Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Cotswold

Golf in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offers a golfing experience unlike anywhere else in England. The limestone geology provides excellent drainage, meaning many courses stay playable throughout the year, while the elevated terrain delivers spectacular views across the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills and the honey-stone villages below. Courses range from historic commons where sheep still graze to manicured championship layouts designed for tournament play.

Golf tourism is an important part of the local economy, with visitors combining rounds of golf with stays in boutique hotels and country pubs. Many clubs welcome visitors and offer competitive green fees, society packages and excellent clubhouse facilities.

How We Selected These Courses

We assessed course design, condition, scenery, challenge for different abilities, clubhouse facilities, welcome to visitors and overall reputation. Both member-focused clubs and pay-and-play venues are included.

The Top 10 Golf Courses in Cotswold

1. Cotswold Hills Golf Club

Located on the high ground above Cheltenham, Cotswold Hills Golf Club is one of the region's most respected courses. Its gently rolling parkland fairways, excellent greens and elevated views make it a firm favourite with members and visitors. The course regularly hosts county championships, a testament to its quality.

2. Cirencester Golf Club

Set in open countryside just outside Cirencester, this club offers a well-maintained course with generous fairways and challenging greens. Its friendly atmosphere and strong junior programme reflect a club deeply rooted in the community.

3. Burford Golf Club

Burford Golf Club is renowned for its tree-lined fairways and immaculate condition. Established over a century ago, it offers a traditional members' club experience on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, with a layout that rewards accuracy over length.

4. Broadway Golf Club

Sitting high on the escarpment above the village of Broadway, this course offers some of the finest views in English golf. Its natural, rolling terrain provides a stern test, especially when the wind sweeps across the hilltop.

5. Minchinhampton Golf Club

Minchinhampton offers a fascinating mix. Its Old Course is laid out across ancient common land, where cattle graze, while its Avening and Cherington courses provide modern inland championship challenges. The variety makes it a destination in its own right.

6. Painswick Golf Club

Painswick is a characterful course laid across common land and an Iron Age hill fort. Short by modern standards, it is full of quirky holes, blind shots and breathtaking views, offering a uniquely charming round.

7. Naunton Downs Golf Club

Located in the heart of the north Cotswolds near Stow-on-the-Wold, Naunton Downs combines a challenging downland course with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its accessible green fees make it popular with visitors and societies.

8. Lilley Brook Golf Club

Set on the slopes of Leckhampton Hill near Cheltenham, Lilley Brook is an Alister MacKenzie-designed course that offers dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views. Its heritage and design pedigree attract golf enthusiasts from far afield.

9. The Players Club

Located near Codrington in the southern Cotswolds, The Players Club is a modern golf venue featuring a championship course and a dedicated short course. It has hosted professional tournaments and is known for excellent practice facilities.

10. Cotswold Edge Golf Club

Near Wotton-under-Edge, Cotswold Edge offers a scenic and enjoyable course that sits beneath the escarpment. Its welcoming approach and good condition make it a hidden gem in the southern Cotswolds.

Golf Trends in the Region

Golf participation has grown significantly in recent years, with more families, juniors and women taking up the game. Clubs are investing in short courses, practice facilities and simulator technology to attract newcomers. Sustainability is also gaining attention, with many courses enhancing wildlife habitats, reducing chemical use and conserving water.

Tips for Golfing in the Cotswolds

Check visitor availability before travelling, as some clubs restrict tee times at weekends. Hilltop courses can be windy, so pack layers and expect conditions to change quickly. Consider booking a golf break that combines several courses, allowing you to experience the diversity of the region's layouts.

Planning a Cotswold Golf Break

Many golfers combine several Cotswold courses into a short break, staying in a market town such as Cheltenham, Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold. The varied character of the courses, from ancient common land to modern championship layouts, makes a multi-course trip particularly rewarding. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant conditions and quieter tee sheets, while summer brings long evenings ideal for twilight rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cotswold golf courses open to visitors?

Most clubs welcome visitors, though some require a handicap certificate and may restrict tee times on weekends or competition days. Booking in advance is always recommended.

Which course is best for beginners?

Courses with short or academy layouts, such as the short course at The Players Club, are excellent for newcomers, while welcoming pay-and-play venues provide a relaxed introduction to the game.

Final Thoughts

With stunning scenery, historic clubs and modern championship venues, the Cotswolds is a rewarding destination for golfers of every ability. Whether you are seeking a challenging round or a relaxed day on the course with friends, the clubs above offer an unforgettable experience.