The 50 Best Winter Golf Green Fees This Year

The hours of daylight have shortened, the temperatures have dropped, and you've already had enough of those saccharine Christmas adverts on TV - yes, winter is definitely here!

For golfers in particular, it can be an especially dispiriting time of year with the joys of summer now a distant memory. However, while it's true that many of us simply tuck the clubs away for months and emerge again in the spring, for those who continue to play during the cold season, there are still benefits and appeals to grasping the opportunity to play when you can during winter.

Perhaps you require an extra touch of inspiration. As we have discussed frequently, the cost to play our greatest courses has long become outrageously high, but during this off-peak period of the calendar, winter green fees can offer respite and the chance to play exceptional courses for a comparatively welcoming price.

We have studied the Golfshake UK Top 100 and the Golfshake Alternative Top 100 to identify 50 venues that can be played throughout winter for less than £100.

Here you will find genuine classics, highly regarded layouts and those jewels that perhaps you hadn't considered visiting before.

Make this a winter season to recall with fondness by ticking off some of these places from your list!

Ganton Golf Club

Location: North Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 5.00

Winter Green Fees: £90

Review Comment: "The condition was fantastic, the layout fantastic, the challenge amazing, if at times too good for me. There is no way you cannot enjoy the whole experience at Ganton. I WILL be back."

Nairn Golf Club

Location: Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 5.00

Winter Green Fees: £50

Review Comment: "Personally I rate this higher than Dornoch and would consider this the best course in the Highlands. Although I may be a little biased with this being my home course as a junior. Stunning condition and views always, traditional challenging links that you need to think your way around."

Alwoodley Golf Club

Location: West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Winter Green Fees: £95

Review Comment: "A fantastic club and course. Very challenging and in superb condition. Very friendly staff."

Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club

Location: Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 4.96

Winter Green Fees: £55

Review Comment: "We played there last year and we couldn’t believe how good it was. It’s up there with the best courses in the country, and we can’t wait to play it again."

Western Gailes Golf Club

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.95

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "A great test of golf and a stunning location. Greens were running very fast and the changes to the bunkering are terrific."

Sherwood Forest Golf Club

Location: Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Winter Green Fees: £65

Review Comment: "Superb, fast greens. Firm fairways framed with gorse, heather and trees. Challenging par threes and tough stretch of par fours on the back nine will really test your game on this classic heathland layout."

Dundonald Links

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

Winter Green Fees: £98

Review Comment: "From walking into reception to leaving the clubhouse after a great round and excellent meal, the guys at Dundonald Links didn’t put a foot wrong. Very friendly welcome in the pro shop and starter. The course was in excellent condition the layout is great and was a good test - playable but testing - a really enjoyable day and top quality at a fair price."

The Golf House Club, Elie

Location: Fife

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Winter Green Fees: £60

Review Comment: "Greens were very fast and true. Quite a few holes are close together. Longish wait to play the tee shot at 10. Great views from the course. Nice clubhouse and staff very friendly."

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club

Location: Merseyside

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Winter Green Fees: £95

Review Comment: "A stunning course that asks lots of questions from tee to green. Then once you find the putting surface you are confronted by humps and hollows galore. An absolute pleasure to play, in such fine condition."

Brora Golf Club

Location: Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Winter Green Fees: £50

Review Comment: "Terrific links course with great holes and great views. I was lucky with the weather, but can imagine how tough it must be when the wind really blows. The staff were very welcoming too. For those visiting Royal Dornoch just down the road, Brora is well worth playing if time allows."

St Enodoc Golf Club (Church Course)

Location: Cornwall

Golfshake Rating: 4.93

Winter Green Fees: £70

Review Comment: "Played here yesterday for the first time. The course certainly lived up to its reputation - magnificent! The weather was a bit hit and miss and sadly so was the golf, but it didn't matter. Courteous friendly staff, great organisation, lovely food. Thank you St Enodoc, I will be back."

Prince's Golf Club

Location: Kent

Golfshake Rating: 4.92

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "Stunning course that is really well kept. Tough to play but really enjoyable. Will definitely be going back."

Delamere Forest Golf Club

Location: Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.92

Winter Green Fees: £95

Review Comment: "Despite its name, the course is a bit more open than I had expected and the view over the fairways and greens from the clubhouse is mouth-watering. Fabulous condition and a very varied layout made this a really enjoyable experience. I'd play it again in a heartbeat."

Machrihanish Golf Club

Location: Argyll & Bute

Golfshake Rating: 4.91

Winter Green Fees: £75

Review Comment: "It's a pain to get to but Machrihanish Golf Club, along with Machrihanish Dunes around the corner, are well worth the trip. True bucket list courses."

Saunton Golf Club

Location: Devon

Golfshake Rating: 4.91

Winter Green Fees: £90

Review Comment: "Lucky to be invited to play three rounds on consecutive days in gorgeous weather with minimal wind. Both courses are full of challenges and were in perfect condition."

