Golf courses that other golfers recommend to you in 2026

As 2026 begins, what better way to start the new year than by planning which golf courses you will play this year. Whether you're looking for weekend trips around the country, highly rated courses in your area, or hidden gems that could be right under your nose, here are some of our highest rated and reviewed golf courses from 2025. These courses are all rated highly in several main categories, including Value For Money, Hospitality, The Course and the Course Conditions. 

We received many thousands of unique reviews in 2025, submitted by everyday golfers, and here are some recommended venues in the UK that featured prominently in a number of key categories.

Let's discover if some of them appeal to you this year!

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club

Location: Bedlington, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Rated Highly in 2025 For: The Course + Value For Money + Hospitality + Course Conditions 

This par 73 parkland course in the North East of England has been receiving rave reviews throughout 2025, being highly rated in four categories. With luscious tree lined fairways and tight bunkered greens, accuracy on approach is crucial at Bedlingtonshire. There is also a well-maintained practice green for your putting and chipping, and a separate practice area for your irons and woods. If you are based in the North East or are planning a golf trip up there this year, be certain to check out Bedlingtonshire GC.  

Green Fees: £25.00 - £40.00 

Review Comment: "The course gets better each year, and the greens were in excellent condition."

Moor Hall Golf Club

Location: Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.24

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating + The Course + Hospitality 

Set in the mature woodland on the outskirts of Birmingham, Moor Hall is one of the most pristine and well-kept courses in all the Midlands. This par 70 course is renowned for its excellent drainage, keeping the course in top condition all year round. The tree lined fairways make for a challenging yet scenic round, where all abilities of golfers can be sure to have a pleasant experience. 

Green Fees: £30.00 - £55.00 

Review Comment: "I have played Moor Hall many times and it's a wonderful golf course. The course is always in tip top condition, the greens are fast and true, and it is always immaculately maintained. The clubhouse always has a warm welcome for visitors and has a great selection of beers and hot food and snacks to choose from. The pro shop is excellent and well stocked with golf clothing, balls, tees, etc. There is ample car parking at the course adjacent to the clubhouse. Thoroughly recommended."

Stanedge Golf Club

Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.28

Rated Highly in 2025 For: The Course + Value For Money + Hospitality + Course Conditions

You will find Stanedge Golf Club slotted right in the middle of the picturesque Peak District, just outside of Chesterfield. This location offers the perfect backdrop throughout your round, with stunning views over four counties. The ten-hole course is strategically laid out to ensure that every aspect of your game and every club in your bag is put to the test. If you are spending any time around the Peak District, be sure to pay Stanedge GC a visit. 

Green Fees: £15.00 - £20.00 

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!"

Alresford Golf Club

Location: Alresford, Hampshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.62

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating + Course Conditions 

Alresford is one of 30 downland courses in the whole of England, making it a truly unique experience. The course is distinguished by fast running fairways and firm greens, with wonderful vistas over the surrounding countryside. The course has great natural drainage, and it is an easy walking course, making it perfect for all ages and abilities at any time of year.  

Green Fees: £27.00 - £70.00 

Review Comment: "Warm and professional welcome with ease of booking; interesting, varied and challenging course in good condition. Catering standards and facilities above average. All staff professionals, administrative and restaurant/bar extremely pleasant and helpful."

Cullen Golf Club

Location: Cullen, Moray

Golfshake Rating: 4.26

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Value For Money + Hospitality + Course Conditions 

Situated between Aberdeen and Inverness along the Moray Firth Coast, this course was founded in 1870 and designed by Old Tom Morris. This course is one of the few worldwide that is considered a true links course, with the sandy conditions and seaside views giving it that authentic links feel. The outward front nine plays along the cliffs with fantastic views, before the back nine loops back in at beach level. Although this is considered the shortest links course in the world, it doesn't lack in excitement.  

Green Fees: £20.00 - £60.00 

Review Comment: "Had a wonderful time playing here. So good that my partner and I had to play it twice! Kate greeted us and made certain we were set for our round. We spent a fabulous day at Cullen and would do it again!" 

