Top 7 Links Style Golf Courses In The UK: (2026 Recommendation List)

If you’re a golf enthusiast looking to experience the true essence of the game, the UK offers some of the finest links style golf courses in the world. From historic fairways steeped in tradition to stunning coastal views and challenging layouts, these courses provide a unique test of skill and strategy for every golfer. 

In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 7 links style golf courses in the UK for 2026, highlighting what makes each course special and why they should be on every golfer’s bucket list. So, we invite you to read on our article and discover your next unforgettable golfing adventure. 

What Are Links Style Golf Courses?

Links style golf courses are the traditional form of golf, typically found along coastlines. They are built on sandy soil with natural dunes and open, undulating terrain. 

Unlike parkland courses with trees and manicured fairways, links courses have firm turf, deep pot bunkers, and few obstacles other than natural features like mounds and rough. Coastal winds often play a major role, making shot strategy, low ball flights, and ground play important. Playing a links course is a unique experience that emphasizes creativity, precision, and adaptability, offering golfers a true taste of the game’s heritage.

How We Picked These Courses

To create this list of top UK links courses, several factors were considered to ensure each selection represents the best the country has to offer:

Basis of Selection: 

• Courses consistently ranked in Top 100 lists worldwide. 
• Venues with a history of hosting The Open Championship or other prestigious tournaments.
• Expert reviews and recommendations from golf publications and professionals.

Criteria: 

• Terrain Authenticity: True links characteristics such as dunes, sandy soil, and coastal location.
• Reputation: Courses recognized for their history, design, and contribution to the game of golf.
• Challenge: Strategic layouts that test skill, including bunkering, wind conditions, and undulating greens.
• Worldwide Recognition: Courses that attract visitors internationally and are celebrated by golf enthusiasts globally.

This approach ensures that each course on the list offers an authentic, challenging, and memorable links golf experience for both seasoned and visiting golfers.

Now that you have an idea of what links-style golf courses are, let’s explore our top 7 recommendations for links-style golf courses in the UK in 2026 next. 

Top 7 Links Style Golf Courses In The UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic links style golf courses, offering a combination of history, natural beauty, and challenging play. Here are the top seven links courses every golfer should consider visiting in 2026: 

1. Royal County Down – The Championship Links (Northern Ireland) 

Google Review Score: 4.7

Royal County Down, located in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, is widely regarded as one of the finest links golf courses in the world. Nestled against the backdrop of the stunning Mourne Mountains and overlooking the Irish Sea, the course combines natural beauty with a challenging layout that has tested golfers for over a century. 

Established in 1889, this historic course is renowned for its classic links design, featuring rolling dunes, deep pot bunkers, and undulating fairways that demand precision and strategic play.

The Championship Links at Royal County Down is known for its dramatic elevation changes, which can make club selection particularly tricky, especially when combined with the often strong coastal winds. Each hole presents a unique challenge, with narrow fairways and treacherous rough that punishes wayward shots. Signature holes, such as the 7th and 9th, offer breathtaking views and memorable moments, often requiring golfers to factor in both wind and terrain for successful play.

Royal County Down has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including events on the European Tour and qualifying rounds for The Open Championship. The course is open to visitors, though access is often limited and booking in advance is highly recommended. 

Beyond its technical challenges, the course is celebrated for its stunning scenery, blending lush green fairways with rugged coastal landscapes. For golfers seeking a true links experience that combines history, natural beauty, and challenging play, Royal County Down remains an essential destination in the UK. 

2. St Andrews Links – The Old Course (Scotland)  

Google Review Score: 4.7

St Andrews Links, often called the “Home of Golf,” is one of the most iconic and historically significant links courses in the world. Located in the coastal town of St Andrews, Scotland, the Old Course has been shaping the game of golf for over 600 years and continues to attract golfers from every corner of the globe. Its reputation stems not only from its historic pedigree but also from its distinctive layout and timeless links characteristics.

The Old Course is renowned for its wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and vast double greens, which require golfers to master both precision and tactical thinking. Signature features such as the Hell Bunker on the 14th hole, the Road Hole on the 17th, and the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th provide unforgettable challenges and stunning visual landmarks. The undulating terrain, coupled with unpredictable coastal winds, makes every round a test of skill and adaptability.

As a public course managed by St Andrews Links Trust, it is accessible to visitors. Still, tee times are highly sought after, often requiring advance booking or entry through the traditional ballot system. 

