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What are the best golf courses in the world? UK 7 Europe edition
From historic links to stunning heathlands, picturesque parklands and jaw-dropping clifftops, keen golfers are blessed when it comes to holidaying in the UK. Particularly if they have a motorhome to get around in. Read our Motorhome Protect guide to the UK’s best golf courses and begin planning your next golfing adventure now.
Whether you’re an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, when it comes to motorhome insurance you’ll want the right cover to meet your needs and budget. Give the specialist team at Motorhome Protect a call today and get your motorhome protected in record time.
Deciding on the best golf courses to visit in the UK
While it’s never been easier to find the right motorhome insurance, the same can’t be said for working out which golf courses are ‘the best’. There are many different criteria by which a golfer may judge a course. Whether by the quality of its design, the difficulty of the holes, or the condition of the fairway.
Equally important to many golfers are the memorable natural surroundings that distinguish one course from the next. For example, these could include the natural features of the course itself, such as trees, bunkers, lakes or ponds. Or, it could be the very landscape of the area surrounding the course.
There are many destinations throughout the UK that have gained a reputation for their simply stunning courses. Here are just a handful of them. And if you’re looking for even more suggestions, then both Today’s Golfer and Golf Monthly have lengthy Top 100 lists with many to choose from.
As a golfing enthusiast you will undoubtedly want to carry your own clubs when visiting for a few rounds. If so, call your motorhome insurance provider to ensure such expensive items are covered by your insurance. Unfortunately, loss and theft can still happen in the most beautiful of places.
Best golf courses to visit in England & Wales
Royal St George’s, Sandwich, Kent
Often simply referred to as Sandwich, this quirky Kent course has one of the strongest layouts in the country. It’s a challenging yet fair windswept course, which will certainly put your skills of ball-striking and strategy to the test.
One of its many claims to fame is for having the deepest bunker on the championship golf circuit. You’ll find ‘Himalaya’ on the par-4, 4th hole. The course also featured in the James Bond novel Goldfinger under the name Royal St Marks. And staged England’s first Open in 1894.
Where to stay nearby: The family run Sandwich Leisure Holiday Park offers a 5-star experience set in the beautiful Mediaeval Cinque Port town of Sandwich. As well as exploring Royal St George’s there’s also the highly-rated Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s golf courses nearby.
Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Cheshire
The Open Championship is set to return to these historic seaside links in 2023. And there have been plenty of exciting changes over the past few years to get the course into tip-top shape. This includes a new par-3 that will play as the 17th hole during The Open. So, even if you’ve visited before it’s certainly worth a repeat visit or two.
Where to stay nearby: Set among stunning natural beauty and terrific sea views, Wirral Country Park Club Campsite is convenient for golfers and anyone else who loves the outdoors. It’s a Caravan and Motorhome Club Site that’s well worth the cost of the joining club alone. There are many benefits to joining a motorhome or campervan club, including exclusive offers on your motorhome insurance.
Royal Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside
Often ranked the very best of England’s Open venues, it’s world-renowned for its big dunes and relentlessly good fairways. A jewel of a links course that’s sure to please.
Where to stay nearby: Southport Club Campsite is a clean and well-kept site. Perfect for exploring the elegant seaside town of Southport and the area's many other attractions. If your other half isn’t as keen on golf as you are, there’s lots for them to do while you focus on lowering your handicap.
Royal Lytham & St Anne’s, Lytham, Lancashire
While it’s relatively short, this is a highly-regarded strategic links course with a selection of tough, memorable holes, 167 bunkers, and an illustrious history. Constructed in 1897, the course has hosted eleven Open championships, two Ryder Cups and a host of other tournaments including the Women’s British Open. Care and pin-point accuracy are important here.
Where to stay nearby: Eastham Hall Holiday Park is a well-established, family-run park just on the outskirts of the vibrant coastal town of Lytham.
Sunningdale, Berkshire
Sunningdale has two wonderful golf courses that provide much for the keen golfer. The classic Old Course (opened in 1901) is a majestic heathland course offering a tantalising selection of holes and excellent conditioning.
While the hugely enjoyable New Course (opened in 1923) will deliver a complete examination of your game. There’s much debate over which of these golfing masterpieces is the best. Why not play them both and come to your own conclusion?
Where to stay nearby: The quiet and secluded Scotlands House Campsite is perfect for a spot of rest and recuperation after a long round of golf. Be aware that as a grass only site they’re only open between April and October.
