The Top Rated Golf Courses on Golfshake in 2023

The Golfshake database has seen yet another surge in usage for 2023 - thank you to everyone who has submitted reviews of their experiences.

As we slowly approach the New Year, we have identified the 15 top rated golf courses on Golfshake for the year.

To celebrate those venues who have performed exceptionally well, we have provided a short synopsis on each facility and a review comment that one of you has left - we hope you enjoy!

Oundle Golf Club

Located in Northamptonshire, Oundle Golf Club is a cracking parkland layout that was established back in 1893. It is set in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside and the club offers competitive rates for visitors and members alike. Throughout the year, Oundle hosts four Open competitions that are deemed hugely successful.

Review Comment: “Played Oundle the other day and so glad we did as the course was in great condition given it’s winter. Greens run true and it’s a course I will be returning to.”

JCB Golf & Country Club

JCB Golf & Country Club has played host to multiple events on the Legends Tour and can be deemed as one of the best courses to be found in England. If you have not played it but enjoy watching golf content on YouTube, then you have surely seen Rick Shiels or even Good Good battle their way around this highly challenging layout. This is a bucket list course for many golfers - and understandably so.

Review Comment: “Without doubt the best course I have ever played. Can’t recommend this venue highly enough.”

Burnham & Berrow Golf Club

Burnham & Berrow Golf Club is located in the west country and can be accessed from Bristol via a fairly short drive. The club is one of the grandest to belong to the region as it acts as a qualifying venue for The Open Championship and has done for quite some time. A remarkable challenge is found at Burnham & Berrow, where only the best escape with a respectable knock.

Review Comment: “An unbelievable course that is in great condition. Not for the faint hearted but will walk off with a smile no matter what you score.”

Royal Cromer Golf Club

Norfolk is littered with tremendous golf courses and Royal Cromer Golf Club is a proud member of that group. The course was designed by Tom Morris with later alterations provided by J H Taylor and James Braid, so there are some truly iconic names associated with this venue. Kept in pristine standard all-year round, Royal Cromer is also regarded as one of Norfolk’s very best.

Review Comment: “Royal Cromer never fails to deliver. From the first tee to the last, it has spectacular views. The course runs effortlessly along the coast and it is easy to follow. The holes are challenging and the cost is very reasonable.”

Broadstone Golf Club

Broadstone Golf Club is located in the glorious Dorset countryside and it is one of the finest examples of an unspoiled heathland layout. It deservedly resides in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and provides guests with stupendous views that stretch across miles in the distance. A truly wonderful golfing experience.

Review Comment: “Beautiful views. Take a look at where you have come from, looking back to the 7th from the 13th fairway - awesome!”

Churchill & Blakedown Golf Club

The beautiful Worcestershire countryside provides an interesting setting for Churchill & Blakedown Golf Club, which was founded and opened for play in 1926. Breathtaking views are present throughout the entire round and the 6,500-yard measurement offers a test to golfers of all abilities. The quality of the greens is something that is remembered fondly by all visitors.

Review Comment: “Beautiful views, challenging holes with variety all the way around. Friendly and welcoming staff and members too.”

Tyrrells Wood Golf Club

James Braid was responsible for laying the original foundations of Tyrrells Wood Golf Club, which opened for play in 1924. Improvements were later made by another renowned figure, Harry Colt, demonstrating the vast history found at this Surrey-based venue. Terrific drainage ensures play can continue all-year round.

Review Comment: “Not played it for years, but still in great condition - even though it’s quite short. The greens and course design add a good degree of difficulty. Great clubhouse and patio area - will definitely return.”

Wallasey Golf Club

Wallasey Golf Club is yet another impressive club to be positioned in the north west of England, an area that is truly blessed with terrific options. The course at Wallasey was originally penned by Tom Morris and the challenge is mighty, regardless of ability. In 1914, Dr Frank Stableford became a member of the club and devised the scoring system Stableford, with a plaque on the 2nd commemorating the groundbreaking invention.

Review Comment: “The price was very reasonable and a day ticket allowed two rounds, which was great. The overall quality of the course was outstanding and the pro-shop staff were very welcoming.”

Sapey Golf & Country Club

Sapey Golf & Country Club, which can be found on the border of Worcestershire, is a 27-hole complex that opened for play in 1990. The course has matured into one of the greatest layouts in the local area, with the beautiful setting complementing the golfing challenge. The stunning wildlife only adds to the memorable experience.

Review Comment: “Many thanks to all the staff at Sapey for making our away day such a memorable event. The course, the food and the friendliness of the staff was exceptional.”

Enville Golf Club

Enville Golf Club can be found in Staffordshire and the venue is home to two 18-hole courses. Enville has played host to important competition before, as they acted as a Regional Open Qualifying venue from 2007 - 2011. Whatever loop you decide to tackle, you can expect to be challenged to the fullest.

Review Comment: “An excellent course that is in a really good condition. A challenging layout and greens, it also has a nice clubhouse and other facilities. Very friendly staff.”

Prince’s Golf Club

Kent is home to marvellous golf courses and Prince’s Golf Club is certainly one of them. There are 27 holes of golf located on-site - in three loops of nine - and the championship links course has hosted The Open Championship previously, whilst currently operating as an Open Final Qualifying Course. If you’re looking for a course that tests every element of your game, you have found it at Prince’s.

Review Comment: “A stunning course that is kept really well. Tough to play but really enjoyable. Will definitely be going back.”

Woburn Golf Club

Woburn Golf Club is a magical place that creates special memories, it really is as simple as that. Situated in Buckinghamshire, to highlight just how grand this venue is, it was the first 54-hole complex to have all three courses ranked in the Top 100 Courses in the UK & Ireland. All three layouts provide an inspirational experience - and you’ll be back before you know it!

Review Comment: “Stunning tree-lined fairways and the condition of the course was immaculate. Facilities there are second to nine. Pricey, but worth it once in a while.”

The Shire London

London and the surrounding area are filled to the brim with great courses, but The Shire London is part of a group that elevate themselves above the rest. Seve Ballesteros designed the 18-hole layout, and there are six holes of each par found on the premium course. No par repeats itself for consecutive holes, which is another unique experience. A short, academy course is also available to help dial in your short game and wedge play.

Review Comment: “The course is always in great shape even when the rain has fallen. As the only course in England designed by the great Seve, you would expect great drainage and greens.”

Alwoodley Golf Club

Alwoodley is undoubtedly one of the finest heathland courses to exist in Britain, which highlights the reason it is rated so highly on Golfshake. Having opened for play in 1907, the course runs almost straight out and back, with the inward nine providing more obstacles than the outward half. The fresh winds of the Yorkshire Moors can cause problems and in 2020, Alwoodley played host to The R&A Boys Championship and The Open Regional Qualifying.

Review Comment: “Great mix of holes and lots of interesting shots. Good condition, very welcoming and highly recommended.”

Fulwell Golf Club

Located in Greater London, the first round of golf at Fulwell Golf Club took place in 1904. The championship course is routed in a parkland environment, with vast tree-lined fairways placing a premium on accuracy from the tee. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy their time at Fulwell - and relish the challenge presented to them.

Review Comment: “A beautiful course that is in superb condition. It was great to be able to play it on one of the very few visitor’s tee times!”