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Golf Monthly has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025/26 Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland, in partnership with Peter Millar. This is the 11th biennial edition of rankings based on evaluations from a knowledgeable panel of golfers. While continuity characterizes this year’s list, the inclusion of the new ‘Next 100’ category highlights emerging courses. Noteworthy mention includes iconic locations such as Royal County Down and The Old Course at St Andrews. The rankings urge golfing enthusiasts to explore these exceptional courses.

Golf Monthly Unveils New Rankings of Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland

The excitement is palpable, as Golf Monthly has just released its eagerly anticipated 2025/26 Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland. This official list is published in association with the stylish brand Peter Millar, and it’s hard to believe it’s already the 11th biennial edition of these prestigious rankings.

Same Great Courses, With Some Notable Exceptions

Unlike previous years, when we would often witness significant shifts in the rankings, this time around, only a couple of courses made their way back into the Top 100. The continuity in rankings reflects a consistent determination among golf clubs to maintain excellent playing conditions. It’s refreshing to see just how hard each course has worked to stay in top shape, allowing golfers to enjoy great rounds without any surprises.

Next 100: The Rising Stars of Golf

This year, Golf Monthly has also introduced a second tier dubbed the Next 100, shining a spotlight on emerging courses that are pushing for recognition. This expansion means there are even more opportunities for golfers to explore and discover hidden gems waiting to be played. As conditions at various courses improve, the future of golf in the UK and Ireland looks promising!

Spotlighting the Stars: Iconic Courses in the Top 100

• Royal County Down: Known for its breathtaking scenery and traditional links course charm.
• The Old Course at St Andrews: A revered venue steeped in history, and famous for its challenging double greens.
• Trump Turnberry Ailsa: Celebrated for its renovations and history of hosting The Open.
• Muirfield: Offers a unique golfing experience with a clever two-loop layout that’s as fair as it is challenging.
• Royal Dornoch: A historic beauty founded in 1877, designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris.
• Royal Birkdale: Often dubbed England’s finest course, repeatedly hosting The Open.
• Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links: A natural treasure that seamlessly integrates with its lush surroundings.
• Carnoustie’s Championship Course: Home to one of the most challenging tests of skill among the Top 100.
• The New Course at Sunningdale: An inland gem known for its exacting challenges.
• The Old Course at Sunningdale: An iconic design that takes players on a journey back to 1901.

Calling All Golf Lovers

Overall, the 2025/26 Top 100 Rankings beckon golfers to get out there and experience the stunning diversity of courses nestled in the UK and Ireland’s fantastic golfing landscape. Each course offers something unique, a personal challenge for every type of golfer, making it a thrilling way to enjoy the game.

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The R&A is considering holding the Open Championship for the first time in the Republic of Ireland, with Portmarnock Golf Club as a prime location. This move has the potential to create significant economic benefits and marks a historic moment in Irish golf. The Irish government supports this initiative, which could also see the Women’s Open held at the club. Discussions are ongoing to successfully bring these prestigious events to Ireland, capturing the attention of golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Exciting Times Ahead: The Open Championship May Hit the Republic of Ireland!

Get ready, golf fans! Big news is stirring in the world of golf as the prestigious Open Championship might just be swinging its way across the sea! For the very first time, the R&A is eyeing the beautiful Republic of Ireland to host this legendary tournament. And guess what? Portmarnock Golf Club, a stunning gem near Dublin, has been highlighted as a prime spot to host the event!

Golfing Royalty in Portmarnock

Situated just a breezy 10 miles northeast of Dublin, Portmarnock Golf Club is often celebrated for its magnificent views and challenging courses. In fact, it holds the impressive title of being Ireland’s fourth-best golf course and ranks 44th in the world as per Top 100 Golf Courses. This 7,466-yard par-72 layout is renowned for its gorgeous yet tricky closing stretch that will keep even the pros on their toes!

A Milestone for Ireland Golf

As the 153rd Open Championship gears up to take place at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in July 2024—with expectations of almost 280,000 fans attending—it’s clear that the R&A is set to continue its momentum in connecting golf fans with their favorite sport. This event is projected to bring about a whopping £210 million ($280 million) in economic benefits to the area! Imagine how beneficial it would be if the R&A can replicate even a fraction of that success in the Republic of Ireland!

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

In a heartwarming move, Portmarnock Golf Club made headlines last year by voting to open its doors to women members, which had previously posed a barrier to hosting significant R&A events. Since then, excitement has surged amongst golf enthusiasts and organizations alike, with Golf Ireland cheering on this step as a massive leap forward for golf in the area.

Past history shows that Portmarnock Golf Club is no stranger to hosting R&A events. The club notably hosted the Women’s Amateur Championship in 2024 and has held the Irish Open 19 times! Not to mention, the prestigious Walker Cup was also played there back in 1991. With such a rich history, it’s no wonder Portmarnock is at the forefront of discussions for this major golfing event.