St Enodoc (Church), Wadebridge, Cornwall
With a stunning North Cornish setting, this is one of the most unforgettable courses you’ll ever come across. It’s a series of memorable holes set amidst towering sand dunes clad with tufts of wild sea grasses. Packed full of endless variety and views, you won’t be disappointed by a trip here.
Cornwall is well-known for its often-narrow country lanes and tracks. If you don’t want a bump or a scrape to put a dent in your holiday plans, ensure you’ve got motorhome insurance before you leave.
Where to stay nearby: There are some excellent camping options near here, but our favourite is Dinham Farm. A true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – here you can achieve the Zen-like calm needed for those perfect put shots.
Royal Porthcawl, Porthcawl, Wales
Recognised as the top golf course in Wales, this outstanding links course remains relatively unknown. Alongside the range of characterful holes, you’re also treated to splendid sea views at almost every turn.
Where to stay nearby: Brodawel Camping and Touring Park is a dog friendly park set in beautiful open countryside. It’s just a mile from the beaches of Porthcawl on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
Best golf courses to visit in Scotland
St Andrews, Fife
Often referred to as the ‘home of golf,’ St Andrews is a must visit for any golf fan. There are many incredible places to play here, but for sheer spine-tingling history and drama, the iconic ‘Old Course’ is many people’s favourite.
Playing such a central role in the history of the sport means that many of its bunkers, hills and hollows have their very own names and legends. No course has hosted as many Opens than the Old Course. Indeed its 30th Open and the 150th Open Championship will return to St Andrews between 11th – 17th July 2022.
Away from the course, the town of St Andrews is rich in history and culture and well worth staying on to explore after you’ve finished playing.
Where to stay nearby: Within easy reach of the town and the golf courses, St Andrews Holiday Park offers unrivalled views and a great stay.
Remember, though, you just never know what obstacles you might come across on a trip to unknown lands. Winding roads and foul weather can all play havoc with your plans. So, ensure you’re properly prepped and you’ve everything you might need should you break down or run into issues. Knowing that you are fully covered by motorhome insurance means you can enjoy the many delights of Scotland without having to worry.
Carnoustie, Angus
Carnoustie’s notoriously difficult Championship course (particularly the last three holes) is one of the easiest to get access to. Although you’ll still want to book as far ahead in advance as possible to be certain of a round.
It’s hosted the Open on eight occasions over the years and its immaculate set of links offers a complete test of golfing skill. Golf has reportedly been played at Carnoustie since the early 16th Century, and the area is a uniquely memorable place to play.
Where to stay nearby: The well-maintained Woodlands Caravan Park is a great place to park up for the duration of your stay.
Royal Dornoch, Sutherland
The internationally renowned Championship Course at Royal Dornoch is spell-binding indeed. Whether an amateur or pro player, you’ll encounter a rich selection of highly individual and unadulterated holes and the most exquisite playing surfaces.
It’s a wild, isolated and timeless setting in which to play golf in its purest form. Royal Dornoch is on many people’s must-play lists, but with a motorhome at your service you’re in a better position than most to make the pilgrimage to the far north.
Where to stay nearby: Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park can be found next to not only the magnificent golf course but also award-winning golden beaches and the interesting Dornoch Cathedral.
Gleneagles, Perthshire
Gleneagles is the perfect mountain setting for a round of golf and visiting one of the three courses here is really hard to beat.
Gleneagles King’s course is considered the best moorland course in the world. And with named holes such as Silver Tassie, Blink Bonnie and Wee Bogle it’s hard not to be entranced.
Meanwhile, Gleneagles Queen’s course offers an immensely enjoyable challenge despite its comparatively short length.
Completing Gleneagles’ three nationally ranked courses, is the American styled PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ron Kirby.
Where to stay nearby: Braidhaugh Holiday Park has striking mountain views and access to a private stretch of river where you can fish for salmon and trout. Could it be more perfect? We don’t think so!
Muirfield, East Lothian
According to records, formed in 1744, Muirfield is the world’s oldest golf club providing a unique and characterful golfing experience. The course at Muirfield is considered to be a near-perfect links, offering a superbly varied golf experience. For many the course offers a firm but fair test with everything laid out in front of you.
As one of the most testing courses in the country it also has a reputation for elitism. The club only voted to admit women as members in March 2017. Hopefully times have changed now as in August 2022 Muirfield will host the Women's British Open for the first time.
