Destinations
Four Nations. Four completely different games. Here’s where I’ve played — and where I’m going next.
Most UK golf content treats all four nations as one big bucket list to tick off. I’m not doing that here.
I’ll tell you honestly which nations I’ve played in, what I found, and what I’m still chasing. England is my home turf — 22 years, 33 courses, 664 rounds. Wales I’ve played, and it surprised me in the best way. Scotland and Northern Ireland are still on the list. They’ll get their own pages when I’ve actually been there, not before.
Pick a nation below and see where things stand.
UK Golf by Region: Where to Play in Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland
The full regional breakdown — what each part of the UK is best at, anchor courses for each, and a decision-helper for picking your first trip.
By Region
🏴 Scotland
Status: On the list — not there yet
I haven’t played in Scotland yet. I’m not going to write about it as if I have.
What I do know is that it’s the home of golf for a reason — St Andrews, Muirfield, Turnberry, Carnoustie. The courses that defined the game. When I go, I’ll do it properly and write it all up honestly. Until then, the regional guide has a solid overview of what to expect and how to plan it.
🏴 England
Status: Home Turf
This is where almost all of my golf has been played. Twenty-two years of weekends, early mornings, and cancelled memberships across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and beyond. England has everything — parkland, heathland, links, hidden gems, and courses that will empty your wallet fast if you’re not careful.
I know England’s golf well enough to tell you where it’s worth going and where to save your money.
🏴 Wales
Status: Played — and I’ll be back
Wales was the trip that took this whole thing seriously. Celtic Manor is where the Ryder Cup was held in 2010 — and playing there reminded me why golf is worth the effort. Stunning course, proper facilities, and surprisingly accessible if you plan it right.
Wales is the most underrated golf destination in the UK. Quieter than Scotland, cheaper than you’d expect, and genuinely beautiful. If you haven’t considered it, you should.
🇬🇧 Northern Ireland
Status: On the list — not there yet
Royal County Down and Royal Portrush are two of the highest-ranked courses on the planet
and they’re ninety minutes apart. That combination is too good to rush.
When I do the Causeway Coast trip, it’ll get its own full guide. For now, the overview
covers the basics of what makes Northern Ireland worth planning seriously.
What’s Coming
Section heading: What’s Next on the Map
These aren’t filler. Some are trips I’m genuinely planning. Others are places I’ve been researching long enough to write about even before I’ve played. I’ll be clear which is which when each guide goes up.
| Destination | Status |
|---|---|
| South Wales Weekend — Celtic Manor + Royal Porthcawl | Planning |
| Causeway Coast, NI — Royal County Down + Royal Portrush | Bucket list |
| Fife Mini-Tour — St Andrews Old + New + Kingsbarns | Bucket list |
| Kent Weekend — Royal St George’s by train from London | Researching |
If there’s a UK destination you’d like me to look at — somewhere you’re planning or somewhere you think is worth the trip — drop me a message.
— Jabunong