20 golf courses that are true gems

What makes a golf course a true gem in this day and age? Is it immaculate conditioning, stunning scenery and a memorable layout? Or is it something harder to define - that feeling you get driving home already planning your next visit?

In an era where social media and rankings often shine the spotlight on the same famous venues, it can be easy to overlook the golf clubs quietly delivering exceptional experiences week in, week out. But scratch beneath the surface of Golfshake’s huge database of member reviews and ratings and you’ll discover courses that consistently exceed expectations, surprise visiting golfers and remind us why exploring new places remains one of the game’s greatest pleasures.

The beauty of a genuine hidden gem is that it means different things to different golfers. For some, it’s a rugged links battered by the elements. For others, it’s a beautifully presented heathland or parkland course where the welcome is warm, the green fees are fair and the golf is unforgettable.

Blackmoor Golf Club

Blackmoor has long been admired by those in the know, but it still feels wonderfully underappreciated outside serious golfing circles. This classic Harry Colt heathland layout is repeatedly praised on Golfshake for its slick greens, strategic design and consistently superb conditioning. One recent reviewer described it as “difficult but fair”, while another called it “a fantastic afternoon” and labelled the course a genuine gem. The routing flows beautifully through tranquil heathland terrain and proves that you don’t need 7,500 yards to create a memorable challenge.

Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club

If there is such a thing as a world-class hidden gem, Silloth might be it. Remote enough to avoid mainstream attention but revered by those who’ve made the journey, this extraordinary links course continues to receive glowing Golfshake reviews. One golfer called it an “absolute must-play” with “every hole unique”, while others regularly praise the outstanding value compared to many higher-profile links venues. Silloth combines thrilling golf, dramatic natural terrain and an old-school atmosphere that is increasingly rare.

Kilspindie Golf Club

Short by modern standards but endlessly charming, Kilspindie proves that great golf is about imagination rather than brute force. Set beside the Firth of Forth on Scotland’s famous Golf Coast, this historic links is loved for its quirky holes, sea views and relaxed atmosphere. Golfshake reviewers frequently highlight the fun factor here, with many leaving pleasantly surprised at how memorable the course becomes despite its modest yardage. It’s exactly the type of place that reminds golfers why variety matters.

Perranporth Golf Club

Wild, rugged and utterly unforgettable, Perranporth offers a golfing experience unlike almost anywhere else in England. Perched dramatically above the Atlantic coastline, the course delivers spectacular scenery alongside firm-running links golf and natural terrain that feels delightfully untamed. Golfshake members consistently praise its uniqueness and atmosphere, often mentioning how refreshing it feels compared to more manicured modern layouts. If your idea of a gem is a course full of character and soul, Perranporth belongs high on the list.

Goswick Links Golf Club

Overshadowed by some of the more famous links courses nearby, Goswick quietly delivers one of the purest links experiences in the country. Open Championship Final Qualifying has visited here for good reason - the course is strategic, natural and wonderfully exposed to the elements. Golfshake golfers regularly praise the peaceful setting and exceptional condition, while many are surprised that a course of this quality remains relatively affordable and uncrowded.

Cleeve Hill Golf Club

Golf doesn’t get much more natural than this. Set high on the Cotswold escarpment, Cleeve Hill offers breathtaking views, free-roaming sheep and a wonderfully unconventional golfing experience. Golfshake members often describe the scenery as unforgettable, but it’s the fast-running fairways and quirky challenge that leave the strongest impression. It’s a course packed with charm, individuality and golfing character.

Southerness Golf Club

Another remote links that rewards adventurous golfers, Southerness combines championship-calibre holes with dramatic coastal exposure. Frequently highlighted on Golfshake for its conditioning and challenge in the wind, the course has earned a loyal following among travelling golfers. One recent visitor described it as “links golf at its very best”. It’s the sort of place where every round feels slightly different depending on the weather - and that unpredictability is part of its magic.

Downfield Golf Club

Often overlooked because of its famous neighbours in Scotland, Downfield is a magnificent inland test with a rich tournament history. The tree-lined layout offers stunning presentation and strategic golf throughout, while Golfshake reviewers consistently mention the quality of the greens and the friendliness of the welcome. Many golfers leave wondering why the course isn’t discussed more often nationally.

North Wales Golf Club

Classic seaside golf with mountain backdrops is always going to leave an impression. North Wales Golf Club blends traditional links golf with spectacular scenery and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Golfshake reviewers frequently highlight the variety of holes and excellent value for money, with one golfer describing it as “a hidden gem with amazing views”. It’s a course that quietly exceeds expectations.

