb par-3 played from an elevated tee with panoramic harbour views.

Key Features

• Traditional heathland layout
• Elevated setting with sea views
• Strategic rather than long
• Peaceful, welcoming club atmosphere

Bonus Fact

Parkstone regularly features in Top 100 lists despite flying under the radar compared to nearby Dorset courses.

Ranking: No. 40 – Top 100 England (2024) | Location: Surrey, England | Designer: J.F. Abercromby | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 6,500 yards | Founded: 1908

Why play here?

Often considered the prettiest of Surrey’s heathland courses, Worplesdon weaves through pine, chestnut, and heather to create a wonderfully natural layout.

Its short holes are exceptional, and the course offers a quieter alternative to its famous neighbours while remaining every bit as enjoyable.

Signature Hole

Hole 10 – A beautiful par-3 requiring a nerve-testing carry over water.

Key Features

• Classic Surrey heathland
• Outstanding par-3 holes
• Peaceful, natural setting
• Part of the famous “Three Ws”

Bonus Fact

Worplesdon borders both Woking and West Hill, completing Surrey’s famous trio.

Ranking: No. 22 – Top 100 England (2024) | Location: Surrey, England | Designer: J.F. Abercromby | Par: 71 | Yardage: c. 6,535 yards | Founded: 1913

Why play here?

The Addington is one of England’s most distinctive and characterful heathland courses, offering an adventurous routing across rolling terrain.

Designed by J.F. Abercromby, the course features blind tee shots, dramatic elevation changes, and wonderfully quirky holes that reward local knowledge and imagination.

Signature Hole

Hole 4 – A short par-4 with a blind drive that perfectly captures the spirit of the course.

Key Features

• Unique, adventurous routing
• Dramatic elevation changes
• Classic Abercromby design
• One of England’s most characterful layouts

Bonus Fact

The Addington is often described as a “thinking golfer’s course” and a favourite among architecture enthusiasts.

Ranking: No. 15 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Nottinghamshire, England | Designer: Willie Park Jr | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 7,250 yards | Founded: 1887

Why play here?

A regular Final Open Qualifying venue, Hollinwell is one of England’s most complete inland tests.

The course features constant elevation changes, varied landscapes, and a routing that ensures no two holes feel alike. It is challenging, fair, and endlessly enjoyable.

Read about our experience playing a Nottingham golf tour here.

Signature Hole

Hole 16 – A thrilling par-3 played across a deep valley.

Key Features

• Championship pedigree
• Varied heathland and moorland terrain
• Strong elevation changes
• Open Championship qualifying venue

Bonus Fact

Hollinwell is frequently cited by professionals as one of the fairest tests in England.

Ranking: No. 7 – Top 100 UK & Ireland (2024) | Location: Lincolnshire, England | Designer: Harry Vardon | Par: 73 | Yardage: c. 7,000 yards | Founded: 1905

Why play here?

Woodhall Spa is home to both England Golf and one of the finest heathland courses in the world. The Hotchkin Course is famous for having the deepest and most penal bunkers of any inland course in the UK.

Accuracy is everything here, with gorse, heather, and sand combining to punish the slightest error.

Signature Hole

Hole 5 – A par-4 where bunkering dominates both tee shot and approach.

Key Features

• Fearsome bunkering
• Championship heathland layout
• England Golf headquarters
• Demands precision throughout

Bonus Fact

Many consider the Hotchkin to be the toughest inland course in England.

Ranking: No. 45 – Top 100 England (2024) | Location: Surrey, England | Designer: J.H. Taylor | Par: 71 | Yardage: c. 6,600 yards | Founded: 1904

Why play here?

Hindhead is a quintessentially English heathland course, flowing through a heather-lined valley before rising to a dramatic plateau.

The course is widely admired for its natural routing and understated charm, offering a wonderfully traditional golfing experience.

Signature Hole

Hole 15 – A par-4 played from the plateau with spectacular views.

Key Features

• Traditional heathland design
• Scenic elevated holes
• Natural, flowing routing
• Historic English charm

Bonus Fact

Peter Alliss named Hindhead among his favourite courses of all time.

Ranking: No. 38 – Top 100 World (2024) | Location: County Limerick, Ireland | Designer: Tom Fazio | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 7,509 yards | Reopened: 2018 (complete redesign)

Why play here?

Adare Manor is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest modern championship golf course and one of the most visually striking resorts in the world.

Completely redesigned by Tom Fazio, the course blends immaculate conditioning with bold shaping, strategic bunkering and dramatic water features along the River Maigue. Every hole feels purposeful, polished and championship-ready, delivering a premium experience that is both demanding and unforgettable.

Signature Hole

Hole 18 – A spectacular par-5 finishing hole played along the River Maigue, with the iconic Adare Manor providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Key Features

• Modern championship parkland design
• Immaculate conditioning and presentation
• Strategic use of water and bold bunkering
• Purpose-built Ryder Cup venue

Bonus Fact

Adare Manor will host the 2027 Ryder Cup, making it only the second Irish venue ever selected for golf’s most prestigious team event.

Ranking: No. 49 – Top 100 England (2024) | Location: Dorset, England | Designer: David Shacklady | Par: 72 | Yardage: c. 7,100 yards | Founded: 2008

Why play here?

Situated within 256 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, Dorset, Remedy Oak is a true gem and arguably one of the best golf courses in the South of England. The fairways are lush green and maintained to a very high standard. The course is awash with natural beauty meandering through a backdrop of hardwood trees, mature conifers, rhododendrons, heather, wild grasses, and with water coming into play on eight holes. So if you're after an enjoyable challenge with pretty surroundings, Remedy Oak is for you.

Signature Hole

Hole 14 – A strong par-4 with water guarding the approach.

Key Features

• Modern championship design
• Woodland setting
• Water in play on eight holes
• Excellent conditioning

Bonus Fact

Despite its modern origins, Remedy Oak regularly ranks alongside classic English layouts.

From timeless heathland masterpieces like Sunningdale and St George’s Hill, to dramatic moorland tests at Gleneagles and Alwoodley, and characterful classics such as Ganton and The Addington, the UK’s inland courses offer every bit as much variety, challenge, and charm as their coastal counterparts.

Whether you’re chasing Top 100 rankings, ticking off architectural bucket-list venues, or simply looking for a memorable golf break away from the coast, these courses showcase the very best of inland golf across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Our experts can help you build the perfect itinerary, pairing world-class golf with the right accommodation, travel, and tee times – all tailored to your group.

So, which inland masterpiece will you play first?