When you consider the many thousands of golf courses that are located around the world, only a tiny percentage of them are true links. These treasured layouts on sandy turf along the seaside are among the most coveted in the game, as the style of play demanded by those rumpled fairways that are perennially at the mercy of the elements is one that is pure and requires skills and creativity that are rarely needed elsewhere.
It was on the coast where golf first took hold all those centuries ago, growing from the eastern side of Scotland, gradually spreading west, and then south, as the otherwise spare land by the sea was transformed into characterful playgrounds for generations of golfers to test themselves.
Those of us who live across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland are fortunate to have these authentic links courses close to hand. There are many imitations both domestically and worldwide, but only a select few are the genuine item, which explains why hordes of international tourists come to these shores each year to experience the likes of St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, Ballybunion and Lahinch.
Most golfers will be intimately familiar with these venues, and many others like them that rate among the best courses on the planet.
But there are lesser-known links courses to discover, those that haven’t staged a major championship, don’t feature widely in leading published rankings, or that are somewhat overshadowed by bigger names nearby.
We have brought together 50 of the best links golf courses that you may not have heard of. Each of these has a strong Golfshake Rating greater than 4.00, meaning that they come Highly Recommended by the Golfshake Community.
Links golf is special for many reasons. The challenge and imagination of these courses is unique, the settings are often spellbinding, and they can be played in all manner of conditions as the fast draining soil makes them playable 12 months of the year, which is why our travel partners Golfbreaks take golfers to the seaside during each season, including winter.
50 of The Best Links Golf Courses That You Might not Know
But let’s take a look at some of those links courses you might not be familiar with that are definitely worth playing!
Arbroath Golf Club
Location: Arbroath, Angus
Golfshake Rating: 4.35
Review Comment: “What a superb course. We got lucky as there was no wind. I am told that when the wind kicks up then it is brutal. Some really good holes and overall if you can keep it straight then you won’t go far wrong.”
Balnagask Golf Course
Location: Torry, Aberdeen
Golfshake Rating: 4.61
Review Comment: “This is the second time I have played the course, the first was a few years ago. I really cannot believe that this is a municipal course, the greens are exceptionally good, far better than 90% of private courses in England.”
Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club
Location: Borth, Ceredigion
Golfshake Rating: 4.25
Review Comment: “What better on a sunny day than playing one of the best links courses in Wales. The course was in great condition with nice fairways and smooth greens and a good pace of play.”
Bundoran Golf Club
Location: Bundoran, County Donegal
Golfshake Rating: 4.11
Review Comment: “A links course set on a cliff overlooking Donegal Bay. Course is in great condition with over 100 bunkers and fast greens, this is a test for everyone.”
Carnoustie Burnside Golf Course
Location: Carnoustie, Angus
Golfshake Rating: 4.88
Review Comment: “A gem of a course. Terrific golf challenge next to the Carnoustie Championship Course. Subtle greens, well positioned bunkers, and the course in great condition despite the recent wet weather.”
Castlegregory Golf Links
Location: Castlegregory, County Kerry
Golfshake Rating: 4.28
Review Comment: “What a treat to find such a challenging and scenic links course. Condition of the course was incredible given the extreme weather battering the west of Ireland. Course asks a lot of questions of all parts of your game. Will definitely be back again. Incredible value.”
Cleveland Golf Club
Location: Redcar, North Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.50
Review Comment: “Cleveland is a fantastic course and a great test of anyone’s game. Rough is penal if you stray too far wide. Areas between fairways when off-line at least offered the opportunity to find your ball. Greens excellent, ran fast and true. Very friendly members and staff.”
Corballis Golf Links
Location: Donabate, Dublin
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Review Comment: “Great links course for good money. Really enjoyed the course! Fantastic price for the quality of the course. The course has a great blend of trickiness which will only help you improve your golf game.”
Cruit Island Golf Club
Location: Cruit Island, County Donegal
Golfshake Rating: 4.95
Review Comment: “Bucket list course! Just stunning location and one of the most fun rounds of golf you’ll ever play! Add to your list. The drive to get to the course is incredible. If there’s a wilder drive into a course I’d be amazed. Fantastic.”
Cullen Golf Club
Location: Cullen, Moray
Golfshake Rating: 4.26
Review Comment: “What a course. Extremely scenic links course, ‘the shortest true links’ in the world, with several extremely testing holes amongst the many par 3s. Definitely a must play, especially as all the staff are so helpful and friendly, enjoy!”
Donegal Golf Club
Location: Murvagh, County Donegal
Golfshake Rating: 4.23
Review Comment: “Donegal Golf Club is a very traditional links course. An absolutely fantastic layout, long winding par 5s, incredible mix of par 3s, and great par 4s. Bring your A game, as this is a tough track to play to your handicap. Choose your tee boxes carefully as this will add to your enjoyment immensely. A must play if you are a fan of links golf.”
