The Best 9 Hole Golf Courses in The UK

By: Kieran Clark | Thu 29 Jun 2023

Golf courses come in all manner of shapes and sizes, each packed with the character and uniqueness of the landscape on which they have been laid out.

That variety is what makes this game perennially interesting to play, as you can never be sure what to expect until you experience a layout for yourself.

Classic designs and championship behemoths often dominant rankings and receive the most acclaim, but a truly underrated category of golf course is the quintessential nine-holer.

At their very best - these are places that make the most of limited acreage to offer a challenge that nonetheless feels complete. Some even have a variety of tees so you can go round twice and feel like you're facing a new test altogether!

But what are the finest of these short courses in the land? We have deployed the useful Golfshake Interactive Golf Course Map to discover the top rated nine-holers that have a Golfshake Rating greater than 4.50 - something achieved courtesy of reviews submitted by everyday golfers.

Located throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, here are 18 of The Best 9 Hole Golf Courses in The UK, listed alphabetically below!

Anstruther Golf Club

Location: Anstruther, Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.65

Review Comment: "Fantastic condition. Greens are wonderful. The Rockies is a good challenge. Very friendly."

Ashton-on-Mersey Golf Club

Location: Sale, Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.51

Review Comment: "Hidden little gem, wouldn't even know it was there, tucked away in a housing estate. Only 9 holes played twice, with slightly longer tee box on second 9. In great condition with nice mature tree line."

Beckside Golf Club

Location: Crook, Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 4.53

Review Comment: "Lovely course that far exceeded my expectations. Whilst only 9 holes, they are played twice with a variety of tees and an extra green. Anyone that is a member of a club, or regularly plays 18 holes club courses will not be disappointed."

Bonar Bridge Golf Club

Location: Ardgay, Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.74

Review Comment: "Beautifully kept, tight wee course. Lovely variety of holes and a nice dogleg par 5 too. The views are nice and the paths between holes provide a pleasant breather. Fabulous clubhouse cafe!"

Churchill & Blakedown Golf Club

Location: Blakedown, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.54

Review Comment: "Since the new head greenkeeper came the course has gone from strength to strength. Some subtle but great changes already. Definition is fantastic now. Bunkers looking and playing very well. Greens running very well and very true. All I can say is roll on the coming weeks to see what the future brings."

Corrie Golf Club

Location: Sannox, Isle of Arran

Golfshake Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "Now, this is an absolute GEM. a must play if you are on the Isle of Arran. Probably the best 9 hole course I have ever played. Fabulous course, fairways, tees, greens, immaculate. Cannot praise this place enough. Also views are absolutely incredible. I had never heard of this place, but I will play again. Food also brilliant."

Evesham Golf Club

Location: Pershore, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.66

Review Comment: "After passing this course on way to The Vale for 15 years I wish I'd stopped earlier. Course was in great condition and the holes along the river and up the hill are very challenging. A great course and friendly members!"

Forbes of Kingennie Golf Course

Location: Dundee, Tayside

Golfshake Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "Great course with every hole giving a different challenge. Excellent course with fairways and green in peak condition."

Leadhills Golf Club

Location: Biggar, Strathclyde

Golfshake Rating: 4.95

Review Comment: "Amazing views and warm, welcoming people. A tranquil round of golf at Scotland's highest course is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the sport."

Newent Golf Club & Lodges

Location: Newent, Gloucestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.56

Review Comment: "Here is a course where they have got everything right. Bacon rolls for lunch, the bestest ever greens in Gloucester, fairways and rough suitably cut. It's a challenging course, made very interesting by the rural setting."

Osborne Golf Club

Location: East Cowes, Isle of Wight

Golfshake Rating: 4.53

Review Comment: "What an absolute delight. Played 18 today, twilight rate, £15. What a lovely track with some holes having two tees. It’s a lovely rewarding track. Gave me back my confidence."

Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club

Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "Great fun little layout this. Fairways are mostly generous with some blind fairway bunkers from tees. Avoid those and the green complexes are next thing to catch you out, some of them are very tough. Very enjoyable for golfers of any abilities."

Ryston Park Golf Club

Location: Downham Market, Norfolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.61

Review Comment: "A beautiful little nine hole course hidden away near Downham Market. The course is always well kept and the members extremely friendly. As a whole the course has some challenging holes with many undulations on the fairways. The greens are always well kept and of a medium pace. The best hole by far is the 7th a awkward little par 3."

St Idloes Golf Club

Location: Llanidloes, Powys

Golfshake Rating: 4.55

Review Comment: "I played here for the second time this year, last week and the course is still in superb condition, one of the best I have played this year. It's only nine holes but you need the second nine to work out which clubs to use on the elevated greens and get the speed of them. I will be back, the locals were really friendly as well."

Strathtay Golf Club

Location: Pitlochry, Perthshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.53

Review Comment: "Really enjoyed playing 9 holes around a course that's completely different from the normal standard layout. Great variety of holes that you play from all kind of angles and elevations testing out your skills."

Tarland Golf Club

Location: Tarland, Grampian

Golfshake Rating: 4.62

Review Comment: "Absolute gem. Great course, virtually untouched by other golfers. Massive test of accuracy as anything off straight is seriously punished by the rough. Love this place."