Best Royal Golf Clubs
from the experts in Golf Holidays
⏱ 10 min read
from the experts in Golf Holidays
⏱ 10 min read
Norfolk
Rated 9.6 by 18 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Cromer Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Kent
Rated 9.6 by 27 golfers (Read reviews of Royal St George's Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Dublin
Rated 8.6 by 9 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Dublin Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
There are just 64 golf clubs around the world that have a valid ‘Royal’ title bestowed by a member of the British Monarchy, 35 of them are in the UK & Ireland.
With many featuring on The Open Rota, royal courses are well known within the UK and are regularly put on the world stage. Becoming a royal course is a huge honour and one that is a testament to the quality of the golf course, facilities, service as well as its heritage.
With Open Championship host venues, past, present and future, these are courses which will excite golfing purists. So, take a look at our list below and you might be on a royal fairway soon.
As two time host of The Open Championship in 1909 and 1920, Royal Cinque Ports is a truly magical golfing destination on the Kent coastline.
Tall dunes, pot bunkers and a strong crosswind all contribute to the challenge that awaits as you make your way round.
More info on Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club >>
Royal Cinque Ports facts | |
---|---|
Location | Deal, Kent, England |
Length | 7,245 yards |
Par | 71 |
Designed by | Henry Hunter, James Braid, Sir Guy Campbell & Henry Cotton |
Established | 1892 |
Granted Royal status | King Edward VII in 1910 |
Where to stay | Kent |
"The contours of the fairway actually gather your ball towards the sand traps so they are really about two or three times larger than they look from the tee."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Sam about playing this course.
Kent
Rated 9.4 by 31 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
The clifftop course at Royal Cromer is perfect for golfers looking for some dramatic golf with brilliant views.
Designed by Tom Morris, the layout isn’t long at 6,500 yards but is still a pure links test and above all else, the club is welcoming, friendly and provides a great golfing experience.
More info on Royal Cromer Golf Club >>
Royal Cromer facts | |
---|---|
Location | Norfolk, England |
Length | 6,528 yards |
Par | 72 |
Designed by | Old Tom Morris, James Braid, JH Taylor, Frank Pennick |
Established | 1888 |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1888 |
Where to stay | Norfolk |
"Sat on top of the white cliffs of the Norfolk coast combining huge elevation changes with spectacular views, Royal Cromer will reward good shots but punish bad ones."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Tom about playing this course.
Norfolk
Rated 9.6 by 18 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Cromer Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Royal North Devon, or Westward Ho! as its commonly known, is the oldest golf course in England, dating back to 1864 and even uses the same fairways to this day.
The course oozes personality with towering dunes throughout and a sharp sea breeze, however it’s returning to the traditional and iconic clubhouse which reminds you of why this course is so special.
More info on Royal North Devon Golf Club >>
Royal North Devon facts | |
---|---|
Location | Devon, England |
Length | 7,000 yards |
Par | 72 |
Designed by | Old Tom Morris, Herbert Fowler |
Established | 1864 |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1867 |
Where to stay | Devon |
"The stretch from holes 4 to 9 contains some of the best golf you will ever play, the blind 4th, the short 5th hole surrounded by bunkers, the views from 6 & 7 played alongside the sea and the beautiful short 8th that feels like it is right on the beach."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Sam about playing this course.
Devon
Rated 8.4 by 16 golfers (Read reviews of Royal North Devon Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Royal Norwich was founded in 1893 but in September 2019 the course moved to it's new European Golf Design layout. The new par 73 course can be stretched to 7,209 yards from the back tees and is a challenging but fun experience for the visiting golfer.
More info on Royal Norwich Golf Club >>
Royal Norwich Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Norfolk, England |
Length | 7,209 yards |
Par | 73 |
Designed by | Ross McMurray |
Established | 1893 |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1893 |
Where to stay | Norfolk |
"The new course setting is great, the fairways are lined with mature Scots pine with some being over 400 years old, this makes it feel like the course has been here for years."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
Norfolk
Rated 9.4 by 12 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Norwich Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Since gaining Royal status in 1951, Royal Birkdale has firmly established itself as one of the best golf courses in England, if not Europe.
Providing a pure links test in tough conditions, the course is set up for dramatic golf, something golf fans witnessed first hand in the 2017 Open Championship.
