The Golf Courses You Should Have Played in 2024

What was the best golf course you played this year? It's been rewarding to see many members of the Golfshake Community tick off some truly special venues in 2024, which they have recorded when submitting reviews to the Course Section.

This has given us the opportunity to identify standouts that should be on your list to experience in 2025 and beyond.

Studying the thousands of reviews that we've received, we have uncovered those destinations that stood out above the rest during the past 12 months, each coming Highly Recommended.

If you are searching for inspiration, these are the golf courses that you really should have played in 2024, so why not make that a reality in the New Year!

Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club

Location: Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland

Golfshake Rating: 4.09

Average 2024 Rating: 5.00

Review Comment: "What a place to play golf. Stunning course, in a stunning setting. Each hole offers up something different too. So much fun to be had. Selection of tee boxes so pick one based on ability to get the most enjoyment out of your round here. Some slick greens and run off areas, as you'd expect for a championship course, but you'll need to be some way off line to lose many balls here. Had a great time."

Enville Golf Club

Location: Stourbridge, Staffordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.86

Average 2024 Rating: 4.94

Review Comment: "Played the Lodge. Impeccable condition. Greens fast and testing. Friendly clubhouse welcome. Two brilliant championship courses. All four players commented that every hole is interesting unlike most courses where there are 10-12 mundane holes."

Oundle Golf Club

Location: Oundle, Northamptonshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.56

Average 2024 Rating: 4.94

Review Comment: "I was asked if i'd like to play Oundle by a friend, so glad I did, what a joy, quirky layout (but a joy from the norm) so well presented, greens run true and quick, and everyone was so helpful, a joy to play Northant's hidden gem."

Tynemouth Golf Club

Location: Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear

Golfshake Rating: 4.43

Average 2024 Rating: 4.92

Review Comment: "Quality of tee areas and greens stood out. Well maintained course, challenging for all abilities."

Turnberry

Location: Turnberry, Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.95

Average 2024 Rating: 4.90

Review Comment: "A real treat. Lived up to all the hype. Amazing place. Course just immaculate and testing but fair. People make this also. The staff are just brill!"

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Location: Dornoch, Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.90

Average 2024 Rating: 4.88

Review Comment: "Exceptional. Truly stunning. Its ranking as one of, if not the best course in the world is well deserved. Masterpiece."

Alresford Golf Club

Location: Alresford, Hampshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.30

Average 2024 Rating: 4.88

Review Comment: "Played on a dry, nice day. Course was in good nick despite recent rain. Grass tees clearly well maintained after winter, fairways in good order, greens very fast and require a steady short game. Very enjoyable visit and good value too."

The Manor House Golf Club

Location: Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.64

Average 2024 Rating: 4.85

Review Comment: "Amazing course in superb condition, shame my golf did not do it justice. Great welcome in the pro shop and very friendly staff."

Quinta do Lago Laranjal

Location: Faro, Portugal

Golfshake Rating: 4.31

Average 2024 Rating: 4.83

Review Comment: "A more open course but you still need to be accurate. Orange trees and water hazards are all to be found here and of the three courses this is the easier walk but still undulating. Good test and when talking to other golfers seems to be one of the favourites."

Stanedge Golf Club

Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.13

Average 2024 Rating: 4.82

Review Comment: "I had the pleasure of playing here with two of my colleagues earlier this week after not playing here for many years. I couldn’t believe the transformation. The course was absolutely immaculate particularly for the time of the year. The greens were excellent and there has clearly been a lot of hard work that has taken place since my last visit."

Carnoustie Golf Links

Location: Carnoustie, Angus

Golfshake Rating: 4.91

Average 2024 Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "Fabulous layout, a great challenge with the toughest closing three holes anywhere and a sense of golfing history."

The Montgomerie Maxx Royal

Location: Belek, Turkey

Golfshake Rating: 4.48

Average 2024 Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "The course was really well laid out, with many outstanding holes. Great use of the slopes and water hazards. Needless to say the greens, tees, fairways and bunkers were all in superb condition. Excellent practice facilities and a great clubhouse."

Links Golf Club, Newmarket

Location: Newmarket, Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.44

Average 2024 Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "A little bit special. We played in the Links Seniors Open. The course was in excellent condition, with fast true greens. The course is mostly within the Newmarket Gallops but with two elevated tees on Devils Dyke, which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times."

Cleeve Hill Golf Club

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.24

Average 2024 Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "First time for me at Cleeve Hill. I couldn't believe that it faced closure just a few years ago. Old Tom's layout stands the test of time in all weathers - yes, we had all four seasons during our round. Wonderful elevated tees and few bushes and trees offer the novel experience, for me, of being able to find your ball fairly easily. We finished in glorious sunshine elated but exhausted!"

Waterton Park Golf Club

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.23

Average 2024 Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "Simply brilliant. Awesome course. Fantastic condition. Was made to feel very welcome and some very interesting holes!"

