You’ve played the same local course every Saturday for five years. You know every bunker, every slope, every tree that catches your slice on the 14th. Your mates keep talking about that trip to Portugal and you keep nodding, thinking “next year.” Well, next year is now. A golf holiday doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and the courses waiting for you in the Algarve, Scotland, Spain, and beyond make your home course feel like a municipal pitch-and-putt.
Planning a golf trip from the UK is easier than most people think, especially with direct flights to the best golfing regions in Europe. This guide covers our favourite destinations, what to expect at each, the best time to go, and how to keep costs reasonable without ending up at a resort that hasn’t updated its greens since 1987.
In This Article
- Our Top Pick: The Algarve, Portugal
- Scotland: The Home of Golf
- Costa del Sol, Spain
- Turkey: Belek
- Ireland: The Links Experience
- Best of the Rest
- When to Go: Best Months by Destination
- How to Plan a Golf Holiday on a Budget
- What to Pack for a Golf Holiday
- Booking Tips: Package vs DIY
- Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top Pick: The Algarve, Portugal
If you’ve never done a golf holiday before, start here. The Algarve has been the go-to destination for UK golfers for decades, and for good reason — the courses are world-class, the weather is reliable, flights are short (about 2.5 hours from London), and the whole region is set up for golf tourism without feeling like a tacky package resort.
Why the Algarve Works So Well
The region packs around 40 courses into a stretch of coastline smaller than Cornwall. That means variety — you can play a different course every day of a week-long trip and never drive more than 45 minutes between them. Green fees range from about £40 for a solid municipal course to £150-200 for championship layouts like Quinta do Lago or Monte Rei.
The weather is the real selling point. Between March and November, you’re looking at 20-30°C with minimal rain. Even in January, daytime temperatures hover around 15-17°C — warmer than most UK summers. We played Vilamoura’s Old Course in February last year and didn’t need a jumper after the 3rd hole.
Top Algarve Courses
- Quinta do Lago (South Course) — the flagship. A Ryder Cup venue that’s beautifully maintained and brutally punishing off the tee. About £175 green fee in peak season
- Monte Rei — often rated the best course in Portugal. Jack Nicklaus designed, immaculate condition, but pricey at about £200+. Worth it once
- San Lorenzo — part of the Dona Filipa resort. Stunning estuary views and a course that rewards accuracy over power. About £120
- Vilamoura Old Course — the most popular with UK visitors. Pine-lined fairways, excellent condition year-round, and green fees around £90. If you play one course in the Algarve, make it this one
- Amendoeira (Faldo Course) — Nick Faldo’s design in the western Algarve. More affordable at about £60-80, less crowded, and a genuine test of golf
Where to Stay
Vilamoura is the hub — plenty of hotels, restaurants, and a marina with bars that stay open late enough for post-round celebrations. The Tivoli Marina (about £120-160/night) and Dom Pedro (about £90-130/night) are both walkable to several courses. For a quieter base, Carvoeiro in the western Algarve offers better value and fewer stag-do groups.
Scotland: The Home of Golf
There’s something about playing golf in Scotland that feels different. Maybe it’s the history — this is where the game started, and courses like St Andrews have been played for over 600 years. Maybe it’s the links terrain, where the wind changes everything and a 150-yard 7-iron suddenly needs a punched 5. Or maybe it’s just the scenery — sea, cliffs, gorse, and light that changes every twenty minutes.
The Links Experience
Links golf is nothing like parkland golf. The ground is firm and fast, the ball bounces unpredictably, the wind is a constant factor, and there are blind shots to greens hidden behind dunes. If you’ve only played inland courses, links golf will humble you and thrill you in equal measure.
Top Scottish Courses
- St Andrews (Old Course) — the bucket list course. Getting a tee time is a lottery (literally — you enter the annual ballot or join the daily ballot on the day). Green fee about £200-275 depending on the season. Even if you shoot 100, walking those fairways is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- Turnberry (Ailsa Course) — the views alone justify the trip. The lighthouse at the 9th is iconic. About £350 for non-residents, or stay at the hotel for a package
- Royal Dornoch — regularly ranked the best course in Scotland by people who’ve played them all. Remote (5 hours north of Edinburgh), which keeps it quieter than the big names. About £170
- North Berwick — a charming links just 30 minutes from Edinburgh. Less famous but packed with character, including the iconic Redan hole. About £80-100
- Kingsbarns — modern links near St Andrews, immaculately presented, and more gettable than the Old Course ballot. About £230
Practical Tips for Scotland
The weather is unpredictable. Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast — a guide to choosing golf waterproofs will save you from buying overpriced gear at the pro shop. May to September offers the best conditions, with long daylight hours (Scotland doesn’t get dark until 10pm in June). Midges are fierce in the Highlands from June to August — bring repellent.