More info on Royal Birkdale >>
Royal Birkdale facts | |
---|---|
Location | Southport, England |
Length | 7,156 yards |
Par | 70 |
Designed by | Frederick G. Hawtree / J.H. Taylor |
Established | 1889 |
Granted Royal status | King George VI in 1951 |
Where to stay | Southport |
"Playing into the 17th you appreciate how amazing Harrington's shot was to claim his 2nd Open. From start-to-finish, this is a great day of golf."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Sam about playing this course.
Southport
Rated 10 by 30 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Birkdale Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Royal St. George's hosted its first Open Championship in 1894, some eight years before it was granted Royal status by King Edward VII, and after 13 more between then and now, it is set to host again in 2020.
The typical links course demands versatility and intelligence as you play on some of the most exciting and demanding holes in golf.
More info on Royal St George's >>
Royal St George's facts | |
---|---|
Location | Sandwich, Kent, England |
Length | 7,204 yards |
Par | 70 |
Designed by | Laidlaw Purves |
Established | 1887 |
Granted Royal status | King Edward VII in 1902 |
Where to stay | Kent |
❝A serious test of golf, regardless of the tees you play off or the wind on offer.❞
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
Kent
Rated 9.6 by 27 golfers (Read reviews of Royal St George's Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
This brilliant seaside layout is renowned for the quality of the course design, something which has been maintained and developed over the years.
A difficult test for all who grace the fairways, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club is a brilliant destination for golfers looking to play a royal course and an Open Championship venue.
More info on Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club >>
Royal Lytham & St Annes facts | |
---|---|
Location | Lancashire, England |
Length | 7,118 yards |
Par | 70 |
Designed by | George Lowe / Harry Colt |
Established | 1886 |
Hosted The Open | 11 times |
Hosted Women's Open | 5 times (1998, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2018) |
Granted Royal status | King George V in 1926 |
Where to stay | Southport |
"Get there early and visit the clubhouse to experience the history, you are bound to by a souvenir from the clubhouse too. It begins with a gentle par 3 but beware this is one of the toughest courses in the Country."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Gareth about playing this course.
Southport
Rated 9 by 24 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club)
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
As one of the oldest seaside courses in England, Royal Liverpool naturally has tonnes of history and heritage behind it; in 1871 the course was extended to 18 holes, paving the way for the royal title in the same year.
The course is rather unprotected which can cause conditions to feel more severe, although elites like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have won Open Championships here, so they must like it.
More info on Royal Liverpool Golf Club >>
Royal Liverpool Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Wirral, England |
Length | 7,218 yards |
Par | 72 |
Designed by | Robert Chambers, George Morris, Harry Colt |
Established | 1869 |
Hosted The Open | 13 times |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1871 |
Where to stay | Southport |
"A great example of links golf. I think the opening tee-shot (the 3rd when they play The Open) is one of the toughest you'll face."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
Cheshire
Rated 8.6 by 14 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Liverpool Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Royal West Norfolk is located between Brancaster Bay and surrounding marshes, making it an isolated island when the tide is high. The links course is a delight for golfers of all abilities with amazing coastal views as you play.
More info on Royal West Norfolk Golf Club >>
Royal West Norfolk facts | |
---|---|
Location | Norfolk, England |
Length | 6,457 yards |
Par | 71 |
Designed by | Mr Holcombe Ingleby |
Established | 1892 |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1892 |
Where to stay | Norfolk |
"Check the tide times before you visit, the course is located on a strip of links land that gets cut off at high tide, if you play it at this time you are in for a treat."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
Norfolk
Rated 9 by 2 golfers (Read reviews of Royal West Norfolk Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
As the only venue outside of England and Scotland to host an Open Championship, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland did so again in 2019.
The course itself is widely considered as one of the best courses in the world, with spectacular views and an unrivalled layout.
More info on Royal Portrush >>
Royal Portrush Dunluce Links facts | |
---|---|
Location | Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland |
Length | 7,143 yards |
Par | 72 |
Designed by | Harry Colt |
Established | 1888 |
Hosted Irish Open | 4 times (1930, 1937, 1947, 2012) |
Hosted The Open | 2 times (1951, 2019) |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1892 |
Where to stay | Portrush & Derry |
"Some of the best links views anywhere in the world. A very playable course if you drive it well and somewhere I'd recommend to all, such a great stretch of golf with great apres golf at Ramore in the Harbour."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Tom about playing this course.
