What Golf Digest's latest UK & Ireland rankings reveal about golf across Britain

Whenever Golf Digest releases a fresh ranking of the best golf courses in the UK & Ireland, the reaction is always immediate. Golfers always love debating every rise, fall and surprise inclusion. Some golfers agree entirely, others are convinced their favourite course has been robbed.

But beyond the predictable top-five names and world-famous Open venues, the newest rankings reveal something more interesting about golf across Britain and Ireland right now. 

The depth of quality has never been stronger.

In this feature we’ve taken a closer look at the rankings by region and compared them alongside Golfshake ratings, reviews and golfer feedback to see which venues continue to stand out.

Scotland Still Sets the Benchmark

North Berwick

No surprises here. Scotland continues to dominate the conversation around world-class golf and remains the spiritual home of links golf.

Courses such as St Andrews Old Course, Muirfield, Royal Dornoch and Carnoustie continue to sit comfortably among the elite, while modern favourites like Kingsbarns and Dumbarnie have strengthened Scotland's depth over the past decade.

What is perhaps most interesting is how the conversation around Scottish golf has evolved. It's no longer just about history.

Golfshake users consistently praise the overall experience at Scotland’s leading venues, not just the layouts themselves. Royal Dornoch, for example, continues to earn outstanding feedback for its dramatic scenery, traditional links character and unforgettable setting in the Highlands.

Beyond the headline names, Scotland’s depth is what really stands out. Courses such as North Berwick, Cruden Bay and Elie remain hugely popular among travelling golfers, offering distinctive links experiences packed with character and history that many golfers feel rival some of the more famous championship venues.

The rise of newer developments and rediscovered classics is becoming a major theme too, with increasing recognition for courses across the Highlands and East Neuk of Fife.

For many golfers, Scotland remains the ultimate bucket-list destination, but increasingly it’s the wider journey - not just ticking off St Andrews - that golfers are talking about.

England's Strength Goes Beyond the Obvious

Saunton

England perhaps has the broadest range of golfing experiences anywhere in Britain & Ireland.

The headline names remain familiar. Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, Royal Birkdale, Woodhall Spa and St George's Hill continue to feature prominently in major rankings.

Yet what stood out from Golf Digest's latest rankings - and indeed from wider coverage across golf media - is how much appreciation there now is for England's so-called "second tier" of elite courses.

Publications have increasingly focused on hidden gems and value-driven rankings rather than solely the inaccessible private clubs.

That aligns closely with what Golfshake golfers have been saying for years.

Courses such as Saunton, Alwoodley, Ganton, Hollinwell and Burnham & Berrow consistently receive exceptional Golfshake ratings from golfers who often describe them as equal to more famous names in terms of pure golfing enjoyment.

The other key trend is accessibility. While many of England's highest-ranked clubs remain private or difficult to access, Golfshake feedback repeatedly shows how highly golfers value venues that combine top-class golf with a welcoming atmosphere and realistic visitor opportunities.

Royal Birkdale continues to enjoy universal acclaim among Golfshake users, especially following The Open spotlight, but many golfers actually highlight nearby courses like Hillside and Formby as equally memorable experiences.

That perhaps tells us more about modern golf than the rankings themselves.

Ireland's Reputation Keeps Growing

Royal County Down

If Scotland owns golf history, Ireland increasingly owns golf adventure.

Royal County Down and Royal Portrush continue to feature prominently among the world's very best courses and remain central to virtually every major ranking.

But Golfshake user reviews suggest Irish golf's strength lies deeper than just the global superstars.

Golfers consistently describe courses such as Ballybunion, Lahinch, Enniscrone and Carne as unforgettable experiences - not simply because of rankings, but because of atmosphere, scenery and sheer unpredictability.

Irish golf also benefits from something rankings can't fully capture: emotional impact.

Many Golfshake reviews mention weather, remoteness, dramatic dunes and the feeling of discovering somewhere wild and authentic. That sense of adventure increasingly defines Ireland's appeal.

What's also noticeable in the latest rankings discussion is the growing recognition for courses outside the traditional powerhouses. Newer layouts and restored classics are receiving more attention as golf tourism across Ireland continues to boom.

The success of major championships at Portrush has clearly accelerated global awareness, but Golfshake users have long championed Ireland's broader links offering.

Wales Quietly Continues to Impress

Royal Porthcawl

Wales may not dominate the rankings numerically, but golfers who play there rarely come away disappointed.

Royal Porthcawl remains the country's standard bearer and continues to earn huge praise from both critics and everyday golfers alike. Golfshake reviews consistently highlight the quality of the layout, coastal scenery and challenge in the wind.
But perhaps more importantly, Welsh golf still feels underrated.

Pennard, Aberdovey and Nefyn regularly generate enthusiastic Golfshake feedback despite receiving less mainstream attention than comparable links elsewhere in Britain & Ireland.

For many golfers, Wales delivers one of the purest forms of golf - exceptional scenery, authentic clubs and often better value than some of the more famous destinations across Scotland and Ireland.

That balance of quality and accessibility is becoming increasingly important.

The Biggest Trend - Golfers Want More Than Prestige

Perhaps the clearest takeaway from the latest rankings conversation is that golfers are increasingly looking beyond pure prestige.

The traditional giants will always dominate the top positions. St Andrews, Royal County Down and Muirfield aren't going anywhere.

But Golfshake reviews repeatedly show that memorable golf experiences come from more than world rankings alone.
Conditioning matters. Hospitality matters. Value matters. Accessibility matters.

And increasingly golfers want stories to tell, not simply famous scorecards to frame.

That's why hidden gems, regional favourites and lesser-known links continue to generate such strong engagement among Golfshake users.

The rankings may create the headlines, but everyday golfers are often defining the real conversation.

And perhaps that's what makes UK & Ireland golf stronger than ever right now.