Top 10 Golf Courses in Northumberland 2015 Northumberland Best In County rankings updated The northernmost county in England, Northumberland is also one of the country's least densely populated regions, but there are plenty of golf courses to be enjoyed in the county (more than forty) and a number are well worth close inspection. When we first started ranking Northumberland’s courses back in 2011, we featured a Top 15 for the county. Having reassessed the situation, we decided to reduce our Northumberland ranking table to a Top 10, which roughly represents the county’s best twenty percent. Magdalene Fields (which didn’t make the cut) lies closest to Hadrian’s Wall and the border with Scotland, but a little further down the North Sea coast sits one of the premier courses in Northumberland, Berwick-upon-Tweed Golf Club. Goswick Links, as it is commonly known, has featured in our English Top 100 since 2006 when we became the first publication to rank England’s golf courses. However, there’s a new Northumberland upstart that has overtaken Goswick. Newcastle University sold the Close House mansion and Estate in 2004 to local entrepreneur Graham Wylie, who lovingly redeveloped the property into a luxurious golfing retreat. He then commissioned Scott Macpherson, of design company Turner Macpherson, to lay out a course over 170 acres of new land. Macpherson spent eighteen months researching designs by architect Harry Colt and developed a plan to create a modern course for Close House that doffs the hat to the Golden Age of golf course architecture. Opened by Lee Westwood – Close House’s ‘Attached Tour Professional’ – in May 2011 and measuring a respectable 6,850 yards from the tips, the Colt course has matured into a thoroughly engaging layout that incorporates many of the site’s historical features in its routing, including a Roman Fort, ha-ha walls, ancient woodland and Ice Lake. Slaley Hall continues to be a popular golfing destination with its Hunting course moving up to third position, swapping places with Northumberland Golf Club, which drops one spot. Bamburgh Castle stays in 5th position and is one of the most popular golfing locations, thanks in no small part to its breathtaking coastal site. Unfortunately, due to cutting back our table from fifteen to ten, we’ve had to say farewell to some courses, including Newbiggin and Dunstanburgh Castle. However, we’ve kept Linden Hall alive as a GEM and we’ve included the Filly course at Close House as a new GEM due to the 2013 upgrade of the old Newcastle University course by Lee Westwood, who collaborated with Scott Macpherson adding forty new bunkers, half a dozen new tees and a couple of lakes. To see our new 2015 Northumberland Top 10, click the link. If you have played golf extensively across any English county and would like to have your say, please contact me (keith@top100golfcourses.com). In the meanwhile a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our Northumberland Best In County ranking process. Keith Baxter Editor-in-Chief Top 100 Golf Courses

North East England may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a golf trip, but this former industrial heartland offers a remarkably rich and varied golfing landscape. Spanning the counties of Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear, the region stretches from the wild Northumbrian coastline in the north to the links at Seaton Carew in the south, taking in parkland, moorland and coastal layouts along the way. Across these three counties, more than 50 courses are now ranked — a figure that reflects just how much quality golf exists here, and how many experiences reward the travelling golfer willing to venture off the beaten track. View the complete North East of England Rankings The current rankings represent a significant expansion of the region's listings, with Tyne & Wear appearing as a standalone county chart for the first time. A panel of dedicated reviewers with deep, first-hand experience of the region has shaped these standings, and the results paint a compelling picture of a golfing area with genuine world-class credentials alongside a strong supporting cast of quality local clubs. North East England Golf Courses: Rankings At A Glance Tyne & Wear Tyne & Wear makes its debut as a ranked county in this cycle, with three courses receiving official standings for the first time. The metropolitan county embracing Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the coastal suburbs has always