Where to stay nearby: Golf courses are perfect to visit when you own a motorhome. Muirfield has some great camping locations nearby which make it an easy spot to visit. Aberlady Caravan Park is an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful countryside and attractions in this area.
Trump Turnberry (Ailsa), Ayrshire
Located on a fabulously craggy headland overlooking the Firth of Clyde this course has to be one of the most beautiful places to play golf in the world. Not for the faint-hearted, it’s perhaps the perfect blend of golfing challenge and Insta-worthy location.
It was here in 1977 that golfing legends Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus went head-to-head in the famous ‘Duel in the Sun’.
Where to stay nearby: Culzean Castle Camping and Caravanning Club Site is beautifully situated in the grounds of a fairy tale Scottish castle on the South Ayrshire coast.
Royal Troon, Ayrshire
First used as an Open course in 1923, Troon is a high quality, traditional links course that delivers a memorable challenge. Famous features include the par-3 ‘Postage Stamp’ 8th hole, and the par-5 ‘Turnberry’ 6th hole, which is a lengthy 601 yards. Take a look around the clubhouse which is richly decorated with historical golf artefacts. The course will host the 2024 Open.
Where to stay nearby: Ayr Craigie Gardens Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is a great spot in the grounds of the Craigie Estate. Golf enthusiasts will be in their element here as there are no less than 40 courses in the local area.
Best golf courses to visit in Northern Ireland
Royal County Down, County Down
The majestic Mountains of Mourne have to provide one of the most spectacular backdrops to a game of golf in this list. So, it’s easy to see why Royal County Down is one of the most photographed courses in the world. First opened in 1889 it’s one of the oldest golf clubs in Northern Ireland and offers two 18-hole links courses. It’s a mystery that this stunning course has never hosted an Open.
Where to stay nearby: Tollymore Forest Park is a stunning spot to park up and unwind.
Royal Portrush, County Antrim
The Dunluce Championship Course here offers a thrilling journey through the dunes packed with top quality links holes and more golfing charm than just about anywhere. The Open has been held here in 1951 and 2019, and is due to return again in 2025.
Wondering which is best, Royal County Down or Royal Portrush? Why not play them both and decide for yourself!
Where to stay nearby: The Causeway Coast is an incredible part of the world to explore in a motorhome. Perhaps our favourite place to park up and spend a few nights around these parts is Maddybenny Farm Campsite. This idyllic farm site is perfectly located with easy access to Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.
Holidaying further afield - golfing in Europe
For those who really love the game of golf, a trip over to the continent to experience what the European courses have to offer is well worth the effort. Here’s just two amazing areas to explore.
Costa del Sol, Spain
The Costa del Sol has been a magnet for UK golfers for many years now. With its stunning coastline, mountain backdrop, and lush rolling hills it’s easy to see why. In terms of the most popular courses in the region, Santa Clara in Marbella and Calanova in Mijas are two of the best.
However, if you’ve come all this way and are looking for an extra special treat then you’ll want to visit either Finca Cortesin in Casares or Atalaya Park’s courses in Estepona. They really are second to none.
And after a tiring round of golf, take a late afternoon stroll next to the sea, before heading to an authentic Andalusian restaurant to sample some deliciously fresh local food.
Driving in Spain requires plenty of pre-planning to make sure the trip is a success. Make sure to arrange motorhome insurance before you leave the UK by speaking to the helpful team at Motorhome Protect.
The Algarve, Portugal
Considered one of Europe’s top golfing destinations, the Algarve boasts an enviable climate, a selection of world-class courses, and lots of charming local towns to explore. Known as the Algarve’s ‘heart of golf’ the resort town of Vilamoura is a golfing haven, with its pristine beaches and range of challenging courses.
If you’re planning a motorhome trip to Portugal then read our Motorhome Protect guide first. From what time of year to visit to driving laws and what to pack, we’ve got it all covered here.
Protecting your vehicle with motorhome insurance cover
Before you pack your clubs and make off in your motorhome, get quality motorhome insurance with Motorhome Protect. Whatever age or model of motorhome you have; you’ll always want to keep it well maintained and protected with specialist cover. After all, you never know when a stray shot may hit your beloved home on wheels!
Using our panel of insurers, the team at Motorhome Protect will search out bespoke motorhome insurance just for you.
Our cover can include benefits such as:
- Unlimited mileage cover
- Discounts for club members
- Up to 6 months to complete a self-restoration
Call us for a quick quote for motorhome insurance today.
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