Golf Courses in London - 8 of the Best

Finding a golf course right in the heart of London can be tricky. That said, with London being one of the most frequently visited cities in the world, it made sense that we make it the focus of our second ‘Best Golf Courses’ guide. (Our first guide took us to sunny Lisbon.)

Endeavoring to bring you as many golf courses in London as we can, we've expanded our search to nearby areas too.

So, without further ado, here’s a list of the golf courses near London that you should consider playing next time you're visiting:

St George’s Hill Golf Course (Red & Blue)

Just a short hop outside of Greater London you'll come across one of the most picturesque golf courses in the whole of the United Kingdom.

St George’s Hill is just about as beautiful a course as you could imagine, with its pine-tree lined fairways, thrilling elevation changes, and mightily impressive clubhouse all creating a true golfing paradise.

Now, whether it deserves the status of best golf course in the London area is debatable. We love it though.

Hadley Wood Golf Course

Not much more than 20km outside London city centre, you will find the Alister Mackenzie designed course at Hadley Wood Golf Club. This golf course provides raised plateaux greens, strategically placed bunkers, and a layout which will challenge golfers of all abilities.

Regularly voted as one of the best golf courses in the United Kingdom as a whole, quite simply, it is THE best golf course in North London.

London Golf Club (International Course)

A mere one hour drive from the heart of London you can find its namesake, the London Golf Club.

When you hear that the ‘Golden Bear’ himself helped design both golf courses at the London Golf Club, you will no doubt expect to be faced with a fearsome test. And you would be right; Jack Nicklaus has created a monster with this one.

The fact that the International course played host to the 2014 Volvo Masters is a testament to its standing as one of the best golf courses in London, and in the United Kingdom at large.

Looking for a tour standard golf course in London? The London Golf Club should be on your list.

Walton Heath Golf Club (Old Course)

A course which has hosted the most famous tournament in golf is always going to be worth a mention. Scene of the 1981 Ryder Cup, Walton Heath Golf Club's Old Course is a real test for anyone wanting to sample the feel of links golf on an inland course.

You'll need to bring your A-game though. Tangly heather lies in wait for any errant tee shots, while fast, undulating greens will require the utmost respect.
If you're looking for a golf course in London with a bit of bite, we'd recommend paying Walton Heath a visit.

The Shire (Masters Course)

The Shire golf course provides an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in England. That unique offering comes in the form of a Seve Ballesteros designed Masters Course, situated just outside London.

The great man’s flair and unconventionality is stamped all over this one.

With dramatic golf holes all around, you may need to summon your ‘inner Seve’ just to give yourself the best possible chance of posting a semi-decent score.

Don't mind a bit of a drive to play a top golf course in the London area? We'd recommend paying this one a visit.

Coombe Hill Golf Club

A golf course which is almost always in exceptional condition, Coombe Hill golf course in Greater London boasts a wonderful layout at one of England’s most highly rated and traditional courses.

The four separate par 3s provide a collective course highlight, with the 185 yard 9th hole seen as one of the best and most attractive one-shot holes in the region.

Walton Heath Golf Club (New Course)

Is it cheating a little to include a second golf course at the Walton Heath venue just outside London? Truthfully, there is very little between each of these courses in terms of look and feel.

The new golf course certainly does have some truly memorable holes and, if the Old Course is the best offering of the two, then we are talking paper-thin margins (as the Hole19 ratings would suggest).

Any golfer who managed to play both of the Walton Heath courses would have us green with envy. Another highly recommended golf course in London.

Highgate Golf Club

As the closest golf course to Central London, Highgate Golf Club is an extremely popular facility. The course is not long, plays to a Par 69, and the 18 holes provide a pleasing golfing test with many interesting features in play.

It may not be the best golf course in London city centre – but never think for one minute that, just because you are in one of the busiest cities in the world, you will struggle to get a round in.

Hopefully within this list, you've found a golf course in London that's to your liking.

With so many exceptional golf courses in the London area, there really is something for everyone. Happy Golfing!

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