England Golf Tournaments: Which Tournament Courses Can You Play?

England sits at the heart of the golfing world; the birthplace of the game’s most prestigious tournaments and home to legendary championship venues. From Open Championship links to heathland masterpieces and parkland classics, England offers a golf tournament itinerary unlike anywhere else.

The courses featured here were chosen for their tournament pedigree, public accessibility, and historic significance. These are venues where amateurs can walk the same fairways as the greats. This includes sites of The Open Championship, Ryder Cup, BMW PGA Championship, and other major England golf competitions that helped define modern golf.

What makes English golf championship courses unique is their diversity and playability. Links like Royal Birkdale and Royal St George’s test every shot in the wind; heathland icons like Walton Heath and Wentworth demand precision; and parkland classics like The Belfry deliver true tournament drama.

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime golf tour or seeking to relive history, England’s championship venues combine challenge, beauty, and accessibility in equal measure.

The Open Championship Venues: Golf’s Original Major

No tournament defines English golf quite like The Open Championship: the sport’s oldest and most revered major. Played on a rotation of coastal links, it tests creativity, patience, and resilience like no other. The best part? Most of England’s Open venues welcome visitors, allowing golfers to experience the same shots that shaped history.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

The Open Championship Legacy (1954, 1961, 1965, 1971, 1976, 1983, 1991, 1998, 2008, 2017)

Few venues embody the drama of The Open like Royal Birkdale. From Peter Thomson’s dominance in the 1950s to Jordan Spieth’s rollercoaster 2017 win, its dunes have witnessed unforgettable moments, including Tom Watson’s chip-in at 12 and Johnny Miller’s record-breaking 66.

The Course
Fred Hawtree and J.H. Taylor’s design winds through towering sandhills, providing both beauty and strategy. The par-3 12th is a postcard hole, while the closing stretch demands championship precision. Despite punishing weather over the decades, Birkdale’s immaculate conditioning and drainage make it one of the most consistent tests on The Open rota.

Royal St George’s Golf Club

The Open Championship Heritage (1894, 1899, 1904, 1911, 1922, 1928, 1934, 1938, 1949, 1981, 1985, 1993, 2003, 2011, 2021)

The first English course to host The Open in 1894, Royal St George’s remains one of golf’s purest tests. From Harry Vardon’s early triumphs to Collin Morikawa’s 2021 debut victory, the course’s dunes and blind shots have long rewarded creativity and nerve. Sandy Lyle’s famous bunker escape in 1985 and Darren Clarke’s emotional 2011 win remain fan favorites.

The Course
This Victorian links remains largely unchanged — a wild, natural layout full of quirks and charm. The 4th hole “Maiden” offers breathtaking elevation, while the 14th tests accuracy and strategy in the wind. Royal St George’s embodies authentic links golf: firm fairways, fast greens, and unpredictable bounces.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club

The Open Championship History (1897, 1902, 1907, 1913, 1924, 1930, 1936, 1947, 1956, 1967, 2006, 2014, 2023)

At Hoylake, history runs deep. Bobby Jones captured his Grand Slam here in 1930, while Tiger Woods’s 2006 triumph showcased the art of precision golf. Rory McIlroy’s 2014 victory and Brian Harman’s steady 2023 performance reaffirmed Royal Liverpool’s relevance in the modern era.

The Course
Flat yet strategic, Hoylake’s subtle defense lies in its bunkering and tight out-of-bounds. The par-3 13th “Little Eye” and closing holes challenge even the best. During The Open, the course toughens significantly with rough grown in, greens faster, and winds unpredictable, but remains playable and fair for visitors.

Ryder Cup Venues: Team Golf’s Ultimate Stage

Ryder Cup venues offer a very different test from individual championships. Designed for match play, they emphasize strategy, risk-reward decisions, and team tactics rather than pure stroke play scoring.

England’s Ryder Cup courses, like The Belfry and Walton Heath, combine challenging layouts with spectator-friendly infrastructure, creating electric atmospheres that are unforgettable for both players and fans. Hosting the Ryder Cup leaves a lasting legacy, elevating course prestige and inspiring future generations of golfers.

The Belfry

Ryder Cup Legacy (1985, 1989, 1993, 2002)

No venue is more synonymous with the Ryder Cup than The Belfry. From Seve Ballesteros’s electric celebrations to Sam Torrance’s winning putt in 1985, its fairways echo with European glory.

The Course
Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, The Brabazon Course perfectly suits match play with risk-reward drama,  especially the driveable 10th and the water-guarded 18th. The course setup changes dramatically between match and stroke play, but remains one of the most exciting rounds you can experience in England.

Walton Health Golf Club

Ryder Cup Heritage (1981)

Walton Heath hosted the final Ryder Cup contested solely between Great Britain & Ireland and the United States before continental Europe joined the team. Though the Americans triumphed, the 1981 matches marked a turning point that set the stage for the European era that would redefine the competition.

The Course
Herbert Fowler’s heathland masterpiece rolls through Surrey’s golden terrain, lined with heather and natural bunkering. The par-4 2nd demands precision, while the short 5th tempts with classic risk and reward. Strategic and timeless, Walton Heath remains one of England’s purest championship tests.

