30 of The Best Golf Courses to Play in 2024
By: Kieran Clark | Fri 05 Jan 2024
Where are you hoping to play golf this year? It's probably about time that you started planning and considering which courses you would most love to visit - and we have some exciting recommendations for you!
You may be aware that our passionate team of Golfshake Ambassadors spend much of their season travelling to different venues and produce detailed Feature Reviews that chronicle their experience.
Throughout 2023, as you'll see, the guys managed to cover impressive ground, from England, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Italy and even Switzerland!
What this all means is that you're guaranteed to find some inspiration below as we share 30 of The Best Golf Courses to Play in 2024!
Alnmouth Village Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.05
Location: Alnmouth, Northumberland
Comment: "I had so much fun playing Alnmouth Village. I loved everything about the course, the set up, location, views, history, it really does have it all and a bit more."
Argentario Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 3.91
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Comment: "The quality of this golf course is hard to overstate and the challenge in writing this review was figuring out which holes to leave out. The unifying theme is intelligent design which rewards great shot making. The result is a collection of thrilling holes which are bold, expressive and quite brilliant. The landscape on which the course is set adds to the drama with the picturesque mountains and Mediterranean Sea which border the region ever present."
Bamburgh Castle Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.40
Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland
Comment: "I'd say you don't go to Bamburgh Castle for a course that has perfectly manicured tee boxes, fairways and bunkers, etc. The charm is how raw and rugged it is, as it has been since its was opened all those years ago. However, I have played a LOT of links and the odd clifftop course during my travels and I'm struggling to think of a course that offers up the consistent views and experience that Bamburgh does. There is a reason why it has achieved Golfshake Highly Recommended status for the last five years in a row and is also on the 2023 Must Play List."
Bedlingtonshire Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.60
Location: Bedlington, Northumberland
Comment: "Charming parkland course with a great variety of holes each with top quality tees and greens. It would fit nicely into a trip alongside its ‘links style’ neighbours like Whitley Bay, Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Goswick. Bedlingtonshire Golf Club should definitely be on your golf trip to the North East coast."
Brocket Hall Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.51
Location: Welwyn, Hertfordshire
Comment: "I found myself asking the question - if I were to head back tomorrow and had to choose from one of the courses to play again which one would I pick? I know the answer for me but would love for anyone reading this to go and try both and make that decision for themselves."
Burnham Beeches Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.39
Location: Slough, Buckinghamshire
Comment: "I’ve played Burnham Beeches twice before with a society and everyone raved as much about the quality of golf as the wonderful food - some said, ‘the best food we have had as a society’. Any society that comes will feel like it is their club for the day as they can exclusively use the restaurant that caters comfortably for up to 70 guests."
The Carrick at Cameron House Golf Course
Golfshake Rating: 4.48
Location: Loch Lomond, Scotland
Comment: "The Carrick is such an enjoyable round of golf. A full experience. Whether it's the way the course moves throughout the landscape, the views, the hole layouts themselves, it really does offer everything."
Dromoland Castle Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.67
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Comment: "It is clear that this is a high-quality parkland course from the moment you drive through the gates. It exudes class, combining gentle hills, ancient trees and unexpected water hazards to deliver a demanding and exhilarating course."
The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta
Golfshake Rating: N/A
Location: Comporta, Portugal
Comment: "David McLay-Kidd’s creation at Dunas da Comporta is a true masterpiece that will soon cement its place at the pinnacle of Portuguese golf courses. Although new and needs to fully settle in, it really is a must-play despite its relative geographic remoteness. Golfers who enjoy a challenge in fabulous, unspoiled surroundings away from it all will love this course. Paired with its upcoming sister the Torre Course and the nearby Troia Golf, the Comporta region really should be on all golfers' radar."
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course
Golfshake Rating: 4.41
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Comment: "Dunstanburgh offers up that sought after blend of classic links, scenic views, terrific layout and rawness that golfing connoisseurs will soak up with a generous smile on their face as they do it and will want to go back for more. And more. And more."
Estepona Golf Course
Golfshake Rating: 4.16
Location: Malaga, Spain
Comment: "Overall, this is a really great course and well worth playing if in Estepona/Costa del Sol. Great value golf and so many unique and often exhilarating holes with views to soak in. I’ll definitely be heading back with a group of friends next time I come!"
Esker Hills Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.08
Location: County Offlay, Ireland
Comment: "Esker Hills is a welcoming, progressive, fun course with 18-holes of challenging championship golf where every single hole has its own character and style. Unusually it feels like an inland links due to the wide-ranging elevation changes. The greens were superb, sand based and immaculately true. Each afforded extra protection by the runs, swales and swoops of the ground itself."
Goswick Links Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.23
Location: Berwick Upon Tweed, Northumberland
Comment: "The way some holes morph into the dunes and undulations is to be admired. The bunkering is as you would expect from any links course of this stature and even things like the walkways from tees to fairways are really well kept. The condition is a credit to the greenkeeping team."
Jameson Golf Links at Portmarnock
Golfshake Rating: 4.11
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Comment: "The current owners have done a great job bringing this resort up to very high standard throughout and the course is now ready to take its place among Dublin’s finest."
The London Golf Club - International Course
Golfshake Rating: 4.82
Location: Ash, Kent
Comment: "The International is a great championship golf course that has played host to some of the best players in the world - but it's set up in a way that can be enjoyed and scored on by anyone."
