How many golf courses are there in the UK?

If you live anywhere in the United Kingdom, you’ll know there are few activities more ubiquitous than golf. And if you’re a keen golfer looking to play your way across the country, you might be interested in just how many golf courses there actually are in the UK.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple to give a definitive answer. Different sources will give you varying figures. But one thing is for certain. The UK is golf mad, and there are an awful lot of courses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Here, you’ll find out which country has the most golf courses and where some of the best are located. So whenever you fancy a round, you’ll always know where to go.

The golf course numbers across the UK

Whichever source you choose, the consensus is that there are thousands of golf courses in the United Kingdom.

Statista claims that, as of 2025, there were 3,001 courses in Britain alone, not even including Northern Ireland. Of these courses, over 2,000 are 18-hole courses.

Similarly, the R&A’s 2025 Global Participation Report states that Britain boasts 3,001 courses (excluding Northern Ireland), while market research outlet WifiTalents and the National Golf Foundation (NGF) state there are 3,101.

While these numbers vary slightly, the fact remains that no other European country has more golf courses than the UK.

Globally, the UK ranks third for the number of golf courses, according to the NGF. It claims only two countries have more than the UK: Japan (and by a tiny amount, too) and, unsurprisingly, the USA. The NGF claims that there are over 16,000 courses in the US alone, making it by far the country with the most courses in the world.

Which country in the UK has the most courses?

Unsurprisingly, the majority of golf courses in the UK are located in England, with, according to most sources, between 1,800 and 2,400 courses. When we said golf was ubiquitous here, we weren’t exaggerating. 

Scotland ranks second with around 520-550. Worldmetrics suggests that this makes it the country with the highest density of courses compared to people, with one course for every 1,500 members of the population. 

Wales has fewer, with figures ranging from 120 to 184, while Northern Ireland has just shy of 100 to its name . 

Golf courses in England

While you can find golf courses in every corner of England, some counties and regions have more than others. Notably, you’ll be able to find over 100 courses in each of Greater London, Lancashire and Surrey. 

As far as we’re concerned, some of the best courses in the world are in England, with those located at Sunningdale and Swinley Forest – both found in Berkshire – perhaps the best-designed courses in the country.

However, if an experience steeped in history is what you’re after, then Royal North Devon is well worth a visit, with its course designed all the way back in 1864!

You’ll also find a selection of great links courses in England, and Lytham St Anne’s in Lancashire boasts one of the very best.

Wherever you are in England, there’s a golf course for you.

Golf courses in Scotland

Even though there aren’t quite as many courses in Scotland as there are in England, there is by no means a lack of choice or quality in the homeland of golf.

Unsurprisingly, courses in Scotland are as historic as they come. Take the Old Course at St Andrews, which is comfortably one of the most famous courses in the world, and was founded in 1754.

Along with St Andrews, you’ll find Muirfield (located in East Lothian) in the top 10 of the Top 100 golf courses in the world. The course is home to The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and is even older than St Andrews.

Regions such as Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire and Kintyre also have plenty of courses on offer, and even the Highlands can boast Royal Dornoch as an exceptional links option.

In Scotland, golf courses are pretty much everywhere, so a trip to experience golfing history in the flesh is an absolute must for any avid golfer.

Golf courses in Wales

Wales offers plenty of great options as far as golf courses are concerned, and that’s no surprise given it’s been a popular pastime in the country since the 1870s.

Royal Porthcawl in Glamorgan is viewed by many as the gold standard for courses in Wales. Another links offering, it promises great views and a real variety of holes. Its associated club dates back to 1891.

Gwynedd is also home to two great alternatives in Aberdovey and Royal St David’s, but there are fantastic courses to be found throughout the entire country.

Golf courses in Northern Ireland

What Northern Ireland lacks in quantity, it absolutely makes up for in quality.

Royal County Down is ranked third in the Top 100 golf courses in the entire world, thanks to both the course itself, which is all but the perfect links course, and the breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains.

That’s not all. Royal Portrush is also in the top 10. Located in County Antrim, it’s another links course. Clearly, nowhere does links courses quite like the UK.

So, though there aren’t all that many golf courses in Northern Ireland, it certainly has some bucket-list courses for plenty of golfers.

Courses in the UK

While the specific figures are disputed, what’s clear is that we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses in the UK and, thankfully, an awful lot of them are also absolutely top-notch.

There’s a golf course out there waiting for you, and chances are it’s not that far away.

FAQs

What is the 24-38 rule in golf?

The 24-38 rule refers to the pace of play across a course. Specifically, you should execute your shot within 24 seconds and complete your hole within 38 minutes.

What is the 70/30 rule in golf?

The 70/30 rule suggests you should spend 70% of your time on the course tackling longer shots, and 30% dealing with the shorter game in and around the green.  

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

Before you head out onto the course, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your golf equipment with specialist golf insurance. Get a quote online today.