Links Golf Courses

Which UK Counties Have The Most Links Golf Courses?
If you love golf and enjoy the clean sea air, you’ll know there’s nothing quite like a classic links course. With wild dunes, seaside views, and quick, rolling fairways, links courses offer both challenge and charm that you can’t find anywhere else.
But where in the UK is the real heart of links golf? Some counties stand out for their unique layouts and world-famous holes. If you want to stay updated on the latest golf tournaments and top players, be sure to follow the action closely.

Let’s take a closer look at which counties have the most links courses, perfect for planning your next golf trip. Whether you’re already an expert or simply curious, there’s plenty to discover as we explore the home of links golf across the UK.

What Defines a Links Course?
A links course is a particular style of golf course usually found along coastal areas. The term “links” comes from the old Scottish word for sandy ground near the sea.
Unlike other courses, links courses are shaped by the natural landscape rather than heavy design. Built on sandy soil with natural bunkers, tall grasses, and very few trees, links courses follow the land’s natural shape, with bumps and dunes creating unique challenges on each hole.
The weather makes a big difference out here. As there’s little shelter, the wind can change your approach throughout your round, keeping every game different from the last.
Firm, rolling fairways mean the ball moves along the ground more than in most other types of golf. Creative shot-making is usually rewarded, as you’ll discover when you play. So, when you’re on a true links course, expect a game shaped by nature, tradition, and the meeting of land and sea.

Fife, Scotland
Fife is often seen as the true home of links golf. With its sweeping coastline and deep golfing roots, it has some of the most famous links courses in the world. St Andrews, known as the ‘Home of Golf’, is the standout. The legendary Old Course has hosted the game for centuries, and you’ll also find acclaimed options such as Kingsbarns, Crail and Lundin Links close by.
Courses in Fife are formed by the landscape and the sea, giving a real test with quick fairways, pot bunkers and unpredictable winds. It’s here that tradition meets a wide variety of links layouts. With so much history and so many styles of courses, Fife quickly shows why it’s essential for any links golf itinerary.

Ayrshire, Scotland
On Scotland’s west coast, Ayrshire has earned a reputation for outstanding links golf. Here you’ll find the world-famous Royal Troon and Prestwick, both past hosts of The Open, and several other highly-rated links courses. Each course gets its unique character from the salt air, sandy soil and wide coastal views.
Expect challenging layouts, firm fairways and strong sea winds. As in Fife, the land and weather shape every game. Ayrshire’s blend of long-standing history, unspoilt coastline and tough courses makes it stand out. All the things that make links golf so memorable come together in this part of Scotland.

Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Aberdeenshire offers a long stretch of coastline lined with true links courses.
You’ll find names such as Royal Aberdeen, Murcar Links and Cruden Bay, each marked by rolling dunes and dramatic North Sea views.
Look for classic characteristics like undulating fairways, deep bunkers and greens that demand careful thought. Like we saw in earlier sections, the weather changes quickly and adds another layer of challenge.
For golfers keen on authentic links play without large crowds, Aberdeenshire’s courses are a brilliant choice. In addition, the scenery is always impressive.

Lancashire, England
Lancashire’s coast is a favourite among links golf fans. With Royal Lytham & St Annes, Fairhaven and St Annes Old Links, the county is well stocked with respected courses. Each benefits from natural sandy ground and the ever-present sea breeze, which you’ll recall gives links golf its unique edge.
Here, open views and classic bunkers are part of the experience, with every round offering something new thanks to the changing conditions. Lancashire presents a strong line-up that’s perfect for those eager to play true links courses in the north of England.

Kent, England
Along the Kent coast you’ll find some of England’s stand-out links golf destinations.
Top of the list is Royal St George’s, a regular host for The Open. There are classic links close by too, including Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s Golf Club.
Kent’s courses are shaped by coastal winds, natural rippled fairways and deep bunkers. As mentioned earlier, these are key links features. The variety and long golfing tradition in Kent make it highly attractive to visitors.
If you’re planning your next round in England, Kent is well worth considering.

East Lothian, Scotland
Widely called “Scotland’s Golf Coast,” East Lothian is packed with quality links golf.
You’ll find celebrated names like Muirfield, Gullane and North Berwick, all sitting right along the shoreline. The views are excellent, and the mix of historic clubs means there’s something for everyone.
Firm fairways, challenging bunkers and strong winds are to be expected. East Lothian stands out with a high number of true links courses close together. Therefore, it’s perfect for those wanting several seaside rounds in one place.

County Down, Northern Ireland
County Down stands out for links golf in Northern Ireland. Its highlight is Royal County Down, a top-ranked course set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and tall dunes. The course offers everything that makes links golf special: natural layouts, sea breezes and stunning views.
Visitors will find the same qualities mentioned earlier—firm fairways and well-placed bunkers—along with the added drama of mountain scenery. County Down is well worth a visit for any golf fan interested in traditional links.

Honourable Mentions
Beyond the well-known counties, there are other spots across the UK that offer great links golf.
Counties such as Norfolk and South Wales have beautiful coastal courses that stick to links traditions, while Devon and Dorset each have a few lesser-known courses with their own seaside appeal.
Even in places with fewer links, you’ll find courses that carry the classic features we’ve discussed, combining strong layouts and memorable settings. So, for those interested in seeing how links golf is enjoyed across the UK, these additional counties are also worth exploring.

So, Which County Has the Most?
Some counties clearly top the list for the number of links golf courses. Fife, Scotland, is often mentioned first, thanks to its impressive number and variety of links layouts along the coast. Its history and range are hard to match.
East Lothian and Ayrshire in Scotland, and Kent in England, also offer a high count of classic seaside links courses. If your goal is to play as many links courses as possible, focus on these top locations. You’ll find excellent golf experiences waiting by the sea.

Final Thoughts
The UK is lucky to have some of the best links golf in the world, with each county bringing its own mix of challenge and scenery shaped by the coast.
Wherever you choose to play, you’ll find golf experiences that capture the spirit of links golf. Exploring different counties helps you discover new favourites and build lasting memories.
If you’re planning a golfing break, try a range of courses, both well-known and more hidden. Always enjoy each round, play responsibly and take in the special qualities of these unique golfing locations.



Article Author: Mrs. S.T. Singh, Freelance Writer.
Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not to Where2Golf.com, its writers or editors. The author is speaking solely for himself, not for the company or as a formal representative of the company.