housed some of the region's finest clubs — they simply hadn't previously been disaggregated from the broader North East listings. Northumberland Golf Club is the county's clear number one, an assessment that commands broad consensus across the panel. Located in Gosforth in the north of the city, this private members' club offers a demanding and beautifully presented parkland test that belies its suburban setting. Whitley Bay holds second position with Tyneside in third — a traditional parkland course set near the River Tyne with strong architectural bones and a devoted membership that has kept the layout in fine condition. For the full Tyne & Wear county rankings, visit the Tyne & Wear golf courses page. Durham Durham is anchored by Seaton Carew, one of the most significant links courses in English golf, and supported by a group of inland clubs that offer variety and quality in equal measure. The top five positions reflect the settled hierarchy at the upper end of the county. Seaton Carew Golf Club has been Durham's county number one since the panel first established Best in County rankings, and its status remains unchallenged. The club's founding in 1874 makes it the tenth oldest in England, and the layout carries the definitive architectural influence of Alister MacKenzie, who redesigned it in 1925, adding holes closer to the coast. With 22 holes spread across five possible configurations — the Old, Brabazon, Micklem, New and Bishop — Seaton Carew offers a flexibility that few clubs in England can match, and it holds a well-earned place in the England Top 100. Rockliffe Hall holds second, a luxury resort course near Darlington that has established itself as one of the region's most polished golfing experiences. Brancepeth Castle Golf Club is third, set within the grounds of a medieval castle and offering a parkland layout of considerable charm and character. Hartlepool climbs one place to fourth, edging ahead of Wynyard Golf Club, which drops one position to fifth. Both are strong inland courses that justify their places in the county's upper tier. Further down the table, Ramside Hall's Cathedral course rises to sixth, South Moor holds seventh, and the Prince Bishops' course at Ramside Hall makes a notable climb to eighth. Bishop Auckland holds ninth and Castle Eden rounds out the top ten. For the full Durham county rankings, visit the Durham golf courses page. Northumberland Northumberland is the jewel of the region. England's most northerly county delivers a concentration of coastal links and inland parkland courses that would compare favourably with any English county. Goswick Links leads the way as it has done since 2017, while Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course makes the most significant upward move in this cycle, climbing to second and displacing Close House's Colt course in the process. Goswick holds its number one position and its place in the England Top 100. Established in 1890, the course sits a few miles south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and has been shaped over more than a century by Willie Park Junior, James Braid and F.W. Hawtree. The result is a links layout of genuine character: varied, challenging and rich with architectural history. Tom Mackenzie has also been overseeing a front nine upgrade project in recent years, ensuring Goswick continues to evolve. Dunstanburgh Castle, now second, is one of the most visually dramatic layouts in the country. Set on the Northumberland coast with fairways looking out towards Embleton Bay, James Braid extended the course to eighteen holes in 1920, and the combination of coastal scenery and architectural heritage makes Dunstanburgh one of the North East's most compelling experiences. Close House's Lee Westwood Colt course drops one position to third but remains one of the most impressive modern designs in northern England. Hexham climbs one place to fourth, a parkland course with deep roots: Harry Vardon laid out a course on the Spital estate in 1907, James Braid re-bunkered it in 1920, and Ken Cotton set out the layout broadly in play today in the early 1950s. Newbiggin makes the most dramatic move in the entire Northumberland rankings, rising to fifth. Alnmouth Golf Club holds sixth, Slaley Hall's Hunting course drops to seventh, and Bamburgh Castle slips one to eighth, with both remaining essential visits for anyone touring the county. Alnmouth Village climbs to ninth, and Matfen Hall (comprising the Douglas and Standing