When golfers plan a trip to Britain and Ireland, the natural inclination is often to explore the west. However, a wealth of exceptional, value-driven golf experiences can be found along the east coast.
The allure of prestigious courses and the historical prestige of The Open Championship, hosted at renowned coastal venues in regions such as Ayrshire, Lancashire, and Merseyside, have firmly established the west as the conventional choice for many golf enthusiasts.
While these western destinations frequently capture attention and increasingly high green fees, a strong case can be made for exploring alternative options.
During an episode of the NCG Top 100s Podcast, hosts Tom Irwin and Dan Murphy articulated their perspective that the east coast boasts high-quality courses available at more affordable rates.
Irwin elaborated, “Traditional golf hotspots across England, Scotland, and Ireland often include England’s golf coast near Liverpool, where prices are inflated due to Open Championship venues. The Kent coast and famous Scottish regions like East Lothian and Ayrshire also see elevated pricing, largely driven by their association with Open venues, rich history, and popularity among American visitors. In contrast, the east coast largely remains an overlooked treasure, especially concerning the caliber of golf. Even the tourist experience differs; it’s less about the upscale, ‘old money’ feel found in some parts of Scotland.”
He cited examples like Ganton, a premier inland course in the UK, alongside coastal gems such as Seaton Carew, Aldeburgh, Ipswich, and Purdis Heath. “These courses, in themselves, offer extraordinary value primarily because they are less frequented by international tourists and general visitors,” he stated.
Murphy added that the compelling value proposition stretches further north along the coastline, identifying Northumberland as an excellent golfing destination. He remarked, “Northumberland, another part of the east coast, offers incredibly high-quality golf at extremely attractive prices.”