Trevose Golf Club

Location: Cornwall

Golfshake Rating: 4.91

Winter Green Fees: £55

Review Comment: "Great facilities here and a championship course to match. Greens were in fantastic condition for the time of year. The starter was very helpful as it was my first visit."

West Hill Golf Club

Location: Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.91

Winter Green Fees: £95

Review Comment: "A good challenge where everybody has a chance to do well. It was in very good condition with lightening fast greens. Good parking and well serviced clubhouse."

Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell)

Location: Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.90

Winter Green Fees: £90

Review Comment: "I was really impressed with the layout, condition, and type of course (heathland). The design and condition of the course were first-class, and the facilities and organisation were excellent. The greens were in great condition and well-maintained. Overall, I thought it was great value for the price."

Ferndown Golf Club

Location: Dorset

Golfshake Rating: 4.90

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "The greens are always in great condition and the course is laid out beautifully. It's a perfect heathland course that's always well-maintained."

Woodhall Spa Golf Club (Hotchkin Course)

Location: Lincolnshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.90

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "Fantastic course set in three countryside of Lincolnshire. Wonderful practice facilities and a proper old school feel to the clubhouse and bar. I will definitely return."

Moortown Golf Club

Location: West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.90

Winter Green Fees: £75

Review Comment: "Very good course. Well maintained. Good mix of holes. We played alongside Alwoodley. A great two course break."

Moray Golf Club (Old Course)

Location: Highlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.89

Winter Green Fees: £40

Review Comment: "A magnificent example of a classic Scottish links golf course. A hidden gem."

Castletown Golf Club

Location: Isle of Man

Golfshake Rating: 4.89

Winter Green Fees: £60

Review Comment: "Castletown Golf Links is located on what must be one of the best locations for a golf links, with sea views from every hole. The layout is interesting and requires you to think tactically, the variety and quality of holes is excellent!"

Aberdovey Golf Club

Location: Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.89

Winter Green Fees: £55

Review Comment: "Wind was really breezing for the first 5/6 holes, then died down. The greens were amazing for this time of the year and the links course layout was brilliant and challenging and the scenario was picture perfect. Very friendly club and would recommend."

Cruden Bay Golf Club

Location: Aberdeenshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.88

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "Old Tom Morris has built a masterpiece; no two holes the same, just enough heavy rough and gorse to help keep you focused on those well laid out fairways. The other fantastic experience here are both the views from the course and from the clubhouse. I think you can actually see eight of the greens from the clubhouse bar/restaurant, sea views and all."

Royal St David's Golf Club

Location: Gwynedd

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

Winter Green Fees: £60

Review Comment: "I can honestly say it was a great experience to play Royal St David's. The bunkers, views, course layout and maintenance were all superb. The course was in excellent condition and provided a great test of golf with its long par 4s. The greens were of a high quality and the setting was very interesting. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a challenge."

Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club

Location: East Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

Winter Green Fees: £75

Review Comment: "Haven't played at Royal Ashdown for 13 years but was so pleased to find it exactly how I remembered. Really slick greens with plenty of subtle run offs. Loads of gorse to punish stray shots as well as the rough being up due to the wet weather and sunshine we've been experiencing."

Broadstone Golf Club

Location: Dorset

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "What a magnificent golf course and set up. Members were so friendly and made us to feel very welcome. Loved the visit and can't recommend this course more highly."

Enville Golf Club

Location: Staffordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.86

Winter Green Fees: £70

Review Comment: "Excellent course in really good condition, challenging layout and greens. Nice clubhouse and other facilities. Very friendly staff."

The Machrie Golf Links

Location: Isle of Islay

Golfshake Rating: 4.86

Winter Green Fees: £65

Review Comment: "The Machrie Links is a must visit for anyone who loves links golf. Traditional links, modernised to perfection."

Pennard Golf Club

Location: West Glamorgan

Golfshake Rating: 4.85

Winter Green Fees: £55

Review Comment: "If you want a challenge yet at the same time some of the finest views you’re likely to find on a course then Pennard is the one for you. Great mix of holes, fantastic greens, very natural layout and some heavenly views! I for one will be back here."

Beau Desert Golf Club

Location: Staffordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.85

Winter Green Fees: £65

Review Comment: "Played this beautiful course yesterday. Amazing condition, springy fairways, huge undulating greens. Lovely views on many holes. A firm but fair test, but stay on the fairways - anything off line is difficult to find. Some lovely testing holes. I will be back."

Portstewart Golf Club

Location: County Londonderry

Golfshake Rating: 4.84

Winter Green Fees: £70

Review Comment: "Undoubtedly a great course particularly over the first few holes that weave through the dunes. Like all links courses you have to pay for the privilege and accept it's going to be busy. But it's a slick operation and marshalls keep everybody moving. The clubhouse and pro shop match the course in expectation and I can't imagine anybody going home without having had a good day's golf."

