Best UK winter golf destinations & courses

When the nights begin to draw in, many golfers turn their attention to overseas winter-sun destinations for their golfing fix. Yet with warmer winters than ever and a wealth of fast-draining courses right here at home, there’s no need to hop on a plane for a late-season golf break.

The UK & Ireland’s varied landscapes offer everything from heathland classics to iconic sand-based coastal links that drain well, many of which thrive in the cooler months. Crisp mornings, quieter fairways, and dramatic winter light make these destinations just as rewarding as their summer counterparts.

Below, we’ve selected some of our favourite regions for UK winter golf, where golf remains exceptional even during the winter.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a year-round seaside destination that pairs its sandy beaches and lively town centre with a cluster of outstanding golf clubs. Winter here is surprisingly pleasant, with heathland layouts that drain well and coastal views that are often at their most dramatic.

What we recommend in Bournemouth:

• Isle of Purbeck Golf Club - This is a rugged seaside layout with panoramic views across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight. Its exposed setting adds to the challenge, especially when breezy.
• Parkstone Golf Club - Parkstone is a classic heathland known for its strategic bunkering and undulating terrain. Soft ground helps the ball stop more quickly, making risk/reward shots more forgiving in some respects.
• Broadstone Golf Club - Broadstone is a Harry Colt design set across rolling heathland, celebrated for both its natural beauty and strong architecture. It is ranked as the 89th best course in the UK & Ireland by Top 100 Golf Courses

Leeds

The Leeds area offers some of the best inland golf in England, with courses that combine history, quality, and excellent drainage on sandy heathland ground. Both Moortown and Ganton have hosted the Ryder Cup, adding to the region’s prestige.

What we recommend in Leeds:

• Alwoodley Golf Club - Considered the original heathland, and one of England’s finest inland layouts. Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, this course is ranked the 17th best course in England by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Moortown Golf Club - A historic Ryder Cup venue (1929) and the 44th England according to Top 100 Golf Courses. Its classic design is strategic rather than overpowering, and it retains a strong reputation for its heritage and conditioning.
• Ganton Golf Club - Another Ryder Cup host (1949), and former Walker Cup venue. Its strategic bunkering and links-like feel make it one of England’s toughest and most respected inland tests.

North Wales

North Wales offers dramatic links golf with spectacular backdrops, including views of Snowdonia and historic castles. Courses here are known for their rugged landscapes and championship-standard layouts.

What we recommend in North Wales:

• Nefyn Golf Club - Ranked as the 13th best course in Wales by Top 100 Golf Courses. This is a unique clifftop course offering raw, elemental golf with holes that run along the dramatic headland.
• Porthmadog Golf Club - A mix of links and parkland, this course is ranked as the 21st best course in Wales by Top 100 Golf Courses. Views of the estuary and hills beyond are at their most atmospheric in early/late winter.
• Royal St David’s Golf Club - Ranked as the 3rd best course in Wales by Top 100 Golf Courses. Located beneath Harlech Castle with Snowdonia as a backdrop, it’s a demanding championship links with a rich history.

Swansea

South Wales combines a rich golf heritage with dramatic landscapes. Around Swansea and the Gower Peninsula, you’ll find links gems that are as beautiful as they are challenging.

What we recommend in Swansea:

• Royal Porthcawl Golf Club - Ranked No.1 in Wales by Top 100 Golf Courses and host to The Senior Open and Women’s British Open. This is a true championship links, with big skies, crashing surf, and an unforgettable finishing stretch.
• Ashburnham Golf Club - One of Wales’s classic links courses, favored for its mature design and strategic playability. This course is ranked No.8 in Wales by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Pennard Golf Club - Nicknamed the “links in the sky,” Pennard is perched on clifftops overlooking the Gower Peninsula. A striking and highly regarded layout (No.2 in Wales according to Top 100 Golf Courses) that combines views with quality golf.

Ayrshire The Ayrshire coast is world-renowned, with multiple Open Championship venues and historic links clubs. Courses here are known for their authenticity, firm turf, and challenging seaside conditions.

