The golf courses that other golfers are most excited to play in 2026

Golfers are aspirational creatures at heart - we'd all love to get better at this game and shoot lower scores. We also relish the opportunity to play different courses, especially if they are somewhere that we've been thinking about for a long time.

Whether it be a venue that possesses rich championship prestige, a spectacular resort layout, or a precious golfing jewel that you've long had your eye on, the possibilities are seemingly endless with the sole limitation being the scope of your imagination.

Keen to learn more about where golfers are hoping to play during the months ahead, we surveyed hundreds of keen players and presented the question: Which golf course are you looking forward to playing in 2026?

This came on the back of a similar examination of bucket list golf courses, so there may be some overlap, but what has excited us was just how varied and eclectic the responses we received have been.

Let's take a look at the places that other golfers have on their radar for the season to come - and you may discover that you are following in their footsteps.

1. The Belfry

This is a perennial favourite with the Golfshake Community. While the Brabazon Course - renowned for its Ryder Cup history and current standing as host of the British Masters - takes most of the attention, we shouldn't understate the importance of both the Derby and PGA National layouts to what remains one of England's most popular golf destinations.

2. St Andrews

There is something unique in the air when you visit St Andrews. Yes, the Old Course is legendary and a dream for most golfers to experience at least once, but there is so much more to this remarkable location. Golfers can play numerous courses - including the New, Jubilee, Castle, Eden, and Craigtoun (newly added to the Links Trust portfolio) - while exploring the historic streets of a special town that is both synonymous with golf and one of the leading universities on the planet.

3. Nefyn

One of the most visually intoxicating courses in the United Kingdom, Nefyn is a jewel on the west coast of Wales, with the holes that head out on The Point - a narrow peninsula with sea cliff views - being particularly memorable. 

When you think of the scenery and thrilling nature of the layout, it's no wonder that Nefyn has people desperate to secure a tee time.

4. Aberdovey

Remaining in Wales, the magnificent links of Aberdovey is arguably underrated by the wider golfing community, but clearly not in the minds of the golfers who responded to our survey.

This is a quintessential examination of seaside golf and a course that will reside long in your memory after playing it.

5. Royal Dornoch

Anyone who has the good fortune to venture up into the far north of Scotland and play Royal Dornoch is an individual to be envied. 

Undeniably among the greatest golf courses in the world, there is an enduring allure to this challenging and visually thrilling venue that sets it apart from almost anywhere else that you are likely to experience. 

We're jealous of anyone making that trip this year!

6. Ferndown

Situated in the heart of Dorset, just to the north of Bournemouth, Ferndown is one of England's most celebrated heathland courses, which benefits from a secluded location that offers tranquillity alongside one of the best designs that you will ever play.

This is a golf experience that ranks among the most tantalising.

7. Forest Pines

Tucked away in Lincolnshire, this is a long-standing favourite with golfers who travel on breaks throughout England. It's home to a distinct trio of nine separate holes - Forest, Pines and Beeches - that can be played in various combinations to offer a thoroughly satisfying golfing menu.

Our friends at Golfbreaks have numerous packages for you to choose from.

8. High Post

You will find High Post in an enviable location close to Salisbury and Stonehenge, so it's only right that the course itself is full of character and charm.

Highly Recommended on Golfshake - it was also a place that other golfers recommended to you for 2026.

9. Littlestone

When you think of links courses in Kent, you will probably think of Royal St George's, or even Royal Cinque Ports and Prince's, all of which have varying degrees of Open history behind them, but you shouldn't overlook Littlestone.

This is classic example of seaside golf - dating back to the late 19th century - and it's a layout that aficionados will relish.

10. Dumbarnie Links

Around 12 miles south of St Andrews, Dumbarnie Links is a modern masterpiece that the Golfshake Team had the opportunity to experience back in 2022.

The course has only matured since then and its reputation continues to grow, meaning that it's no surprise that some of you are excited to visit this season.

11. Fancourt

Arguably the standout golf destination in South Africa, anyone who has the chance to visit this venue are lucky indeed. There are three courses here - Montagu, Outeniqua, and The Links, all of which are challenging, aesthetically pleasing, and will create moments that you will constantly relive.

12. Woodhall Spa

Both courses at Woodhall Spa, the Hotchkin and Bracken, are worth playing, but it's the former that most attracts golfers as it's easily one of England's most testing layouts.

As Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken reflected when he played there: "Serious golfers looking for a challenge will find Woodhall Spa well worthy of a visit."

13. Isle of Purbeck

There is no doubt that Isle of Purbeck can lay claim to possessing one of the most spectacular locations of any course in England.

Set within a Nature Reserve, the holes here feel raw and natural, while the views are incredible, looking out towards Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, Bournemouth, and the Solent.

14. Le Touquet

Perfect for British golfers who fancy a break on the continent, Le Touquet is just an hour from Calais, making it highly accessible, and when you get there you will be greeted by a pair of exceptional courses.

Designed by Harry Colt and Charles Alison, La Mer is a layout that runs through dunes and has a distinctive links character, while La Foret is a woodland course that is surrounded by mature trees.

It's no wonder why this is a popular venue on Golfbreaks.

15. Powfoot

Just over the border in Scotland, you will come across Powfoot, which is a proper James Braid redesign that combines both links and parkland characteristics into a layout that is something of a hidden gem.

As one reviewer said on Golfshake: "Great course and second time I've played it. Greens in great condition. Will definitely return as it's a really good value for money course."

16. Saunton

One of the standout 36-hole golf venues in England, Saunton is a jewel of North Devon and is home to a pair of championship layouts, the East and the West, which individually would be worth making a lengthy trip to play, but when combined as a package, there are few places better.

17. Turnberry

Could the Ailsa at Turnberry be the best course in Scotland? There are sage minds who believe that to be the case, so it's no surprise that some golfers are thrilled at the chance to play there, even if it involves parting with an eye-watering green fee.

Its sibling King Robert the Bruce layout is rather good too.

18. Aphrodite Hills

This is a striking course laid out through a unique landscape that includes a ravine that separates the two plateaus on which the holes are located. 

Cyprus is a stunning place to visit and Aphrodite Hills - as our very own Andy Picken discovered in 2025 - is a course that you won't forget in a hurry. 

Fancy seeing what the hype is about? Golfbreaks can take you there!

19. Carnoustie

Carnoustie is one of Scotland's most revered golfing hotspots - its Championship Course is famed for its examining layout, especially the closing stretch - while the sibling Burnside and Buddon courses are also worth playing.

Whichever of these you have a tee time for, it's no shock to see it continue to draw in many keen golfers.

20. Portumna

When you're asked to imagine golf courses in Ireland, you will probably think of a natural links that flows through towering dunes, but what about Portumna in County Galway, which is one of the best parkland layouts on the island?

Golfshake's Andy Picken played here in 2023 and wrote afterwards: "This is an aspirational golf club that is set to attract the visiting golfer as well as providing an excellent local membership package. The number of visiting societies who return annually gives me the best indication of its quality and attractions. I loved it!"

These are the courses that the golfers who responded to our survey are most excited to visit in 2026. 

What venue is at the top of your list for the season ahead?