The Old Course has hosted The Open Championship more than any other venue, cementing its status as a premier championship links course. Beyond its golfing challenge, the course is set against the picturesque Fife coastline, offering breathtaking views that blend history, tradition, and natural beauty.

Playing the Old Course is more than just a round of golf; it’s an immersion in the sport’s heritage, where every shot is steeped in history. For any avid golfer, experiencing St Andrews Links is a bucket-list experience that combines challenge, prestige, and the timeless spirit of links golf. 

3. Trump Turnberry – Ailsa Course (Scotland) 

Google Review Score: 4.3 

Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, located on the rugged Ayrshire coast of Scotland, is a spectacular links course that blends dramatic scenery with championship-level challenge. Overlooking the Firth of Clyde and the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse, the course offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, coastline, and rolling Scottish hills, making it as visually stunning as it is technically demanding.

Originally opened in 1906, the Ailsa Course has been redesigned and modernized over the years while maintaining its classic links characteristics. The course features wide fairways framed by natural dunes, deep pot bunkers, and undulating greens that test precision and strategy on every hole.

Furthermore, the coastal winds frequently influence play, requiring golfers to carefully consider shot selection, trajectory, and club choice. Signature holes, such as the 9th and 18th, are particularly memorable, combining scenic vistas with challenging approaches that demand skill and focus.

Trump Turnberry has a strong championship pedigree, having hosted The Open Championship multiple times, with players praising its fair but demanding layout. Beyond tournament play, the course is accessible to visitors, offering a world-class golfing experience combined with luxury resort amenities, including fine dining and exceptional accommodation.

Whether you are a seasoned golfer seeking a challenge or a visitor hoping to experience one of Scotland’s most famous links courses, the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry delivers an unforgettable combination of history, scenery, and technical golf that embodies the spirit of true links play. 

4. Muirfield (Scotland) 

Google Review Score: 4.6  

Muirfield, located in East Lothian, Scotland, is one of the most prestigious and historically significant links courses in the world. As the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield has a rich golfing legacy dating back to the 18th century and is renowned for its challenging layout, strategic design, and meticulous maintenance.

The course is famous for its two-loop structure: an outward nine that moves clockwise and an inward nine that moves counterclockwise. This design exposes golfers to varying wind directions on nearly every hole, demanding adaptability, strategic thinking, and precise shot-making. 

Additionally, Muirfield’s fairways are wide yet deceptively challenging, framed by natural dunes and subtle mounding, while its greens are known for their speed, subtle breaks, and well-placed bunkers that test even the most skilled players. Signature holes, such as the par-3 7th and the finishing 18th, provide both memorable challenges and stunning views of the surrounding East Lothian coastline.

Furthermore, Muirfield has hosted The Open Championship multiple times and is consistently ranked among the top courses globally due to its fairness, strategic depth, and classic links character. While the course has traditionally maintained a members-only policy, visitor access is sometimes available through special arrangements or tournaments, offering golfers the rare chance to play a course steeped in history and tradition.

Playing Muirfield is considered a rite of passage for serious golfers, offering an experience that combines tactical challenge, historical prestige, and the rugged beauty of Scotland’s finest links terrain. 

5. Royal Portrush – Dunluce Links (Northern Ireland)

Google Review Score: 4.7 

Royal Portrush, located on the stunning Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland, is home to the Dunluce Links, widely celebrated as one of the finest links courses outside Scotland. Set against dramatic cliffs and the wild Atlantic Ocean, the course combines natural beauty with a challenging layout that has tested the world’s best golfers for over a century.

The Dunluce Links is known for its sweeping fairways, deep bunkers, and fast, undulating greens, which demand precision and careful course management. Coastal winds play a significant role in shaping each round, making shot placement and club selection critical. 

Additionally, its signature holes, such as the 7th and the iconic 17th, with its cliffside approach and breathtaking ocean views, are memorable tests of skill and nerve. The course is built on naturally rolling terrain, preserving the classic links style while offering golfers spectacular scenery throughout the round.

Furthermore, the Royal Portrush has hosted The Open Championship, most recently in 2019, earning praise for its fair yet demanding layout. Visitor access is available, and playing the Dunluce Links offers a chance to experience championship-quality golf alongside dramatic landscapes and historic charm. 

With its combination of strategic challenges, scenic coastline, and storied history, Royal Portrush remains a must-play destination for golfers seeking a true links experience. 

