Hidden Gem Golf Courses to Play in The UK

You may feel that hidden gem is a fairly redundant term in this digital, social media-dominated age, where nothing worthwhile can truly remain undiscovered, and that is probably fair, but there are places that don't receive the wider recognition that they deserve.

Thousands of keen players are part of the Golfshake Community and they routinely rate and review the venues they experience, which offers an invaluable resource of recommendations that come directly from regular, everyday golfers.

Looking at the many courses that they have visited and praised lately, we have picked out some of those throughout the UK that can be played for no more than £50 during the peak months of the season.

From Scottish islands to the heart of the Midlands in England, if you are searching for destinations that offer tremendous value for money - and come acclaimed by other golfers - then here is a pretty good place to start. 

It's time for you to meet some real hidden gem golf courses in the UK!

Wharton Park Golf Club

Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.06

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "I like to play different courses in the area and this one stands out for me. Exceptional clubhouse and facilities and all at reasonable prices. The staff were very friendly and I really liked that they kept to the tee times and dress code. I really liked the layout giving that feeling of going out into the countryside. It has wonderful views from the top of the hills and is a challenging 18 with lots of good driving holes. The greens were in good condition - fast and tricky. Really enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you to all concerned."

Covesea Links

Location: Lossiemouth, Moray

Golfshake Rating: 4.39

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "A real gem. This is like the secret garden of courses. You head off down an unremarkable path which opens into the absolute gem that is Covesea. The welcome in the porta cabin is the best. The lady is so friendly and helpful. There are head covers, ball markers, etc, for sale. You can hire clubs and trolleys too. The holes all have something to offer and are being improved season on season. The greens were in fabulous condition when we went in August. My favourite holes are driving over a mound (mountain!) and driving through two, let's call them cliffs! Fun and challenging. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and if the golf is bad or you’ve run out of balls in the gorse (which is brutal!) you can enjoy the wonderful sea views or watch the RAF planes. Can’t wait to get back."

The Mount Golf & Country Club

Location: Wolverhampton, Staffordshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.95

Green Fees: From £28

Review Comment: "Excellent venue with all you need, range, short game, quality clubhouse and food. The course presents a challenge to top players but is still enjoyable for the mid to high handicappers and not at all exhausting to walk. Greens are immaculate with beautiful contours, treat yourself you wont be dissapointed!"

Oxford Golf Club

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.43

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: "What a real gem, hidden in the centre of Oxford, this great laid out golf course, with every hole bringing a different challenge, the fairways were very dry due to the weather but as you approached the greens it was starting to get green, the greens were in great condition and putted very true, the clubhouse was very good but having building work done so part of it closed, the pro shop were very friendly but not a great amount of stock, very limited of sizes unless you are small or medium! Overall a great day of golf, a must for any golfer."

Minto Golf Club

Location: Hawick, Borders

Golfshake Rating: 4.21

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "Was playing in a comp at the Roxburgh the following day and stumbled across this absolute GEM! What a course. Immaculate and great fun to play. The greens were well kept but hard to read (more of a me problem)! No pro shop but can hire buggies from reception. Would love to play again."

Park Wood Golf Club

Location: Tatsfield, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 3.53

Green Fees: From £20

Review Comment: "Hidden gem in Kent. I haven't played the course all season, but considering the weather conditions all summer, the course was in fantastic condition when judged against other courses in the immediate area."

Heysham Golf Club

Location: Morecambe, Lancashire

Golfshake Rating: 4.73

Green Fees: From £48

Review Comment: "A coastal golfing gem. Heysham Golf Club is a fantastic mix of friendly atmosphere, stunning coastal views, and a well-maintained, challenging course. The staff and members make you feel welcome from the start, and the clubhouse is perfect for relaxing after a round. A must-play if you’re in the area!"

Chigwell Golf Club

Location: Chigwell, Essex

Golfshake Rating: 4.22

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "Chigwell - a hidden gem. Super, well conditioned course. A real test with long par 4s and interesting par 3s. Really friendly welcome from pro shop and members. Even got a weekend green fee discount! Will be back."