Stone nines) rounds out the top ten. For the full Northumberland county rankings, visit the Northumberland golf courses page. What the Rankings Tell Us Coastal Northumberland Leads the Region The concentration of quality along the Northumberland coastline is extraordinary. Goswick at the northern end, Dunstanburgh and Alnmouth in the middle, and Bamburgh and Newbiggin completing the coastal cluster give this stretch of North Sea shoreline a claim to be one of England's most underrated golfing corridors. All were shaped or influenced by architects of the calibre of James Braid, Willie Park Junior and F.W. Hawtree. Seaton Carew's Enduring Authority Durham's top spot has been occupied by Seaton Carew for as long as these rankings have existed — a tribute to the quality MacKenzie's 1925 redesign instilled in a course that pre-dates even the great architect's involvement by half a century. Its place in the England Top 100 reflects a national standing the course thoroughly deserves, despite the industrial backdrop that some visitors find unexpected. Tyne & Wear Earns Its Place The introduction of Tyne & Wear as a standalone ranking helps travelling golfers who are visiting the urban area golf clubs of Newcastle, Gateshead and the coastal suburbs. This will no doubt deepen on successive rankings. Golden Age Architecture Runs Through the Region It would be difficult to name another English region where the architectural fingerprints of James Braid are more evident. Goswick, Dunstanburgh, Hexham and Brancepeth Castle all carry Braid's influence, while MacKenzie's mark on Seaton Carew is definitive. Alongside Harry Vardon, F.W. Hawtree, Ken Cotton and Scott Macpherson, the region's architectural heritage is both deep and varied. Ranking History: North East England Northumberland Top 10, 2015 The Northumberland county rankings were revised in 2015, with the ranking being reduced from fifteen to ten courses. Close House's Colt course, opened by Lee Westwood in 2011, entered the rankings at number one — the first time Goswick had been displaced as county leader. Slaley Hall's Hunting course moved up to third, while Bamburgh Castle held fifth. Newbiggin and Dunstanburgh Castle were not included after the table was reduced. North East Best in County Rankings, 2019 In 2019, Goswick reclaimed the Northumberland number one position it had held before 2015. The Durham chart remained stable at the top, with Seaton Carew retaining its county lead. Whitley Bay entered the Northumberland rankings at tenth following Jonathan Gaunt's remodelling work. North East Best in County Rankings, 2023 The most recent update before the current cycle expanded all three county charts and introduced fifteen new entries across the region. Seaton Carew retained its Durham lead, Goswick held Northumberland's top position, and Dunstanburgh Castle rose to third in Northumberland. Matfen Hall, Linden Hall, Close House Filly, Newbiggin and Alnmouth Village all entered the Northumberland listings as new entries, while Bishop Auckland was the highest new Durham entry at tenth. Planning Your North East England Golf Trip The North East lends itself to a structured itinerary based around its three distinct golfing zones. The Northumberland coast is the centrepiece for most visiting golfers — a journey between Goswick in the north and Alnmouth in the south, taking in Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh along the way, provides one of English golf's most scenic sequences of courses. Berwick-upon-Tweed serves as a natural northern base, with Alnwick a useful midpoint. Durham golf is anchored by Seaton Carew, which warrants a standalone visit for any serious golfer exploring the region. The links sit between Hartlepool and Teesside, and combining it with Brancepeth Castle inland makes for a compelling two-course day that covers both of the county's dominant styles. Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, is the most resort-friendly option in the county for those travelling with non-golfers. The Tyne & Wear courses — Northumberland Golf Club, Whitley Bay and Tyneside — are all accessible from Newcastle city centre, making them a natural addition to any North East itinerary that begins or ends in the city. Newcastle Airport also provides the most practical entry point for golfers arriving from further afield. For the complete county rankings, visit the Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear listing pages on Top 100 Golf Courses.