6. Royal Birkdale Golf Club (England) 

Google Review Score: 4.7

Royal Birkdale, located in Southport, England, is widely regarded as one of the premier links courses in the UK and a frequent host of The Open Championship. Set along the sandy dunes of the Merseyside coast, the course combines classic links features with a modern championship challenge, attracting golfers of all levels who want to test their skills against a world-class layout.

The course is known for its firm, undulating fairways, deep bunkering, and large, contoured greens, which require precision and strategic thinking. 

Additionally, coastal winds present at the course add another layer of complexity, making club selection and shot execution critical. Signature holes, such as the par-3 7th and the par-4 18th, demand careful planning and provide memorable finishing challenges. The layout flows naturally through the dunes, preserving the traditional links character while offering a variety of hole lengths and strategic challenges.

Furthermore, the Royal Birkdale has hosted The Open Championship multiple times, as well as other prestigious tournaments like the Women’s British Open, highlighting its reputation as a top-tier championship venue. Beyond tournament play, the club welcomes visitors, allowing golf enthusiasts to experience the combination of challenging play, scenic beauty, and historic significance.

Playing Royal Birkdale offers golfers a quintessential English links experience, blending technical challenge, natural beauty, and a strong sense of history. Its reputation, accessibility, and coastal setting make it a must-visit course for any serious golfer exploring the UK. 

7. Kingsbarns Golf Links (Scotland) 

Google Review Score: 4.7  

Kingsbarns Golf Links, located along the Fife coastline near St Andrews, Scotland, is a modern classic that has quickly become one of the most admired links courses in the UK. Opened in 2000, it was designed to blend seamlessly with the natural coastal terrain, offering a visually stunning and strategically challenging golfing experience that rivals older, historic links.

The course stretches over rolling dunes and wide fairways, featuring fast, well-contoured greens and strategically placed bunkers that reward accurate shots and clever course management. Coastal winds frequently influence play, making shot shaping and club selection crucial for every round. Signature holes, such as the opening 1st and finishing 18th, provide dramatic views of the North Sea while challenging golfers with both risk-and-reward options. 

Additionally, its natural landscape ensures that each hole feels unique, with sweeping vistas, undulating terrain, and the ever-present challenge of wind and weather.

Kingsbarns has hosted the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside St Andrews and Carnoustie, earning recognition for its impeccable conditioning, design quality, and seamless integration into the surrounding landscape. Visitor access is straightforward, allowing golf enthusiasts to experience championship-level links golf without the restrictions of some more historic clubs.

Kingsbarns Golf Links offers a perfect blend of modern design, natural beauty, and traditional links characteristics, making it a must-play destination for golfers seeking a memorable and scenic coastal golfing experience in Scotland. 

These seven courses represent the best of UK links golf, offering players a mix of history, challenge, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Playing any of these courses provides a true links experience that combines skill, strategy, and the unique charm of the game’s origins.  

What to Expect When Playing in Links Style Golf Courses

Playing a links style golf course is a unique experience compared to parkland or resort-style courses. These courses are typically located along coastlines, built on sandy soil with natural dunes, and are characterized by open, undulating terrain. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Wind: Coastal winds are a defining feature of links golf. Wind direction and strength can drastically affect club selection, shot trajectory, and strategy. Golfers need to be prepared to play both low, controlled shots and high, floating shots depending on conditions. 
• Firm Turf: The fairways and greens are usually firm and fast. Balls tend to roll farther than on softer surfaces, so ground play and accurate placement become essential. 
• Pot Bunkers: Deep, steep-sided bunkers are common and strategically placed to penalize wayward shots. Escaping these bunkers requires skill and technique. 
• Ground Play: Unlike parkland courses, links golf often encourages “running” the ball along the ground instead of always flying it through the air. This adds a tactical element and requires players to think creatively. 
• Natural Hazards: Dunes, rough, and uneven terrain add to the challenge. Every hole demands adaptability and careful planning. 

6 Additional Tips for Golfers Who are New to Play in Links Courses

1. Play the Wind: Learn to read the wind and adjust your shot selection. Sometimes keeping the ball low is better than trying to carry it. 
2. Use the Ground: Take advantage of firm fairways and let the ball run to reach greens in fewer strokes. 
3. Think Strategically: Focus on placement over power. Avoid unnecessary risks near bunkers or out-of-bounds areas. 
4. Practice Bunker Shots: Pot bunkers are tricky; practice different lies and techniques to escape effectively. 
5. Stay Patient: Links golf rewards patience and adaptability. Bad holes are common, but staying focused on the next shot is key. 
6. Expect Variation: Conditions can change quickly due to weather. Be ready to adjust strategy mid-round. 

