Looking for a new golf course to play this year? There is nothing like a round of golf whether you are playing by yourself or with friends, but you might find that it gets boring playing at the same course each time. The UK has some incredible, fun and challenging courses, so read on for 5 of the best that are worth checking out this year.

1. Royal County Down

Royal County Down in Northern Ireland was ranked 1st on Golf Digest’s biennial ‘World 100 Greatest Golf Courses’ both in 2016 and 2018, so you can be sure that this is a course that you will want to experience. In addition to the challeng-ing 71-par course, part of the appeal of Royal County Down is the staggering views from each hole against the backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne running along Dundrum Bay.

2. St. Andrews Old Course

This iconic 72-par course in Scotland is often called “The Home of Golf” and pro-vides you with the chance to follow in the footsteps of legendary Open Champi-ons like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Bobby Jones. Established in 1552, this is a centuries-old challenge and you can feel the history as you take each shot.

3. Trump Turnberry – Ailsa Course

It is hard not to get distracted by the incredible views at Scotland’s Trump Turn-berry Ailsa Course, which features a rugged backdrop complete with the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse overlooking the course. The course itself is great fun and has been home to four Open Championships, including the epic ‘Dual in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977.

4. Royal Portrush – Dunlace Links

This 72-par course is the only outside of mainland Britain to host The Open Championship (2019). The course in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, boasts a mes-merizing view all the way around and there have been two new holes added, which will help to make the course a greater challenge even for the pros.

5. Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course)

Found in Angus, Scotland, the Carnoustie course is regarded as one of the hard-est courses in The Open rotation with the 16, 17 and 18 being particularly chal-lenging and will require the use of a great putter and putting skills. While it will certainly be challenging, this all adds to the experience and the stunning views ensure that this is a course that any golfer will love.

These are 5 of the greatest courses in the UK – if not the world – and all highly worth the trip for any avid golfer. There is nothing quite like playing on a course that the greats have played on, especially when these are also found in beautiful parts of the UK that provide for the best possible golfing experience.