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club

Location: Bedlington, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Green Fees: From £35

Review Comment: "What a delightful course, with a great layout. It was a sunny day, when started the round and had the rhododendrons in full bloom around Amen Corner. Well done to all concerned."

Bakewell Golf Club

Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.77

Green Fees: From £18

Review Comment: "Absoloute gem of a course. Played with a friend last week. Stunning views. A really good test of golf with some long and short par 4's, as well as a couple of attractive and tricky par 3's. At 20 quid for 18 holes (9 holes, different tees) you'd struggle to find better value elsewhere. The locals and members we chatted to on the course were very friendly. Highly recommended."

Pottergate Golf Club

Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.26

Green Fees: From £22

Review Comment: "This is a little gem of a course, 9 interesting holes each with own character. The greens were also in excellent condition, and all staff encountered were very attentive, all round a lovely experience."

Reddish Vale Golf Club

Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester

Golfshake Rating: 4.32

Green Fees: From £50

Review Comment: "Reddish Vale Golf Club is an absolute gem. From the moment you arrive, the welcome from the pro is warm and genuine, setting the tone for a fantastic day. The undulating Alister MacKenzie design is superb, testing your course management and making you think on every shot. Every hole is enjoyable, but the par 3s are particularly outstanding, demanding accuracy and rewarding good play. The greens are true and fast, while the bunkers are perfectly maintained. As a bonus, it’s the best course I’ve ever played for picking blackberries."

West Herts Golf Club

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.41

Green Fees: From £50

Review Comment: "Course was set up to test and the greens were fast. Bunkers are strategically placed in the fairway to make you think. Brilliant course."

The Burstead Golf Club

Location: Billericay, Essex

Golfshake Rating: 3.99

Green Fees: From £42.50

Review Comment: "Excellent course this, not very long but challenging in layout. Greens were good and very playable despite some brown fairways. Great clubhouse and food and plenty of practice facilities."

Nizels Golf Club

Location: Tonbridge, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 3.73

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: "We played the course and found it in excellent condition. The fairways are a little patchy due to the unusual dry summer but no worse than any other local course. The greens were superb. The staff were excellent, very welcoming and keen to make our visit a day to remember."

Ingrebourne Links Golf & Country Club

Location: Rainham, Essex

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "A gem! The course is in wonderful condition. Tees, fairways and greens best I have played all year. Wonderful layout. Hospitality of staff was good. Would recommend everyone to play."

Birstall Golf Club

Location: Birstall, Leicestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.36

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: Hidden gem on the edge of Leicester, this 100 year old club is well worth a visit. New clubhouse and pro shop since my last visit. Course tree lined in fantastic condition, tee boxes, fairways and greens in first class condition. Staff very helpful and friendly."

Hilton Park Golf Club

Location: Milngavie, Glasgow

Golfshake Rating: 4.16

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: "Stunning hidden gem short course. While not long, the Allander course at Hilton Park is an exciting and exhilarating golf course. A mix of some tough par 3 holes, a couple of excellent par 5s and the full range of par 4 holes, this course is brilliant fun to play. Not tough if you can hit it straight but then that is the challenge. Two amazing holes that would fit in at any great course are the uphill par 3 4th and the sweeping left to right par 4 5th holes, one of the most exciting holes I have played in a long time. Amazingly friendly and hospitable - we were welcomed by a member on the 1st tee who gave us a few tips and said play from whatever tees you want (a very refreshing attitude). All the staff and members we came across were so friendly. If I didn't live so far away I would join this club in a heartbeat."

Millport Golf Club

Location: Millport, Great Cumbrae

Golfshake Rating: 3.50

Green Fees: From £35

Review Comment: "This course is a hidden gem with spectacular views, it's opened 365 days a year, it's less than £50 a round, highly recommended."

Matlock Golf Club

Location: Matlock, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.28

Green Fees: From £30

Review Comment: "Interesting layout that is undergoing considerable improvements and additions. These are all in-keeping with its history with original features being reinstated. Bunker project a great success. Clubhouse welcoming and good value. Friendly response to the visiting golfer. Great society venue."