Mastering links golf requires flexibility, creativity, and strategic thinking. For new golfers, the experience can be challenging but highly rewarding, offering a true taste of the game’s heritage and natural beauty. 

Best Time To Visit Links Courses in the UK

Timing your visit to UK links courses can significantly impact your experience. Weather and seasonal conditions play a crucial role in how the course plays and how enjoyable your round will be.

Seasonal Considerations:

• Spring (March–May): Spring offers milder temperatures and generally fewer crowds. Courses start to come alive with greenery, and fairways are firm but manageable. It’s an ideal time for golfers who enjoy calm conditions and scenic beauty. 
• Summer (June–August): Summer brings warmer weather and longer daylight hours, making it perfect for extended rounds or playing multiple courses in one day. However, popular courses like St Andrews and Royal Portrush can be busier, so advance booking is essential. 
• Autumn (September–November): Autumn is a great time for links golf, with cooler temperatures and less crowded tee sheets. Courses remain firm, and the coastal scenery can be stunning with autumnal colors. Windy days are more frequent, adding to the challenge. 
• Winter (December–February): Winter rounds are possible, but weather conditions can be harsh, with heavy rain, strong winds, and occasionally frost. Some courses may limit access, and playing in the elements requires extra preparation. 

Weather and Tee Time Planning:

Links courses are often exposed to coastal winds and unpredictable rain. So, always make sure to check the forecast before your round and be prepared with weather-appropriate gear. 

Usually, tee times during early morning or late afternoon can offer calmer winds, especially in the summer months. 

Furthermore, booking in advance is crucial, particularly for famous courses like St Andrews, Royal County Down, or Royal Portrush, as these attract visitors worldwide. 

Planning your visit with the season and weather in mind ensures a more enjoyable and memorable links golf experience, combining optimal course conditions with the stunning coastal landscapes that make these courses unique.

Final Thoughts

The UK is home to some of the most iconic and challenging links style golf courses in the world, each offering a unique combination of history, natural beauty, and strategic play. From the historic fairways of St Andrews and Muirfield to the dramatic coastal vistas at Royal Portrush and Trump Turnberry, these courses provide golfers with experiences that go far beyond a typical round of golf.

Playing links golf demands creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking, with coastal winds, firm turf, and deep bunkers adding layers of challenge. Whether you are a seasoned golfer seeking championship-level competition or a visitor eager to experience the heritage of the game, these top 7 courses deliver unforgettable moments and test every aspect of your game.

Timing your visit and understanding the unique characteristics of links courses can greatly enhance your experience, ensuring you enjoy both the challenge and the stunning scenery. For anyone passionate about golf, exploring these courses is more than just a game. It’s an immersion into the sport’s rich history and enduring traditions.

Visiting any of these courses in 2026 promises not only a test of skill but also the chance to create lasting memories in some of the most beautiful and celebrated golfing landscapes in the world. 

Key Takeaways

• Links style golf courses are typically located along coastlines with sandy soil, natural dunes, and open, undulating terrain. 
• Coastal winds, firm turf, and deep pot bunkers make links golf uniquely challenging compared to parkland courses. 
• The UK is home to some of the world’s most iconic links courses, combining history, natural beauty, and strategic layouts. 
• Royal County Down, St Andrews Old Course, and Muirfield are among the most historic and highly regarded links courses. 
• Courses like Trump Turnberry, Royal Portrush, and Kingsbarns offer dramatic coastal scenery alongside championship-level challenges. 
• Playing links golf requires adaptability, creativity, and strategic thinking, especially in windy or changing weather conditions. 
• New golfers should focus on ground play, reading the wind, and mastering bunker shots to navigate links courses effectively. 
• Seasonal timing affects play conditions. For a fact, spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, while summer provides long daylight hours. 
• Tee times at popular courses often need to be booked well in advance due to high demand from visitors worldwide. 
• Experiencing these top 7 UK links courses provides not just a test of skill, but a connection to golf’s rich heritage and unforgettable coastal landscapes. 

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