Best Cheap Golf Courses in Great Britain & Ireland

The top 100 golf courses you can play for under £35

The Golf World Top 100 Golf Courses you can play for a green fee of less than £35. These are the best-value golf courses in Britain and Ireland!

What’s the most you’d pay for a round of golf? It’s a question we hear all the time, and the answers vary wildly. Of course, green fees are dictated by the supply and demand at any particular course. The superstar venues in our GB&I Top 100 have never been busier.

According to research by Top 100 panellist David Jones (better known as UK Golf Guy on Twitter), the average Top 10 green fee is up eight percent this year, from £161 to £174. The average rate for a top-25 course is now £266, and 68 out of the top 100 courses have increased their prices.

If you want to play it, a round on the No.1 course – the Old Course at St Andrews – will now set you back £278; an increase of 38 percent.

But we know that golf isn’t all about £250-plus green fees. There are some fantastic courses you can play for a fraction of that price. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the first-ever ranking of Britain’s best-value golf courses; by that, we mean venues where you can get 18 holes for less than £35.

We’re not talking about teeing off before 6am on the fourth Tuesday of the month, or on a shoulder rate in April or October, either – you can play every single one on at least one day of the week for less than £35… usually for many days of the week and usually for much less than £35; the average for the entire 100 is around £28.

And these are not goat tracks, either. They’re all superb; some are sensational.

They may have not hosted Open Championships, but every single one will give you a memorable round.

RELATED: Golf World Top 100 Fun Golf Courses

How we chose the best golf courses you can play for under £35

You are going to get to know a lot of courses for the first time in this inaugural Top 100. I know I did while compiling it.

It’s fair to say I’ve played a bit of golf and in every part of Britain and Ireland, but never have I been more reliant on a panel of well-travelled golfers as I was for this ranking. The strength of the ranking is in the number and spread of the panellists who gave their input.

We didn’t ask them to mark the courses, but rank them in their own order, and I then assimilated them into the 100.

Sifting through and collating the nominations was therefore less scientific and based less on the foundation of assessment of each course in our usual categories, and that means I would say the exact order is much less important than normal. By that I mean that the No.81 might well be as good if not better than the No.61.

But what I am confident about is that there are 100 really good courses in this ranking, all worthy of your attention.

Chances are you will easily be able to play three of them for under £100, which is exceptional value for money.

There are entries from all over Britain and Ireland and while that wasn’t something we intentionally created, I’m really pleased about it. Ireland has some really interesting Under £35 courses while England’s depth is again demonstrated, the ranking illustrating that although the general cost of living is higher in large parts of the country, and therefore the green fees are higher, there is still good value to be found out there.

I use the word ‘value’, not budget. This is a Top 100 of incredible value, because quality is still high. It’s not value simply because the courses are just cheap. They are well-priced courses of a high calibre, not cheap and cheerful places to have a thrash around – these 100 courses really are not that at all.

I hope you find inspiration in the courses that follow here. I hope you feedback about the entries and the order. And I hope you let me know any courses you feel should have been included so that we can consider them for the next one – because this ranking is here to stay. Get in touch via email, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Chris Bertram, Golf World Top 100 Editor

RELATED: Why are green fees so high?

Half the holes… half the price

There are a good sprinkling of nine-holers in this list, and I can imagine people saying, “Well, it’s half the course, of course it’s cheaper!” But on the majority of occasions, 18 holes are still available for under £35.

Yes, it is largely the same holes twice, but we believe the same engaging holes twice are better than 18 less interesting holes once (it doesn’t hurt that many are in spectacular locations). In fact, this Top 100 is in many ways a celebration of courses with an appropriate number of holes for the land they have, not squeezing 18 in no matter what.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the Best Golf Courses in GB&I You Can Play for Under £35…

Golf World Top 100: Best Courses for Under £35 – 100-76

100. Old Colwyn

North Wales

Play it for: £20

A nine-hole James Braid design where the 7th, a 162-yard par 3 that requires players to clear three mature oaks, and the 9th – with views of the Irish Sea, Colwyn Bay and even Liverpool and the Isle of Man on a clear day – are the highlights.

99. Portmore Park (Barum Course)

Devon

Play it for: £25 all week

Family-owned club that opened in 1993 with the Landkey course following in 1998 and the Barum in 2004. Views of Barnstaple town and the North Devon countryside from a course with several water hazards and bags of character.

98. St Bees

Cumbria

Play it for: £15 a day

Founded in 1929 by the eponymous village’s private school (founded 1583!), this nine-hole links-parkland hybrid begins with inland holes heading in the direction of the railway line before coming back along the coast – including the wonderful 5th along the cliff edge. Small greens, narrow fairways, epic views.

