Six Ryder Cup courses in the United Kingdom open to the public to play
Given the rich tradition of the United Kingdom hosting the Ryder Cup, there are unsurprisingly plenty of former Ryder Cup courses that are open to the British public and visitors.
Here we look at six fairly recent Ryder Cup host courses in the UK that are open to the public.
The Belfry, Brabazon Course
The Belfry is arguably the home of golf in England, and the Brabazon Course is the jewel in the crown.
As a historic golf resort 20 minutes from Birmingham, the Belfry offers plenty besides golf, but the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legends on their Brabazon Course is too good to pass up.
Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss designed all three Belfry courses with Brabazon, complimented by the PGA National and the Derby.
The Belfry offers package deals for stays at the resort and rounds on their feature courses.
Celtic Manor, Twenty Ten Course
The Celtic Manor in South Wales is another former Ryder Cup venue that boasts full golfing experiences.
Celtic Manor’s newest course, Twenty Ten, played host to the epic European victory in the 2010 Ryder Cup.
Twenty Ten will be the main attraction for golfing purists, but Celtic Manor also features a luxury hotel with six restaurants, numerous bars and two spas.
The other two course layouts at Celtic Manor, The Montgomerie golf course and Roman Road golf course, have also garnered positive reviews.
Gleneagles, PGA Centenary Course
Located just an hour north of Edinburgh, Gleneagles sets standards for luxury golf resorts.
The Ryder Cup host PGA Centenary Course was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and it has also hosted the Solheim Cup.
Suckers for punishment will love the fifth hole of the PGA Centenary Course dubbed the Crookit Cratur.
The Par 72 course is long at 7,296 yards off the blue tees and will challenge most players.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Few links courses in the United Kingdom can boast the incredible pedigree of Royal Birkdale Golf Club which has played host to The Open ten times, Ryder Cup twice, and also six Women’s British Opens.
Birkdale is among the 64 golf clubs around the world that have a valid ‘Royal’ title bestowed by a member of the British Monarchy having gained its status from King George VI.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club sports incredible views from the course to go with its undeniably rich history.
Nestled into the town of Southport on the Northwest Coast of England, Royal Birkdale is just 45 minutes from Liverpool and one hour from Manchester. Golf Travel packages including hotel stays abound.
Walton Heath (Old Course)
Perhaps the quintessential heathland layout, Walton Heath draws golf enthusiasts from all over the world to its rugged country courses.
The rustic feel of the course belies the fact that it is just 20 miles from central London.
The Old Course at Walton Heath has been consistently ranked as one of the best courses in England.
In 1981, the heather-strewn landscape provided the setting for an American thumping of Europe inspired by Jack Nicklaus.
Southport & Ainsdale
Not far from Royal Birkdale, the location of Southport & Ainsdale means that there are ample packages for inclusive accommodation and rounds at two Ryder Cup venues.
The testing championship links golf course was designed by five-time Open Champion James Braid.
Straying off-line will be severely penalised on a course that demands accurate ball-striking and an abundance of patience.
The best way to play this course would be as a part of a tour of the delightful Southport courses.