The GOLF Magazine Top 100 golf courses in the world list is out for 2023/2024.
We’re not here to quibble over particular rankings. We’ll leave those debates to social media and the various online forums.
But as much as we’d like to simply ignore them, the Top 100 lists are important to golf travelers.
Whether you call it a “bucket-list” or something else, these Top 100 panels play an undeniable role in where Americans choose to play their golf overseas.
To make the task of combing through the list a little easier, this guide will highlight all of the courses that made the list in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
Top 100 Golf Courses in England
Before we dive into the breakdown, however, let’s begin with a few observations…
Strength in Numbers
Scotland, Ireland, and England are home to 30 of the Top 100 golf courses in the world according to the GOLF list.
- Scotland – 13
- Ireland – 6
- England – 11
Some may argue that the region is underrepresented, but we’ll concede that it’s a big world. This sort of list covers a lot of ground that’s unseen by the vast majority of golfers.
But there are two important insights to pull from these numbers alone.
First, England represents a relatively small fraction of the golf travel market as compared to Scotland and Ireland, yet it features nearly double the number of ranked courses in Ireland and nearly as many as Scotland.
Translation: England belongs on everyone’s golf travel list.
In addition, the quantity of courses on this list reinforces what we’ve preached for decades: Playing all of the best golf courses in Scotland, Ireland, and England is impossible in three trips. At least, not without devoting two weeks to each trip and skipping scores of other outstanding courses along the way.
Our advice has always been to divide and conquer. Looking closer at the rankings, they’re tailor made for that approach.
With just a few exceptions, almost every member of this list can be paired with another Top 100 course without having to change hotels.
For example, in The Highlands of Scotland and East Lothian you can play two world ranked courses without repacking the suitcase. If you base yourself in Belfast, the same is true in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, a visit to St. Andrews, the Ayrshire coast of Scotland, the Channel Coast of England, and England’s Golf Coast will allow you to play three courses on this list from one base accommodation.
But many golfers will be surprised by the location of the greatest concentration of Top 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland…
London.
The heathland near London boasts four golf courses in the Top 100. And rightfully so.
At risk of sounding repetitive, if England isn’t already on your list, it certainly belongs there.
Glaring Omissions
Although we promise to (mostly) avoid debating the specific rankings, there are two glaring omissions from this list that we feel obligated to point out.
One was on the list previously and fell off. The other deserves a place on it and was left out.
Waterville Golf Links was on the Top 100 list two editions ago, but finds itself on the outside looking in. We’re not sure what changed, other than a massive upgrade to their clubhouse and restaurant facilities.
That may not have much to do with the golf course, but it certainly influences the overall experience. And that, in turn, impacts its standing in the mind of the golfers who are fortunate enough to play it. In our view, Waterville is a Top 100 course through and through.
The same can be said of Adare Manor.
Not only is it rightfully known as “the Augusta of Ireland,” but this world-class resort is set to host the 2027 Ryder Cup. Simply put, Adare Manor represents Golf and the Good Life at its Finest and its omission from any Top 100 list is bewildering.
But we’re not in the ratings business.
GOLF Magazine, however, is in the business and you can find the full 2023/2024 list here.
Meanwhile, these entries from Scotland, Ireland, and England have made their latest Top 100 golf courses in the world list.
Top 100 Golf Courses in Scotland
According to the GOLF list, Scotland is home to 13 of the Top 100 golf courses in the world.
#3 – Old Course at St. Andrews
It’s fitting that the highest ranked golf course in Scotland is The Old Course at St. Andrews. The same is true for all of Great Britain and Ireland. For many, it takes a few times around The Old Course to truly appreciate its charms. Based on this result, it’s safe to say this Top 100 golf courses panel is a well-traveled group.
#10 – Royal Dornoch
For decades, Royal Dornoch and The Highlands was considered a far flung destination for American golfers. Those days are now a distant memory. If you’re wise enough to plan a golf trip to The Highlands of Scotland, here is our complete guide to Royal Dornoch.
#12 – Muirfield
Muirfield may be the 3nd highest ranked golf course in Scotland, but when it comes to the oldest golf clubs in the world, it’s top of the chart. Muirfield is home to an exceptional course, a rich history, and a single day experience that is unmatched in the game of golf.
Our complete guide to Muirfield covers it all.
#18 – Turnberry Ailsa
The reimagined Turnberry Ailsa course features a seaside stretch of golf that is unrivaled in Scotland. But as noted in our complete guide to Turnberry, the Good Life at hand is an equally compelling reason to visit this landmark resort.