97. West Monmouthshire

Gwent

Play it for: £20, £25 weekend

‘West Mons’ is the highest course in Britain, with its summit over 1,500ft above sea level. It’s a solid all-round test with sensational Brecon Beacons views, especially from the par-4 14th tee – the highest in Britain – and shares star billing with the par-3 16th, played to a slender green 100ft below.

96. Burnley

Lancashire

Play it for: £25 Monday-Friday

A great setting with a good variety of holes really well routed up and down over rolling moorland, but without any particularly big climbs. As usual, James Braid created plenty of interest with several blind drives (to generous fairways) and greens tucked against walls, in hollows and on rises.

95. Queen’s Park

Dorset

Play it for: From £16

A splendid municipal course set in undulating mature parkland in the heart of Bournemouth with bags of pedigree; it was the venue of the 1939 Daily Mail Golf Tournament and two European Tour events. Superstars Bobby Locke, Henry Cotton and Seve Ballesteros have all played here.

RELATED: Britain’s Best Links Golf Courses

94. Surrey National

Surrey

Play it for: From £25, £30 weekend

Undulating modern layout designed by David Williams, with a bit of everything. Holes run through dramatic rolling countryside and the championship layout features tree-lined fairways, strategically-placed bunkers, raised tees and plenty of water, plus a demanding par-4 finale.

93. Blackburn

Lancashire

Play it for: From £26 per day, £32 weekend

An 18-hole parkland that was revised by James Braid, it offers panoramic views of the Pennines and Lancashire coast. A clever, well-designed parkland that’s in wonderful condition.

92. Girvan

Ayrshire

Play it for: £25 all week

This short-but-popular James Braid links parkland hybrid is run by the excellent South Ayrshire Council. Drink in views of Ailsa Craig as you play some links holes that wouldn’t be out of place on Ayrshire’s elite venues.

91. Greetham Valley

Rutland

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Found in England’s smallest county, Greetham is one of our Top 100 GB&I Resorts and has two contrasting 18-hole courses (Lakes & Valley). Expect undulating terrain, with mature trees framing several holes, plenty of water, and some sensational par-3 holes. The closing stretches of both courses are particularly challenging and memorable, and they are always in excellent condition.

90. Silkstone

South Yorkshire

Play it for: £34 Monday-Friday

Established in 1893 but significantly renovated in 2008, this championship parkland is 6,363 yards from the yellow tees and you take in views over the Silkstone valley towards Emley Moor and Cannon Hall as you plot your way round.

89. Builth Wells

Powys

Play it for: £32 Monday-Friday

Scenic parkland extended from nine to 18 holes in 1986. You won’t encounter a par 5, with 12 par 4s and six par 3s. An assortment of trees and ponds as well as the River Chewfri run through it. The clubhouse is an extended 15th Century Grade 2-listed building.

88. Mitcham

Surrey

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Old Tom Morris found the site and Tooting Bec professional Tom Dunn laid out the original course on land turned from swamps and gravel workings into a golf course. Only three holes remain from that era but Mitcham still has plenty of appeal, not least in its firm turf.

87. Carradale

Argyll

Play it for: £15 or £25 a day

“The sweet spot where high handicappers are not overwhelmed, but good players are punished if they try to overpower the course and miss wide. Carradale is studded with outcroppings of rock, which threaten a wild bounce on many holes, most memorably at the difficult par-3 7th.” Not our words, the words of world-renowned American architect Tom Doak,who was as captivated by this nine-hole links as our contributors are. The views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran and Ailsa Craig are a bonus.

86. Wharton Park

Worcestershire

Play it for: £29 Monday-Thursday

Delightful parkland lined by trees, populated by lakes and headlined by a fine collection of short holes. Designed by well-respected architect Howard Swan around a 43-acre royal forest.

85. Brighouse Bay

Galloway

Play it for: £27 Monday-Friday

Perched above the Solway coastline, Brighouse has views out over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man. Kingsbarns on a budget, with expansive views and thrilling moments on a course that makes a mockery of expensive, mundane venues.

84. Whitby

North Yorkshire

Play it for: £32 Monday-Friday

Relocated to its current location in 1895, and the large ravine and water hazards provide just as stiff and exhilarating challenges as they did more than 100 years ago. Noted for its condition as well as its breathtaking views.

83. Milford Haven

Pembrokeshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Home of an intriguing rolling parkland running alongside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. It is always in excellent shape and visitors will particularly relish the challenge of the new, shortened 18th hole featuring a risk-reward pond.

82. Leasow

Cheshire

Play it for: £30 all week

Steeped in history – its first captain was John Ball, who won the Amateur and The Open – it sits on the shoreline of the Wirral Peninsula and enjoys views from the Welsh mountains and across Liverpool Bay. It’s been extended and reconfigured from its original form but remains a worthy links experience.

