Golf in the UK covers much more than traditional private clubs. You can plan a golf break, play famous championship courses, find pay-and-play venues, visit driving ranges or enjoy crazy golf and adventure golf with the family.
But golf isn’t just for serious players either. Crazy golf, adventure golf and driving ranges make it accessible and fun for families, beginners and casual visitors who just want a fun activity during a holiday or day out. Here’s our guide to the full range of golf experiences available across the UK.
Use this guide to explore different ways to play golf across the UK, from Scottish links and major championship venues to casual courses, practice facilities and family-friendly golf experiences.
What Kind of Golf Experience Are You Looking For?
For a golf break: Stay-and-play packages combine accommodation with one or more rounds and work well for weekends or short golfing holidays.
For famous courses: Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland all have historic championship and links courses, including venues associated with The Open and other major tournaments.
For casual golfers: Pay-and-play courses can be easier to access than traditional private clubs and are useful for visitors who simply want a round while they are away.
For practice: Driving ranges are a convenient option for beginners, regular golfers and families wanting a shorter activity.
For families: Adventure golf and crazy golf offer a much more relaxed introduction to the game and usually require no previous experience.
Golf Breaks — Stay & Play
Golf Breaks with Macdonald Hotels
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts offer some of the finest golf break packages in the UK — combining four-star hotel stays with access to outstanding golf courses at their resorts across England, Scotland and Wales. Whether you’re looking for a classic Scottish links experience, a challenging parkland course or a luxurious resort where golf is just one of many activities on offer, Macdonald has brilliant options. Particularly strong for group golf breaks and special occasion golf trips.
Search Golf Breaks — Macdonald HotelsChampionship & Links Golf Courses
Scotland — The Home of Golf
Scotland is where golf was invented and it remains one of the world’s great golfing destinations. From the legendary Old Course at St Andrews to the magnificent Gleneagles Resort, from Carnoustie to Turnberry — Scottish courses offer a golfing experience unlike anything else in the world. The dramatic Highland landscapes, the history of the game and the quality of the courses make a Scottish golf break genuinely special. If you’re a serious golfer, Scotland should be on your list.
Explore Golf in Scotland
England — Championship Courses
England has some magnificent championship golf courses that have hosted The Open and other major tournaments. Royal Liverpool at Hoylake, Royal Birkdale in Southport, Wentworth in Surrey, Sunningdale and many more offer outstanding golf in beautiful settings. Many welcome visitors for rounds at certain times — check individual courses for availability and visitor policies.
Major UK Golf Tournaments
Pay-and-Play Golf
If you’re not a club member or just want a relaxed round without the formality of a private club, pay-and-play courses are the answer. Most are much more flexible about visitor tee times, dress codes and equipment hire. A great option for casual golfers on holiday who want a round in a beautiful setting without the need to plan weeks in advance.
Driving Ranges
Driving Ranges — Great for Beginners & Casual Players
Driving ranges are perfect if you want something shorter and more casual than a full round of golf. You hire a bay, get a bucket of balls and practise your swing — no need to worry about course etiquette, handicaps or keeping other players waiting. Modern driving ranges are increasingly impressive venues too — many now have food and drink, giant screens showing ball trajectory data, music, and covered heated bays making them a brilliant year-round activity whatever the weather. Great for beginners, families with older children and anyone who just wants to have a go at hitting a ball as far as possible.
Adventure Golf & Crazy Golf
Fun for Everyone — No Experience Needed
Adventure golf and crazy golf are the most family-friendly versions of the game — and genuinely brilliant fun for all ages. No skill or experience required, the rules are simple and the competitive element makes it surprisingly entertaining even for people who’ve never picked up a golf club in their life. You’ll find adventure golf at seaside resorts, holiday parks, garden centres, shopping centres and leisure venues across the UK. Themes can include pirates, dinosaurs, jungle courses, glow-in-the-dark indoor golf and classic putting greens. A perfect addition to a family holiday or day out.
Major UK Golf Tournaments
The UK hosts some of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments — including The Open Championship, one of the four Major championships of professional golf. Attending a major tournament as a spectator is a wonderful day out for golf fans and a genuinely memorable experience. For more information on the biggest events on the UK golf calendar:
Major UK Golf Tournaments GuideMore experiences: Horse Racing • Golf Tournaments • Factory Tours • Go Ape
Where to stay: Hotels • Holiday Cottages • Adult Only Breaks