Best Hidden Gem Golf Courses in the UK
Let’s be honest – one golf course is pretty much like another. Except there are some golf courses that just stand out and make you fall in love! These are the hidden gems.
If you’re a keen golfer and you live in the UK, there’s an abundance of golfing opportunities everywhere you look. From fancy private clubs to junior golfing academies, there’s somewhere beautiful to swing your clubs just down the road from wherever you are.
But these are what we consider to be 5 of the best hidden gem golf courses in the UK. If you get a chance to play them, don’t pass it up – they may not look like that much from the outside, but they could just surprise you!
Stoneham Golf Club, England
Routed around the natural land on the northern boundary of Southampton, Stoneham Golf Club may be short by general standards, but it’s a challenging and beautiful course that’s well worth the play!
Large trees surrounding the holes give the course a feeling of intimacy and warmth. Bits of heath scatter throughout the rough, adding a lovely purple tinge to the expanse of green!
Although the course provides a good challenge for golfers of all levels, it’s by no means easy. The fairways are undulating, making precision necessary and strategy needs to be employed to reach the hole.
The greens are small and demand accuracy in your approach shots. They’re often guarded by bunkers that may seem to leap out and trap your ball when you aren’t watching!
If you don’t stay close by, don’t worry! We recommend taking a trip out and spending a night or two at the Chestnut Shepherds Hut in Hampshire. It may look rustic, but it’s warm, inviting, and kitted out with a TV, 2 double beds, and a fire pit.
Fort William Golf Club, Scotland
In Scotland for some time? We highly recommend a round of golf at Fort William Golf Club. A beautiful layout with views of the highest mountain in Britain, this links-style course will challenge golfers, but it’s highly enjoyable at the same time.
Although the holes are quite wide and forgiving, they’re surrounded by densely packed trees that remind you of the majesty of the natural environment you’re playing in.
Some holes feature rugged natural water hazards and some have large bunkers that will happily grab a wayward shot.
From the first hole you won’t be able to let your guard down, with a semi-blind tee shot and an almost-invisible ditch running across the fairway near the green.
You can pop into the 19th hole for a drink of Scotland’s finest! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that’s not too far away, the club itself offers a “Stay & Play” package at their own North Face apartment.
Alternatively, not far away is the lovely The Highland Hideaway, a fun modern-living, full-amenity pod home for two!
Aberystwyth Golf Club, Wales
Into the gorgeous Welsh countryside now, and we highly recommend swinging your clubs at Aberystwyth Golf Club. You’ll get to play a challenging but unforgettable round of golf while being faced with mesmerising views of the Welsh Coast.
Being a coastal course, it’s natural for golfers to have to contend with the wind on every round. That means that no matter how thoroughly you study the course beforehand, you’ll always be surprised on the day!
The course is more undulating than it looks, so don’t be deceived. Well-protected greens and multiple uphill shots provide a challenge for every kind of golfer.
While you’re here and enjoying the beauty of this course, you may as well make it an even more memorable experience by spending a few nights at Yurtopia.
Within easy driving distance of the course, these modern-day yurts offer all the amenities you need for a fun glamping experience! It’s self-catering, though, so prepare in advance.
Ardglass Golf Club, Ireland
The perfect combination of superb links golf, lovely views, and Irish culture, Ardglass Golf Club is well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Interesting fact: Ardglass houses the world’s oldest clubhouse, a castle-style building dating way back to 1405AD!
Almost every hole features expansive views of the ocean, and it’s easy to fall in love with the countryside here. But don’t get too distracted – the links golf is more tricky than it first appears.
Strategically-placed pot bunkers and invisible contours make the play much trickier than you might expect. Spacious greens provide every opportunity for good putts.
Have a quick bite at the on-course lounge when you’re finished with your round. If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, there are plenty of options nearby. We recommend Lakeside Cabin, a private, self-catering cottage in the stunning countryside, within reach of golf, fishing, and hiking.
Broadstone Golf Club, England
Broadstone Golf Club is technically a private club, but they do offer a social membership which will allow you access to play the beautiful course.
If you’re expecting smooth, bright green fairways, think again. This course is a true heathland course, making for a rugged and unspoilt layout that will test the skills of beginner and experienced golfers alike.
The holes are nicely separated, making you feel like you’ve got the entire course to yourself at any given time. Be aware that this isn’t the easiest walking course, although the beauty of the countryside is definitely worth meandering through.
Elevated tees and well-protected greens seem to be a pattern, with plenty of undulating ground and rough in between waiting for slightly off-kilter shots.
If you need somewhere to lay your head while in the stunning Dorset countryside, Snooks Farm Alpacas and Cabins is a lovely spot for both lone golfers and families to spend some time.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best hidden gem golf courses in the UK. They’re certainly not the only ones, and we highly recommend doing a bit of research before you head off to a new spot to see if there’s an amazing golf course nearby where you could get in a round.
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who’s had the privilege of playing on some of the most amazing courses in the country. When he’s not on the course, he’s researching and writing for his website, Golf Influence.