While England has its fair share of iconic links courses like the Royal Open Championship venues, there are numerous lesser known but equally remarkable links courses that deserve more attention. These hidden gems fly under the radar but offer a serious challenge and memorable experiences for golf enthusiasts. Here is a closer look at some of these underrated courses:
Cleveland Golf Club, North Yorkshire
Cleveland Golf Club, located in the Tees Valley, was founded in 1887. Despite its historical significance and design contributions from legends like Old Tom Morris, Harry Colt, and Donald Steel, Cleveland is a relative unknown to most golfers, partly due to its proximity to a now-demolished British Steel plant. With the plant gone, the course’s true quality shines, offering a genuine Championship links experience.
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Seacroft Golf Club, Lincolnshire
Established in 1895, Seacroft Golf Club in Skegness is a hidden gem that combines charm with challenge. Known for its friendly atmosphere, the course features several excellent holes. Its location near Woodhall Spa makes it a worthwhile trip for golfers looking to tick off important golfing landmarks.
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Littlestone Golf Club, Kent
Kent boasts famous courses like Royal St. Georges, but Littlestane, Golf Club is a lesser knowa treasure. Founded in 1888, this traditional links course features 36 holes influenced by renowned designers Alastair MacKenzie and James Braid. Its location on the Kent Coast near Sussex, coupled with a historic and impressive clubhouse, adds to its appeal.
Hayling Golf Club, Hampshire
As the southernmost links course on the South Coast, Hayling Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience. The course, with its modern art deco clubhouse and stunning views over the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, has an old fashioned links feel, naturally integrating into the landscape offering up several memorable holes.
Perranporth Golf Club, Cornwall
Suggesting that Perranporth is an undiscovered course may well be a bit dated now, as it has been attracting much deserved attention in recent times, and has become a must play part of any trip to Cornwall; it sits comfortably alongside its better-known neighbours, Trevose and St. Enadoc. Truly fabulous experience.
cornwall golf links
Silloth on Solway Golf Club, Cumbria
So often voted the best value for money golf course in the country, it is hardly undiscovered, but it is fair to say that an effort is required to visit it due to its remote location in the top corner of the North West. Including it in this list is to remind you that it is 100% worth the effort.
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club, Northumberland
One of the biggest surprises you are ever likely to experience will be a visit to Dunstanburgh. The low green fee does not prepare you for the special experience that awaits, complete with a visit to the ruins of the ancient castle, and stunning views down pristine beaches.
The links courses listed above are simply fabulous but, due to their remoteness or the understated nature of the clubs, have kept a low profile over the years, and as a result will have you bemused by their somewhat unassuming profile.