Best Golf Courses in Norfolk

The Golf World Top 100 panel selects the best golf courses in Norfolk.

The Golf World Top 100 panel selects the best golf courses in Norfolk, from its stunning links to inland masterpieces.

Norfolk, on the east coast, is England’s driest county, making it the ideal destination for golf. Fortunately, while it has a lack of rain, it has an abunance of quality golf courses, three of which appear in our Top 100 Courses in England.

While few would argue with the assertion that Norfolk has a clear top two, many would debate which way round those stellar links go. It depends on what you want from your golf; eccentric, idiosyncratic holes or a consistent championship test.

But why should you trust our ranking? Well, the Golf World Top 100 panel has been ranking the finest courses in England for decades and has the most comprehensive knowledge in the game.

We welcome your feedback on all of our rankings and know that everyone will have an opinion on their favourite’s position. We’d love to hear from you via email, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

And, once you’ve enjoyed this ranking, please do take a look at some of our others – including the best courses in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Europe.

Chris Bertram, Golf World Top 100 Editor

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What are the best golf courses in Norfolk?

1. Royal West Norfolk

It oozes memorability and distinctiveness and is a step back in time both on and off the course.

Royal West Norfolk, in Brancaster, is up there with Lahinch, Prestwick and North Berwick for fun, idiosyncratic golf.

No other course in Britain changes with the tides as Brancaster does – you need to check the tide tables before visiting as you could very easily end up cut off in the car park.

The holes around the turn that are affected by the tide are often noted as the stars, but there in fact are a dozen classics. It rewards strategy and imagination.

2. Hunstanton

A classic links, with a central sand ridge providing for excellent design and with true, quick greens.

Hunstanton is always in impeccable condition and gets better and better as the round progresses. This traditional links is often played with the wind at your back for the front nine, but the back nine is a fearsome challenge. A regular championship host, the Women’s Amateur this summer being the latest.

While predominantly a two-ball course for singles and foursomes play, four-balls may be played throughout the year on Tuesdays from 9am and after 1pm on Sundays in the summertime. 

3. Sheringham 

This England Top 100 stalwart is a clifftop links course steeped in history, with fantastic views and fast, flawless greens. If you want thrills and views, you’ll love it.

4. Thetford 

Strong affection for this fast-running course, carved through the famous forest. Great variation of holes that require good shot making. Good bunkering, accuracy, and distance control are needed to score well.

5. Royal Norwich 

Recently relocated to 10 miles west of Norwich, the Ross McMurray (European Golf Design) course provides a ‘tour’ experience, with large sloping greens. The micro-brewery in the clubhouse is a nice bonus!

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6. Royal Cromer 

An undulating course overlooking the North Sea. Clifftop in style with gorse and well-bunkered greens.

7. Kings Lynn

A Peter Allis and Dave Thomas design that winds through a silver birch forest. Accuracy and shot length control from the tee are critical for scoring well.

8. Swaffham

Norfolk’s little secret. A good test in parkland framed by mature trees, but with a sandy heathland feel. Great greens.

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9. Great Yarmouth & Caister 

Fast-running links with gorse and good bunkering. A constant test. Entwined within the racecourse, adding further interest.

10. Eaton

Located close to Norwich city centre, this attractive parkland focuses on the needs of golfers in equal measure with the abundance of wildlife and natural habitat.

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11. Barnham Broom (Valley)

The senior of the two courses played along the Yare River Valley, the Valley is a parkland with plenty of water to navigate. Plenty of elevation and picturesque views. 

12. Bawburgh

Located six miles west of Norwich, Bawburgh has a parkland style on an undulating landscape with great views
over the Yare Valley.

13. Heacham Manor 

A resort-style course on the edge of Hunstanton, its holes are influenced by the Heacham River and four lakes.

The stand-out 7th is a visual delight. Good greens and a brand-new clubhouse offer excellent views over the course. The perfect Norfolk base.

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14. Richmond Park 

A parkland of two different nines. The longer front nine offers a great opportunity to open the shoulders, with accuracy and placement a must as you play yourself back to the excellent New England-style clubhouse.

15. Wensum Valley (Wensum) 

The longer of the two courses here, it has hosted EuroPro events. Playing over lakes bordering the River Wensum, it’s a real challenge to play to your handicap.

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16. Ryston Park 

A delightful nine-hole parkland meandering through the mature trees, always very presentable and easy walking. 

17. Dereham

Super nine-hole parkland in the heart of the county. Each hole has a second set of tees to create variation and interest.

18. Dunston Hall 

Offers great variation in a parkland setting. Water features and large undulating greens are the test.

19. Sprowston Manor 

With large USGA greens and a variety of water features, the 18-hole course provides a good test with plenty of tee choices.

20. Wensum Valley (Valley)

Features tree-lined fairways where accuracy is key to finding undulating greens.

21. Barnham Broom (Hill)

A fun test that is well drained and playable throughout the winter.

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