81. Brodick

Arran

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Arran’s third entry, and it could have had so many more! All seven courses on the island are eligible and none would be out of place in the list. Brodick is one of the less quirky of the seven and has a bay-side stretch to add some fireworks.

80. Burgham Park

Northumberland

Play it for: £30, £35 weekend

This championship parkland is set down in rolling countryside and stretches to over 7,065 yards off the tips. Has a mature feel and its water hazards add challenge and strategy while its greens are renowned.

79. Stockwood Vale

Bristol

Play it for: £23 Mon, £27 Tues-Fri, £33 wknd

An excellent year-round course thanks to it sitting on limestone, this undulating parkland in Bristol is always in top condition as it plays over lush fairways between mature trees.

78. Morlais Castle

Merthyr Tydfil

Play it for: £25, £30 weekend

A round of two halves: the front nine is built around an old quarry with the second nine on rolling moorland. But wherever you are you are afforded gorgeous views across the Brecon Beacons National Park.

77. Comrie

Perthshire

Play it for: £25 Monday-Friday

A short drive from Gleneagles you’ll discover one of the most scenic and tranquil nine-holers in the UK. The 3rd and 5th holes are cracking par 3s and the 6th your solitary chance to attack a par 5.

76. Lahinch (Castle Course)

County Clare

Play it for: €40 Monday-Friday

The sister to the legendary Old course is an enchanting par-69 links stretching across 5,488 yards. Shorter than its sibling – but just as much fun.

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Golf World Top 100: Best Courses for Under £35 – 100-76

75. Mellor & Townscliffe

Cheshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Established in 1894, it has views over five counties from its position where the Cheshire Plain meets the High Peak. A club with history which has a very pleasant parkland as its course.

74. Broadway

Worcestershire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday, £35 Sat-Sun (Nine holes)

Another Alister MacKenzie design, Broadway was founded in 1895 on an escarpment offering views across the Vale of Evesham. Undulating fairways at times dissected by drystone walls lead to generally small, contoured greens. This is an 18-hole course but we’ve selected it because the front-nine is just so good that it’s worth a visit alone. The 5th is the pick of an excellent set of short holes.

73. Westgate & Birchington

Kent

Play it for: £20, £25 weekend

Founded in 1893 between the seaside towns of Westgate-on-Sea and Birchington, expect this fun short course to be in superb condition year-round. Terrific views over the cliffs, with the 11th playing right along the bluffs.

72. Woodlake Park

Pontypool

Play it for: £25 Mon-Thu, £32 Fri-Sun

Undulating modern, maturing parkland plotted in 140 acres within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You won’t forget the 231-yard par-3 4th with a ditch just short of the green. Overlooks the Llandegfedd reservoir, Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and the Vale of Usk.

71. Broome Manor

Wiltshire

Play it for: £20 Mon-Fri

This is where former Ryder Cupper David Howell learnt his craft and the Swindon venue is among the best pay-and-play venues around, with the main layout backed up by a nine-hole course and good practice facilities.

70. Ladies’ Putting Club (The Himalayas)

Fife

Play it for: £4 all week

One contributor thinks this should be No.1. It’s in our Fun 100 too, and there is no doubt it is an essential experience when in St Andrews. Requires a sure putting touch to master its extravagant humps. Entertainment as well as the X Factor… and all for £4.

69. Kirkintilloch

Dunbartonshire

Play it for: £20, £25 weekend

Originally laid out in 1895 by James Braid, this tranquil parkland travels over rolling terrain and has terrific views of the Campsie Fells and Clyde Valley.

68. Silverdale

Lancashire

Play it for: £32 all week

Set in beautiful countryside between Lancaster and Kendal, the old part of the course sits on a limestone ridge that gives it terrific character – holes set along valleys and heathland – plus boasts excellent drainage. The 13th, ‘The Plateau’, is aptly named and can ruin a card so easily. From the 2nd to the 10th is open parkland.

67. College Pines

Notts

Play it for: £20, £30 a day

Sits right next to Worksop, where Lee Westwood learnt the game, and has the same gently undulating, free-draining land as its neighbour. Staggeringly good condition given the green fee, and full of really solid holes among parkland and woodland.

66. Kinghorn

Fife

Play it for: £25, £28 weekend

Short and quirky links in Fife. Panoramic views over the Firth of Forth from virtually every hole, it’s a little paradise with the original nine-hole layout designed by the legendary Tom Morris. The round concludes with four par 3s in the final five holes.

65. Llanymynech

Shropshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

The course on which Ian Woosnam first learnt to play, this mature parkland has 15 holes that are played in Wales and three in England. At the 4th hole you drive in Wales and putt out in England!