Costa del Sol, Spain
Spain’s southern coast is the Algarve’s main rival for UK golf holidays, and in some ways it’s even better. The Costa del Sol — from Malaga to Sotogrande — has over 70 courses, more diverse terrain than Portugal, and a food and nightlife scene that makes evening entertainment easy.
Why Choose Spain Over Portugal
Spain tends to be slightly cheaper for accommodation and eating out. The course variety is wider — you’ll find everything from resort-style layouts to mountain courses with elevation changes that make your legs ache. Malaga airport is well-served by UK budget airlines, with flights from about £40 each way if you book early.
Top Costa del Sol Courses
- Valderrama — the best course in continental Europe, full stop. Hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup. Visitor access is limited and expensive (about £350), but the conditioning is unmatched
- Finca Cortesin — a modern classic that hosted the 2023 Solheim Cup. Stunning facilities, about £250-300
- La Reserva de Sotogrande — Cabell Robinson design with views of Gibraltar and Africa on a clear day. About £120-150
- Alhaurin Golf — affordable and fun in the hills behind Malaga. About £50-60, and the mountain views are spectacular
- Baviera Golf — between Malaga and Nerja. Good value at about £60-70, and close to some excellent beaches for non-golfing partners
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November are ideal — warm enough for shorts but not the 40°C+ heat of July and August. Peak summer is playable if you tee off early (before 9am), but afternoon rounds in August are genuinely punishing.
Turkey: Belek
Belek is the underrated option that golfers who’ve been there won’t stop talking about. This stretch of Turkish coastline between Antalya and Side has 15+ championship courses, all built within the last 25 years, all in pristine condition. Green fees are lower than Portugal or Spain, and the all-inclusive resort model means your accommodation, food, and often your golf are bundled into one price.
Why Belek Surprises People
The courses are genuinely excellent. Carya Golf Club (Stadium Course), Cornelia (Faldo Course), and Montgomerie Maxx Royal were all designed by big names and are maintained to a standard that rivals anything in western Europe. The climate is similar to the Costa del Sol — warm and dry from April to November.
Turkey has become one of the fastest-growing golf tourism destinations for UK players, with several courses now ranking in European top-100 lists. If you’re heading abroad, make sure your World Handicap System record is up to date through England Golf — some courses require proof of handicap for booking.
Costs
- Green fees: £40-80 per round for championship courses
- Accommodation: all-inclusive resorts from about £80-120/night per person
- Flights: about £150-250 return from most UK airports (4 hours)
- A week’s golf holiday in Belek — including flights, hotel, and 5 rounds — can cost about £800-1,200 per person. That’s half what you’d pay in the Algarve for a comparable quality trip
The Catch
The flight is longer (4 hours vs 2.5 for Portugal). The food in all-inclusive resorts is fine but not exciting — for better restaurants, you’ll need to venture into Antalya or Side. And the transfer from Antalya airport to Belek’s hotel strip takes about 30-40 minutes.
Ireland: The Links Experience
Ireland offers links golf that rivals Scotland at a fraction of the cost. The west coast in particular — Kerry, Clare, Donegal — has some of the most dramatic golf landscapes on earth. Courses built among towering dunes with Atlantic views, at green fees that would get you a buggy rental in St Andrews.
Top Irish Courses for UK Visitors
- Ballybunion (Old Course) — the course that Tom Watson called the best links he’d ever played. Towering dunes, narrow fairways, tiny greens. About £180
- Lahinch — the most fun links in Ireland. Quirky, challenging, and right next to the Cliffs of Moher. About £100-150
- Royal County Down — in Northern Ireland, regularly ranked in the world top 10. Mountains meet the sea, and the course is staggeringly beautiful. About £200-250
- Waterville — remote and wild, on the Ring of Kerry. The kind of course where you might not see another group for three holes. About £150
- Portrush (Dunluce Links) — hosted the 2019 Open Championship. More accessible than the southern courses and well worth the trip. About £200
Getting There
Ferries from Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare let you bring your clubs without airline baggage hassle. Alternatively, fly to Shannon (for the west coast) or Belfast (for the north), and hire a car. Ireland is compact — you can play courses in Kerry, Clare, and Galway in a single week without driving more than two hours between rounds.
Best of the Rest
Cyprus
Warm and affordable, with Aphrodite Hills and Elea being the standout courses. Green fees from about £60-90. Best for spring and autumn trips — summer is too hot for comfortable afternoon golf.
Dubai
If budget isn’t a concern, the Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek are spectacular. Green fees are steep (£150-300+) and summer temperatures make it a winter-only option for UK golfers. January and February are ideal.
The English Riviera
Don’t overlook England’s own options. East Devon, Saunton, and Royal North Devon offer excellent links golf without the flight. The English Golf Coast stretching from Devon through Dorset has genuinely world-class courses at £40-80 per round, and you can be home the same day.