#30 – North Berwick
For some, the West Links at North Berwick is a rather puzzling affair. For others, it is a spellbinding experience without an equal on the globe. From ancient stone walls to the original Redan, here are 7 things to see at North Berwick Golf Club.
#40 – Carnoustie
The most difficult of the Open Championship golf courses, there is no denying the greatness of Carnoustie. Although the course presents a formidable challenge, it also delivers an unforgettable experience. If you’re counting down to a tee time at The Open’s greatest test, here’s what you have to look forward to at Carnoustie Golf Links.
#56 – Cruden Bay
Over the last decade or so, Cruden Bay has developed a loyal following of devotees. Some clearly visited the course between editions, as it made a nice jump on the list. Crafted by Old Tom Morris, perfected by many others, Cruden Bay is a transcendent place to play the game. If you’re counting down to a visit, here’s 7 things to see at Cruden Bay Golf Club.
#63 – Prestwick
Prestwick is deserving of a place on any Top 100 list simply because it’s the birthplace of The Open Championship. But even beyond it’s history, the course is great fun and one of the more enjoyable walks in Scotland. Just be sure to keep left on the 1st hole… One of 7 things to see at Prestwick Golf Club.
#65 – Ardfin
Ardfin, on the Isle of Jura, was a newcomer to this Top 100 list in its previous edition. This time around, it jumped more than any other course in Scotland. The course and accommodations are both brand new and remote by Scottish golf travel standards. But this strong debut is an achievement that will surely draw intrepid golfers off the well worn path.
#66 – Royal Troon
Royal Troon not only finds a deserving place on this list, but it’s also home to the most famous par-3 in Scotland. The Postage Stamp is sure to earn a place in your memory bank, along with many other highlights found in our guide to Royal Troon Golf Club.
#86 – Kingsbarns
We said we weren’t going to quibble with the specific rankings, but forgive us this detour. For a panel that prides itself on using playability, width off the tee, ability to recover, and enjoyment in its methodology, the continued drop for both Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart is hard to fathom. Just ask anyone who has been to either of these courses. They’ll likely share the confusion.
If you have yet to see it first-hand, read our guide to Kingsbarns Golf Links and then go judge for yourself.
#89 – Castle Stuart
Since its debut in 2009, Castle Stuart has been a favorite stop for our members and golf travelers from around the globe. The combination of playability, a spectacular setting, and first-class service make it one of the great experiences in Scotland. If you’d like a preview of what awaits when you get there, consult our guide to Castle Stuart Golf Links.
#97 – Machrihanish
We were pleased to see that the panel corrected a previous wrong by elevating Machrihanish Golf Club to a place on this list. The opening tee shot alone is worthy of admission, say nothing of the rest this incredible Old Tom Morris Links.
Top 100 Golf Courses in Ireland
According to the GOLF list, Ireland is home to 6 of the Top 100 golf courses in the world.
#6 – Royal County Down
Depending on whom you ask, Royal County Down isn’t just the top course in Ireland, but the entire world. For that reason, it also happens to be the most sought after tee time in Ireland. If you’re planning to visit this illustrious links, we have two pieces of advice…
#16 – Royal Portrush
Long before The Open returned to Royal Portrush in 2019, our members ranked it as of the top courses in the world. Some might say a position outside of the top-10 is a bit suspect, but again… We promised not to get bogged down in the minutiae of the rankings.
If you’re planning to see it before The Open returns in 2025, start by reading our complete guide to Royal Portrush Golf Club.
#24 – Ballybunion
Tom Watson once said that Ballybunion “is the course that many architects should live and play before they begin building golf courses.” Ironically, Ballybunion itself wasn’t designed by a trained architect, but rather a local golf journalist. And yet, Ballybunion captains the golf-rich region of Southwest Ireland on this list. To learn why, read our 7 things to see at Ballybunion Golf Club.
#37 – Lahinch
Roaming, weather forecasting goats, a blind par-3, and a course designed by both Old Tom Morris and Alister MacKenzie. If that sounds like your brand of golf, then Lahinch belongs on your list. And when that visit finally arrives, here’s everything else you shouldn’t miss at Lahinch Golf Club.
#49 – St. Patrick’s Links
Before it ever opened, most agreed that St. Patrick’s Links would inspire more to plan golf trips to Northwest Ireland. Now, there is no doubt. Not only is St. Patrick’s Links the latest Top 100 golf course for architect Tom Doak and the first for this often overlooked region, it also jumped 6 places on this list.