64. Mulranny

County Mayo

Play it for: €20 Monday-Friday

A wild nine-hole links on Ireland’s west coast where cattle and sheep roam the natural fairways. You’re afforded magical views over Clew Bay and the sea. The all-day green fee is an absolute steal.

63. Warkworth

Northumberland

Play it for: £15 or £25

Old Tom-designed links from 1892 which has changed since his day but remains a gorgeous coastal nine-holer. An out-and-back routing with the holes on higher ground giving awesome views, and cracking holes down below, among the dunes.

62. East Brighton

Sussex

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Founded in 1908 and is happily largely that left by James Braid. A straightforward, unfussy piece of work by the great man, using the rolling terrain to full effect, with coastal views from the elevated fairways.

61. New Forest

County Westmeath

Play it for: €35 Monday-Friday

Gently undulating, easy-on-the-eye parkland which is always in top condition, with the greens a joy to putt on. Helped by being framed by mature woodland, it is hard to believe the course only opened in 2006.

60. Old Ranfurly

Renfrewshire

Play it for: £30

A fun and scenic – it enjoys views of Ben Lomond and the Campsie Fells from the higher moorland section – course on the outskirts of Glasgow that was initially laid out by Willie Campbell in 1889, but updated later by Willie Park then James Braid.

59. Tilgate Forest

Sussex

Play it for: £25, £30 weekend

Close to Crawley, a woodland course with a number of tight dog-legs. Most fairways are tree-lined and the greens well protected.

58. Spanish Point

County Clare

Play it for: €25, €30 weekend

Balances the books when on a trip to play Lahinch and Doonbeg. This cute nine-holer sits between those Irish superstars and you might even have more fun here than on them! Classic links features and a wonderful location, at times accentuated by elevated tees.

57. Holywell

Flintshire

Play it for: £20, £25 weekend

A century-old inland layout sitting 800ft above sea level on Brynford Common, making it one of the highest courses in Wales. Old lead and limestone quarries and disused lime kilns prominently feature on many holes. Breathtaking mountain views to the Clwydian Range and Snowdonia, too.

56. The Players (Stranahan Course)

Bristol

Play it for: £28 Mon-Thurs, £30 Fri-Sun

Its sister, the Codrington, is one of the longest and toughest courses in the land but mid to high-handicappers will be more at home on the Stranahan (5,340, par 68), which regularly gives you chances and breathing space, starting from the 103-yard par-3 1st.

RELATED: The Best Golf Courses for £60 and Under

55. Pine Ridge

Surrey

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Built through a pine forest on fast-draining sandy soil, Pine Ridge is gently undulating, peaceful and has just the right amount of challenge. It’s little more than 6,000 yards but is tight, with mature woodland hugging most fairways.

54. Isle of Wedmore

Somerset

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Wonderful views of Somerset countryside, especially from the 11th and 12th greens. Two nine-hole loops that start at the clubhouse, with the back nine having its own take on Amen Corner in three successive par 5s and a par 3 over water.

53. Cruden Bay (St Olaf Course)

Aberdeenshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

It is in our GB&I Fun Top 100 and offers the same quirks and idiosyncrasies of its big sister. Tremendous seaside entertainment.

52. Baildon

West Yorkshire

Play it for: £15 all week (online)

Another wonderfully natural Yorkshire moorland course. One of the relatively few Old Tom Morris designs in England, and even fewer still have some of his original design remaining. Epic cliff and heather views and an exhilarating experience.

51. Glencruitten

Argyll

Play it for: £30 Monday-Thursday

The home club of European Tour player Bob MacIntyre has a hillside course on the outskirts of Oban that is a par 61 of only 4,471 yards, with only five holes over the 300-yard mark. But such is the adventurous topography, it is a proper test – of both your accuracy and stamina. It is sprinkled with unforgettable holes played from elevated tees and to greens perched in the hillsides. It is at times bewildering, but the nous of James Braid made it playable and truly fantastic fun. Won’t be for everyone, but those that enjoy idiosyncrasies will adore it.

Golf World Top 100: Best Courses for Under £35 – 50-26

50. Castlerock (Bann Course)

County Londonderry

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

The championship Mussenden may be the big attraction here, but the neighbouring nine-hole Bann links is top drawer too. It is wildly fun and provides glorious views onto the River Bann and over to Donegal.

49. Meyrick Park

Dorset

Play it for: £26 Monday-Thursday

A terrific Bournemouth parkland that has been charming golfers since Tom Dunn laid it out in 1894. It opens with an explosive 244-yard par 3.

48. Nelson

Lancashire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Established in 1902, this Alister MacKenzie design is located on a plateau overlooking Nelson and Burnley. And while that gives you expansive views, the legendary architect cleverly avoided any laborious climbs when he laid out the two loops of nine. Another MacKenzie for £30.

