The Most Improved Golf Courses in The UK
By: Kieran Clark | Thu 28 Mar 2024
Depending on which sources you assess, there are close to 3,000 golf courses located throughout the United Kingdom, and the overwhelming majority of them are found in England. That makes it a competitive field when it comes to grabbing attention and drawing visitors from nationwide and beyond, but successful venues are always searching for ways to enhance their product and to deliver a better experience for the golfers who play there.
The Golfshake Course Section is a handy place to check for recommendations and for help at finding destinations that you should consider playing as it boasts several hundred thousand independent reviews that have been posted by everyday golfers.
Rating courses on a variety of categories, it's a reflection of their expectations and how the particular venue met, surpassed or didn't reach them. But this is a constantly evolving process as opinions change year-by-year and the quality presented by the course may also fluctuate due to a variety of factors.
We have compared the reviews submitted during 2021 with those entered in 2023 to see which UK golf courses saw the most significant improvement in that time, suggesting that as we enter the new season, these are locations that should be on your list to discover.
For one reason or another, in the minds of golfers, these are The Most Improved Golf Courses in The UK!
Blacknest Golf Club
Location: Alton, Hampshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.28
Average 2021 Rating: 3.10
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.90
Review Comment: "Played today for the first time at Blacknest and was pleasantly surprised. The course was in excellent condition, particularly the greens which were pretty fast! Not the most challenging of courses but I still managed to lose some balls! I’ll definitely come back."
Langlands Golf Club
Location: East Kilbride, Scotland
Golfshake Rating: 3.65
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.67
Review Comment: "The course is ideal for the senior players, not too hilly. The course is in great condition. Staff at the starters office are very helpful. Well worth a visit."
Southwell Golf Club
Location: Newark, Nottinghamshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.40
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.67
Review Comment: "Great course layout and well manicured, we really enjoyed our round at Southwell Golf Club. Very challenging with plenty of water hazards. Friendly and informative club pro and relaxed atmosphere."
Sunningdale Heath Golf Club
Location: Sunningdale, Berkshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.80
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.67
Review Comment: "The setting adjacent to the illustrious neighbours - a beautiful heathland vibe. The course is quite short but challenging nonetheless. Food and clubhouse were also great with very friendly and helpful staff. Delicious sandwiches were a highlight."
Warwick Golf Centre
Location: Warwick, Warwickshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.65
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.67
Review Comment: "They are getting their act into gear regarding the greens. It's a tough job to keep them flat and lush on account of the shade, the leaves and the heavy rain. Fairways good and the clientele marvellously friendly."
Brierley Forest Golf Club
Location: Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.43
Average 2021 Rating: 3.43
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.57
Review Comment: "The club has made lots of improvements from my previous visit, which was great to see. The clubhouse now looks a lot better, there are visible improvements to the tees and it seems the green staff are constantly working on the course. Overall, I was impressed with what is going on here. The course is not easy, don't be fooled by the 6,000 yardage as the course is very undulating so keeping the ball on the fairway is a must. Well done to the staff, it's getting better!"
Wells Golf Club
Location: Wells, Somerset
Golfshake Rating: 3.91
Average 2021 Rating: 3.25
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 1.50
Review Comment: "Hugely enjoyable mature parkland course with a good range of holes in an interesting layout with something for everyone. Hilly with a number of raised tees and some great views of the city and scenery. Good mix of holes with the 12th in particular a real challenge. Peaceful and very well kept. Seemed busy but pace of play was brisk. Great value at £20 for an afternoon weekday round. Friendly pro shop and a really good little range. Would love to play again."
Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club
Location: Richmond, North Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.50
Review Comment: "Great course. Friendly staff and really enjoyed my round. Would definitely recommend to anyone."
Hagley Golf & Country Club
Location: Hagley, West Midlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.22
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.50
Review Comment: "The course condition was brilliant for the end of September with some really challenging holes. Greens were also in great condition with good speed. Hagley is set in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside and is well worth a visit and was really impressed."
Whitefield Golf Club
Location: Whitefield, Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 4.05
Average 2021 Rating: 3.20
Average 2023 Rating: 4.60
Difference: 1.40
Review Comment: "The greens are excellent and the overall condition of the course is great. It's a good test of my skills, and the staff are very friendly and welcoming. The condition, layout, and price are all superb."
Bull Bay Golf Club
Location: Anglesey, Wales
Golfshake Rating: 4.17
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 1.25
Review Comment: "By far the best course on the island. Greens very good, fairways well-maintained and there is evidence of further improvements being made. Not a long course until you visit in the wind! If you come to North Wales do not miss this course from your trip."
Nelson Golf Club
Location: Nelson, Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 4.40
Average 2021 Rating: 3.75
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.25
Review Comment: "This course is now looking at its best. Greens true, well manicured fairways. Some of the best views in East Lancashire can be had from this course. A must play."
Shrigley Hall Golf & Country Club
Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.97
Average 2021 Rating: 3.25
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.25
Review Comment: "Brilliant weather for our overnight stay and two rounds of golf. Course in very good condition, signage could be a little better for visitors. Overall, a very good one to visit, I think we'll be back to have another go!"
Solent Meads Golf Centre
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Golfshake Rating: 3.64
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 1.25
Review Comment: "The 18 hole course is great for beginners who want to play a round but aren't ready for a full length course yet. Likewise, more experienced players will find this course great to practice their short game. The holes are between 60 - 200 yards in length which covers some nice variety. The fairways are relatively wide and the lack of trees/water makes this a forgiving course. The greens are in good condition too. It's not a luxury golf club, but it's great value, making this a perfect place to practice in a real world setting."
