Best golf courses in Cornwall

Cornwall, renowned for its rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes, is home to some of the UK's best golf courses. From the historic links of St Enodoc to the championship course at Trevose, golfers can enjoy world-class facilities and varied terrains, along with stunning views of the Atlantic.

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve put together the best golf courses Cornwall has to offer, so book your next break and discover one of the UK’s most beautiful counties.

St Enodoc Golf Club occupies a stunning location in Rock on Cornwall’s rugged north coast and sits amongst glorious, natural sand dunes with wonderful seaside views. St Enodoc’s Church Course is a classic James Braid design, justifiably ranked as one of the most enjoyable links courses in the whole of the UK.

It takes its name from the tiny 13th century place of worship that stands to the right of the 10th green, and that’s not the only highlight, the signature 6th hole, with its iconic Himalaya bunker, is a feature you will not forget. Standing 100 yards out, this enormous dune rises over 75 feet high creating a blind shot into the green, so be sure to get your club selection right and a clean ball strike! The Church Course is one of the top golf courses in England and is a must-play on any visit to Cornwall.

Trevose Golf Club, nestled on the North Cornwall coast, is renowned for its Championship Course and stunning sea views. Designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt, Trevose is a stern test of golf, especially when the wind is up.

From the opening tee box, you can see all 18 holes laid out in front of you with the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean, a truly remarkable setting. The front 9 holes hug the sand dunes and coastline, offering some spectacular views out to sea. The back 9 holes offer a different, but no less demanding, test of golf as you head inland and then back towards the clubhouse.

No two days are ever the same, and those who are prepared to be more creative with their shot making will be well rewarded, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

It will come as no surprise to note that the Nicklaus Course at St Mellion Golf & Country Club is the course that Jack built, his first European course design, and one he is most proud of. This is the place to come if you really want to test your game.

The course opened in 1988 to rave reviews, with Jack himself saying “I knew it was going to be good but not this good", and since has played host to several famous names with Olazabal, Langer and Ballesteros all on the winners’ boards. Being one of the most popular bucket-list golf courses in the UK, with several unique water hazards, cleverly placed bunkers, and sheer design genius, you will be able to "follow in the footsteps" of some of golf's true legends who have graced its fairways (not to mention its legendary designer!)

Set in the glorious Cornwall countryside, Bowood Park, as its name suggests, is a parkland course set in 230 acres of an ‘Area of Special Landscape Value’ once owned by the Black Prince. The par 72 course runs to 6,692 yards, with greens built to USGA standards means the course rarely closes in inclement weather, and in winter tees and greens are in full use.

Notable holes include the signature 12th, which demands precision with its water hazards. The welcoming clubhouse, complete with a restaurant and bar, enhances the overall experience, making Bowood Park a must visit destination for golfers on a trip to Cornwall.

The Kernow Course is the original Old Course from the St Mellion Estate, which opened in 1976 and by 1979 was included on the European Tour. It’s now regarded as the perfect complement to the Nicklaus Course after a huge redevelopment in 2008, with its wide fairways and big greens the course has become a very popular destination for members and visitors alike.

Unusually, the course starts off with back-to-back par fives, with a long par 3 third as the signature hole. The back 9 is simply spectacular and begins with three stunning, high-risk holes, which have the potential to make or break anyone’s score.