10 of The Best Golf Courses in Norfolk

By: Liam Moore | Wed 02 Aug 2023

Most regions in Britain boast fantastic golf facilities that are awaiting to be discovered by passionate golfers.

For those who either live or travel to Norfolk, you will be pleased to know that the district is home to a collection of first-class golf courses.

Below, we provide information on ten of the very best - how many have you played?

Royal West Norfolk Golf Club

Royal West Norfolk Golf Club is a stunning links course that is set on the idyllic North Norfolk coast. The course is sandwiched between the North Sea on one side and the saltmarsh on the other, which provides a surreal atmosphere. Royal West Norfolk is ranked inside the top 20 English courses by Golf World, which speaks volumes about its general appeal and reputation.

Golfshake Review: “Cracking layout. The old fashioned in and out style of links is great fun, especially if the tide is in. The course is quite forgiving from the tee if you are on the right lines, but around the greens and bunkers is where it will catch you out."

Hunstanton Golf Club

If you’re looking for a championship course that boasts a tremendous challenge, then look no further than the highly impressive Hunstanton Golf Club. Ranked as one of the more reputable courses in England, golf has been played on these fairways for more than 125 years. Another unique feature is that Hunstanton is the only golf course on the east coast of England where the sun sets over the sea, which offers unbelievable views across the entire year.

Golfshake Review: “Brilliant fun and such a good test of golf. Avoid the pot bunkers on the greens as they are card wreckers. Some beautiful holes and such a good test for players of all abilities. A lot of 4 irons played off tees for position.”

Royal Cromer Golf Club

Royal Cromer

Norfolk is truly littered with brilliant golf courses - and Royal Cromer Golf Club is certainly no exception. Another must play that is situated within the top 100 courses in England, Royal Cromer provides a genuine challenge, which is exemplified once the wind starts blowing frantically. Fantastic facilities ensure that visitors typically stay beyond their round of golf, as the club has successfully curated that community feeling.

Golfshake Review: “A stunning course and very hilly! There are incredible views with many blind tee shots. Very friendly in the pro shop and the bar - and the whole course - is in excellent condition.”

Ryston Park Golf Club

Having been constructed in 1932, it won’t be too much longer for when the impressive Ryston Park Golf Club celebrate their 100th year anniversary. Designed by James Braid, the 9-hole loop demands the attention of any visitor. The majority of holes are shaped by mature trees, which provide a different challenge when in full leaf. With a few water hazards dotted around the layout, accuracy will be a vital tool for a trip to Ryston Park.

Golfshake Review: “The course is in great condition. New drainage is maintaining solid fairways and some of the best greens I’ve ever putted on. A credit to the greenkeeping staff.”

Kings Lynn Golf Club

Kings Lynn Golf Club moved to their current site in 1975 and they have not looked back since, welcoming thousands of visitors and building a homely community across the years. The Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas partnership was responsible for the design, which has since matured into a tremendous challenge that is now to be thought of as one of Norfolk’s best.

Golfshake Review: “A much underrated and possibly a little overlooked course in North Norfolk. Quite flat, but tight fairways, make this a challenging course.”

Bawburgh Golf Club

Bawburgh is a modern facility that offers a supreme, 18-hole championship layout in addition to a shorter 9-hole loop. Both courses provide unique experiences of golf and the club even offer the opportunity to play all 27 in one day. The final hole of the championship routing is labelled as the signature, which requires a long and accurate approach shot over a lake!

Golfshake Review: “Beautiful course with friendly and helpful staff. Would highly recommend to anyone; played a society day there with food after which was also very nice.”

Middleton Hall Golf Club

Middleton Hall Golf Club prides itself on being a fantastic challenge for all levels of golfer, which highlights the intelligent design that is on offer. Located in the heart of Norfolk’s countryside, there are numerous practice facilities to ensure all visitors are amply prepared for their round. The meandering, mature tree-lined fairways and exceptional putting surfaces offer the perfect environment for a game of golf.

Golfshake Review: “Really nice setting; well maintained and an interesting challenge with a pond in front of the 18th green.”

Swaffham Golf Club

Swaffham Golf Club first opened their doors in 1922, originally operating as a 9-hole layout before extending the course to the full 18 in 2001. This transformation helped elevate the facility’s reputation, where it became an attractive yet demanding experience. The draining system is brilliant at Swaffham, which minimises course closure times throughout the off-season.

Golfshake Review: “The course was dry so played like a links course. Greens were fast and true. All the staff were very friendly. The food was great - can recommend the Lasagne.

Thetford Golf Club

Thetford Golf Club boasts a heathland layout that is thought to be one of the greatest golfing experiences within East Anglia. Due to brilliant draining features, this is another location that enjoys year-round golf in all conditions. James Braid and Phillip Mackenzie Ross joined forces to create this visually stunning and challenging golf course.

Golfshake Review: “Excellent course - particularly in the winter. Good value, welcoming and friendly. A long and challenging golf course.”

Sheringham Golf Club

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

The history of Sheringham Golf Club is riveting, dating back to 1892, which is when the original 9-hole course first opened for play. Widely considered as one of Norfolk’s best, the awe-inspiring views that can be enjoyed from this golf course are rarely emulated anywhere across the nation. The fast greens complement the undulating fairways; any ardent golfer will revel in Sheringham’s challenge and natural beauty.

Golfshake Review: “If you don’t like Sheringham, you don’t like golf. Fabulous golf course with some of the best views. Lovely people too.”

When you’re next in Norfolk, bring your clubs along and make your way through as many of these venues as possible.

The natural beauty of Norfolk, coupled with innovative golf course designs, provide a golfing paradise for those who are seeking perfection.