Longcliffe Golf Club

Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.10

Average 2024 Rating: 4.80

Review Comment: "So many interesting and wonderful holes to keep you smiling. Joy to play and hopefully I will be back in the near future. 100% worth playing this excellent golf course at least once in your life and that's a fraction of the price of the premium Nottinghamshire courses slightly up the road."

Nefyn Golf Club

Location: Pwllheli, Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.61

Average 2024 Rating: 4.79

Review Comment: "Nefyn is a fabulous golf course in amazing condition. The views are unbelievable and the course is playing so well at the moment. If you get a chance I recommend that you get down there and taste the course. They have done some great work at the clubhouse also and sitting outside in the sunshine was an unforgettable experience."

Stamford Golf Club

Location: Stalybridge, Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.60

Average 2024 Rating: 4.78

Review Comment: "Hidden gem! Great course in excellent condition and a very welcoming atmosphere!"

The Grove

Location: Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Average 2024 Rating: 4.78

Review Comment: "The facilities, practice areas, course was a great test, but good for all standards, excellent all round experience."

Quinta do Lago South

Location: Faro, Portugal

Golfshake Rating: 4.39

Average 2024 Rating: 4.78

Review Comment: "This is a truly great golf course, and on the day we played, the greens were like lightning. Pretty much all the holes are challenging but fair, and I'd love to play here again."

Kington Golf Club

Location: Kington, Herefordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.47

Average 2024 Rating: 4.75

Review Comment: "Incredible. Excellent value for money, fairways kept short by the sheep, greens some of the best I’ve played. Views, and more views."

Camberley Heath Golf Club

Location: Camberley, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.43

Average 2024 Rating: 4.72

Review Comment: "Very friendly welcome, course is well laid out and you need to plot your way around. In very good condition and some a real mix of holes to challenge all golfers."

Upavon Golf Club

Location: Pewsey, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.28

Average 2024 Rating: 4.72

Review Comment: "Upavon is an interesting and challenging course with a wide variety of holes. The course is always in excellent condition even on the wettest days. The welcome you receive in the pro shop and clubhouse is secon to none."

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club

Location: Bedlington, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.60

Average 2024 Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "Fantastic condition! Bedlingtonshire is a relatively long course, starting with two par 5s to ease you in and good variety of challenges throughout the course to ensure you don't lose interest."

Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club

Location: Alnwick, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.41

Average 2024 Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "Really friendly club, course in fantastic condition with lovely fast greens. Not long but some small undulating greens, lucky to play when there was not much wind. Great value. Excellent bacon rolls and coffee post round."

The Berkshire Golf Club

Location: Ascot, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Average 2024 Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Presented in excellent condition and lived up to its reputation as challenging. It is simply a brilliant place and a test for any golfer."

Broadstone Golf Club

Location: Broadstone, Dorset

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

Average 2024 Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Stunner of a course. Considering the weather it was in superb condition, full course in play and a nice quick pace. Halfway house was cracking and a joy to play."

Drift Golf Club

Location: Leatherhead, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

Average 2024 Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "An extremely happy, professional, and welcoming team in the pro shop, on the course, and in the clubhouse. It's obvious the staff and members are proud and passionate about their course and want to share its success with anyone who is lucky enough to play. It's a real hidden gem and well worth a visit."

Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club

Location: Wigton, Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Average 2024 Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Absolute must for any golfer. This course is superb. Every hole is unique and offers different challenges. The condition in mid September was excellent, the greens rolled lovely and every aspect was immaculate."

Woburn Golf Club

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.95

Average 2024 Rating: 4.64

Review Comment: "Brilliant course design in a beautiful setting and in perfect condition. Great facilities at the club."

Royal Cromer Golf Club

Location: Cromer, Norfolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.82

Average 2024 Rating: 4.64

Review Comment: "A real challenge on a top class course with fantastic views. Very well kept, and making constant improvements."

Brett Vale Golf Club

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.63

Average 2024 Rating: 4.64

Review Comment: "Brett Vale is rapidly turning into my favourite course. A superb course set amongst the Suffolk Hills. Each hole is a different test of your ability. Each hole has a differant character to it, with some very interestingly placed bunkers, and hazards. And the scenery is amazing. The clubhouse is inviting and the staff are very very friendly. Very tempted to become a member at this great hidden gem of a course. Highly recommend anyone to visit this."

Harborne Golf Club

Location: Birmingham, Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.96

Average 2024 Rating: 4.61

Review Comment: "The course is stunning, greens are true and quick, the fairways are currently like carpets and even the tee boxes are in very good condition."

Southerness Golf Club

Location: Southerness, Dumfries & Galloway

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

Average 2024 Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "Super course and a real coastal treat. A flat (ish) links which meanders away from the coast for first few holes (around a cow field) but then routes back to a fabulous 12th hole which has one of the best views you will ever encounter. A tough finish if the wind is coming off the Solway coast from 14-17 especially with the more accessible par 5 18th back to the clubhouse providing a little reward for resilience on the back 9. Go and enjoy it like we did on a calm July evening."

Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club

Location: Rochester, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 4.64

Average 2024 Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "The day was dry and warm which is always a bonus. The course though was in excellent condition for tees, fairways and greens. Plenty of car parking, a nice clubhouse, great staff and good practice facilities."

Tall Pines Golf Club

Location: Bristol, Somerset

Golfshake Rating: 4.58

Average 2024 Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "My brothers and I came here on the August Bank Holiday and enjoyed a great day on a lovely course in really excellent condition, with a few beers in the (seemingly newly refurbished) clubhouse after. We will definitely be back!"

Onneley Golf Club

Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.36

Average 2024 Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "Very well kept course, very firm due to lack of rain and hot spell, proved to be challenging around the greens. Would definitely recommend a visit."

The Manor Golf Club (Kingstone)

Location: Uttoxeter, Staffordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.25

Average 2024 Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "They have moved and improved the 18th green, repositioned and improved some tee boxes, improved the drainage around the course and refurbished over half the bunkers around the course. The course always plays well and greens are always true."

Old Padeswood Golf Club

Location: Mold, Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.13

Average 2024 Rating: 4.60

Review Comment: "This is gem of a golf course. Played on a sunny day and the course was in great condition. Challenging but fair layout."

West Cliffs

Location: Obidos, Portugal

Golfshake Rating: 4.58

Average 2024 Rating: 4.58

Review Comment: "Just a brilliant design near to the sea but also hilly with magnificent views and 18 excellent varied holes."

Llanymynech Golf Club

Location: Oswestry, Shropshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.35

Average 2024 Rating: 4.58

Review Comment: "Perfect. Reasonably priced, welcoming, lovely breakfast so a great start to our society day. Then it got even better when we got out on the course. Varied holes, interesting layout and some spectacular views. Greens and fairways in great nick. Amazing place."

Dunstable Downs Golf Club

Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.30

Average 2024 Rating: 4.58

Review Comment: "Society day out and the welcome from everyone was great. The staff were superb and the course was in mint condition. The greens were the fastest I've played on, but were in absolutely prime condition."

Bewdley Pines Golf Club

Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.17

Average 2024 Rating: 4.58

Review Comment: "Fantastic course, lovely day, the course wasn't very busy which was very surprising, greens were very well looked after, all the bunkers were raked lovely, met some lovely players going around, all around a fantastic day."

Beeston Fields Golf Club

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.11

Average 2024 Rating: 4.58

Review Comment: "Beeston Fields is a lovely course that offers a warm welcome and outstanding clubhouse that overlooks the 18th green and the practice putting area with the rest of the course in the background making for a fabulous place to relax before and after the round. I Iove the variety this course offers, with various doglegs in each direction and several blind shots. The par threes seem easy yet provide a surprising challenge of hitting the dance floor. The course is really well defined and clearly has a hard working ground staff - it was in really good condition."

Alenda Golf

Location: Alicante, Spain

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

Average 2024 Rating: 4.58

Review Comment: "This is a testing course for all handicappers and novices alike. The greenkeepers do a fantastic job while being very attentive to the members and visitors alike. Greens, fairways and bunkers are well tended to and when you're done there is a comfortable restaurant to cater to your needs. On arrival the reception staff are very welcoming and helpful. Good changing and shower facilities are available, all in a very relaxed atmosphere."

Burnham Beeches Golf Club

Location: Slough, Buckinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.39

Average 2024 Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "The greens were lightning fast and ran wonderfully. The fairways were handsome in their appearance, and the course as a whole offered its usual tough challenge. The course rates in my top 10 in the UK, and I’d highly recommend any average plus golfer to give or a try."

Rushmore Golf Club

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.21

Average 2024 Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "A firm favourite with our society, we play it every year and I have to say it was the best condition of any time we’d played before. Well worth a visit."

Aphrodite Hills Golf Club

Location: Paphos, Cyprus

Golfshake Rating: 4.04

Average 2024 Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "The whole set-up was impressive, and the views were very good. Great layout, as would be expected from a course where the pros are faced with some stern tests (from their tees). The 'signature' hole is the par 3 across a chasm - the 7th hole, although from a very simple 110 to 125 yards only depending on pin position, so more picturesque than difficult!"

Norwood Park Golf Centre

Location: Southwell, Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.95

Average 2024 Rating: 4.57

Review Comment: "Excellent course and facilities. Course in superb condition for the time of year. Greens some of the best I've played all year."

London Golf Club

Location: Ash, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 4.82

Average 2024 Rating: 4.56

Review Comment: "Was lucky enough to play the Heritage Course and I've got to say it was an absolute pleasure to play. Good mixture of holes and difficulty to test all level of golfers. Every hole is memorable and was lucky to catch it on a day that wasn't raining which made the day even better."

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