The Top Rated Golf Courses That You Should Play in 2023

By: Golfshake Editor | Fri 03 Feb 2023

Just which golf courses should be on your list to play this year? We can recommended many to you throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond, courtesy of the Golfshake Course Section, our Feature Reviews, and the ongoing Best Of Series.

However, for this instance, we've done something a little different, instead surveying the Golfshake Community to ask them what was the best course they played in 2022.

Each of the destinations featured in this article received a minimum of eight votes (demonstrating that some of you played genuinely breathtaking courses last season!) with the leading five that you will see boasting over 11 independent mentions from the survey responses.

The majority of these are definitely considered to be of the bucket list variety, so why not choose one of them to make your 2023 on the fairways truly unforgettable!

Woburn Golf Club

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Located near Milton Keynes, Woburn is a tranquil and secluded venue that is home to a trio of high quality layouts, the Duke's, Duchess and Marquess, which collectively drew major acclaim among the golfers who responded to our survey. The Women's Open has been staged here on 11 occasions - most recently in 2019 when Japan's Hinako Shibuno claimed a fairytale victory, which once more showcased this spectacular institution.

“Immaculate, beautiful, truly professional staff and just every golfer's dream.”

The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

Widely considered to be one of the finest courses in Wales, it was another favourite with the Golfshake Community. Some of the comments we received included: “Fantastic scenery, excellent layout and a well balanced course.” And: “Immaculate condition, a good challenge, friendly staff.”

JCB Golf & Country Club

Golfshake Rating: 4.84

An exclusive and fascinating venue, which is difficult to access, but enough golfers clearly did to ensure that it was a popular choice in the survey. We also had the opportunity to play this exceptional layout, which you can see in our Feature Review.

Why do people love this place? One comment said: “All of it, it's an epic course. The driving range, the food, the buggies, the course, especially the 17th.”

Royal St David's Golf Club

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

The Harlech Championship Course is a majestic links in North West Wales, featuring a location that is reminiscent of the dune landscapes that golfers most commonly associate with the best of Ireland. Unsurprisingly, this venue was part of our recent The Best Place to Play Golf in Wales.

One golfer commented: “Superb setting, well maintained and very interesting to play.”

St George’s Hill Golf Club

Golfshake Rating: 5.00

A true classic in Surrey, designed by the legendary Harry Colt. Visitors can discover this extraordinary place for themselves, as many obviously did last year as evidenced by responses to our survey.

“Stunning heathland course. Challenging off the tees, penal heather, each hole offers something new. No weak holes.”

The above courses received the most votes, but the ones listed below, listed alphabetically, were also standouts from the most recent Golfshake Survey.

Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Location: Derry Hill, Calne, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.66

Review Comment: "Combined golf with an overnight stay. Staff were fantastic and the food first class Then add a testing course in great condition."

Burnham & Berrow Golf Club

Location: St Christophers Way, Burnham on Sea, Somerset

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Review Comment: "Spectacular course layout, stunning views. Greens were brilliant and lovely clubhouse with good food."

Castle Stuart Golf Links

Location: Dalcross, Inverness, Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Review Comment: "Challenging but fair, incredible design, stunning views, superb clubhouse - everything!"

Gullane Golf Club

Location: West Links Road, Gullane, East Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Review Comment: "Played in late October, the three courses were in fantastic condition each a different challenge for all types of players."

Hankley Common Golf Club

Location: Tilford, Farnham, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Review Comment: "What a fantastic course! It's a little hidden out of the way, but well worth playing. It's beautifully sculpted amongst the Surrey heather with immaculate fairways, true and consistent greens and rewarding but challenging feel. Add it to you must play list!"

Hever Castle Golf Club

Location: Hever Road, Hever, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 3.95

Review Comment: "Very enjoyable parkland course with some interesting challenges. Great surroundings, impressive clubhouse and really nice patio area. Friendly staff as well."

Kingsbarns Golf Links

Location: Kingsbarns, St Andrews, Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.97

Review Comment: "Amazing course with terrific views and facilities. I’ve been lucky enough to play it many times. I would play it every day and be happy. It’s a belter of a course."

Nefyn Golf Club

Location: Morfa Nefyn, Pwllheli, Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.63

Review Comment: "Played this course a couple of weeks ago and Nefyn is one of the best courses I've played. The fairways were in excellent condition and the greens were superb with a few slopes and difficult pins but fair. The wind blows hard on the first few holes which have amazing views high about the coastline. I would certainly recommend this course if you are visiting the Nefyn area. The clubhouse also did good food and drink."

Notts Hollinwell Golf Club

Location: Derby Road, Hollinwell, Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.88

Review Comment: "Fantastic venue. Very challenging golf course that rewards accurate tee shots and good putting on the tricky greens."

Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club

Location: Silloth, Wigton, Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Review Comment: "I would play here again. Some tough challenging holes and set up fair, stray badly and you get what you deserve yet well rewarded for accuracy. The greens were quick even after some recent rain, which I was told slowed the course, I'm glad it did!"

St Enodoc Golf Club

Location: Rock, Wadebridge, Cornwall

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Review Comment: "Played in absolutely perfect conditions. Sunshine and a gentle breeze made this course incredibly playable and an absolute joy to play (albeit I didn't play great). Friendly atmosphere all round the place, the practice facilities were ideal for warming up your game, the course itself is exceptional."

Sunningdale Golf Club

Location: Ridgemount Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.92

Review Comment: "Simply a class above, great quality, great traditions, there's a definite aura about the place."

Remedy Oak Golf Club

Location: Horton Road, Woodlands, Dorset

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Review Comment: "Stunning course with exceptional staff. If only I lived in Bournemouth area. Greens were the best I have ever played on."

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Location: Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside

Golfshake Rating: 5.00

Review Comment: "Golfing perfection. Place is immaculate and if you ever get the chance to go and play it then you absolutely must."

Royal Liverpool Golf Club

Location: Meols Drive, Hoylake, Merseyside

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Review Comment: "Stunning place. So much history, everything you’d expect from an open venue. Tee boxes are better then most greens around the UK."

The Grove

Location: Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.92

Review Comment: "The Grove was in excellent condition and a fantastic course to play. The food was superb and the service brilliant.I would highly recommend a day of golf here."

The Shire London

Location: St Albans Road, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.25

Review Comment: "What a beautiful course, Not an easy course, water everywhere, so take a lot of balls. My favorite course."

Wentworth Golf Club

Location: Wentworth Drive, Virginia Water, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Review Comment: "Not very often anyone gets a chance to play at such an exclusive venue! Everything seen on the TV is just as it is when playing. Service levels are sky high and the venue just oozes quality! By far the best course I have played in the UK."

Westerham Golf Club

Location: Valence Park, Westerham, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 4.15

Review Comment: "A very well kept course. A good variety of holes, some quite difficult. Greens are true and quick. Very nice clubhouse, with good outdoor seating."