Municipal Golf Courses in the UK — Public Golf Explained

A municipal golf course is a public course owned by a local council or a public trust. Anyone can book a tee time, with no need to join a club. Municipal courses are often the cheapest way to play a full round. As a result, they have introduced generations of golfers to the game.

This guide explains what municipal golf is, how it started, what to expect and how to book. It also names some well-known public courses across the UK.

What is a municipal golf course?

Councils or public trusts own municipal courses, and they exist for local people. Some are run directly by the council, while others are run by a leisure trust or a contractor. Either way, they are open to everyone. You pay a green fee for each round, with no joining fee.

Many golfers call them “munis”. They range from long 18-hole courses to short nine-holers and pitch and putts. Since they welcome beginners, they are often busy at weekends.

A short history of municipal golf

Public golf in the UK has a long history. In Scotland, golf was often played on common land long before private clubs existed. Even today, the St Andrews links are public courses.

In England, public golf grew in the early twentieth century. For example, Beckenham Place Park became the first municipally owned golf course in England in 1929, when London County Council bought the estate. That course has since closed, but many others followed.

Well-known public courses

Braid Hills, Edinburgh

Braid Hills sits on a hillside in the south of Edinburgh, with views over the city to the Forth. Edinburgh Leisure runs it, along with five other courses in the city. In addition, it sells golf passes valid on all six, from £45 for three days (checked 11 October 2026).

Heaton Park, Manchester

Heaton Park has a council-owned 18-hole course designed by J.H. Taylor, a five-time Open champion. It opened to the public in 1912. The park also has a pitch and putt and a driving range. Our page on golf courses near Manchester covers it with other clubs nearby.

Glasgow’s public courses

Glasgow Life runs two courses for the city: Littlehill, an 18-hole course, and Knightswood, a nine-hole course. Adult rates start from £10.50 for 18 holes at Littlehill in winter, while juniors pay half (checked 11 October 2026). Our page on golf courses near Glasgow covers the wider area.

London’s public golf

London has several public courses and pay and play venues. For instance, Hainault Forest, on the edge of Greater London, has two courses close to Hainault station. Our page on golf courses near London covers options at every price.

The north-east and beyond

Most large towns have at least one public course. Our page on golf courses near Newcastle covers the north-east, for example. You can also browse every course we list in England by county.

Courses that have closed

Some councils have closed or sold their golf courses in recent years. Beckenham Place Park’s course in south London, for example, closed during the park’s regeneration. So check that a course is still open before you travel, especially if an older list recommends it.

What do municipal courses cost?

Municipal green fees are usually well below those at private clubs. Juniors and older golfers often pay less, and many courses offer twilight rates. Since prices change each year, check the council’s or trust’s website before you book. Our guide to cheap golf courses has more ways to save.

What facilities can you expect?

Facilities vary widely. Some municipal courses have a clubhouse, café, pro shop and driving range. Others have little more than a hut where you pay. In any case, check the website before you go, especially if you need to hire clubs.

Municipal or private club?

Municipal courses are cheaper, open to all and relaxed about dress codes. However, they can be busy, and conditions vary.

Private clubs usually offer better conditions and a social membership. On the other hand, they cost more and may limit visitor times.

Many golfers start on municipal courses, then join a club later. Others are happy on public golf for life. Our pay and play guide covers privately run courses that also need no membership.

Short public courses

Many councils run nine-hole courses and pitch and putts. They are ideal for beginners, families and quick rounds. Our guide to nine-hole golf courses and our par 3 and pitch and putt guide list good places to play.

Booking tips

Book online. Most councils and trusts now take bookings online, which is quicker than phoning.

Play off-peak. Weekday and twilight rounds are usually cheaper and quieter.

Ask about concessions. Junior, student and senior rates are common, so always ask.

Check walk-on rules. Some courses still take walk-on players at quiet times, while others insist on booking.

Check the conditions. In winter, some public courses use temporary greens or close after heavy rain. So check before you travel.

How many public courses are there?

No single body counts municipal courses across the UK. However, the R&A counted 3,101 golf courses of all kinds in the UK at the end of 2020. Our guide to how many golf courses there are in the UK explains the figures.

Play more golf for less

Municipal golf is one of the best ways to enjoy the game without a large bill. Whether you are a beginner or a regular, your local public course is worth a look.

On the kit side, our guides to push versus electric trolleys and buying a second-hand electric trolley may help.