Woodbury Park Golf Club

Location: Exeter, Devon

Golfshake Rating: 4.05

Green Fees: From £30

Review Comment: "A jewel in a beautiful part of Devon, challenging course with a variety of slopes, trees and lakes in excellent condition. The hotel provides spacious and comfortable rooms with superb views over the course. The attached pool and gym complex is also excellent. All staff in the golf and hotel were friendly and welcoming, certainly a course to revisit."

Stratford Park Golf Club

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.23

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "Always in good condition, never too busy, always a challenge. Thoroughly enjoy playing here and good value."

Studley Wood Golf Club

Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.49

Green Fees: From £30

Review Comment: "The course is very interesting and great fun but what really stood out was the quality of the greens and nearly all of the tees. Considering the dry weather we have had of late, how they have produced the quality here that they have is beyond me and it really just puts you in the right frame of mind to play well and with a smile on your face."

Purley Downs Golf Club

Location: South Croydon, Greater London

Golfshake Rating: 4.33

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "Mesmerising greens. Really enjoyed our second visit. Clearly a quality course as was very popular. Plenty of four balls slowed us down. And so we missed the kitchen. Greens truly excellent and so hard to read. Fairways ideal. Highly recommend."

Duns Golf Club

Location: Duns, Borders

Golfshake Rating: 4.39

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: "A great value hidden gem! A very charming course in the Scottish Borders. Excellent value, in good condition and a pleasing set of holes set in the stunning Scottish countryside. We played this in the late afternoon after travelling down to the area that morning and it proved to be a great warm up course for the rest of our golf trip that week."

Tournerbury Golf Centre

Location: Hayling Island, Hampshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.84

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "Great course, great facilities ,hidden gem. Stayed on Haying Island, asked one of the reception girls if they knew of a golf course nearby, she suggested Tournebury, rang the day before to book a round of 18 holes, they have a 10 bay driving range, on-site golf shop selling clubs, bags shoes, etc, but no clothing, great on-site independently owned cafe serving excellent food. The day we played it was 33 degrees but the fairways were still relatively soft under foot, bunkers with great sand in and the greens were outstanding. For a 9 hole course just under 3,000 yards, it was a joy to play, a par 3 of about 125 yards and two par 3s at 200 yards, all protected by bunkers or a ditch in front, two par 5s and great par 4s."

Westgate & Birchington Golf Club

Location: Westgate-on-Sea, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 3.75

Green Fees: From £20

Review Comment: "Again a little gem, not the longest but you have to play the weather off the coastline so a different challenge, great clubhouse, very friendly."

Ravenmeadow Golf Club

Location: Worcester, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 3.50

Green Fees: From £23.50

Review Comment: "Nice little gem, not long, so accuracy off the tee is imperative as it's got a few trees lining the fairways. The tee boxes were not in good condition due to lack of water, but the greens were in excellent condition, a pleasure to putt on, will be going back again soon."

Theale Golf Club

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.65

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: "Interesting course with plenty of ditches and water hazards to catch any errant shots. Par 3s also more challenging than normal and require both distance and accuracy!"

Douglas Park Golf Club

Location: Bearsden, Glasgow

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Green Fees: From £50

Review Comment: "Cracking course, a little gem just north of Glasgow. The course was in great condition, greens putted true. It offers challenges and opportunities for all levels of golfer. Some quirky holes and some long, narrow ones needing precision."

Stanley Park Golf Course

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Golfshake Rating: 3.37

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "Absolutely superb course. If I didn't live too far away, I would become a member as soon as possible."

Stanedge Golf Club

Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.28

Green Fees: £26

Review Comment: "After a visit earlier in the year, I came back a few weeks ago on possibly one of the hottest days of the year. Yet again, the course didn’t disappoint. I thought the fairways were really quite lush in comparison to some of the courses I have played and the greens were superb. If I lived a little closer this would be the course I would be joining! Everything about it is top drawer!"