Ham Manor Golf Club

Location: Angmering, West Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.43

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Value For Money + Hospitality + Course Conditions 

A stunning parkland golf course designed by Harry Colt between the Sussex Coast and South Downs. This course was designed by the lay of the land, giving it a challenging aspect ensuring every club in your bag is put to the test. Ham Manor has great value for money considering the perfect course conditions all year round, as well as being highly rated for the club's staff and hospitality. Put simply, Ham Manor is one of the finest, most historic and best kept golf courses in the country, and it is a must play for every golfer! 

Green Fees: £35.00 - £70.00 

Review Comment: "We played in the Ham Manor open this year in May, it was a great day and I could not recommend it highly enough. The course was in great condition, especially considering the dry weather we have had this spring, the greenkeeper had worked really hard to keep the course in tip top condition. The organisation, food and clubhouse facilities were great. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to play golf in Sussex." 

High Post Golf Club

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.43

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating + Hospitality 

Named after the site of an ancient gallows, High Post is located on the southern reaches of Salisbury Plain, close to Stonehenge and the historical city of Salisbury. With its downland and free draining terrain, High Post remains in pristine playing condition throughout the year, meaning there is never a bad time to visit. High Post comes with a bone shaking 72 bunkers, so be sure to bring your accuracy with you when you visit! 

Green Fees: £25.00 - £65.00 

Review Comment: "Fast greens, good sand in bunkers, well maintained."

Wigtownshire County Golf Club

Location: Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway

Golfshake Rating: 3.52

Rated Highly in 2025 For: The Course + Hospitality + Course Conditions

Often named one of the best golf holiday locations in the whole of south west Scotland, Wigtownshire County GC has one of the truest links experiences on the whole west coast. With subtly sloping greens and fairways, partnered with the often-changing seaside breeze, golfers of all skill levels should expect to be challenged when they visit.  

Green Fees: £30.00 - £50.00 

Review Comment: "A lovely course with stunning views over Luce Bay. Some of the best kept fairways and greens I’ve seen, a credit to the greenkeepers! And with easy parking and a great bar and cafeteria. Lovely food and staff made for a very enjoyable visit a must for anyone visiting the south west Scotland."

Cumberwell Park Golf Club

Location: Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

Rated Highly in 2025 For: The Course + Course Conditions

Cumberwell Park is well known for being Wiltshire's only 45-hole golf course. The 45 holes create five nine-hole courses, all of which finish at the clubhouse, allowing you to experience the full range on offer. Each course has a perfect mix of natural countryside, woodland, lakes and streams, and there is even a links style course. Cumberwell Park truly has something for every golfer! 

Green Fees: £45.00 - £90.00 

Review Comment: "A superb venue, extremely friendly and helpful staff. The course and facilities are second to none and I can highly recommend a visit to this superb course."

Downshire Golf Complex

Location: Wokingham, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.69

Rated Highly in 2025 For: The Course + Value For Money

Set in the delightful Berkshire countryside, Downshire Golf Complex is often referred to as one of the finest pay and play venues in the UK. This par-72 championship course is set in mature woodland that is sure to give golfers of all ability a challenging round. There is also 30-bay floodlit Trackman driving range and large putting green on site, giving you the perfect warm up opportunity for your round. 

Green Fees: £20.00 - £26.00 

Review Comment: "The course layout and the condition of the course are excellent. I'd say the fairways reward a good drive, some of the approach shots are tricky and the greens were fast and undulating. A really enjoyable test of your game."

East Herts Golf Club

Location: Buntingford, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.36

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Hospitality + Course Conditions

Founded in 1899 and recognised as one of the best golf courses in Hertsfordshire, East Herts is overlooked by the Hamels Mansion in the beautiful rolling parkland surroundings. With ancient trees scattered around the course, the straight hitter will be rewarded. This par-71 course is easy walking and a great test for all golfers.  

Green Fees: £35.00 - £60.00 

Review Comment: "The course was in brilliant condition, and the staff were helpful throughout, with good food in the bar too."