Feasibility Studies and Future Prospects

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Scottish golf enthusiasts can now play at the historic Old Course at St Andrews for just £42.50 thanks to the new Drive initiative. Launched by the St Andrews Links Trust, this program offers discounted tee times from May to October 2025, aiming to make golfing more affordable and accessible. Players will benefit from steep discounts on green fees at iconic courses, enhancing participation across all ages and abilities. Special themed days will also be held for armed forces members and disabled golfers. Don’t miss this opportunity to play at one of golf’s most legendary venues!

Golf Lovers Rejoice! Access to the Historic Old Course at St Andrews Now Just £42.50!

Big news for Scottish golf enthusiasts! If you’ve ever dreamed of teeing off at the historic Old Course at St Andrews, now is your golden opportunity! Thanks to a brand-new initiative, you can hit the greens for just £42.50. Yes, you read that right, ONLY £42.50!

Introducing the Drive Initiative

Called the Drive initiative, this exciting program has been rolled out by the St Andrews Links Trust. Aimed at broadening access, it allows local golfers to enjoy some of the most iconic tee times from May all the way through October in 2025. What a fantastic way to get more people playing!

Discount Galore!

Of the available 179 discounted tee times on the Old Course, you’ll be thrilled to learn that this new price represents a whopping 87.5% discount off the high-season green fee, which normally stands at £340. With the cost of a round at one of the UK’s top 100 courses averaging around £220, this is certainly a bargain that’s hard to ignore!

But that’s not all! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to sample more of what the area has to offer, the Castle Course will set you back only £22.50 instead of £180. Meanwhile, the Jubilee and Eden courses offer deals at £18.75 (down from £150) and £9.50 (down from £75), respectively. What a steal!

Who Can Play?

In total, a grand 716 golfers will be granted access to these reduced-price tee times across the Old, Castle, Jubilee, and Eden courses. This initiative not only aims to make golf more affordable but also seeks to encourage participation from players of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, there’s something for everyone!

Special Days for Heroes

How to Apply

Annual Passes for Locals

For those living in the area, there’s an additional treat! Residents currently have access to a yearly Links ticket for £386, which allows them to play on not one, but seven different courses. That’s a lot of golf for a great price!

A Trend Worth Noting

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Northern Ireland has been celebrated for its outstanding golfing courses, with four making it to Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list. Leading the way is the iconic Royal County Down, praised for its natural beauty and challenging layout. Other top contenders include Royal Portrush, Portstewart Golf Links, and Ardglass Golf Club, each offering unique experiences to golfers. With over 90 courses, Northern Ireland is a prime destination for golf enthusiasts, promising picturesque views and unforgettable memories.

Northern Ireland Shines Bright in Global Golf Rankings

Golf enthusiasts, gather around! It’s exciting news as Northern Ireland has just been recognized for its golfing prowess. According to the prestigious Golf Digest, four of its courses have made it into the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list. Dive in as we unravel the gems that tickled the fancy of golf aficionados worldwide!

Royal County Down: The Crown Jewel

Leading the pack and taking the number one spot globally is the breathtaking Royal County Down. This course has earned its title thanks to its stunning natural beauty, featuring undulating fairways that truly feel like a rollercoaster ride combined with awe-inspiring vistas of the Mourne Mountains. It’s a golfer’s dream come true!

Royal Portrush: A Future Host

Next up is the iconic Royal Portrush, another top-ranked course set to grace the tournaments once again, hosting the prestigious The Open Championship in 2025. Known for its challenging layout, the Dunluce Course recently underwent expert design adjustments to enhance its finishing holes, promising an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike.

Portstewart Golf Links: The Exciting Contender

Coming in third for Northern Ireland is the remarkable Portstewart Golf Links, which has already made a name for itself by hosting the 2017 Irish Open – an event that saw Jon Rahm take home the trophy! With three 18-hole courses, Portstewart continues to delight golfers with its breathtaking views and extensive upgrades that keep challenging even the seasoned players.

Cliff-Top Splendor at Ardglass

Don’t forget the spectacular Ardglass Golf Club, which is known not just for its thrilling golfing opportunities, but also for its jaw-dropping cliff-top scenery. Its historic clubhouse, built around the ruins of a 13th-century castle, adds a unique touch that enchants visitors even more!

A Wealth of Choices

Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of golfing adventures with over 90 courses spread across its six counties. The local offerings blend a variety of links and parkland styles, giving every golfer something to look forward to. Among the courses that may not make the top 100 but are still highly regarded are Castlerock Golf Club and Lough Erne Resort, both of which are featured in the Next 100 list, demonstrating the region’s rich golfing culture.

Showstoppers in the Region

If you’re in the mood for some classic parkland golf, Malone Golf Club showcases dramatic moments with its natural beauty, while Belvoir Park ensures seamless navigation through its tree-lined corridors. On the flip side, Kirkistown Castle offers a strategic links experience that keeps players engaged, despite its par 69 layout.

The Hidden Gems

Additionally, there are hidden gems like Moyola Park, celebrated for its elegant, mature landscape and charming allure. Don’t overlook Galgorm Castle, either, which has proudly hosted not just the Northern Irish Opens but also the ISPS Handa World Invitational, leaving golfers and fans buzzing with excitement.

An Invitation to Play

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