Best Golf Courses in Cornwall

Cornwall does not sell itself as a golf county. Even so, that is exactly why keen golfers love it. The county is famous for beaches, pasties and surf. Yet its cliffs and headlands also hold some of the most scenic golf in England.

The Atlantic coast, steady winds and natural dune land make Cornwall a fine place to play. The courses are rarely crowded outside the school holidays. In addition, you can pair golf with coastal walks and good food. This guide covers the best courses and how to plan a trip.

Why Cornwall is underrated for golf

Cornwall sits at the end of a long drive from most of England. As a result, it misses out on many weekend golf trips. Most links fans head for Scotland, Ireland or the north-west first.

That makes Cornwall a reward for those who make the effort. The climate is mild, so golf stays playable through much of the year. Meanwhile, summer brings long evenings and firm, fast fairways. You can browse every course we list in England to see Cornwall’s clubs alongside the rest of the country.

St Enodoc Golf Club, Rock

St Enodoc is the best-known course in Cornwall. Its Church Course takes its name from St Enodoc’s Church, a tiny old chapel that sits within the course among the dunes. James Braid shaped the layout, and huge sandhills give it a wild, natural feel.

The poet John Betjeman lived nearby at Trebetherick. He is buried in the churchyard on the course, and he wrote fondly about golf here. That literary link adds to the charm, especially if you walk the course on a quiet evening.

Trevose Golf Club, near Padstow

Trevose sits on the north coast between Constantine Bay and Mother Ivey’s Bay. Its Championship Course runs over open, sandy ground with sea views. The club also has shorter courses and accommodation, so it suits a few days of golf.

Since Trevose and St Enodoc lie close to each other, many golfers play both on one trip. Padstow makes a handy base between them.

West Cornwall Golf Club, Lelant

West Cornwall sits at Lelant, near St Ives, beside the Hayle Estuary. It is a true links, with firm turf and natural humps and hollows. Because St Ives is close, it suits golfers who want a round in the morning and the town in the afternoon.

Perranporth Golf Club

Perranporth sits on the cliffs above one of the north coast’s big surfing beaches. The views along the coast are huge. However, the wind on the clifftop makes the course harder than its length suggests.

Cape Cornwall Golf Club, St Just

Cape Cornwall sits near St Just on the far west tip of the county. It is a shorter course on dramatic clifftop ground, with the Atlantic on several sides. Still, the wind can make even short holes tricky.

Mullion Golf Club, the Lizard

Mullion sits on clifftop ground on the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly part of mainland Britain. The course is not long, yet the exposed setting makes wind control vital. It pairs well with a visit to Lizard Point.

Truro Golf Club

Not every golfer wants to fight the wind each day. For that reason, Truro Golf Club is a useful change. It sits just outside the city, with tree-lined holes and a more sheltered feel. It also suits visitors who use Truro as a base.

Green fees and booking

Green fees in Cornwall vary by course and season. In general, the famous coastal courses cost most, while smaller clifftop and inland clubs cost less. Most clubs list current prices on their own websites, so check there before you book. Many also offer early morning or twilight rates.

Book ahead in July and August, since that is when Cornwall is busiest. Our guide to golf courses open to visitors explains what to expect when you book at a members’ club.

Getting to Cornwall

Great Western Railway runs direct trains from London Paddington to Penzance. In summer, there are also direct trains to Newquay, which is handy for Trevose and St Enodoc. Penzance suits the far west courses, such as Cape Cornwall and Mullion.

By car, the A30 is the main route through Devon and into Cornwall. The drive is long from London or the Midlands, so many golfers break the journey. For example, you could stop to play a round near Exeter or Plymouth. The directory lists golf courses near Exeter and golf courses near Plymouth for that purpose. If you are coming from the north, our page on golf courses near Bristol suggests a stop on the way.

Combining Cornwall with Devon

Cornwall and Devon make a fine two-county trip. North Devon has Saunton and Royal North Devon, the oldest course in England. Our guide to golf courses in Devon covers them in full.

Things to do beyond golf

Cornwall offers plenty for non-golfers. The South West Coast Path runs around the county, while Padstow, Rock and St Ives are known for food. The Eden Project and the galleries of St Ives add more options. As a result, Cornwall suits golfers travelling with partners or family.

When to visit

Late April to October is the main season. In particular, May, June and September are good choices. The weather is often settled, while the summer crowds are smaller. Winter golf is possible thanks to the mild climate, although the clifftop courses can be wild in Atlantic storms.

Plan your Cornwall golf trip

Cornwall rewards the long journey. For more seaside golf, read our guide to coastal golf in the UK and our guide to the best links courses. Our golf breaks guide helps you plan travel and rooms. For the bigger picture, see our guide to golf courses in England.

On the kit side, our guides to comparing Motocaddy and PowaKaddy and golf shoes for wet courses may help.