Sonning Golf Club
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Average 2021 Rating: 3.75
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.25
Review Comment: "Wow! You have to experience this little gem, can't fault anything. Stunning course. Any golfer will love it."
The Duke's St Andrews
Location: St Andrews, Scotland
Golfshake Rating: 3.84
Average 2021 Rating: 3.75
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.25
Review Comment: "Great golf experience. 18 individual holes all a challenge, with some great views of St Andrews. Staff were friendly and helpful."
Fiddlers Ferry Golf Club
Location: Warrington, Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.61
Average 2021 Rating: 3.29
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.21
Review Comment: "Good day, just played Fiddlers Ferry, the course is challenging and in fantastic condition, the bunkers need attention, but overall it’s a fantastic course, well worth a visit, thanks to all the staff!"
Tilsworth Golf Centre
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.53
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.17
Review Comment: "Course in very good condition, pace of play really good, and they are making improvements to areas of the course to make it more challenging, so very interesting."
Woolley Park Golf Club
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.16
Average 2021 Rating: 3.71
Average 2023 Rating: 4.80
Difference: 1.09
Review Comment: "The golf course was really stunning, with beautiful landscaping and a challenging layout. The greens were in great condition, and the clubhouse was friendly and welcoming. The price was also very fair."
Market Harborough Golf Club
Location: Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Golfshake Rating: 3.90
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 4.38
Difference: 1.05
Review Comment: "Never been before, but will definitely be going again. Nice layout. Tree-lined and don't miss the fairways as the rough is penal."
Ruddington Grange Golf Club
Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.07
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 4.38
Difference: 1.05
Review Comment: "The course is well maintained with some very challenging holes. If you aren't familiar with the course, a couple of tee boxes are difficult to find but don't let that put anyone off. The clubhouse and golf shop facilities are good. The staff and players are friendly and make you feel welcome."
The Bristol Golf Club
Location: Almonsbury, Gloucestershire
Golfshake Rating: 3.93
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 4.38
Difference: 1.05
Review Comment: "Course has improved with lots of investment by current owners. Course will appeal to all types of golfers. Highly recommended."
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
Location: Swanage, Dorset
Golfshake Rating: 4.70
Average 2021 Rating: 3.55
Average 2023 Rating: 4.58
Difference: 1.03
Review Comment: "The staff in the pro shop were so welcoming and helpful. The course is very good but the views are amazing - absolutely love this course and will be back to play again."
Blackpool North Shore Golf Club
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 4.14
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Staff were pleasant and genuinely pleased to receive visitors. Wide fairways allow forgiving drives. Greens were excellent and true. A hidden gem on the Fylde Coast!"
Carnwath Golf Club
Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland
Golfshake Rating: 4.36
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "The course is fantastic (although some signage would be helpful). The members made us very welcome and indeed helped with the lack of signage by letting us know where to go next! Great snack in the bar afterwards with helpful staff. Everyone we met - members, professional and staff genuinely wanted us to have a good time at their club - and we did, we will be back!"
Halifax Golf Club
Location: Halifax, West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.30
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Expect to take lots of photos and expect some holes to ruin your life. This is all part of the enjoyment of playing this unique and lovely course."
Insch Golf Club
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Golfshake Rating: 4.35
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "We were in the area playing in an open competition and took the opportunity on our 'day off' to play Insch. When we mentioned it to some people they pulled their faces at us which made us nervous. There was no need as it is an absolutely beautiful course with a great mix of holes and views to drool over. The quality was good, with true greens. The hospitality from first to last was spot on, with good food options in the clubhouse. We will definitely be back."
Leeds Golf Club
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.90
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Great value and the course was really well presented with good greens. Good new bar and balcony for a quick beer before and after too."
Lytham Green Drive Golf Club
Location: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 3.86
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Really great course, with much investment going into it. I have submitted my membership application!"
Pitlochry Golf Club
Location: Perthshire, Scotland
Golfshake Rating: 4.28
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "The legendary hike up the first five holes to reach the summit of the 6th tee is worth it for the amazing views down the glen. Playing Pitlochry in any weather is great fun, but on a warm sunny day, it is simply wonderful. A super friendly club with great catering and facilities within its picturesque clubhouse."
Pontefract & District Golf Club
Location: Pontefract, West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.81
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Played on a quiet day so no pressure. Course was in good condition, and the greens were testing. Some tricky holes, Food after was very good too."
Seaham Golf Club
Location: Seaham, County Durham
Golfshake Rating: 4.07
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Great course. Been a member here for two years. Love the course and love the layout. Friendly staff and always made to feel welcome."
Shirley Golf Club
Location: Solihull, Warwickshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.38
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "Fantastic course, very well maintained, by far the best course I’ve played this year. Well worth a visit."
Toft Hotel Golf Club
Location: Bourne, Lincolnshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.31
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "A lovely course set in very picturesque surroundings. Challenging and hilly in places but worth the effort. Stay away from the trees and you will have a decent round. Course conditions were excellent. Decently stocked shop."
Wath Golf Club
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.30
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "I had been waiting a long time to play this course having been there twice in winter and been frozen off. The clubhouse, pro shop and practice facilities are surprisingly good and your immediate view of the course make you begin to realise how different it is to other courses. The layout is intricate with quite a few crossing over holes and fairways, but once you navigate those this course appeals to anyone who likes a thinking course."
Formby Ladies Golf Club
Location: Formby, Merseyside
Golfshake Rating: 4.46
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 1.00
Review Comment: "One of the best courses I have played. Don't be fooled by the length of the course. Fairways can be very narrow. And greens small. The Ladies always give you a warm welcome. Even in winter condition it's of a high standard."
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