47. Rathcore

Meath

Play it for: €30 Monday-Friday

A delightful rolling parkland with water in play at over half the holes, often through natural streams which meander across the course. Both nines finish near the clubhouse with the pick of a fine crop probably the 15th, a lake hugging the fairway on the right and gorse and sand guarding the green.

46. Burley

Hampshire

Play it for: £24, £28 weekend

Nine greens and 18 tees in the heart of the New Forest, Burley is laid out on sandy ground populated by coarse vegetation and defined by humps and hollows. It enjoys wonderful turf reminiscent of the Surrey sandbelt that extends into the edge of Hants, and terrific greens.

45. Cradoc

Brecon

Play it for: £30 Monday-Thursday, £35 Friday

Views to thrill. Cradoc serenely sits on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with every mature tree-lined hole enjoying stunning views of the north slopes and blessed with an abundance of wildlife as an added bonus.

44. Gowran Park

County Kilkenny

Play it for: €25, €35 weekend

This venue is better known for its horse racing track – five holes sit within the race course while the rest of the par 71, plotted within 130 acres of pretty parkland, wander between mature woodland and lake settings of the old Annaly Estate, backdropped by the breathtaking Blackstairs Mountains.

43. Isle of Skye

Western Isles

Play it for: From £18

Another honesty box entry with stunning views over the sea towards the Isle of Raasay and inland towards the Red Cuillin mountains. There is not a bad hole on the course and it is in seriously good condition. One contributor with intimate knowledge of Western Isles golf adores it.

42. Charnwood Forest

Leicestershire

Play it for: £34 Monday-Friday

Lovely heathland turf round a rocky outcrop near Loughborough, it opened in 1890 and its design was later influenced by James Braid, who used outstanding natural features such as ancient rock formations and dry stone walls that maximise its character. Sits in a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its variety of flora and fauna. It’s nine holes, but 18 available for less than £35.

41. Gairloch

Highlands

Play it for: £25

A nine-hole layout with 18 different tees, the setting is fabulous. “Worth playing for the par-5 8th hole alone,” says one contributor. “It wouldn’t be out of place on any of the top links – but there’s plenty more to enjoy on the other eight, too.”

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40. Blairgowrie (Wee Course)

Perthshire

Play it for: £27.50 a day

Several holes that are every bit as good as those on the Rosemount and arguably better than some in sister course the Lansdowne, a Scottish Top 100 entry. A gorgeous inland experience – and note the day ticket for well within the budget.

39. Portarlington

Offaly

Play it for: €25, €30 weekend

A modern Eddie Hackett parkland teeming with wildlife as well as being a splendid test – specially after being converted from nine to 18 holes that means the River Barrow and surrounding woodland areas were brought into play.

38. Darlington

Durham

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Founded in 1908 and designed by Alister MacKenzie, this 18-hole parkland shares the themes of large undulating greens and lush fairways lined by mature trees of the legendary architect’s most famous creation at Augusta National.

37. Coollattin

County Wicklow

Play it for: €30, €40 weekend

One of the most colourful parklands in Ireland streaks through an old estate that feels like an arboretum. There are no climbs of note, just an easy flow through trees you won’t have a chance of naming. It’s highly relaxing, though the par 3 sitting inside a walled garden is a tough nut to crack.

36. Tyneside

Northumberland

Play it for: £30, £35 weekend

Among the oldest clubs in north-east England, having been designed in 1879 but redeveloped by Harry Colt in 1911. Colt expert Frank Pont has refurbished it. Renowned for its excellent greens, helped by its location on free-draining land. Views over the River Tyne and Tyne Valley are allied to a wonderful variety of hole.

35. Bury

Lancashire

Play it for: £29, £30 weekend

Deserves to be much better known given how much original Alister MacKenzie design remains here. Contains some classic holes, including three with the architect’s famous two-tier greens. Its first club professional was Harry Vardon, who went on to win six Opens.

34. Birr

Offaly

Play it for: €25, €30 weekend

A course that has adventure at heart with plenty of movement to holes including Birr’s signatures, from 10 to 12, which sweep around the perimeter and offer a solitude and colour that are exhilarating. The par 3s are top drawer too, with the back-to-back 14th and 15th particularly memorable.

33. Braid Hills

Midlothian

Play it for: £29, £30 weekend

The name gives away the designer and the great architect did not disappoint. The municipal has an exhilarating routing over adventurous terrain and lined by gorse, so it is a proper challenge, with Edinburgh skyline views the accompaniment.

32. New Forest

Hampshire

Play it for: £27, £32 weekend

Intriguing, tranquil course in Lyndhurst in the heart of the New Forest, this relatively flat, easy-walking heathland has been around since the late 1880s. Watch out for the roaming ponies and cattle.

