GOLF.com: The Case for London as the World's Greatest Golf City

London's Underrated Case for Golf Supremacy

Golf travel conversations are dominated by Scotland and Ireland, and the iconic courses there deserve every bit of praise. But GOLF.com contributor Simon Holt makes a compelling argument: the world's greatest golf city may already be London.

Four World Top 100 Courses, All Open to Visitors

What sets London apart isn't just course quality—it's access. Within 45 minutes of Heathrow Airport, four courses appear on GOLF's World Top 100 list. Crucially, unlike comparable clusters near New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, every single one welcomes visiting golfers. That combination of density and openness is almost unmatched globally.

The Surrey Sandbelt: A Five-Day Itinerary

Sunningdale (Old and New), St. George's Hill (World Rank #57), and Swinley Forest sit within 30 minutes of each other. Add Walton Heath and you have six world-class rounds before leaving the greater London area. Worplesdon, Woking, and West Hill round out a stretch that rivals anything in golf travel.

Beyond London: Coastal Links and Northern Gems

Two hours southeast, Royal St. George's, Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince's occupy linksland that belongs in the same breath as Ballybunion or Carnoustie. Head four hours north and Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham, and Royal Birkdale await—flanked by Hillside, Wallasey, and Formby.

Strokeslab's Take

For data-driven golfers, the Surrey Sandbelt is a fascinating proving ground—its heathland designs consistently stress SG: APP and SG: ATG, making it ideal for players looking to stress-test their all-around game against world-class conditions.