From a unique gem in Wales, to a Ryder Cup staple, The Sportsman’s Ryan Wood has played some top golf courses across the UK this year.
If you have a golfing bucket list, or want to start one, here’s eight courses you need to add…
Wallasey Golf Club (10/10)
Wallasey Golf Club, the home of Stableford, genuinely left me staring in awe from the moment I clocked eyes on the 18th hole from the clubhouse.
The welcome and friendliness of members added another dimension to a bucket list course I’ve been eager to visit for the last few years. It certainly didn’t disappoint.
A classic links course with undulating fairways and sand dunes, the 6,649 yards of pure perfection at Wallasey will test every part of your game. The views over Liverpool Bay from the Wirral Peninsula are spectacular - with US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick a huge fan.
He said: "I have always enjoyed playing golf at Wallasey.
“The course is without doubt one of the best courses within the UK. The view from the 4th tee is spectacular with Liverpool Bay immediately to the right. The final 3 holes are very demanding.”
Fairhaven Golf Club (9/10)
This round was a birthday gift from my fiance, and what a gift it was. Located just a few miles from Royal Lytham, Fairhaven Golf Club is a hidden gem on the Fylde Coast.
Another stunning links course, there are plenty of deep bunkers waiting to swallow your ball at every turn, making it a challenge for golfers of all handicaps.
If pushed for a favourite hole, I’d choose the par 3 17th. The 146-yard picture postcard tester is surrounded by no less than eight bunkers, which you simply can’t afford to drop in.
The greens are immaculate, the practice facilities are spot on - and they do a good pint too.
Nefyn Golf Club (9/10)
The moment I saw a picture of Nefyn GC jutting out on the Llyn Peninsula, I was sold.
The six-hour round trip to Wales was worth every second. There’s not many courses in the UK where you can tee off over a stone bay down below, and finish off your day with nine holes on a chunk of land sticking out into the sea. Oh, and one of the UK’s best pubs.
There’s 27 holes at Nefyn. Typically you would play the 18-hole Championship course which combines in-land golf with cliff-edge hitting, before nine of the most incredible holes you’ll ever play back-to-back.
The ‘Point’ or the ‘old front nine’ as it was before the additional nine inland holes were constructed in the 1930s, is one of the most famous golfing landmarks in Wales.
Pitlochry Golf Club (9/10)
The first of two Scottish courses on my list for 2022, Pitlochry is an absolute beauty. If you opt to play without a buggy, the first two holes played up steep hills will break you early on. Get through those unscathed and the course is nothing short of a delight.
Dubbed as one of the finest inland courses in the country, with sights of the Tummel Valley, Pitlochry is set in the gateway to the Highlands. Breathtaking views guaranteed.
The par 4 seventh is a particularly brilliant hole. You tee off above the remains of an old Pictish Fort, before heading 273 yards towards the pin. Longer hitters can reach the green, but beware the bunkers and out of bounds to the right.
It’s only about an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh, so pack those clubs next time you head up to Scotland for a weekend break.
Silloth On Solway Golf Club (9/10)
Voted the best golf course in Great Britain and Ireland for under £100, Silloth is a must visit. It might take you forever to get there, but just you wait.
I’d compare it to Wallasey, mentioned above, for its scenic views and wild links golf. The undulating fairways guide you through the dunes to test every aspect of your game - and the friendly members will always be on hand to give you hints and tips from the tee.
Course reviewer Fergal O'Leary says it best: “Don’t let the isolated location scare you away. Pound for pound, this is the best value for golf in the UK and arguably the most underrated course in the continent.”
Lanark Golf Club (9/10)
Lanark is the world’s oldest ‘inland’ course, and the 25th oldest golf club in the world.
Originally designed by golfing architectural legend Old Tom Morris and George Sayers, and later refined by James Braid, you can feel the history as you walk the beautiful fairways.
The course is built on top of ancient glacial sands and, once you’re onto the back nine, you feel like you’re out in the wilderness. It’s an incredible feeling.
The par 3 18th is a tricky finish to a lovely course (pictured above), with your final putt, or three, being watched by beady eyes in the restaurant above.
Royal Lytham & St Annes (10/10)
For the casual golfer, this might be the first course you’ve actually heard of. One of the premier links courses in the world, Royal Lytham is on most bucket lists.
It has hosted 11 Open Championships and two Ryder Cups. The likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Seve Ballesteros have all walked the famous fairways.
I found about 30 of the 174 bunkers during my visit earlier this year, but did manage a couple of birdies - most impressively on the par 3 first hole in front of the pro shop staff. Pretty sure I triple-bogeyed the next one though.
It will set you back between £200-300 during most of the year, but if you find yourself up in Lytham between now and March 2023, you can play 18 for a winter fee of £170. It’s in great condition all-year round.
The Belfry - Brabazon (10/10)
Another Ryder Cup host venue, The Belfry is a must for golfers of any ability.
My trip in October was the second in the space of 13 months and it was as special as I remembered. The Belfry is home to three courses - The Derby, The PGA and Brabazon.
While it’s nice to fit three rounds in over a weekend stay, Brabazon is the course thousands flock to play every year.
The par 4 10th which Seve Ballesteros famously took on during the 1985 Ryder Cup is a major highlight, but the fairways, greens and course management are all perfect - as is The Belfry sausage roll which Betfred British Masters host Danny Willett will confirm.