31. Musselburgh Old Links

East Lothian

Play it for: £17.50 for 9, £19.30 weekend

You’re paying £17.50 to play a course dripping in history. Incredible value, and it’s now in superb condition. Even if the course was dreadful it would be worth it, but it’s not – it has some super holes, played in the knowledge you are following in the footsteps of the game’s founding figures. Just double the price to do two laps of it.

RELATED: The Best Golf Courses in Scotland

30. Tullamore

County Offaly

Play it for: €40 Monday-Friday

James Braid designed only a few courses in Ireland, but Tullamore is one of those with tight approaches, tighter, trickier greens and a sense of walking through ancient woodland that gives the course its ambience. Closing holes are as good and as challenging as you will find.

29. Winterfield

East Lothian

Play it for: £31 Monday-Friday

East Lothian’s low-profile yet brilliant links. Winterfield in Dunbar has wonderful views of the Firth of Forth, Bass Rock and the Isle of May, with Lammermuir Hills as a backdrop. It begins with a par 3 that wouldn’t be out of place at Carnoustie and after that it’s simply tremendous fun. In excellent condition.

28. Seaford Head

East Sussex

Play it for: £30 Mon-Fri, £35 weekend

A clifftop course with spectacular sea views out to the Seven Sisters and over Seaford, as well as an unforgettable par-5 18th which plunges from a tee on the top of the cliff down to the clubhouse.

27. Corrie

Arran

Play it for: £20

The honesty box (if Fran’s Tea Room isn’t open to take your green fee) starts the ambiance. The breathtaking backdrop of Goat Fell continues it and when at the highest point, the view is truly spectacular. Don’t overlook the actual golf though, with some funky, fun and compelling holes, with a healthy dash of eccentricity. The small island of Arran’s second entry in the top 30!

26. Isle of Harris

Highlands

Play it for: £20

Achingly scenic nine-holer, the 4,834-yard par 68 being flanked by the Sound of Taransay and the hills of Harris to the north. Get it on a helpful day of weather and you’re getting a £250 round for £20.

Golf World Top 100: Best Courses for Under £35 – 25-11

25. Alnmouth Village

Northumberland

Play it for: £25, £30 weekend

It’s in our Top 100 Best Fun Golf Courses and every panellist who has played here loves it for its atmosphere, setting and memorable holes. The affection for Alnmouth Village is extremely strong. It’s a course you really need to experience…

24. Traigh

Highlands

Play it for: £18, £23 day

Home of the most westerly course on the UK mainland. This nine-hole links has to be experienced for its out-of-this-world views. Jaw-droppingly beautiful and worth every inch of the journey west. A ‘glad to be alive’ experience.

23. Corballis

Dublin

Play it for: €30, €35 weekend online

A public links that packs a punch. It is short, tight and thrilling. Shares the same dunes as GB&I Top 100 course The Island, and while not of the same scale it provides a wildly entertaining links experience.

22. Bunclody

Wexford

Play it for: €40 Mon-Fri, €35 Wed

Modern parkland meandering among mature trees next to the River Slaney. Boasts a superb closing stretch which starts at the tree-framed par-3 14th, drops to the Slaney then rises to the par-5 18th courtesy of an elevator.

21. Bramshaw (Forest Course)

Hampshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

This charismatic course is Hampshire’s oldest, dating back to around 1865. It is a delightful par 69 plotted on common land in the heart of the idyllic New Forest and features humps, hollows, rippling streams and roaming wildlife (ponies, deer, pigs) – doff your cap and breathe in nature’s gifts.

RELATED: Best Golf Resorts in Britain and Ireland

20. Royston

Hertfordshire

Play it for: £27.50 Monday-Friday

A heathland with firm turf that sits on the Cambridgeshire-Hertfordshire border, it gets its excellent playing surface from its location on free-draining Therfield Heath. Golf has been played here as far back as 1624, the 18-hole course being laid out by two Cambridge University students in 1869. It might be low profile, but we are certain it won’t disappoint. A classy venue.

19. Cullen

Moray

Play it for: £32 a day

Quirky does not really cover it, especially when playing through, over or round the 80ft-high red sea stacks on the back nine. It’s in our GB&I Top 100 Fun Golf Courses for good reason… A spectacular site used well, and a round you’ll never forget.

18. Bingley St Ives

West Yorkshire

Play it for: £20 Mon, £30 all day

An Alister MacKenzie design that is three courses in one: it starts and ends as a parkland with some clever green complexes, then moves into some strong holes among mature woodland and also enjoys an especially memorable moorland-heathland phase on the top of the layout. The more gentle parkland holes to end the course are a first-class finish.

