Why London deserves consideration as the world's greatest golf city

By: Simon Holt, May 25, 2026

London may be the greatest golf city in the world. We often discuss Scotland and Ireland, and there are good reasons for that. St. Andrews, Muirfield, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, and Ballybunion are indeed as good as advertised, possibly even better. The problem is that their fame makes booking a tee time a daunting task; slots open 18 months in advance, and the best spots are gone within hours.

The answer to where to enjoy golf hides in plain sight — in England, specifically London. London should be mentioned in the same breath as Melbourne, but no other city can compare. Within 45 minutes of Heathrow are four courses on the GOLF World Top 100 list. Unlike New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, where such premier golf is hidden behind private gates, all of them are open to visiting golfers.

On the outskirts of the capital lies the famous Surrey Sandbelt, providing at least five days of golf. Settle in, and courses like Sunningdale Old and New, St. George’s Hill, Swinley Forest are just 30 minutes apart. The least known of them, St. George’s Hill, sits at No. 57 on the GOLF list. Walton Heath (Old) is also within an hour, and its sibling New Course is a real bonus to fit into your itinerary. Six world-class rounds are well within reach.

For couples traveling together, central London has it all: top-notch hotels, a restaurant scene known worldwide, and a vibrant cultural life with renowned art galleries, shopping, theater, and live sports. A non-golfing partner will not feel abandoned while you enjoy playing England's best.

Two hours from London, the southeast coast provides a fresh perspective on English golf. Royal St. George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s sit side by side on links land that belongs in the same conversation as any in the British Isles. Add Rye and, for many, the southeast becomes the whole reason for the trip.

The south may have the glamour, but it does not have all the golf. Four hours north of London, Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham, and Royal Birkdale need no introduction. Hillside, Wallasey, and Formby complete a stretch that would be celebrated worldwide were it located almost anywhere else.

The tee sheets are open, the courses are in magnificent shape, and the golfer who makes the trip to England leaves asking the same question: What took me so long?

Book your dream trip for 2027 (and beyond) with 8AM Golf by contacting discovery@8amtravel.com.