Dyke Golf Club

Location: Brighton, East Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.35

Green Fees: From £30

Review Comment: "Dyke Golf Club is hands down one of the best golf courses in East Sussex, offering a combination of excellent value for money, superb course conditions, and a welcoming atmosphere. The course itself is a real treat, with challenging yet enjoyable holes that cater to golfers of all skill levels. But what really sets Dyke apart are its greens - quite possibly the best in East Sussex! Well manicured and true to the roll, they make for an exceptional playing experience, especially when the weather is on your side."

Cherwell Edge Golf Club

Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "Absolute gem in Oxfordshire! This course is an old favourite and I returned for the final round of a two day trip. The driving range was closed on the day I visited but the putting green was in excellent condition and the bar was open and they accommodated an early tee time for me too. The course is excellent and the greens are very well kept. Some tight tree lined fairways will challenge those who can be wayward with their tee shots. I look forward to returning again."

Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club

Location: Embleton, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "After seeing the course on numerous YouTube golf channels, was looking forward to playing it and it did not disappoint. Superb course, highly recommend it to everyone."

Horsley Lodge Golf Club

Location: Horsley, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.41

Green Fees: From £35

Review Comment: "A gem of a course. The course is well maintained, with a layout that challenges low handicappers but still enjoyable for my wife (high 20 HCP). Rolling fairways, stunning views, and slick greens. The new restaurant offers top-notch fantastic food, friendly staff, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re here for a society day, a casual round, or a special event, Horsley delivers on every front. A must-visit for anyone who loves great golf in a picturesque setting."

Kidderminster Golf Club

Location: Kidderminster, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.33

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "Pro shop were very welcoming and helpful, the pro chatted to us about the course. Pace of play was excellent, course was quiet. Greens were immaculate, however fairways were brown and bare, although this is the same for the other courses nearby due to lack of rainfall. First six holes I found a bit repetitive. Straight, tight holes with little features. Back 9 was much more interesting, slightly more open and greater variation in holes layouts."

Barlaston Golf Club

Location: Barlaston, Staffordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.14

Green Fees: From £25

Review Comment: "Hidden gem in Staffs. A wonderful course to play golf on. Enjoy gorgeous views of this lovely part of the country and have fun whilst trying to hit good shots. The five or so holes opening holes are all about choosing to get to the 'correct side' of the fairway to set up your next shot free of trees and of ditches. Avoid the ponds, ditches and slopes to the right and left and you will have had a good round. Rain sort of spoilt the first few holes but what a course and a friendly bunch. I would love to play it again. The team there are ambitious and are making use of their opportunities to better the course. I would strongly recommend this venue as a good one to introduce your society to."

Mundesley Golf Club

Location: Mundesley, Norfolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Green Fees: From £35

Review Comment: "Hidden gem on north Norfolk coast. Great course, in fantastic condition. Every hole very different, and offers a real challenge especially in the wind. Immaculate greens."

Maybole Golf Course

Location: Maybole, Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.07

Green Fees: From £40

Review Comment: "Gem of a course. Fantastic views, greenkeeping staff have done brilliant."

Powfoot Golf Club

Location: Powfoot, Dumfries & Galloway

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

Green Fees: From £45

Review Comment: "Hidden gem of a course with very challenging well manicured greens. Would highly recommend and definitely visit again."

Hinckley Golf Club

Location: Hinckley, Leicestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.47

Green Fees: From £35

Review Comment: "Superb! Very warm from everyone at the club. Course was in immaculate condition and has matured into one of the top courses in Leicestershire. This was followed by an excellent meal. A must play venue!"

Tall Pines Golf Club

Location: Bristol, Somerset

Golfshake Rating: 4.44

Green Fees: From £30

Review Comment: "A challenging course in places with many interesting holes. The planes are a great addition to the overall experience. Excellent views. A quality course. Friendly and helpful staff."

Badgemore Park

Location: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.10

Green Fees: From £32

Review Comment: "Very enjoyable experience playing Badgemore. Plenty of variety in the 18 holes, some very interesting doglegs. Staff are very helpful, all round an excellent experience playing this course."

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