17. Spey Bay

Highlands

Play it for: £25 Monday-Friday

A lovely, lie-of-the-land links. Fantastically undulating fairways, half-pipe greens, and a number of great holes in a beautiful setting on the Moray Firth. Old-fashioned links with a premium on accuracy, with the standout hole, the 8th, played over 138 yards to a small plateau green that will challenge even the best.

16. Halifax Ogden

West Yorkshire

Play it for: £20 Mon, £25 Tue-Fri

A wonderful moorland course, which shouldn’t be a surprise given that it’s been touched by Herbert Fowler, Alister MacKenzie and James Braid. Numerous unforgettable holes helped by elevation change and clever use of the terrain.

15. Minchinhampton (Old Course)

Gloucestershire

Play it for: £28 Monday-Friday, £30 weekend

Set on Minchinhampton Common, a National Trust Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it was originally established in 1889. There is no sand or water, just natural hazards such as the walls and quarries that reflect the history of the area. Simple, joyful golf.

14. Epsom

Surrey

Play it for: £25 Monday

Perched on top of the Downs, this short, undulating downland offers a plethora of superb views – on a clear day you can see the Wembley arch and iconic capital buildings from the dramatic par-5 11th tee box. Brain rules over brawn here.

13. Macreddin

County Wexford

Play it for: €40 Monday-Friday

Paul McGinley’s first full design in Ireland is stretched across two sides of a valley, deep and alone in an enchanting setting. A broad stream flows along the bottom and affects five holes. Beautifully conditioned.

12. Church Stretton

Shropshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Church Stretton sits 1,230ft above sea level and is the third-highest course in Britain. It starts with a trio of par 3s, the opener being an uphill 180-yard proposition. You feel like you’re playing on top of the world when tackling this James Braid layout, which is barely 5,000 yards. Quirky, immense fun and the views at this Shropshire course are sensational – especially on the short par-4 15th.

11. Covesea

Highlands

Play it for: £15 for nine, £25 for 18

“Covesea is an absolute blast,” says one contributor to this list. “The green on the 90-yard, blind 5th genuinely made me laugh out loud the first time I saw it.” If fun and quirkiness is your bag, Covesea delivers on both fronts. It is definitely no stroll by the beach: brace yourself for a 92-yarder played ‘blind’ to the top of a cliff where you can drink in views of Covesea Lighthouse and a good stretch of the Moray Firth, a par 3 played over a huge rock formation to a three-level green, and a 238-yard ‘short’ hole. It is indeed a blast.

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10. Reigate Heath

Surrey

Play it for: £22.50, £27.50 weekend

Combine gorgeous heather, terrific turf, clever bunkering and fabulous green complexes and it’s hardly surprising that Reigate Heath makes it into the top 10 of this list.

Highlights arrive at the left dog-leg 4th and the 226-yard par-3 6th. An absolute joy.

9. Borth & Ynyslas

Mid Wales

Play it for: £32.50 all week

Harry Colt’s Borth begins with a modest opener, but then you cross the narrow coastal road and onto a tee that is hemmed in on one side by the sea wall. That’s how close the sea is, and remains so for a few more holes on what is flat but gorgeous linksland.

The far end of the course is reached at the 8th and the road home begins with a classy short hole, ‘Dyfi’, followed by arguably the best run at Borth, a three-hole stretch – comprising a strong par 4, a downhill par 3 across the site, and a sporty two-shotter – all characterised by green complexes akin to mini amphitheatres.

8. Welshpool

South Wales

Play it for: From £30 Monday-Friday

The club dates back to the 1890s, but it moved from its original location in Deer Park in 1930. At that point they made the very wise decision to ask James Braid to lay out their new course.

There are no bunkers, but it doesn’t need them because Braid has worked the hilly land so expertly. The best-value course in Wales? Only the next course in this list can compete with it for that title.

7. Cruit Island

Donegal

Play it for: €40 Monday-Friday

The beauty of this remote Donegal links must be seen to be believed. The eccentricity of it must be experienced to be believed. And the sheer joy of a round here must be savoured to be believed.

It’s nine holes, but there is no way you will stop there. At most, a quick refreshment in the modest, friendly clubhouse as you settle up for another lap is all that will delay you from holing out on the (actually quite difficult) 9th and teeing off again on the epic 1st.

Bewildering and enchanting, it looks easy, but it isn’t – and hit it poorly and you will run up a score you struggle to fathom every bit as much as the holes themselves.

6. Durness

Highlands

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Spectacular setting with stunning views, and while there are only nine greens, there are 18 tees that change the holes. The 9th/18th over the edge of the water is a stunning finish to this Scottish Top 100 entry.

It has just one greenkeeper, but we think it’s worthy of a spot this high. It challenges your game and captures your imagination – and it’s worthy of the very long drive north to play it.

