It's long been said that Britain is a nation of dog lovers. While that is by no means a universal perspective, it's striking to see just how many households have made a canine companion a significant part of their life.
UK Pet Food has reported that 15.5 million dogs now live in UK homes, which is a statistic that encompasses 41% of households throughout the country.
Researchers state: "Dog ownership has increased from 33% of households in 2021 to 41% today, with especially strong growth among younger age groups.
"Among 25-34 year olds, ownership has risen from 41% to 58%, and from 41% to 53% among 16-24 year olds."
Owning a dog is a major responsibility that demands care and attention. This includes regular exercise for your animal, which can be a challenging commitment for those who have busy working and family lives.
This perhaps explains why some golfers will regularly be accompanied by their dog on the course, which means you can spend several hours playing 18 holes while ensuring that your most devoted friend is able to stretch their legs at the same time. Some are even remarkably skilled at uncovering previously lost golf balls.
But should dogs even be allowed to share the fairways with golfers?
Should dogs be allowed on golf courses in the UK?
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Golf Monthly posed that question to readers in 2025 and 57% of respondents said no.
There is understandable merit to that viewpoint. Many have expressed concern that some dogs wouldn't behave, that they can make noise and wreak havoc, potentially disturbing other wildlife and making a mess that will frustrate greenkeepers.
It must also be said that not everyone likes dogs, some people feel genuinely uncomfortable around them, or are even afraid in their presence, and it would be heartless to not consider the impact that the presence of a dog in the environment of a golf course could have on others.
But there is clearly a culture in the UK of playing golf alongside your dog. While they are explicitly banned at some clubs, and it's not for me to pass judgment on that decree, you will regularly see dogs elsewhere, including at some of the most prestigious venues in the country.
Living in St Andrews as I do, it's not an uncommon sight to spot a dog striding the links with its owner.
If you are a golfer who doesn't wish to travel without your dog or to leave it for hours at home, finding a golf course that can accommodate the two of you would be a welcome development.
And there is a website that is making that an easier search than ever before.
Where can you play golf with your dog?
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Dog Friendly Golf has put together a growing guide of the courses where dogs are welcome, using specified club policies as evidence, with individuals also being able to submit the names of places where golden retrievers, labradors (and other breeds) are free to accompany golfers.
That said, there will typically be restrictions, with leads most often being required, while dogs in many cases won't be permitted inside clubhouses or locker rooms.
But if you are someone who likes to play the game with your dog in tow, this is a tremendously helpful index that could open doors to potentially experiencing venues that you had perhaps thought were previously unsuitable.
562 UK courses are presently marked down as being "dog friendly" by the site either by permitting dogs with leads or those kept "under control". A smaller number have been further verified by confirmation by the clubs themselves.
Throughout England, these venues include Dunstanburgh Castle, Sheringham, Berkhamsted, Royal Cinque Ports, Littlestone, Bramshaw, Perranporth and Royal North Devon.
In Scotland, the likes of Royal Dornoch, Dunkeld & Birnam, King James VI, Gullane and Dunaverty are officially dog friendly, as is Ballymena in Northern Ireland. Aberdovey is among the Welsh clubs listed as being accepting of dogs under control, but it hasn't yet received fully verified status.
Not everyone will feel that dogs should be part of life on the golf course, but if they are perfectly behaved, controlled, and owners are mindful and aware of others, then I can't see why it would be an issue in the overwhelming majority of instances.
If you would like to know more, find courses where dogs are welcome, or even submit places that are yet to be mentioned, please visit https://dogfriendlygolf.uk/.
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