The British Isles

From famous links courses steeped in history, to challenging new layouts and hidden gems, the British Isles may just have everything a true golf lover could wish for. Here are ten of the best golf courses, with two picks from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

- Andrew Marshall

SCOTLAND - CASTLE STUART GOLF LINKS

The brainchild of Mark Parsinen, the American who gifted the world Kingsbarns, this superb championship course with links characteristics, overlooks the Moray Firth and well known landmarks that are synonymous with Inverness – the Kessock Bridge, Chanonry Lighthouse, Fort George and Castle Stuart itself - and enjoys similar topography to Royal Dornoch further north, with an old sea cliff creating two tiered plateaus with six holes running alongside the inner Moray Firth. Castle Stuart is a delight to play, offering beautiful views and endless photo opportunities. The great thing about Castle Stuart is that you get a real sense of seclusion and most of the time you are not aware of other golfers out on the course. The views are fabulous, and from some tees and greens, the 1930's style white ’Art Deco’ clubhouse can be seen sitting prominently atop its viewing perch. Look out for the par-3 4th, played towards beautiful Castle Stuart and the inspiration for the course name.

SCOTLAND – CARNOUSTIE GOLF LINKS