The success of a year playing this game can be determined in a variety of ways. Perhaps it's lowering your handicap, shooting a lifetime best score, or simply playing more often than you did during the previous season. Those are all valid categories to consider, but visiting a truly brilliant course is something that can elevate your memories to another level.
Desiring to learn more about where keen golfers have been going this year, we asked the Golfshake Community on Facebook to name the finest layout that they had played during 2026.
We received hundreds of comments that referenced dozens and dozens of courses, but there were some that stood out above the rest, those locations that were mentioned repeatedly. We've brought them together in this article below.
If you are searching for potential inspiration in the future, you could consider these as the golf courses that other golfers recommend to you!
Castle Stuart
Located near Inverness, the effective capital of the Highlands, Castle Stuart was officially opened in 2009 and quickly drew prominence by hosting several Scottish Opens, which included victories by Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson.
Designed by architect Gil Hanse and developer Mark Parsinen, this is a thrilling course that boasts an exceptional setting that overlooks the Moray Firth. Having played this layout myself, I have long felt that it was the best designed of the "modern" links venues in Scotland and it's clear that a significant number of golfers out there feel the same way.
Royal Dornoch
(Image Credit: Kevin Murray)
Roughly an hour north of Castle Stuart, you will reach the simply magisterial Royal Dornoch. The Championship Course here has attained a legendary status, capturing the imagination of golfers worldwide who dream of venturing to this incredible piece of golfing landscape that presents an unforgettable and engagingly challenging layout.
Having been fortunate enough to have played here twice before, I fully endorse the recommendation from other golfers, as this would arguably be the best course you could play in any year.
Wallasey
Part of an extraordinary stretch of coastline from Merseyside to Lancashire that encompasses everywhere from Royal Liverpool to Hillside, Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St Annes, the magical links of Wallasey is very much deserving of its place in that conversation.
Among numerous highlights during a round here, the closing hole is one of the most memorable in the UK, as you play up towards the clubhouse with members watching on from the terrace.
Dumbarnie Links
Created by former Ryder Cup player Clive Clark, Dumbarnie Links was unveiled during the height of the global pandemic, but while it naturally took a while to draw attention as travel at the time was brought to a halt, it was soon clear that the Kingdom of Fife had something of a modern masterpiece on its hands.
Members of the Golfshake Team (including your correspondent) played here on the eve of the 150th Open in 2022. Dumbarnie sits about half an hour south of St Andrews. It was a fabulous experience - and demonstrated that this is a must play for anyone visiting this special corner of Scotland.
Royal Birkdale
Ryan Fox produced a finish for the ages when making birdie to win the 154th Open and grasp the Claret Jug. He seized his opportunity brilliantly - and there is no doubt that the revered links of Royal Birkdale will forever hold a place in his heart. But it wasn't just the best golfers on the planet who played there in 2026 - many regular players out there had that chance too, based on the responses we received.
Presumably, several of them would have visited immediately before or after the championship, when hitting shots beneath the imposing grandstands only adds to the sense of place and occasion that you feel when striding the fairways of such a historic course.
Royal Portrush
Likewise, some of you walked in the footsteps of the 2025 Champion Golfer of the Year, Scottie Scheffler, by playing the remarkable Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
This is one of those pure golfing towns and this celebrated club is a jewel that has drawn many a visitor from afar.
Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken wrote, before having the experience of playing here, that "I cannot accurately describe my sense of excitement and anticipation. I rarely lose sleep over golf, but this place is very special."
The Grove
Situated in Hertfordshire and within easy reach of London, it's no wonder that The Grove has become such a prestigious destination. It has hosted everything from the G20 London summit in 2009 to the 2019 NATO Leaders' Meeting and, yes, even a significant golf tournament or two, including the WGC-American Express Championship won by Tiger Woods in 2006.
Back in 2024, Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook played here and he said: "I keep using the term 'experience' because what The Grove has to offer is far more than a round of golf. From start to finish you get properly looked after. They know how to do customer service at The Grove and it's a place I couldn't wait to go back to, the moment I pulled away."
And it appears that some of you felt the same way this year.
Trump International Golf Links, Scotland
Controversy surrounded the development and creation of Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, which is a saga that has spawned numerous documentaries, but from a sheer golfing perspective, few would question just how impressive the result was, perhaps even extraordinarily so.
There are now a pair of courses on the property that flow through the stunning dunes that have led to the venue itself, in characteristically understated fashion (of course), declaring itself to be the greatest 36 holes in golf.
I haven't been here before and, frankly, I won't be choosing to make that trip, but for those who have, it's evidently quite a place.
Carne
It's time to make our way across to Ireland and, specifically, Carne Golf Links in County Mayo. Laid out among the most spectacular of dunes on the Atlantic coastline, this is one of the most dramatic courses that you could ever hope to play.
