The United Kingdom's Beautiful Golf Courses
From gorgeous landscapes to bustling cosmopolitan cities, there are many reasons to visit the United Kingdom. Golfers have even more reasons to visit: the UK’s hundreds of stunning, world-class golf courses. There are far too many to mention them all here, but a few choice examples won't go amiss. One of Britain and Ireland's most stunning courses was once judged to be Royal County Down Championship Golf Course. The fourth hole is considered to be one of the most beautiful par-three holes in the world. The ninth hole is one of the most photographed holes in the world, with the fairway lying eighty feet beneath the tee located at the 3000-foot Slieve Donard peak.
St Andrews in Scotland has hosted more Opens than any other course in the world. It is believed that golf was played at the famous links course as far back in history as the 12th century. If you are a golfer, St Andrews is a course that you should experience at least once in your lifetime. The Turnberry Resort’s Ailsa course is situated next to the Firth of Clyde and offers breathtaking views of the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. With its beauty, the links course offers its share of challenges, as there are no dunes to protect the 4th and 11th holes that run close to the water.
If you are in London, there are many options for golf courses. The Royal Blackheath in Eltham, London, is the oldest club in the world and also offers a museum for those interested in tradition and golf history. Edward VII once shot a hole in one on the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club’s sixth hole. The Royal Wimbledon’s back nine are especially challenging. St George’s Hill Golf Club is in one of London’s wealthiest neighbourhoods and offers various changes in elevation as well as fairways with heather, pines and oaks.
In all the hotels London is home to, you will find knowledgeable staff to point you in the direction of great local golf courses (in the same way that in the hotels Rome offers, you will find information on the best local trattorias). For those interested in the beauty and history of some of the world's most famous courses, the UK is a superb destination.