England stands as one of golf's best-kept secrets, offering an unmatched combination of historic links courses and pristine heathland layouts. From the windswept coastlines hosting prestigious Open Championship venues to the serene heathland courses near London, England presents golfers with an extraordinary diversity of golfing experiences that rivals any destination in the world. What sets England apart is not just its championship pedigree, but the incredible depth and variety of courses available to visiting golfers.

World-Class Golf Heritage

England's golfing landscape features four renowned Open Championship venues, all ranked among the world's best. Royal St George's, Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham, and Royal Liverpool showcase the country's rich championship heritage. These legendary links courses have challenged the world's best players and continue to shape golf's greatest moments. Each venue offers its own unique character: Royal St George's with its imposing dunes and challenging winds, Royal Birkdale's towering sandhill corridors, Royal Lytham's strategic bunkering, and Royal Liverpool's historic links alongside the Irish Sea.

Beyond the Open Venues

What truly sets England apart is its remarkable depth of exceptional courses beyond the championship venues. The Surrey heathland region near London boasts some of the world's finest inland courses, including the celebrated Sunningdale Old Course and New Course, alongside hidden gems like Swinley Forest. These heathland courses offer a unique playing experience, combining the firm and fast conditions of links golf with the strategic challenge of tree-lined fairways and natural heather hazards. This distinctive combination of coastal links and inland heathland courses creates a golfing experience found nowhere else in the world.

Regional Golf Destinations

• London & Surrey Heathland The heathland region surrounding London represents one of golf's greatest concentrations of world-class inland courses. Beyond the famous Sunningdale and Swinley Forest, golfers can experience the architectural brilliance of St George's Hill, Walton Heath, and The Berkshire. These courses, set among natural heather and pine forests, provide a serene escape just minutes from central London.

• Kent Coast Known as England's southeastern golf coast, this region features the legendary Royal St George's, alongside the equally impressive Prince's and Royal Cinque Ports. The area offers true links golf at its finest, with courses shaped by wind and weather along the English Channel. The historic towns of Sandwich and Deal provide authentic coastal charm and excellent accommodation options.

• Northwest & Golf Coast Home to three Open Championship venues – Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, and Royal Lytham & St. Annes – this region offers perhaps the highest concentration of championship links courses in England. Supporting courses like Formby, Hillside, and Southport & Ainsdale make this area a must-visit for any serious golf traveler.

• Southwest & Atlantic Links The southwest coast presents a collection of historic links courses set against dramatic coastal scenery. Venues like Saunton (East and West), St. Enodoc, and Trevose offer challenging golf in a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking to explore England's less-traveled golf destinations.

The Perfect Golf Travel Destination

England's golf scene provides exceptional accessibility through multiple international airports and an extensive rail network, making it easy to explore multiple regions in one trip. The peak season runs from April to October, offering longer daylight hours in summer, while many courses remain playable year-round. Compared to Scotland and Ireland, England's courses often offer more readily available tee times while maintaining the same high standards of championship golf. Beyond the courses, England delivers rich cultural experiences, from historic cities to countryside charm, along with traditional clubhouse accommodations at many venues that provide an authentic stay-and-play experience.