Golf Trips You Might Not Have Considered Before

It's that delectable time of the year when many of you will start embarking on a golf trip, playing courses and experiencing resorts in a wide variety of destinations, both overseas and closer to home.

But you don't need us to reveal that many of these most popular locations can be expensive or - arguably worse - overcrowded. 

That's why we have been thinking about some alternative spots that you should visit in the UK. Thousands each year flock to golfing paradises like Fife, Kent, Merseyside, East Lothian, Ayrshire or Surrey, but we fancy something a little different, perhaps off the beaten track. 

Consider that the golf hipster side of our personality, but embracing that can open doors to some truly glorious places.

Here are trips that you might not have considered before.

Isle of Arran

(Shiskine Golf Course)

Firstly, let's venture up to Scotland, and specifically the Ayrshire coastline, but rather than playing the famed courses along this stretch of linksland, you will take a ferry from Ardrossan over to the stunning Isle of Arran. 

Here you will discover a magical place that is known as Scotland in Miniature - as it combines both Highland and Lowland characteristics, but more than that it boasts one of the best golf deals you will ever see.

For just £140, you can play each of the island's seven courses, including the revered Shiskine, which is considered to be a jewel of Scottish golf.

Isle of Bute

(Bute Golf Club)

Sticking with the island theme, the Isle of Bute is another that we recommend. This was a hotspot for Glaswegian holidaymakers during the first half of the 20th century before those pesky airlines ruined things, but it remains a place with much to discover for visitors - as was showcased during the recent The Hairy Bikers Go West series on the BBC.

Renowned for its sandy beaches and picturesque walking and cycling routes, Bute is also home to three golf courses that offer the most spectacular scenery. 

The legendary Walter Hagen once said that the vistas at Rothesay Golf Club couldn't be beaten anywhere else on the planet, while a personal favourite of ours, Bute Golf Club gazes magnificently across to the peaks of Arran. 

Derbyshire

(Kedleston Park Golf Club)

If you prefer somewhere with a central location in England, then why not consider a visit to Derbyshire? Here you can play a range of exceptional courses, including the likes of Open Championship Regional Qualifying Venue, Kedleston Park, or sample the beautiful scenery offered by Sickleholme Golf Club in the Peak District.

However, one layout that is worth travelling to play on its own would be Cavendish Golf Club, which was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, who later took inspiration from what he created here in the Midlands for his future masterpiece of Augusta National.

That alone is a unique selling point.

North East of England

(Goswick Links)

We reckon that the North East of England is a comparatively undervalued coastline for golf. This is something that Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook discovered for himself when he toured this area last year.

Goswick Links is another course that has featured as a Regional Open Qualifying Venue - and for very good reason - but if you're someone who appreciates a little bit of quirk, then you'll love the raw and rugged Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. 

Serving as England's oldest nine-hole links, Alnmouth Village Golf Club provides a fun and memorable experience to play, while the scenic Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course is a place that golfing connoisseurs will relish.

Perthshire

(Blairgowrie Golf Club)

Heading back to Scotland, this time to the heart of the country, Perthshire couldn't be further removed from the seaside, which makes it an enticing alternative to the links courses that are most popularly associated with the spiritual Home of Golf.

Everyone has heard of Gleneagles and the incredible experience that is offered there, but what about the fabulous Murrayshall for a perfect stay-and-play break? Not far away from there you also have the unique river island course of King James VI located within the city of Perth itself - or how about the exceptional Blairgowrie Golf Club?

Beyond that, Perthshire, often referred to as the Big County, is known for its tranquil scenery and wonderful layouts that include Crieff, Dunkeld & Birnam, Pitlochry, Comrie, St Fillans and Killin, which Golfshake's Derek Clements played during a recent visit to this unforgettable part of the world.

Moray Coast

(Moray Golf Club)

The Highlands of Scotland is a breathtaking, adventurous place to play golf, covering illustrious names like Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Nairn and Brora, but have you ever considered what's available on the Moray Coast?

Well, for just £20, golfers can secure a 20% discount on rounds of golf at all participating courses as part of the Moray Speyside Golf Pass, with venues including Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course, Buckpool Golf Club, Cullen Links Golf Club, Dufftown Golf Club, Elgin Golf Club, Forres Golf Club, Hopeman Golf Club, Maverston Golf Club, Moray Golf Club (New Course & Old Course), Rothes Golf Club, Spey Bay Golf Club, and Strathlene Golf Club.

This is Scottish golf at its purest and most authentic!

Yorkshire

(Ganton Golf Club)

When you think about it, Yorkshire is one of the most outstanding golfing regions in England. The quality of the courses is superb, as you can see by exploring this detailed article. 

You could base yourself for a few days in a city such as Leeds - enjoying all the fare on offer there - while travelling around to play layouts such as Ganton, Fulford, Alwoodley, Moortown, Howley Hall, and Hornsea. 

That should be enough to satisfy any golfing purist.

Swansea

(Langland Bay Golf Club)

Talking of city golf breaks, Swansea is a standout in our minds. Walk the streets and the attractions of this coastal settlement, before embarking on a road trip to play esteemed courses like Royal Porthcawl, Pennard, Pyle & Kenfig, Langland Bay and Machynys Peninsula, all of which are within a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

When you think of the many exceptional venues dotted throughout Wales - and the cost they charge to play them - there is little doubt in our minds that the country offers the best value golf in Great Britain.

Cornwall

(Trevose Golf Club)

Undeniably a majestic corner of these islands, Cornwall has much to offer golfers, as you can see here. The likes of St Enodoc, Trevose, and Perranporth provide an experience that could rival anywhere, and that's without even considering the lovely tourist hotspots, awe-inspiring beaches, rugged landscapes, exceptional cuisine and other attractions that draw thousands of people to this part of the world.

Cumbria

(Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club)

Finally, we've got to talk about Cumbria. Perfect for those who are travelling to or from Scotland, there is much to savour in this historic county. 

Thousands head to the Lake District and towns such as Kendal, but what about the golf? You have the likes of Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club (which many consider to be the best value for money of England's truly elite courses), Seascale, Carlisle, Penrith and Ulverston.

Each of these combines to make for an alternative golf trip that you would remember with fondness.

Related Content

Have You Visited These Venues For a Golf Break

The Best Places To Visit For a Golf Tour

Why England is Golf's Most Underrated Destination

The Best £140 You Can Spend in Golf

The Isle of Bute Offers The Best Value Golf in Scotland