What we recommend in Ayrshire:

• Western Gailes Golf Club - A traditional links that runs between the railway and the sea. Ranked No.16 in Scotland by Golf Digest, it is admired for its natural routing and character.
• Prestwick Golf Club - The birthplace of The Open, Prestwick offers heritage and quirk in equal measure, with unique holes that make it one of Scotland’s most historic golfing experiences. It is ranked No.14 in Scotland by Golf Digest.
• Dundonald Links - A modern championship venue that has hosted the Scottish Open. It offers excellent facilities, including high-quality on-site lodges that make it ideal for stay-and-play packages.

East Lothian Often referred to as “Scotland’s Golf Coast,” East Lothian has a wealth of historic courses packed into a short stretch of coastline. With Edinburgh just nearby, it’s one of the most accessible golf regions in Scotland.

What we recommend in East Lothian:

• Gullane Golf Club - Home to three courses and ranked No.21 in Scotland by Golf Digest, each with its own character. A highly respected venue with stunning views across the Firth of Forth.
• Kilspindie Golf Club - One of Scotland’s oldest golf clubs, offering a shorter but highly enjoyable links test in a scenic setting.
• Craigelaw Golf Club - This is a modern addition to the region that combines challenging holes with traditional links features and coastal views. Light, shadow, and coastal wind all come into play.

Dublin

The Dublin s home to some of Ireland’s top-ranked links courses, all within easy reach of the city center. These are consistently regarded among Europe’s best and are accessible year-round.

What we recommend in Dublin:

• Royal Dublin Golf Club - A championship links on Bull Island, and ranked No.24 in Ireland by Golf Digest, with holes routed through dunes and salt marsh.
• The European Club - Designed by Pat Ruddy, this is often cited as one of Ireland’s strongest links tests. This is a challenging, modern links that rewards accuracy and resilience.
• The Island Golf Club - Set among towering dunes north of the city, and ranked No.7 in Ireland by Top 100 Golf Courses. The Island is one of Ireland’s most dramatic links, known for its setting and high-quality layout, requiring focus and adaptability.

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s capital is a gateway to both historic parkland courses and classic links. From city surroundings to dramatic coastlines, Belfast is a winter golf destination full of variety.

What we recommend in Belfast:

• Ballycastle Golf Club - This is a distinctive layout that combines parkland with coastal holes, offering a varied and enjoyable experience.
• Castlerock Golf Club - Part of the famous Causeway Coast trio alongside Royal Portrush and Portstewart. This is a classic links that is ranked No.5 in Northern Ireland by Golf Digest.
• Royal Belfast Golf Club - Ireland’s oldest golf club and ranked No.10 in Northern Ireland by Golf Digest, this club offers a traditional parkland experience with historic charm and a scenic location.

• Value - Green fees & accommodation are often cheaper; good off-peak deals.
• Quiet Courses - Fewer golfers means pace of play improves, offering less pressure & a chance to savour each hole.
• Atmosphere - With crisp air, dramatic skies, and natural sounds, winter intensifies the environment.
• Challenge - Wind direction, firmness, and course conditions force precision, not just power.

• Seasons & conditions: Winter weather in the UK & Ireland can be changeable. Expect crisp mornings, shorter daylight, occasional rain or frost. Aim for mid-winter if you don’t mind the cold; early/late winter often gives you soft ground which can suit links courses.
• Equipment & clothing: Layering is key. Waterproof outer layers, thermal undergarments, gloves, and good winter-spiked shoes make a big difference. Also consider wind-proof headgear and maybe a spare of everything, wet rounds are possible.
• Booking & value: Winter often means green fees drop, and availability improves. Still, for famous courses (especially coastal ones), book tee times ahead. Off-peak seasons can offer excellent deals on accommodation.
• Course maintenance: Some courses may close tees or fairways in very wet or frosty weather. Always check ahead. Winter conditions often reward accuracy over power.