Ways to play
Find the round that suits you
Courses by who can play, by type and by what is on hand: caddies, academies, golf days, short courses, rainy-day golf and the 19th hole. Every list is built from the clubs’ own websites, and a list appears only once at least 6 clubs qualify.
Who can play
Once in a lifetime32The rounds people plan years ahead for, and how to get on each.How to get on31Ballots, visitor days and booking windows, as questions and answers.Courses open to the public31Courses where anyone can book a tee time, as the clubs’ own websites state.Clubs that welcome visitors54Clubs that say on their own websites that visiting golfers are welcome.Visitor days, members and staying guests16Clubs that open to visitors on set days, to members and their guests, to guests staying on the estate, or by introduction.
Course type
Heathland courses6Heather, gorse and sandy soil: heathland courses in the clubs’ own words.Links courses50Seaside golf on sandy ground, as the game began: links courses, as each club describes itself.Parkland courses14Tree-lined fairways and lush turf: courses the clubs themselves call parkland.Where the pros play72Courses that have hosted professional tournaments, from the Open Championship and the Ryder Cup to tour events, as the clubs list them.Greener golf14Clubs that set out their own work on water, wildlife and energy, from recycled irrigation water to GEO and Audubon certification.Courses by architectEvery credited designer and the courses they shaped.
On the course
Courses with caddies48Clubs that state on their own websites that caddies or forecaddies are available. Our guide to playing with a caddie explains how it works.Short on time30Nine-hole, par-3 and executive courses: golf in an hour or two, a first round for a beginner, or an evening knock with the family.Playing with a caddieCaddie or forecaddie, how to book and what to expect.Rainy-day golf16Topgolf, simulators, TrackMan and Toptracer near the courses.
Lessons and practice
Golf academies33Clubs with their own academy or teaching centre, run by PGA professionals where the club says so.Lessons for beginners and juniors41Clubs that teach newcomers and young golfers: beginner courses, junior academies and family programmes, as each club describes them.Practice academies72Clubs with a driving range and a short-game or putting area, so you can warm up properly or spend a morning on the basics.
Golf with others
Golf days and groups32Clubs that host societies, corporate golf days and group visits, as they say on their own websites.Women’s and junior golf40Ladies’ programmes and sections, junior academies and family golf, as each club describes them.Reciprocal clubs6Clubs that say they have reciprocal arrangements with other clubs, mostly for their own members. If you belong to one of the clubs they name, ask your home club before you travel.