#59 – Portmarnock
Portmarnock often gets lost in the shuffle among the big, bold links courses of Ireland. Yet the club has hosted more Irish Opens than any other venue and has Dublin at its doorstep. For this reason, we think Portmarnock Golf Club is one of the best ways to begin a golf trip to Ireland.
Top 100 Golf Courses in England
According to the GOLF list, England is home to 11 of the Top 100 golf courses in the world.
#25 – Sunningdale Old
When most think of England golf courses, they conjure images of The Open Championship venues near the sea. But the highest ranked golf course in England is roughly 40 miles from the shoreline. It’s rating here would also suggest that the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club is the finest inland course in Britain. Some might argue that it gets beat out by its younger sibling next door. But more on that later…
#33 – Royal St. George’s
The first course outside of Scotland to host The Open Championship, Royal St. George’s has hosted the tournament more than any other venue in England. The most recent edition was in 2021, when Colin Morikawa navigated his way around the Himalaya Bunker and picked up the Claret Jug. Despite its place on The Open rota, however, many American golfers are largely unfamiliar with this historic links. If you happen to be among them, here’s our complete guide to Royal St. George’s Golf Club.
#42 – Royal Birkdale
The area known as England’s Golf Coast is home to three members of The Open rota. Royal Birkdale leads the trio on this list. Arnie won here. So did Jordan. But any mention of Royal Birkdale is likely to draw images of its iconic art deco clubhouse. No visit to this storied club is complete without a little time on the outdoor patio and your favorite beverage in hand.
#46 – Swinley Forest
Architect Harry Colt left his mark on many of the best golf courses in the world. Pine Valley, Muirfield, and Sunningdale are just a few on that list. But it’s Swinley Forest that earned Colt’s highest praise. The ever modest designer once described it as the “least bad” course of his exceptional career.
#54 – Sunningdale New
With rare exceptions, a sequel is rarely as good as the original. But at Sunningdale, the New course easily matches the greatness of the Old. Some might even say it surpasses it. What’s undeniable, however, is that Sunningdale forms one of the best 36-hole days and overall experiences that the game has to offer.
#58 – Woodhall Spa
Of all the golf courses on this list, Woodhall Spa is surely the least visited by American golfers. The course suffers from its lack of proximity to other great venues. But clearly from its position on this list, the one thing it doesn’t lack is greatness. If you’re visiting the links courses of England’s Golf Coast, a detour at the beginning or end of your trip is certainly worthwhile.
#66 – Rye
The Rye Golf Club is perhaps best known, not for its course, but the competition held every January known as the President’s Putter. The dead of winter is certainly an odd time for the Oxford & Cambridge Golfing Society to hold its annual competition, but who are we to question the wisdom. What is without question, however, is that Rye should not be overlooked during golf trips to the Channel Coast of England.
#71 – St. George’s Hill
Yes, there’s absolutely enough room on this list for two courses named “St. George’s.” But the pair could not be any more different. St. George’s Hill is yet another course crafted by the great Harry Colt, and winds its way through the pines in majestic fashion. It also drives home an unmistakable point: If the heathland near London isn’t already on your golf travel list, it should be.
#74 – Royal Lytham & St. Annes
Some might argue that Royal Lytham has made this list by default, thanks to its position on The Open rota. We can see how a links course removed from the sea and featuring nearly 200 bunkers isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it belongs on the list of every golfer heading to England’s Golf Coast. In fact, for the devoted golfer in search of the full experience, we’d even suggest a night in the Dormy House.
#93 – Royal Liverpool
Rounding out the trio along England’s Golf Coast, Royal Liverpool Golf Club has seen its fair share of golf history. The first Amateur Championship and the inaugural Walker Cup were both held at Hoylake. The Open, meanwhile, has been held at Royal Liverpool 14-times. Bobby Jones won here in his Grand Slam year. So did Walter, Tiger, and Rory.
#100 – Royal Cinque Ports
Although it’s the only new entry to the list from Great Britain and Ireland, Royal Cinque Ports is anything but a startup. This two-time host of The Open Championship offers links golf in its purest form. After a recent visit by our own Connor Evers, PGA, we can attest that the sausage roll at the turn warrants a higher position on this list the next time around.
And there you have it, the best golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland as ranked on the 2023/2024 Golf Magazine Top 100 list.
For most golfers, this list will make one thing abundantly clear…
There’s more great golf to discover across the pond. When you’re ready to check more courses off your own list, we’ll be ready.
For more insight on planning your golf trip, visit the pages below or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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