The Belfry (Brabazon Course)

Location: Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.84

Winter Green Fees: £75

Review Comment: "Another level. Best course I’ve played and the hardest. Lost a lot of balls but still enjoyed the weekend."

Gailes Links Golf Course

Location: Ayrshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.83

Winter Green Fees: £70

Review Comment: "Brilliant course in the golfing heaven of South Ayrshire. The professional, Nick, was brilliant, he even remembered us from our visit 12 months earlier. After a fairly short par 4 to open the course grabs your attention from the 2nd onwards with its tricky greens and some very well placed, and hidden, bunkers. Don't recall a weak hole. Well worth a visit."

Royal Cromer Golf Club

Location: Norfolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.82

Winter Green Fees: £65

Review Comment: "Royal Cromer never fails to deliver. From the first tee to the last it has spectacular views. The course runs effortlessly along the coast. It's easy to follow. The holes are challenging, and the cost is very reasonable."

Aldeburgh Golf Club

Location: Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.80

Winter Green Fees: £70

Review Comment: "The course exceeded my expectations, found it a really great test of golf. The greens were true but not too quick, fairways in excellent condition, but it does play long when the wind gets up and although the fairways are generally forgiving enough for you to score well a bad shot will be punished severely should you go into any of the gorse that lines most of the fairways, all in all it is a proper championship golf course and you will need to be on your game to score well. Will definitely return."

Wildernesse Golf Club

Location: Kent

Golfshake Rating: 4.79

Winter Green Fees: £75

Review Comment: "First time I have played off the back tees - makes it significantly longer on some holes. Not too tight but mistakes get punished - greens were true and quick but not silly quick. Virtually no water (only on one hole I think). Staff were great - attentive, helpful, professional. I look forward to going back and doing it more justice."

Otley Golf Club

Location: West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.76

Winter Green Fees: £30

Review Comment: "Second time playing Otley GC, usual friendly welcome in clubhouse and pro shop. Great breakfast. Top practice facilities, chipping area, driving range, putting green all near clubhouse. Course in superb condition, greens like carpets, good speed to them. So good holes and proper card wreckers like tough par 4s at the 4th and 13th. Well worth playing for sure."

Rockliffe Hall Golf Club

Location: County Durham

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

Winter Green Fees: £70

Review Comment: "The greens are especially well kept. It's really impressive how they're able to keep the plant colours looking so good in the rough/natural areas. The clubhouse at the golf course is really well maintained and in great condition."

Macclesfield Golf Club

Location: Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

Winter Green Fees: £18

Review Comment: "Course was in really good condition, greens were superb, some really challenging holes. Very hilly so book a buggy. Really enjoyed it and will be going back."

Ashridge Golf Club

Location: Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

Winter Green Fees: £85

Review Comment: "It's a good course which is encouraging to high handicappers like me as it has five par five holes, all shorter than 500 yds and five easily reachable short holes. It's in fantastic condition with some tough bunkers and fast greens. Clubhouse and practice facilities really are first class."

Sapey Golf & Country Club

Location: Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.72

Winter Green Fees: £30

Review Comment: "A nice mix of challenging different holes and an easy walk. The greens were fantastic! As were the fairways. All in all a very enjoyable course and the food was top notch. We will be returning."

Retford Golf Club

Location: Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.70

Winter Green Fees: £20

Review Comment: "Great course visually, friendly staff with freshly cooked food. Course interesting all the way round with some interesting and challenging holes. A thoughtful golf course to plot your way round. Greens in good condition."

Whickham Golf Club

Location: Tyne & Wear

Golfshake Rating: 4.70

Winter Green Fees: £20

Review Comment: "Lovely place, clubhouse was fantastic, staff were very nice and helpful. Course was very beautiful some amazing views and it was in perfect condition."

Abbeydale Golf Club

Location: South Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.70

Winter Green Fees: £40

Review Comment: "Course, clubhouse and pro shop excellently presented. Visually a treat and great varied holes in excellent condition. Suitable for any level of handicap."

Glen Golf Club

Location: East Lothian

Golfshake Rating: 4.69

Winter Green Fees: £50

Review Comment: "A brilliant course on the coast with fantastic views across the Firth to Bass Rock. The layout is superb, the condition is excellent and the clubhouse is perfectly situated for the best views."

Crosland Heath Golf Club

Location: West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.68

Winter Green Fees: £25

Review Comment: "Good challenging course in the Colne Valley, with plenty of ravines to navigate to get onto the greens!"

Tandridge Golf Club

Location: Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.68

Winter Green Fees: £80

Review Comment: "Great course in superb condition given the dry weather we've had this year. Greens were like velvet. Wonderful views and challenging holes, highly recommended."

Rhuddlan Golf Club

Location: Clwyd

Golfshake Rating: 4.65

Winter Green Fees: £35

Review Comment: "Very welcoming in the very well presented pro shop. New layout is much improved and flows very well. Looking forward to coming back."

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