Once again we've teamed up with the good people at Golf Escapes to bring you another 'Top 5' to tick off your bucket list.
This time around we're looking at the 'Best Courses To Play This Winter In The UK'. With the clocks heading backwards at the end of the month (29th October for those who need reminding), winter golf is well and truly creeping up on us.
The courses below offer a mix of spectacular scenery, fierce challenges and cosy stays. A visit to any of them this winter is a must for those who brave the elements throughout the 'off season'.
Disagree with our selection? Let us know which courses we should be heading to and what makes them a winter wonderland to play.
Princes Golf Club
A popular Links course which has held a number of major tournaments including The Open Championship and The Amateur Championship.
Striking a rare balance between modern ambience and historic charm, Prince's Golf Club offers 27 Holes of outstanding championship links golf in an idyllic coastal setting.
Having undergone a significant redevelopment the club is set to hold the prestigious 2023 Women's Amateur Championship and hosted the Final Qualifying for The Open Championship from 2018 to 2022. The club is now ever-present in all Top 100 Great Britain and Ireland rankings and is embarking on perhaps its most ambitious period in modern history since hosting the 1932 Open Championship.
Prince's also boasts wonderful on-site accommodation at The Lodge, with views over Sandwich Bay and Royal St. George's, with a fantastic dining experience available at The Brasserie On The Bay.
Packages and further information available at Golf Escapes.
Hillside Golf Club
With an illustrious history having hosted numerous amateur and championship events including the 2019 British Masters, Hillside Golf Club is a classic championships layout, which is considered by many in the golfing community to be one of the great rounds of golf.
The course is divided into two unique and distinct halves with a fairly flat front nine opening out to the South West, preparing you for the challenge that awaits on the back nine. The back nine consists of the wildest and highest dunes found on any golf course where every hole is unique in style and nature.
The course boasts some fantastic views of the Irish coast, whilst being surrounded by mature pines which are a key feature here. The strong coastal winds create a true links feel and add the extra challenge to the round.
Hillside Golf Club is a must play in Southport, and along with some of its neighbour courses, is well worthy of the trip to this fantastic golfing region.
The clubhouse, which dates back to 1930, reflects the beauty of the private residences of the surrounding area, and offers a modern and welcoming atmosphere for your after-round beverage.
Packages available to England's Golf Coast at Golf Escapes.
Southport And Ainsdale
At the heart of England's Golf Coast is Southport & Ainsdale, a majestic and challenging championship course with undulating fairways, rolling dunes, heathland shoulders, and more often than not a sea breeze.
All this supports its reputation as a formidable TOP 50 golfing challenge, founded in 1906 the course has previously hosted the Ryder Cup on two occasions.
Located on the rugged coastline of the North West, the course is perfect for those looking for the ultimate Links golf.
Its neighbours include the world class Royal Birkdale, Hillside Golf Club and Formby Golf Club.
Packages available to England's Golf Coast at Golf Escapes.
Royal Porthcawl
The course features a variety of different holes from links style to heathland style, ensuring you won’t be unimpressed by the layout here.
Royal Porthcawl is not for the faint hearted, and players will definitely benefit from the use of an electric trolley on their round. A fairly long course stretching at 7,065 yards from the back tees, it provides a stern challenge, especially with its very deep bunkers on both the fairways and at the greenside.
This course is a real test of shot-making, right from the first hole up until the superb 18th. This is partly due to the sharp elevation changes that can be found after the first three holes but even harsher than the elevation changes, the prevailing winter wind will send even the best golfer’s shot off-course. It makes for a unique challenge, with increased importance placed on positioning and shot direction, winter at Porthcawl offers golfers a true tactical battle.
The 1st hole is undoubtedly one of the best. With the sea to your left and pot bunkers waiting for any errant shots and a difficult green, it's a hole which will leave a lasting impression.
Royal Porthcawl is a superb course in its entirety and earns its ranking as the top course in Wales, so make sure you add this to your next South Wales golf itinerary.
Packages available across South Wales at Golf Escapes.
West Hill Golf Club
West Hill is one of the best known courses in Surrey and has consistently featured in the top 100 golf course listings.
This old-fashioned, yet sublime heathland course, designed in 1909, is lined with towering Scots pines and beautiful but treacherous heather.
Along with Worplesdon and Woking it is also one of the three Ws, a trio of first-class courses that almost border one another.
Although the youngest of the three Ws, it was nonetheless designed well over a century ago by its professional, Cuthbert Butchart. He was from Carnoustie and had formerly worked as a club-maker and professional in North Berwick.
Recently, continued efforts have been made towards subtle and in-keeping improvements ensuring a visit to West Hill will provide a golfing day you will not forget.
Find out more here.