Llanymynech Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.35
Location: Oswestry, Shropshire
Comment: "Great layout with a great mix of holes. Five tough yet great par 3s, views to die for, fantastic bunkering and greens. And the most unique hole I’ve had the chance to play so far. The course was in as good a condition as I’ve played. Friendly atmosphere out on the course and afterwards whilst having a drink and snack."
Oulton Hall Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 3.49
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Comment: "Overall, Oulton Hall is a great venue to stay and play or grab a round if working in or visiting the area. It will provide you with a good fun test with some scenic views and a great spot to stop and eat or drink after you have finished your game as it's definitely another golfing venue for the guys at QHotels Collection to shout about."
Portumna Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.54
Location: Galway, Ireland
Comment: "This is an aspirational golf club that is set to attract the visiting golfer as well as providing an excellent local membership package. The number of visiting societies who return annually gives me the best indication of its quality and attractions. I loved it!"
Royal Cromer Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.82
Location: Cromer, Norfolk
Comment: "This is a very special place and one that if I lived locally would be sought out with a membership enquiry. I love its history and the fact that it is grounded upon its origins and heritage. It also promotes that heritage in an easy, comfortable manner without it feeling like a museum. If you are in the vicinity, please take the opportunity to visit and enjoy the rare mix of history, style and simple raw fun of this wonderful golf course and its club."
Royal Winchester Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.25
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Comment: "All I can say is AMAZING! Royal Winchester really is fit for royalty, from start to finish, shop to clubhouse - as good as it gets. I for one really hope I get the chance to return as already I would say it is the best course I’ve had the pleasure to review for Golfshake."
The Rushcliffe Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.25
Location: East Leake, Nottinghamshire
Comment: "Rushcliffe is definitely one I will return to and would certainly recommend adding it to your itinerary if on a golf break to Nottinghamshire. Some of the most famous courses will charge round £100 whereas a fantastic round here will be £30. What’s not to love about a challenging, fun, picturesque game of golf for that price?"
Selby Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.12
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
Comment: "For those considering a golf break there are lots of neighbouring golf courses to make up a fabulous trip. Most notably Fulford (30 minutes), Allwoodley (40 minutes), Moortown (40 minutes), and Ganton is just over an hour away from Selby. And Selby should definitely feature in any such plans for a regional golf holiday or just a day trip."
Sheringham Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.30
Location: Sheringham, Norfolk
Comment: "I was accompanied on this round by a dedicated non-golfer, my wife, who still loved every second of our Sheringham experience. The walks, the views, the history, the closeness to some rugged nature and coastal views. The welcome in the clubhouse and quality of food on offer was also exemplary."
Shirley Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.38
Location: Solihull, Warwickshire
Comment: "I have to say that Shirley is definitely a venue I want to return to ASAP. Very friendly, great course, lovely food and drinks and Aneil and all the staff were as friendly and welcoming as I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet."
Stanedge Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Comment: "I decided to revisit this course for the first time after a gap of over 20 years because of the consistently high marks it was receiving from Golfshake subscribers and I was not at all disappointed. I will be returning soon as this is an excellent, ambitious, well-run pay and play golf course in a beautiful part of the world. It is friendly and welcoming and offers everything I want to see in a local golf course. Great fun."
Sunningdale Heath Golf Club
Golfshake Rating: 3.80
Location: Sunningdale, Berkshire
Comment: "I see a big future for short golf courses like Sunningdale Heath. It took me two hours 15 minutes to play, and I was taking my time to take in the views, making notes and taking photos for this review. So, you can skip round this 18 hole course and test yourself in every department in just over two hours. What’s not to love about that?"
Trump Doonbeg International Golf Links
Golfshake Rating: 4.89
Location: County Clare, Ireland
Comment: "This is an entirely satisfying golfing experience and the customer service standards offered are exemplary. We needed hot showers to thaw out and full use of the excellent drying rooms for clubs and bags. Followed by some of the most delicious clam chowder I have ever tasted and a glass of Guinness. This was a wonderful golfing experience of the very highest order. My first reaction on finishing the round was ... When can I do that again?"
Tewkesbury Park Deerpark Golf Course
Golfshake Rating: 4.11
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Comment: "This is a fun course to play at a cracking venue. No wonder Golfshake members have been singing the praises of Tewkesbury Park, the majestic and historic setting plays host to a great course and a great hotel all of which is supported by first class service."
Valle Romano Golf Course
Golfshake Rating: 4.54
Location: Malaga, Spain
Comment: "Post round I met a group of British golfers visiting the area for the week and it was their second round here on this tour. Some had been coming to Valle Romano for the last seven years. I think that says it all!"
Golf Club Verbier
Golfshake Rating: N/A
Location: Verbier, Switzerland
Comment: "It is unlikely that Golfshake readers will immediately think of Switzerland and Verbier in particular as a destination for their next golfing trip. As well as having just one 18 hole course in easy reach, visitors from the UK have a two hour flight followed by two train journeys and a cable car ascent to get to the destination. But at Golf Club Verbier they don’t think like most golfers. They understand that there is more to life than golf. This course will certainly appeal to golfers whose mindsets expand beyond thoughts of knocking a little white ball into a small hole in the ground."
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