The pick of the holes include the glorious par-5 6th, which sweeps around the bay – go right and you’ll be in it – and the par-3 finale which starred in Peter Alliss’ Travels with Alliss TV series in the mid-1990s.

5. Appleby

Cumbria

Play it for: £28 Monday-Saturday

This Cumbrian beauty is short but packed with appeal. A par 68 of barely 6,000 yards, it is a well-draining moorland layout created by Willie Fernie well over a century ago. Although you won’t encounter any par 5s, several tough par 4s will keep you honest and on your toes.

It’s been described as “Gleneagles in the raw” owing to the natural feel and wild remoteness. Views of the Pennines and Lakeland hills and year-round playable moorland surfaces add to its appeal and, combined with Appleby’s lie-of-the-land charm, make it a Top 100 England contender as well as No.5 in this ranking.

4. Painswick

Gloucestershire

Play it for: £20, £25 weekend

Some will find Painswick bewildering, but we think most will be hugely entertained by its green complexes and a routing that crosses itself on more than one occasion because it has to fit along a narrow ridge.

Barely 5,000 yards of outrageous fun, it will rank as one of the quirkiest courses you’ll ever play.

Its relatively short yardage takes into account as many as seven par-3 holes, including the 114-yard 5th played blindly up and over 70ft-high hill fort ramparts dating back to the Iron Age.

There are tempting short par 4s, but they have small greens, including the tiny target at the 120-yard 10th.

3. Cleeve Hill

Gloucestershire

Play it for: £25-£35 Mon-Fri

This Top 100 England course – which was also No.188 in our GB&I ranking last month – is an endlessly interesting and quirky proposition.

The 6,400-yard municipal course was designed by Old Tom Morris and later adapted by Alister MacKenzie and, thanks to its dramatic 1,083ft elevation, provides stunning views over Cheltenham and towards the Black Mountains in Wales.

If perfectly manicured surfaces where everything is ‘right out in front of you’ are your thing, Cleeve isn’t for you. If fun, entertainment and an almost bewildering experience appeal, start planning your trip now. The green fee is insanely low.

2. Kington

Herefordshire

Play it for: £30 Monday-Friday

Set at 1,284 feet above sea level, Kington is the highest course in England and gives the golfer views over seven counties. Its fast-draining heathland terrain means it is playable all year round, but the biggest allure is Cecil Hutchison’s intriguing design, which cleverly fits the holes – especially its greens complexes – into the land.

Hutchison was a fan of North Berwick and its intricacies can be detected here as it takes full advantage of its glorious natural National Trust land, including the historic Offa’s Dyke.

It is miles from the sea, but there are links hallmarks in the shapes, challenges and quirks, if not the turf.

The quality year-round greens – temporary greens simply don’t exist here – and the breathtaking panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains and beyond are special.

Now established in the middle of our Top 100 England, in the top five of our GB&I Top 100 £60 and Under, at No.144 in GB&I and No.2 in this ranking, this is one of the most intriguing and entertaining courses in Britain. Offering astonishing value, it would have been a worthy No.1.

1. Shiskine

Arran

Play it for: £27, £30 weekend

Our inaugural Under £35 No.1 is one of Britain and Ireland’s most entertaining courses. It is so good it is threatening to make it into our blue riband GB&I Best Golf Courses ranking, coming in at No.111 – ahead of many, many illustrious names in British and Irish golf – and sits 33rd in our Scottish list. And this despite it having a third fewer holes with which to impress our panels than most courses.

Laid out in 1896, Willie Park is credited with shaping this course of memorable holes in a breathtaking setting.

It starts with a straightforward hole along the beach which on many other courses would be the hole. Here, it is relatively modest and not a portent of the high jinks to come.

That much begins to be obvious at the next, asking for a blind approach and whose views of heather, gorse and sea are the cue for the assault on the senses to begin.

Next up is the cutest of blind par 3s, played up a steep hill decorated with a mix of bracken, gorse and heather, with Shiskine’s signature rockface beyond the green. You come back down to the beach with another short hole of mesmeric quality.

Only now does arguably the best run of holes begin! The 5th plays along the shore, a sporty par 4 of humps and hollows with a fairway divided by a runway of bracken infused with heather and marram.

The 6th continues beachside and ends with a shot towards a marker post indicating a sunken green in an amphitheatre of heather, bracken and gorse. This might be the highest of Shiskine’s highs.

Still along the beach, you then fire over that mound that is the 6th’s backdrop to play the totally blind 7th, one of seven short holes on the 12-hole course.

There are five more holes to come, but already you have fallen in love with this Arran masterpiece. Its perfect use of the land available makes you wonder about the desire for 18 holes and how good many more courses would have been had they been laid out according to the land available rather than an obsession with a scorecard that showed 18 holes.

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