Greater London boasts some of the finest golf courses in the country mere miles from the bustling capital of England. From historic parkland courses to modern links-style layouts, there is no shortage of options for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a local looking for a new challenge or a visitor seeking to experience the city’s golfing scene, there’s a course that suits golfers at all skill levels.

In this article, https://www.golfholidaysdirect.com/golf-breaks-uk/ help us take a closer look at some of the best golf courses in London, highlighting their unique features and what makes them stand out in a city that has so much to offer.

Royal Wimbledon Golf Club

Founded – 1882

Location – Wimbledon, SW19

Website – https://www.rwgc.co.uk/Home.aspx

Located just 8 miles from London’s Hyde Park Corner, this prestigious golf course was first designed by Willie Park Junior in 1907 when the club relocated to Warren Farm. Harry Colt, a former member, made notable changes to the course after its relocation. The course winds through heather, gorse, and birch, providing a challenging and enjoyable test of golf with diverse features. Tom Mackenzie has been extensively upgrading the course, improving every aspect of this already delightful course. This exceptional club ranks among London’s finest and is considered one of Surrey’s top golf courses.

The Addington

Founded – 1913

Location – Croydon

Website – https://addingtongolf.com/

Established in 1913, The Addington Golf Club is a heathland and pine-covered course that marked the final design of renowned architect, Abercromby. Despite lacking formal training, Abercromby’s instinctive approach created visually striking and memorable courses, including The Addington. The course features six short holes of varying difficulty, each with its unique features, and multiple wooden bridges providing passage over ravines. Currently undergoing an extensive renovation project, The Addington is being transformed into something truly exceptional. The removal of tree cover and restorative work has produced stunning results, elevating this charming course to a new level of allure.

golf green with London in background

Even from the suburbs you can see central London from the putting greens

Royal Mid-Surrey

Founded – 1892

Location – Richmond

Website – https://www.rmsgc.co.uk/

Situated alongside the Thames and boasting two impressive, easily navigable courses, this club achieved royal status in 1926 under the captaincy of the Prince of Wales. During the 1960s, two European Tour events were held here, and JH Taylor served as the club’s professional for nearly half a century. Taylor is credited with much of the distinctive mounding, and the primary course is aptly named in his honour. Recently, Martin Ebert has undertaken sympathetic upgrades to the course, further enhancing its already impressive features. The Pam Barton Course, slightly shorter but no less engaging, rewards a strategic and subtle approach, adding to the club’s rich offerings.

Coombe Hill Golf Club

Founded – 1911

Location – Kingston-Upon-Thames

Website – https://www.coombehillgolfclub.com/

Coombe Hill’s gently sloping holes, located in proximity to Wimbledon, were inaugurated in 1911 and surrounded by picturesque, mature trees. Despite its proximity to the capital, the serene atmosphere pervading the course is noteworthy. Fast, subtly sloping greens and visually and strategically strong four short holes are just some of the talking points for golf enthusiasts. When the rhododendrons are in bloom, the course’s beauty is enhanced, offering a stunning backdrop for a challenging and fair game of golf.

Fulwell

Founded – 1904

Location – Twickenham

Website – https://www.fulwellgolfclub.co.uk/

JH Taylor designed both the men’s and ladies’ 18-hole courses at Fulwell in 1904. After World War II, JH Morrison combined 8 holes from the outer course with 10 from the inner course, resulting in today’s challenging, tree-lined layout. Fulwell’s demanding course features several tough, lengthy par 4s, dog-legs that require careful drive placement, and a ditch that impacts the opening and closing holes as well as the par-5 5th. The pond situated between the tee and green on the beautiful short 9th is a particularly attractive feature. In 2019, Tom Mackenzie’s noteworthy upgrades to the bunkers, tree clearances, and addition of new tees have transformed Fulwell into one of Middlesex’s best golf courses.

Royal Blackheath

Founded – 1608

Location – Eltham

Website – https://www.royalblackheath.com/course

The world-renowned club is believed to have been formally founded in 1608, making it by far the oldest golf club in England. The Quad Centenary Club supported the full renovation of Royal Blackheath, and architect Ken Moodie, along with tree expert John Nicholson, have significantly upgraded the course in recent years. The visually and strategically enhanced, easy-to-walk layout has transformed Royal Blackheath into one of Kent’s finest golf courses.

Ealing

Founded – 1912

Location – Ealing

Website – https://www.ealinggolfclub.com/

Ealing’s course, initially designed by James Braid and later modified by Harry Colt in the mid-1920s, features easy terrain and frequent appearances of the River Brent. The river is a notable feature of the course, appearing for the first time on the 4th hole, where golfers must hit their tee shot to the right before pitching onto a green surrounded by the river. Ealing has five short holes, including three over 200 yards from the back tees, and three par 5s that offer birdie opportunities. The 6th hole is particularly challenging, with most golfers needing to lay up short of the river and pitch for par. The course has excellent greens, compensating for any potential crossover.

Finchley

Founded – 1929

Location – Mill Hill

Website – https://www.finchleygolfclub.com/

The Finchley course in North London surrounds the stylish Nether Court Victorian mansion, which serves as the clubhouse and is bordered by the charmingly-named Lovers Lane. Designed by James Braid, the course is adorned with a diverse selection of mature and attractive trees and offers plenty of opportunities for risk-reward play, including driveable par 4s and reachable par 5s. Strategic tee shots and precise approaches to small greens are the key to success here. Despite its central location, the green fee is reasonable, and the club boasts a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

Highgate

Founded – 1904

Location – Highgate

Website – https://www.highgategc.co.uk/

Established in 1904, this club offers a charming golfing retreat in an affluent location between the Thames and the M25. While not lengthy, the course demands strategic placement due to its narrow fairways and small greens. Cuthbert Butchart, known for his work at West Hill, designed the undulating course, which adds character and definition. The 15th and 16th holes are particularly challenging with two strong par 4s in succession.

Northwood

Founded – 1891

Location – Northwood

Website – https://www.northwoodgolf.co.uk/

The clubhouse at this course offers an exhilarating view of the course upon arrival, with its elevated and airy setting. The course features a short par 4 opening followed by the longest hole, one of two par 5s. While there are only three short holes, the course’s strength lies in its impressive par 4s, including the 4th, 5th, 12th and 16th. The course spans a vast area, with holes well-secluded by dense woodland and frequently changing direction.

Honourable mentions for golf clubs in South East England also go to the Sunningdale golf club and Hendon golf club.