Dooks Golf Club
Location: Glenbeigh, County Kerry
Golfshake Rating: 4.55
Review Comment: “Real traditional links course – weather was kind and wind was low so the conditions were kind. Friendly staff and pace of play was good. Will return…”
Dunaverty Golf Club
Location: Southend, Argyll & Bute
Golfshake Rating: 4.38
Review Comment: “I have played this golf course occasionally since I was a child, a long time ago. Every time I come back I appreciate the place more and more. Playing Dunaverty is a truly enriching experience, the course is not long but there are some very tricky par 3s. Some of the views are world class. The first two or three holes, and the last, are average but from hole 4 to 17, Dunaverty is a very special place to play golf.”
Dunfanaghy Golf Club
Location: Dunfanaghy, County Donegal
Golfshake Rating: 4.56
Review Comment: “Whole course in great condition as only a links can be – no surface water anywhere. Tees, fairways, greens all excellent.”
Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Golfshake Rating: 4.49
Review Comment: “Fantastic links course that has been there for a long, long time. It’s a thing of beauty from the Martello Towers that guard the coastal side of the course to the pure greens and fast firm fairways. Book a round and smile all the way round. The members and staff will make you feel at home and the fish and chips were spectacular.”
Fleetwood Golf Club
Location: Fleetwood, Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 4.12
Review Comment: “Played Fleetwood GC many times now, always enjoy coming back. Friendly welcome as always. Course in usual reasonable nick, hard fairways, unforgiving rough, need to be straight off the tees. Greens rolling well if a little slow. Testing track along the sea front, a joy to play.”
Hartlepool Golf Club
Location: Hartlepool, County Durham
Golfshake Rating: 4.53
Review Comment: “Played there a couple of weeks ago. Some of the members came out of the clubhouse to have a chat about the old hickory clubs I was using. All very hospitable and interested. The course was in great condition and offered a host of challenging holes. A great day out if you’re anywhere near the area.”
Hopeman Golf Club
Location: Hopeman, Moray
Golfshake Rating: 4.50
Review Comment: “Great course in a fantastic area of Scotland. The 12th hole is worth playing the course, just a great all round links course.”
Inverallochy Golf Club
Location: Inverallochy, Aberdeenshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Review Comment: “Like all the links courses in this area, the wind plays a major part in the difficulty of the course. This is a nice course to play and is kept in good condition. Greens always in good condition when I’ve played here.”
Irvine Golf Club
Location: Irvine, Ayrshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.46
Review Comment: “Quality. Excellent course and facilities, Very challenging links course, will definitely be back and possibly looking to become a member.”
Kilspindie Golf Club
Location: Aberlady, East Lothian
Golfshake Rating: 4.44
Review Comment: “Wonderful course. Classic true links, fairly short but with all the true links challenges, fantastic condition.”
Kirkistown Castle Golf Club
Location: Cloughey, County Down
Golfshake Rating: 4.08
Review Comment: “What a great links golf course. Really good condition, and the greens are superb, stay out of that rough though…”
Leasowe Golf Club
Location: Leasowe, Merseyside
Golfshake Rating: 4.10
Review Comment: “This was a very nice links course with good facilities and very nice kept greens, the group had a great day out.”
Littlehampton Golf Club
Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex
Golfshake Rating: 4.03
Review Comment: “Wonderful links in an unexpected location. Every hole has a good level of interest and the greens and bunkers are excellent. We played on a warm sunny day with no wind but I bet it shows its teeth when the wind is blowing.”
Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club
Location: Minehead, Somerset
Golfshake Rating: 4.14
Review Comment: “Course was in wonderful condition, the staff were very friendly, would recommend visiting to anyone.”
Mulranny Golf Club
Location: Mulranny, County Mayo
Golfshake Rating: 4.06
Review Comment: “Old style 9-hole links course, scenic views. Not long but very challenging due to wind. Sheep and cows on course, greens fenced off. Good challenge.”
Nairn Dunbar Golf Club
Location: Nairn, Highlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Review Comment: “An absolute gem of a course. Feels between links and heath course. Many really challenging tees, require nerves of steel to find the fairway. Terrific greens, very subtle.”
Newquay Golf Club
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Golfshake Rating: 4.25
Review Comment: “Gorgeous views, wonderful course, delicious food and friendly staff and members. No issues at all with the parking. We had a reminder in the confirmation email to validate our parking and there is plenty of signage around the car park. Great value for money. The green fee was £80 per player. We had a great time.”
Perranporth Golf Club
Location: Perranporth, Cornwall
Golfshake Rating: 4.56
Review Comment: “Just had the pleasure of playing Perranporth Golf Club, and what a unique and enjoyable experience it was! The course is a true test of skill and creativity, with its numerous blind shots keeping me on my toes and adding an exciting twist to the round. It’s not every day you get to embrace the challenge of trusting your swing and letting the course reveal its surprises.”
Peterhead Golf Club
Location: Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.05
Review Comment: “Lovely course, 18th oldest in the world, we played in 40+ mph winds so was very tough. Would play again hopefully in better weather conditions.”
