Golf Courses Open to Visitors in the UK — No Membership Needed

Most golf courses in the UK welcome visitors. You do not need to belong to a club to play a round. That is less widely known than it should be. As a result, many people assume golf is closed to them when it is not.

This guide explains the types of course, how to book a tee time, when you need a handicap and what to wear. It also covers what to expect when you arrive.

Types of golf course in the UK

Knowing the type of course helps you know what to expect before you visit.

Public and council courses

Councils or public trusts own these courses, and they are open to everyone. You need no membership, so you just book and pay. Our guide to municipal golf courses explains how council golf works.

Pay and play courses

These are privately owned courses that sell tee times to anyone. Facilities range from basic to excellent. Our pay and play guide covers them in more detail.

Members’ clubs that take visitors

Most private clubs sell visitor tee times on certain days, even though members come first. Weekday mornings are often the easiest times to book. By contrast, weekend mornings are usually kept for members’ competitions.

Strictly private clubs

A small number of clubs are almost closed to visitors. However, they are rare, and even some of the most famous courses take visitors on set days. Our guide to championship golf courses explains how to get a tee time at the big names.

How to book a tee time as a visitor

Booking as a visitor is simple, and most clubs now take bookings online.

Step 1: find the course

Use a directory to find courses near you. For example, the directory pages for golf courses near London, golf courses near Manchester and golf courses near Edinburgh list clubs with contact details. Then read the club’s own website for its visitor policy.

Step 2: book online or call the pro shop

Most clubs take bookings on their website or through a booking site. Alternatively, you can call the pro shop. When you book, check these points:

• The date, time and number of players
• The current green fee and when you pay
• The dress code
• Whether you need a handicap certificate

Step 3: get a confirmation

Most clubs take a card to hold the booking. Since mix-ups happen, always keep the confirmation email or booking reference.

Step 4: arrive in good time

Arrive at least half an hour before your tee time. That gives you time to check in, pay and warm up. Arriving in a rush is the most common way to spoil a round.

Do I need a handicap certificate?

It depends on the club, but usually not.

When a handicap is not needed

Council courses and pay and play courses almost never ask for one. Many members’ clubs also skip the check for weekday visitors.

When a handicap is needed

Some well-known clubs ask visitors to show a handicap index. A few also set a maximum handicap to keep pace of play moving. Since November 2020, the UK has used the World Handicap System, so your index works at any club. Our guide on how to get a golf handicap in the UK explains how to get one.

Dress codes

Dress codes worry many first-time visitors. However, most are simple and clearly listed on the club’s website.

What most clubs expect

• A collared shirt, since T-shirts are rarely allowed
• No denim; instead, wear golf trousers or smart chinos
• Golf shoes with soft spikes, or golf-style trainers where allowed

What varies

Some clubs allow tailored shorts, while others do not. In addition, many have a smarter code in the clubhouse than on the course. If in doubt, call the club before you visit.

What to expect on arrival

The pro shop

Check in at the pro shop first. Staff will take payment if needed and tell you which tee to start from. Ask about local rules, since some courses have special ones.

On the course

Keep up with the group in front, and let faster groups through if you fall behind. Repair pitch marks, rake bunkers and replace divots. Our golf rules guide for beginners covers the basics.

After your round

Many clubs welcome visitors in the bar after a round. It is a good way to meet members and learn about the course.

Playing as a group

Groups of eight or more should book well ahead. Many clubs offer society packages with food and prizes. Our golf society day guide covers formats and planning.

Where to play as a visitor

Visitor-friendly golf is spread across the whole UK. For example, you can browse every course we list in England or every course we list in Scotland. If you want links golf, our guide to the best links courses in the UK is a good start. Finally, our UK golf breaks guide helps you plan a trip around visitor-friendly clubs.

Planning kit? For choosing a trolley-friendly golf bag, see our guide.