When to Go: Best Months by Destination
- Algarve: March-November (peak: April-June and September-October)
- Scotland: May-September (peak: June-August for weather, May and September for quieter courses)
- Costa del Sol: March-May and September-November (avoid July-August heat)
- Turkey (Belek): April-November (peak: April-May and October)
- Ireland: May-September (pack waterproofs regardless)
- Cyprus: March-May and October-November
- Dubai: November-March
How to Plan a Golf Holiday on a Budget
A golf holiday doesn’t need to break the bank. Here’s how to keep costs manageable without sacrificing quality.
Book Green Fees Directly
Many courses offer online booking discounts of 10-20% compared to turning up on the day. Some run twilight rates (teeing off after 2pm) at 30-50% off — fine in summer when you still have 5+ hours of daylight.
Fly Midweek
Tuesday to Thursday flights are often half the price of Friday or Sunday departures. A Wednesday-to-Wednesday trip can save £100-200 per person on flights alone.
Consider Shoulder Season
April and October in the Algarve or Costa del Sol give you weather almost as good as peak summer, with green fees and accommodation 20-30% cheaper. September in Scotland is gorgeous and far quieter than August.
Travel in a Group
A group of 4-8 splits villa rental, car hire, and sometimes group green fee discounts. Some courses offer 4-ball rates that work out cheaper per head than individual bookings. Our guide on how to book a golf holiday covers the logistics in detail.
Use Golf Holiday Specialists
Companies like Golfbreaks, Your Golf Travel, and Golf in the Sun negotiate bulk rates with courses and hotels. A package through a specialist is often cheaper than booking everything separately, and they handle tee time reservations, which saves hours of admin.
What to Pack for a Golf Holiday
Essentials
- Clubs — ship them ahead with a courier (about £30-50 each way) if you want to avoid airline baggage drama. Budget airlines charge £30-60 for golf bags, and they’re not gentle. Hard travel cases (the Ogio Savage at about £200 is bombproof) protect your set
- Waterproofs — even in the Algarve, a brief shower can catch you on the back nine. A packable jacket takes up no space
- Sun protection — SPF 50, a cap with a brim, and sunglasses. Burned arms and a squinting headache on the 12th are entirely avoidable
- Comfortable golf shoes — spikeless shoes (Ecco Biom H4 or FootJoy Flex) work on every surface and double as walking shoes for evenings out
- A golf umbrella with decent wind resistance — essential for Scotland and Ireland, useful everywhere else
Nice to Have
- A lightweight stand bag instead of your full cart bag — easier for flights and walking courses abroad
- A portable Bluetooth speaker — for the villa or hotel room, not the course. Please don’t be that group
- Your handicap certificate or CDH number — some courses require proof of handicap for booking. Digital is fine in most places, but carry a printout as backup
Booking Tips: Package vs DIY
Package Holidays
Best for first-timers and groups. A specialist packages flights, transfers, accommodation, and green fees into one price. Pros: simplicity, bulk discounts, someone else handles logistics. Cons: less flexibility on which courses you play each day, and you’re locked into their hotel choices.
DIY Booking
Best for experienced golf travellers who know what they want. Book flights, hire a car, choose your own accommodation, and book tee times directly with each course. Pros: total control, often cheaper for couples or small groups. Cons: more planning effort, and some courses are easier to book through agents than directly.
Our Recommendation
For your first golf holiday: use a specialist. For repeat trips to a destination you know: go DIY. The savings and flexibility are worth the extra planning once you’re familiar with the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an average golf holiday from the UK cost? Budget about £600-800 per person for a 5-night trip to the Algarve or Costa del Sol including flights, accommodation, and 3-4 rounds. Scotland is similar if you stay in B&Bs and play mid-range courses. Turkey is the best value — a week with 5 rounds can cost under £1,000 all-in.
Can I fly with golf clubs on a budget airline? Yes, but check baggage policies carefully. Ryanair charges about £40-60 each way for sports equipment. EasyJet is similar. The bag must be under 20kg (clubs, bag, and shoes combined). Alternatively, ship clubs ahead with a courier like SendMyBag (about £30-50 each way) and avoid the airport hassle entirely.
Do I need a handicap to play courses abroad? Some courses — especially in Spain and Portugal — require a handicap certificate for booking. Scotland and Ireland are generally more relaxed. If you have a WHS handicap through your club, download the digital certificate from the iGolf or England Golf app. If you don’t have a handicap, most courses will still let you play but may ask you to confirm your ability level.
Is it worth hiring clubs abroad instead of bringing my own? Hire sets at resort courses are usually mid-range branded sets (Callaway, TaylorMade) and perfectly playable. If you’re a casual golfer, hiring saves the hassle and cost of flying with clubs. If you have clubs fitted to your specifications, bring your own — the difference in feel is noticeable.
What’s the best first golf holiday destination for a group? The Algarve. It has the best combination of reliable weather, short flights, course variety, affordable group accommodation, and nightlife for the non-golf hours. Vilamoura is essentially built for golf groups.