Golfshake's Travel Editor Andy Waple is among the lucky number who have been here and he described it for us: "We played the preferred Wild Atlantic Dunes and it was such a thrill. No weak holes, all offering different challenges such as highly elevated tees on the par 3 7th, narrow weaving fairways such as the 8th, aptly known as The Snake, to the dauntingly long 17th with a perilous run-off to the right of the green.
"As the club says on its scorecard, this is 'golf at the edge of the earth.'"
Carnoustie
Returning to Scotland, Carnoustie is one of the grandest venues in the game, home to a trio of courses that are all worth playing, but it's clearly the Championship that is the one that stands out.
Considered to be the most challenging of links designs - especially on a difficult weather day - that status, while well-earned, almost distracts from the fact that this is a purely brilliant golf course.
Taking on its fearsome finishe remains one of the most memorable experiences I've had in the game, and it's no surprise to see that others out there feel exactly the same way.
Formby
Making our way back to the majestic North West of England, it's difficult to choose between the many highlights on this expansive coastline, but it's apparent that the classic Formby Golf Club would be right up there near the summit of the list.
When he reviewed the course for us, Golfshake Ambassador Richard Moore said: "Formby is pure class. Formby Golf Club members are so friendly, and this sums up the whole experience. I've been three times to Formby and can't wait to book the next three."
Richard also recommended staying in the Dormy House that offers splendid views across the 18th green.
Goswick
Switching across to the other side of England, Goswick is one of those places that is perhaps overlooked, but there is no doubting the quality of this course that is located in Northumberland, south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, near the Scottish Borders.
In fact, it's a perfect stop on the way for those who are making their way up the east coast to Scotland, as Golfshake Ambassador Rob Treanor wrote: "Goswick Links is a treat for the soul. To play well you’ll need to manage the wind, manage your ambition on the course and play to the right places. To enjoy the experience, you very simply just need to turn up. This is a vastly underrated venue which offers true, fine links golf and is unbelievable value for money."
Nairn
Just along the road east of Inverness, you will eventually reach Nairn Golf Club, which is a sensational course, best remembered for hosting the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and the 2021 Amateur Championship, but you need to get beneath the surface itself to truly understand why this design is so good.
Having played here in the past, it's a course that still resides in my mind, but it has further enhanced its offering to visitors since then by creating its cosy halfway house, The Bothy, which is among the most distinctive you will find anywhere.
Perhaps underrated in the past, Nairn is now fully deserving of the accolades it receives.
Vilamoura Old Course
It was the Old Course at Vilamoura that arguably set the standard for all that has followed in the Algarve. First opened in 1969 and designed by Frank Pennick, it has been revamped since then, but the charm and examination has endured, meaning that it remains a standout for golfing visitors to Portugal.
Our very own Andy Waple said: "The Old Course is very pleasing on the eye, is more traditional than many and is now very well maintained under new ownership of Details, a sports management company backed by significant funds."
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The Machrie
It can feel like a bit of an adventure to reach the Isle of Islay, which is part of the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, but once you get there and your eyes consume the visuals of The Machrie, then it was very much worth the journey.
Just like the golfers who loved it this year, our Travel Editor had the opportunity to visit earlier in 2026, which he reviewed for us: "It’s peaceful and as easy on the eye as any links anywhere. But here the pace of play is relaxed, as invariably you will almost have the course to yourself or at least not be kept waiting or pushed from behind. If you get the right weather - and there are no guarantees of that - you are in golfing heaven."
Thracian Cliffs
You likely haven't considered Bulgaria for a golfing holiday, but that's until you see the breathtaking Thracian Cliffs. Designed by Gary Player, this is one of the most visually intoxicating courses on the planet, with its clifftop layout running alongside the Black Sea.
Perhaps you recall that Thracian Cliffs hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2013, which brought it to wider attention, with impressive European course rankings to follow.
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Turnberry Ailsa
Finally, among the courses that were mentioned a minimum of three times, we come to the critically acclaimed Ailsa Course at Turnberry.
Much of the headlines these days consider its future as a potential host of the Open Championship or the eye-watering (and ludicrous) cost of its green fees, but the fact of the matter is that this is a supreme design, one of the very best in the UK, and for those who have the opportunity and means to play here, it's clearly a delicious treat for any golfer.
Reviewing the most recent enhancements, Golfshake's Andy Waple said: "Players will be mightily impressed with the course improvements and may be surprised with the lushness of the fairways and grass pathways."
(Image Credit: Kevin Murray)
Elsewhere, a range of places were mentioned twice by respondents, including Ballybunion, Bonar Bridge, Burnham & Berrow, Castle Course at St Andrews, Doonbeg, Dundonald, Gairloch, Gleneagles PGA, Kington, Kingussie, Lahinch, Loch Lomond, Machrihanish, Moor Hall, Moray Old, the Old Course at St Andrews, Old MacDonald, Old Petty, Pleasington, Royal County Down, Royal Troon and Sunningdale.
Despite rising costs in many instances, it's apparent that golfers are still getting out there and playing some incredible courses.
What was the best you played this year?
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