Antrim
Rated 9.8 by 19 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Portrush Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Originally designed by Harry Colt, Royal Dublin is the second oldest golf club in Ireland and displays its heritage perfectly to this day. Just a short drive from Dublin city centre, this coastal course is relatively flat for a links course but is by no means easy.
More info on Royal Dublin Golf Club >>
Royal Dublin Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Dublin, Ireland |
Length | 7,269 yards |
Par | 72 |
Designed by | Harry Colt, Martin Hawtree |
Established | 1885 |
Hosted Irish Open | 6 times (1931, 1936, 1950, 1983-85) |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1891 |
Where to stay | Dublin |
"With long narrow drives, accuracy off the tee is required while the bunkering and run off areas around the greens means your short game will also be in for a stern test."
Tom (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 6)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Tom about playing this course.
Dublin
Rated 8.6 by 9 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Dublin Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
There are fewer golf clubs in the world that have more history than Royal Musselburgh, considered as the fifth club to ever be established, going back to 1774. Over a Century later the club was granted royal status by Queen Victoria and has since been one of the standout venues with that title.
More info on Royal Musselburgh Golf Club >>
Royal Musselburgh Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | East Lothian, Scotland |
Length | 6,254 yards |
Par | 70 |
Designed by | James Braid |
Established | 1774 |
Granted Royal status | Queen Victoria in 1876 |
Where to stay | East Lothian |
"The open fairways are a blessing to the higher handicap golfer and so are the shorter than average par 4's although accurate approaches are still required."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Gareth about playing this course.
East Lothians
Rated 9.2 by 7 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Musselburgh Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Royal Aberdeen is again one of the world’s most historic golf courses and is one of the classic links golf courses. The heavily bunkered course offers almost no protection from the strong coastal breezes and can cause havoc to golfers on the elevated tees in places.
More info on Royal Aberdeen Golf Club >>
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
Length | 6,922 yards |
Par | 71 |
Designed by | Robert & Archie Simpson, James Braid |
Established | 1780 |
Hosted Scottish Open | 2014 |
Granted Royal status | King Edward VII in 1903 |
Where to stay | Aberdeen or Cruden Bay |
"Royal Aberdeen contains some wonderful golfing terrain including a 'Postage Stamp' style 8th hole, it's also a traditional club so remember to take your jacket & tie if you wish to use the liunge or dining room after your round."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Gareth about playing this course.
Aberdeenshire
Rated 9 by 10 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
As a truly legendary links golf course, Royal Dornoch has gained plaudits from some of the most famous golfers in the world, including honorary members Tom Watson and Ben Crenshaw. The beautiful scenery which surround the course make this a memorable round, regardless of how you play.
More info on Royal Dornoch Golf Club >>
Royal Dornoch Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Sutherland, Scotland |
Length | 6,748 yards |
Par | 70 |
Designed by | Old Tom Morris, Donald Ross |
Established | 1877 |
Granted Royal status | King Edward VII in 1906 |
Where to stay | Scottish Highlands |
"Arguably one of the most underrated top-rated golf courses. I don't know anyone who has played here who hasn't put it amongst their Top 10 Courses they've played."
Gareth (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 12)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Gareth about playing this course.
Highlands & Inverness
Rated 9.4 by 12 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Dornoch Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Having hosted one of the most dramatic Open Championships in recent times in 2016, Royal Troon is a simply stunning course. It’s the most recent club in the UK to gain royal status, with Queen Elizabeth doing so in 1978 and features some seriously iconic holes including the famous postage stamp 8th hole.
More info on Royal Troon Golf Club >>
Royal Troon Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Ayrshire, Scotland |
Length | 7,208 yards |
Par | 71 |
Designed by | George Strath, Willie Fernie, James Braid |
Established | 1878 |
Granted Royal status | Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 |
Where to stay | Ayrshire |
"Everyone knows about the 8th hole but it is the drive and view off the 1st that stands out for me, following in the footsteps of the many great Open Champions who have claimed victory there before."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Sam about playing this course.
Glasgow & Ayrshire
Rated 9.8 by 15 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Troon Golf Club)
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Royal St David's is no stranger to hosting prestigious tournaments and has previously hosted Open Qualifying. The course itself is set in a remote part of North West Wales and keeps all golfers on their toes with all holes facing in different directions.