Worksop Golf Club

Heathland golf fans regularly rave about Worksop, yet it still flies under the radar compared to some more famous inland venues. Fast-running fairways, excellent greens and beautiful natural surroundings combine to create a highly enjoyable and strategic round. Golfshake members often mention the quality of the conditioning and the feeling that the course deserves far greater recognition nationally.

West Linton Golf Club

A course that consistently delights visitors, West Linton is praised for its clever design, excellent greens and beautiful setting in the Borders countryside. Golfshake reviewers regularly describe it as friendly, welcoming and fun to play, while many note how memorable the layout becomes after just one visit. It’s understated golf done exceptionally well.

The Herefordshire Golf Club

The Herefordshire is one of those clubs that tends to surprise first-time visitors. Set in rolling countryside with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views, it combines memorable golf holes with a peaceful setting away from busier golfing hotspots. Golfshake reviewers frequently praise both the challenge and the hospitality, making it a perfect example of a modern hidden gem.

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

There are few more visually spectacular places to play golf in Britain than Bamburgh Castle, where fairways tumble beneath one of the country’s most iconic coastal castles. But this isn’t simply a course surviving on scenery alone. Golfshake reviewers consistently praise the variety of holes, excellent greens and the sheer enjoyment of the layout. Many visitors arrive for the views and leave talking about how much fun the golf itself was.

Dunstable Downs Golf Club

Set high on the chalky Bedfordshire downs, Dunstable Downs offers a wonderfully natural and windswept golfing experience that feels far removed from modern resort golf. Golfshake members frequently mention the superb views and unique terrain, while one reviewer called it “a real test when the wind gets up”. The exposed hilltop setting means the course can play differently every time you visit, adding to its charm and replayability.

Leighton Buzzard Golf Club

Leighton Buzzard is one of those courses that quietly impresses everyone who plays it. This classic heathland layout is regularly praised on Golfshake for its immaculate conditioning, fast greens and thoughtful design. Surrounded by pines and heather, the course delivers a peaceful atmosphere alongside strategic golf that rewards smart thinking rather than brute power. Many golfers leave wondering why it isn’t talked about more often.

Rushcliffe Golf Club

Rushcliffe proves that a welcoming club and consistently excellent golf course can leave just as strong an impression as famous championship venues. Golfshake reviewers regularly highlight the quality of the greens and the friendly atmosphere, while the mature parkland layout provides an enjoyable but fair challenge for golfers of all abilities. One member described it simply as “always in fantastic condition”. It’s the type of course that quietly exceeds expectations.

Sedbergh Golf Club

Few inland courses can rival Sedbergh when it comes to scenery. Set amongst the dramatic Cumbrian fells, the course offers panoramic views in every direction and a wonderfully natural routing through rolling terrain. Golfshake members often describe it as both challenging and unforgettable, with the changing elevation adding interest throughout the round. It’s golf that feels adventurous in the very best way.

Silverdale Golf Club

Silverdale is exactly the type of course golfers mean when they talk about hidden gems. Quirky, unconventional and packed with personality, the layout winds across limestone outcrops and natural valleys near Morecambe Bay. Golfshake members regularly describe it as fun, unique and unlike anywhere else they’ve played. It’s a reminder that memorable golf experiences don’t always come from championship yardage.

Wortley Golf Club

Founded in 1890, Wortley combines historic charm with excellent heathland golf. The course flows beautifully across rolling terrain and is regularly praised by Golfshake members for its conditioning, variety and relaxed atmosphere. One reviewer described it as “an absolute pleasure to play”, while others mention the timeless feel of the club. Visitors are often surprised by just how good the course is.

Welshpool Golf Club

Welshpool might just be one of the most entertaining hillside golf courses in Britain. Known for its dramatic slopes, elevated tees and breathtaking Mid Wales views, the course delivers a round packed with memorable moments. Golfshake reviewers often mention the scenery, but also praise the creativity of the layout itself. One golfer called it “quirky, scenic and hugely enjoyable” - exactly the qualities that define a true gem.

Using Golfshake ratings and recent member feedback, we’ve highlighted 20 golf courses across Great Britain that golfers believe deserve far more recognition than they often receive.

Of course, the joy of golf is that everyone’s list of hidden gems will be different. One golfer’s favourite hidden heathland might be another’s dream links escape or affordable local treasure. But what these Golfshake standouts prove is that unforgettable golf experiences can still be found away from the biggest names and most expensive tee sheets.

So next time you’re planning a golf trip or looking for somewhere new to play, maybe skip the obvious choice and take a chance on somewhere unfamiliar. You might just discover your own personal gem.

And if you’ve played a course that deserves more recognition, let us know on Golfshake. The best recommendations in golf still come from golfers themselves.