Portsalon Golf Club
Location: Portsalon, County Donegal
Golfshake Rating: 4.44
Review Comment: “True test of links golf. If you find yourself in Donegal playing various courses, it’s well worth playing Portsalon. Quality venue, friendly staff. Course in fabulous condition.”
Prestatyn Golf Club
Location: Prestatyn, Clwyd
Golfshake Rating: 4.29
Review Comment: “Superb. First time played, great course, layout and tough but fair challenge. Greens great and will get quicker as it finally warms up.”
Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club
Location: Prestwick, Ayrshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Review Comment: “Fantastic course, has to be added to any coastal challenge. Greens in excellent condition, and very true all the way through.”
Pwllheli Golf Club
Location: Pwllheli, Gwynedd
Golfshake Rating: 4.13
Review Comment: “Parkland is in great condition and easy to play but some challenging greens. Head to the links on the 8th and you are playing a very different course. Plenty of obstacles and bunkers. Views over Cardigan Bay. A very enjoyable course to play.”
Reay Golf Club
Location: Reay, Highlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.11
Review Comment: “Great course, amazing views and very friendly members.”
Rosslare Golf Club
Location: Rosslare, County Wexford
Golfshake Rating: 4.50
Review Comment: “This is a brilliant venue and ideally located for using the ferry to Wales. It is a hidden gem for society golfers who return year on year such is its value for money and sheer pleasure.”
Seacroft Golf Club
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.28
Review Comment: “The course is in fantastic condition having had many years of improvements. The fairways are beautifully maintained due to an irrigation system and greens are outstanding. The clubhouse is beautiful and catering services are the best in the county. It’s great value for money and well worth a visit.”
Seahouses Golf Club
Location: Seahouses, Northumberland
Golfshake Rating: 4.05
Review Comment: “Great course with some stunning par 3s. Can get a bit tight on some holes with crossovers, so play can get a bit disturbed. Best played when the course is quiet, especially if it’s your first time. Well worth a visit though.”
Seascale Golf Club
Location: Seascale, Cumbria
Golfshake Rating: 4.38
Review Comment: “Greens and course in great condition. Fair test of skill, especially in the wind, which can catch you out over or under clubbing. Definitely play here again.”
Seaton Carew Golf Club
Location: Seaton Carew, County Durham
Golfshake Rating: 4.33
Review Comment: “Great links course with superb green complexes. Wonderful conditioning.”
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club
Location: Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran
Golfshake Rating: 4.38
Review Comment: “Simply 12 holes of unadulterated joy. How links golf should be. Not a dull hole on the course. Fabulous blind shots, great mix of holes, just get to Arran and play this place. Great little pro shop and clubhouse. All positives.”
St Andrews Eden Course
Location: St Andrews, Fife
Golfshake Rating: 4.92
Review Comment: “I often play the Eden Course in St Andrews. I have played it regular over the last 20 years and it’s one of my favourites. It has many interesting and challenging holes. It’s not too long but you have to be on your game to score well.”
Strandhill Golf Club
Location: Strandhill, County Sligo
Golfshake Rating: 4.51
Review Comment: “Wow, what a great course, with stunning views and it’s great value. All staff were extremely helpful. Would recommend to anyone visiting the Sligo area.”
Swansea Bay Golf Club
Location: Neath, West Glamorgan
Golfshake Rating: 4.17
Review Comment: “Played the course while visiting family in Swansea and loved it. Course was in fantastic condition and the greens were some of the best I’ve played on, real test of golf – helps if you’re a big hitter.”
Tain Golf Club
Location: Tain, Highlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.38
Review Comment: “Tain is a fabulous course and golfing challenge. A traditional links with obvious outward and inward 9s to ensure the wind protects the course from good scoring. The greens are a terrific. Challenge to read, but run very true.”
Tenby Golf Club
Location: Tenby, Carmarthenshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.16
Review Comment: “Amazing course, the best scenery I have ever seen so far on a golf course. Played on a hot sunny day. Had a great score also. Loved it.”
Traigh Golf Course
Location: Arisaig, Highlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.43
Review Comment: “A stunning setting and challenging 9-hole course with an amazing backdrop. Greens are a little small but interesting. Well set up course, very quiet.”
Troon Municipal Golf Club (Lochgreen)
Location: Troon, Ayrshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.36
Review Comment: “We played the course for the first time in a few years, and it is still very enjoyable and challenging.”
West Kilbride Golf Club
Location: West Kilbride, Ayrshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.52
Review Comment: “Great local links course, well maintained, nice clubhouse, good bar, friendly staff and a great little pro shop, good value, tough course when the wind is blowing.”
Winterfield Golf Club
Location: Dunbar, East Lothian
Golfshake Rating: 4.23
Review Comment: “A very short course but very enjoyable to play. Great views, some tricky holes needing you to keep it in play. Stunning first hole gives you a thinking challenge straight away. Lovely catering, excellent welcome, decent stocked shop, nice clubhouse. Don’t let the shortness of length and par put you off visiting, it is well worth it.”
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.