BMW PGA Championship: European Tour’s Flagship

The BMW PGA Championship is the DP World Tour’s marquee event, drawing elite fields to Wentworth Club each year. The West Course has evolved to meet modern demands, with tighter bunkering, faster greens, and added length that reward precision as much as power.

Renowned for its electric atmosphere, the tournament combines top-tier golf with one of the best spectator and hospitality experiences in the sport.

Wentworth Club

BMW PGA Championship Legacy (1984-present)

Wentworth is the beating heart of the DP World Tour. Its West Course, designed by Harry Colt and refined by Ernie Els, has hosted icons from Nick Faldo to Rory McIlroy.

The Course
A stunning Surrey heathland layout, the West Course balances beauty with brute challenge. The par-5 17th and closing 18th deliver classic drama, reachable for the bold, perilous for the careless. Wentworth’s conditioning, hospitality, and electric tournament atmosphere make it a must-play stop for championship enthusiasts.

Betfred British Masters: Rotating Championship Excellence

The Betfred British Masters celebrates the depth of English golf through its rotating venue format, with past hosts including The Belfry, Walton Heath, and Woburn. Each course brings its own character, from classic parkland to pure heathland, which creates a fresh championship test every year.

This rotation highlights the diversity of England’s premier venues while keeping the event dynamic for players and fans alike. Best of all, many recent host courses are open to the public, giving golfers the chance to play where the pros compete.

The London Club

British Masters Heritage (2017)

Danny Willett’s emotional 2017 win put The London Club back in the spotlight. Jack Nicklaus’s design blends risk-reward holes with immaculate presentation, providing a true championship feel.

The Course
Set in the Kent countryside, this modern classic emphasizes strategy over length. Expect pristine fairways, sculpted bunkers, and quick, firm greens that reward precision.

Hillside Golf Club

British Masters Legacy (2019)

Just next door to Royal Birkdale, Hillside is often called “England’s most underrated links.” Marcus Kinhult’s surprise 2019 victory cemented its reputation among professionals.

The Course
Designed by Fred Hawtree, Hillside’s back nine rivals any in Britain for drama and beauty. Deep bunkering, rolling dunes, and immaculate conditioning make it an unforgettable round.

Women’s Professional Golf: Championship Venues for Elite Competition

England has played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s professional golf, offering world-class venues that challenge elite players while inspiring amateurs around the globe. Courses such as Woburn, Walton Heath, and Royal Lytham & St Annes have hosted major championships that highlight both precision and creativity.

Tournament setups often feature slightly shorter yardages and narrower landing zones, emphasizing strategic shot-making over brute power. These adjustments showcase the artistry of top professionals while keeping the courses playable and inviting for everyday golfers.

By hosting prestigious women’s events, England not only celebrates its championship pedigree but also promotes accessibility and inspiration for female golfers of all levels, ensuring the next generation continues to grow the game worldwide.

Woburn Golf Club

Women’s British Open Heritage (Multiple hostings)

A cornerstone of women’s professional golf in England, Woburn has hosted multiple Women’s British Opens, with champions ranging from Karrie Webb to home favorite Charley Hull. Its tournaments have showcased both international talent and the growing prominence of women’s golf in the UK.

The Course
Set in Bedfordshire’s woodlands, its Marquess Course offers wide corridors and subtle elevation changes. Strategic bunkering and fast greens create a fair but testing setup for all golfers.

Royal Lytham & St Annes

Women’s Championship Heritage (Multiple events)

One of England’s most storied links, Royal Lytham & St Annes has hosted numerous women’s professional and amateur championships, helping shape the history of competitive women’s golf. Its demanding layout has crowned champions and inspired generations of players.

The Course
Compact, strategic, and lined with over 170 bunkers, Lytham rewards precision from the tee and creativity around the greens. The closing stretch, framed by the stately clubhouse and coastal winds, provides one of the most dramatic championship finishes in golf.

Planning Your English Tournament Golf Adventure

When planning your golf tournament itinerary in England, timing is everything. Many championship venues host annual events, from The Open and BMW PGA Championship to the Women’s British Open, which can temporarily limit visitor access. Checking each course’s tournament calendar in advance ensures the best availability and playing conditions.

Booking six to twelve months ahead is ideal, especially for peak summer travel or marquee venues like Royal Birkdale and The Belfry. While tournament weeks offer incredible energy and spectator experiences, playing just before or after the pros provides the same championship conditions with easier access and better value.

No matter when you visit, England’s legendary venues promise an unforgettable round steeped in history and world-class design.

Travel and Accommodation

England’s compact geography makes multi-course itineraries easy. Combine northwest Open venues like Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, and Hillside for a true links tour or pair Wentworth, Walton Heath, and Woburn for a southern heathland route.

Stay in golf-friendly hotels and country inns, or opt for luxury resorts like The Belfry. Premier Golf can handle logistics, tee times, and transfers for a seamless championship experience.

Experience English Golf Championship Excellence with Premier Golf

England remains one of the few places where amateurs can play the same English golf championship venues that have hosted history’s greatest moments. From The Open to The Ryder Cup, these courses embody tradition, challenge, and beauty in perfect balance.

Premier Golf can arrange custom itineraries, accommodations, and all travel details to help you experience these legendary venues just as the professionals do.Plan your English tournament golf adventure today with Premier Golf and play where history is still being made.

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