Feldon Valley Golf Club

Location: Sutton Lane, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating

Feldon Valley is an idylic retreat set in an area of outstanding beauty in the Cotswolds countryside. Feldon Valley has nature surrounded rooms available if you are looking for your next golfing trip in the UK. The course itself is a charming par-71 outing, which is sure to give you a relaxing, yet challenging round of golf.  

Green Fees: £30.00 - £70.00 

Review Comment: "We played Feldon Valley again recently. It’s great value and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The food is excellent too - leave time for something to eat before or after your round. Feldon Valley is a hidden gem." 

Horsley Lodge Golf Club  

Location: Derby, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.41

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating

With tree-lined meandering fairways and picturesque settings throughout the Derbyshire countryside, Horsley Lodge is certainly one of the finest golf courses in the East Midlands. Originally meadowland, this course has transformed with the land around it, become a challenging parkland course. The course does also come with some tricky water features, so be sure to stock up on balls before your visit! 

Green Fees: £30.00 - £70.00 

Review Comment: "Great course, tough but fair, greens are amazing. Bar and restaurant have an excellent choice of food and drink."

Isle of Wedmore Golf Club 

Location: Wedmore, Somerset

Golfshake Rating: 3.91

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating

Somerset is renowned for its beautiful rolling countryside, and there is no better way to see it then by playing at Isle of Wedmore. This course is made of two nine-hole loops that both start and finish at the comfortable and warm welcoming clubhouse. With constant investment from the owners, Isle of Wedmore remains in great condition through all the seasons. 

Green Fees: £20.00 - £40.00 

Review Comment: "Great course, well kept with some challenging holes. The clubhouse is superb with friendly staff and good food. The pro is friendly and welcoming. Don’t hesitate if you are considering playing at the Isle of Wedmore you won’t be disappointed." 

London Golf Club  

Location: Ash, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 4.70

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating

London Golf Club is home to two world class championship standard courses. The Heritage was designed by Jack Nicklaus, with dramatic tee shots and daunting approaches, you are made to consider every shot. The International is without doubt one of the best downland courses in all of Europe, with fast, undulating fairways and fearsome water hazards, you are sure to be challenged here. London Golf Club truly is a dream for all golfers.  

Green Fees: £115.00 - £125.00 

Review Comment: "Beautiful - tees were in great condition, the greens were perfect (but fast) and the best fairways I've played. Best compliment is reserved for the bunkers, consistent, good sand, just a shame where they were as they caught us aplenty. International has, in my opinion, the hardest set of par 3's - some long carries over water - a real test. A great day and hope to return." 

Plassey Golf Club

Location: Wrexham, Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.24

Rated Highly in 2025 For: The Course + Course Conditions 

Plassey Golf Club is a nine-hole course that winds its way through the natural parkland of the Welsh countryside. Plassey is well looked after and maintained to a fine level all year round. There is also a pitch and putt course and a driving range on site for fine tuning your game. 

Green Fees: £20.00 - £30.00 

Review Comment: "Lovely 9-hole golf course, kept really well. Enjoyable to play." 

Stratford Park Golf Club 

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.23

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating 

This 18 hole par-72 championship golf course is certain to challenge every golfer out there. With a complete irrigation system and USGA spec greens, Stratford Park remains in peak condition all year round. The course comes with a signature par 3, which has you hitting onto an island green. Stratford Park Golf Club is not to be skipped in 2026. 

Green Fees: £30.00 - £35.00 

Review Comment: "Greens and fairways absolutely impeccable, was an absolute joy to play." 

The Wychwood Golf Club 

Location: Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

Rated Highly in 2025 For: Most Highly Recommend + Highest Rating 

Set within 170 acres of the stunning Cotswolds countryside, with USGA spec greens, Wychwood Golf Club is a must play for all golfers. On site you can also enjoy a state of the art putting green and short game practice area, as well as a Trackman driving range. The course integrates water hazards and natural beauty to give you the ultimate test of your golf game.  

Green Fees: £25.00 - £50.00 

Review Comment: "Greens exceeded expectations. Fairways in good order. Tee boxes far more level than elsewhere." 

Which of these courses recommended by other golfers are you most likely to play this year?