England is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, and its five highest-ranked layouts can be played without being a member. From a 15-time Open venue on the Kent coast to some of the finest heathland golf in Surrey and Berkshire, plus a spectacular links course in Cornwall, these are the five highest-ranked courses in England that welcome visiting golfers. Royal St. George’s Golf Club (Kent) World Ranking: 19th | England ranking: 1st | Green fee: £430 Royal St George’s offers the chance to play one of England’s most historic and challenging links courses. Founded in 1887, it was the first English course to host the Open and has staged the championship 15 times, including the most recent edition in 2021. Routed through towering dunes in a loose figure of eight, Royal St George’s has undulating fairways, uneven lies and plenty of elevation changes that can make even seemingly straightforward shots difficult. The fourth hole is particularly memorable, with a huge bunker carved into a towering dune guarding the fairway. Despite its reputation as a demanding championship test, the course is as enjoyable to explore as it is difficult to score on. Wildflowers and dune grasses line the fairways, while views stretch across Pegwell Bay towards the white cliffs beyond. Add in distinctive features such as the thatched shelters and St George’s flags, and there is plenty to keep you entertained between the inevitable moments of frustration. Sunningdale Golf Club - Old Course (Surrey) World Ranking: 22nd | England ranking: 2nd | Green fee: £485 The Old course at Sunningdale is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful inland courses in the British Isles. Opened in 1901 by Willie Park Jr, it was one of the first great courses to emerge from the Surrey and Berkshire sand-belt, with Harry Colt later reshaping the layout and giving it the intimate, tree-lined character it has today. Pine, birch, oak and heather frame the fairways, while the firm heathland turf makes Sunningdale a joy to walk and play. The course has hosted plenty of memorable golf, too, including Bobby Jones’ remarkable 66 in Open qualifying in 1926 and Nick Faldo’s 62 at the 1986 European Open. The 10th is a particular highlight, with its elevated tee offering a spectacular view before the halfway hut provides one of golf’s more welcome rewards. The 15th, a 226-yard par three, is another standout. For golfers visiting England, Sunningdale Old offers a classic heathland experience in one of the country's finest golfing regions. Sunningdale Golf Club - New Course (Surrey) World Ranking: 41st | England ranking: 3rd | Green fee: £485 The New course at Sunningdale provides a rather different experience to its famous older sibling. Opened in 1923 and designed by Harry Colt, it is more open and rugged than the Old, with elevated tees, heathery terrain and long carries placing a greater emphasis on driving. At 6,700 yards and par 70, the New is no pushover, with narrow fairways and plenty of undulation making it a particularly demanding test from the back tees. Even the professionals have struggled to make it look easy: Jack Nicklaus once held the course record with a 67 before Graeme Storm carded a remarkable 62 during Open qualifying in 2009. The course has also benefited from an ongoing tree-management programme, allowing more heather to return and restoring views across Chobham Common. The fifth, a picturesque par three played across the heath, is one of the highlights. The result is a course that rewards good driving without becoming a purely distance-based test, with the heathland setting providing plenty of visual interest along the way. St Enodoc Golf Club - Church Course (Cornwall) World Ranking: 49th | England ranking: 4th | Green fee: £190 St Enodoc is unlike almost any other links course in England. Overlooking the Camel Estuary in Rock, with views across to Padstow, the Church Course takes its name from the 13th-century church that sits beside the 10th green. Remarkably, the building was completely buried by sand in the 19th century before being excavated in 1863. Founded in 1891 and redesigned by James Braid in 1907, St Enodoc is defined by its towering dunes and constantly changing terrain, where no two holes feel quite the same. The sixth is the course's signature hole, demanding two blind shots over the towering 'Himalayas' dune to reach the hidden green. The 10th, played across a natural valley to a narrow fairway below, is another memorable challenge. If your ball strays towards the churchyard, you'll also find the grave of Poet Laureate John Betjeman, whose poem Seaside Golf was inspired by the course. The combination of huge dunes, unusual holes and views across the Camel Estuary makes St Enodoc a particularly distinctive addition to any English golf trip. Swinley Forest Golf Club (Berkshire) World Ranking: 52nd | England ranking: 5th Swinley Forest offers a quieter, more understated version of heathland golf on the Surrey and Berkshire sand-belt. Set among mature pines and heather, it has a wonderfully quiet atmosphere and an old-fashioned character that is increasingly difficult to find. The firm, fast-running fairways and purple heather in summer give it all the hallmarks of classic heathland golf. Designed by Harry Colt and opened in 1909, Swinley measures around 6,400 yards and plays to a par of 69. The short holes are particularly strong, with a varied collection of one-shotters that require careful club selection. Around the greens, false fronts, run-offs and subtle slopes provide plenty of opportunities for a good round to unravel. For much of its history, Swinley was an intensely private club where visitors were few and far between. It now welcomes green-fee golfers, although the club retains much of its distinctive character. The result is a course that feels removed from the modern world, with little of the glamour associated with some of its better-known neighbours. For golfers who enjoy traditional heathland golf, that simplicity is a large part of Swinley's appeal. Green fees quoted are summer 2027 rates where available.