More info on Royal St David's Golf Club >>
Royal St David's Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Harlech, Wales |
Length | 6,629 yards |
Par | 69 |
Designed by | Harold Finch Hatton, William Henry More |
Established | 1894 |
Granted Royal status | King Edward VII in 1908 |
Where to stay | Nefyn & Harlech |
"The home stretch from the 14th is almost unrivalled in any course. You start with a partially blind long par 3 then the signature 15th hole and its unparallelled views, to finish unusually on the 18th with a par 3."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
North West & Harlech
Rated 8.8 by 75 golfers (Read reviews of Royal St David's Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Considered as Wales’ best links course, Royal Porthcrawl is a classic links test for all who visit. Located by the seaside, the course features several typical challenges of links golf, with many holes unprotected.
Having previously hosted the 2004 Senior Open Championship, Royal Porthcrawl is a hugely popular stop as part of a South Wales Golf Tour.
More info on Royal Porthcawl Golf Club >>
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club facts | |
---|---|
Location | Mid Glamorgan, Wales |
Length | 7,137 yards |
Par | 72 |
Designed by | Charles Gibson, Ramsay Hunter, J. Simpson |
Established | 1891 |
Granted Royal status | King Edward VII in 1909 |
Where to stay | Swansea |
"The course leads you into a sense of false security from the first few holes only to take that away with the brutal par 5 5th."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.
South Coast & Pembrokeshire
Rated 9.6 by 24 golfers (Read reviews of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club)
1 Night, 2 Rounds
Offical Royal Golf Clubs are courses that have been granted Royal status by the British monarchy.
There are 64 Royal Golf Clubs throughout the world that have a valid ‘Royal’ title, bestowed by a member of the British Monarchy, 35 of them are in the UK & Ireland.
To receive the title of 'Royal' the golf club typically invites a member of the Royal family to be a patron or honorary member, or they apply for the title.
The Curragh Golf Club in Ireland is listed below as it was granted a Royal title in 1910, but does not use it.
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal Perth (Scotland) | 1833 |
Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews | 1834 |
.
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal North Devon | 1867 |
Royal Liverpool | 1871 |
Royal Musselburgh | 1876 |
Royal Jersey | 1879 |
Royal Wimbledon | 1882 |
Royal Montreal | 1884 |
Royal Belfast | 1885 |
Royal Ascot | 1887 |
Royal Eastbourne | 1887 |
Royal Malta | 1888 |
Royal Cromer | 1888 |
Royal Epping Forest | 1888 |
Royal Guernsey | 1891 |
Royal Dublin | 1891 |
Royal West Norfolk | 1892 |
Royal Portrush | 1892 |
Royal Ashdown | 1893 |
Royal Norwich | 1893 |
Royal Worlington & Newmarket | 1895 |
Royal Melbourne | 1895 |
Royal Sydney | 1897 |
.
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal Blackheath | 1901 |
Royal Household Golf Club | 1901 |
Royal St George's | 1902 |
Royal Aberdeen | 1903 |
Royal Dornoch | 1906 |
Royal County Down | 1908 |
Royal St Davids | 1908 |
Royal Porthcawl | 1909 |
Royal Cinque Ports | 1910 |
Royal Curragh | 1910 |
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal Cape | 1910 |
Royal Calcutta | 1910 |
Royal Ottawa | 1912 |
Royal Winchester | 1913 |
Royal Queensland | 1921 |
Royal Adelaide | 1923 |
Royal Port Alfred | 1924 |
Duff House Royal Golf Club | 1925 |
Royal Hobart | 1926 |
Royal Lytham & St Annes | 1926 |
Royal Mid-Surrey | 1926 |
Royal Tarlair | 1926 |
Royal Colombo | 1928 |
Royal Burgess | 1929 |
Royal Cape | 1929 |
Royal Freemantle | 1930 |
Royal Colwood | 1931 |
Royal Johannesberg | 1931 |
Royal Durban | 1932 |
Royal Canberra | 1933 |
Royal Quebec | 1934 |
Royal Nairobi | 1935 |
.
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal Perth (Australia) | 1937 |
Royal Birkdale | 1951 |
.
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal Selangor | 1953 |
Royal Troon | 1978 |
Royal Regina | 1999 |
Royal Marianske Lazne | 2003 |
Royal Mayfair | 2005 |
Royal Homburger | 2013 |
.
Golf Club | Granted Royal status |
---|---|
Royal Wellington | 2004 |