Best Herbert Fowler golf courses

When it comes to the design of timeless and challenging golf courses in the UK, Herbert Fowler is tough to beat. Known for his ability to blend natural beauty with design that works from the green backwards to the tee, Fowler’s work continues to stand the test of time.

Renowned for his prowess on links and heathland turf, few designers have had such an impact on the golfing landscape. If you're a fan of classic British golf courses, and looking to book your next trip, here are some of the best Herbert Fowler golf courses you can play!

Top tip: These first-class courses can become busy in peak season, so make sure you book in advance!

Location: Surrey | Course Type: Heathland | Notable features: Host of the 1981 Ryder Cup

Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey offers not one, but two superb courses designed by Herbert Fowler, with a composite design that encompasses both often used when the venue plays host to professional events such as the Ryder Cup, British Masters, and Senior Open Championship.

The Old Course, established in 1903, makes up most of the composite layout, with Fowler’s meticulous design and strategically placed bunkering, continuing to prove a tough test. The layout has featured in the World's Top 100 rankings every year since the inception of the rankings in 1938. There are some stunning holes on The Old Course, no more so than the Par-5 16th, one of Surrey’s best long holes.

The New Course, which opened in 1922, is equally revered and often considered a more testing alternative. However, both courses showcase Fowler's trademark approach of using natural terrain to shape the challenges that golfers face, making Walton Heath an excellent destination for a 36-hole day out on the fairways.

Location: Devon | Course Type: Links | Notable features: Classic links with towering dunes and unpredictable weather

Stretched out across the Saunton Sands, Saunton Golf Club boasts two incredible courses, with the East Course one of Herbert Fowler’s most notable designs. Located on the edge of the Exmoor National Park, the course meanders through towering sand dunes and offers a classic links golf experience.

Fowler’s work on the East Course is celebrated for its natural flow, with many holes requiring thoughtful positioning and a deft hand with the driver. The wind is often a factor here, adding an element of unpredictability to the game, whilst the views of the Atlantic Ocean enhance the experience.

Location: Somerset | Course Type: Links | Notable features: Historic links with scenic coastal views

Situated along the Bristol Channel in Somerset, Burnham & Berrow Golf Club is a traditional links course that offers breathtaking views over the Somerset coastline. The course’s layout weaves through dunes and makes the most of its coastal topography at every turn.

Initially opened in 1890, Herbert Fowler extended the layout to its current routing in 1910, stretching it out to more than 6,100 yards, and helping it to become the premier Championship golf courses it is today. Indeed, the accolades for the course haven’t stopped over the past 125+ years, with Burnham & Berrow continuing to be ranked as the best course in Somerset by Top 100 Golf Courses.

Location: Yorkshire | Course Type: Heathland | Notable features: Host of the 1957 Ryder Cup

Lindrick Golf Club is home to one of Fowler’s best-known designs. The host of the 1957 Ryder Cup, and previous home of the British Masters and Women’s British Open, Lindrick is no stranger to the international stage. The layout features wide fairways, well-placed bunkers, and a series of challenging doglegs, and is a course that places a premium on strategic thinking over raw power.

As a result, the course has been a frequent host of major professional and amateur events, including the British Masters, the Women’s British Open, and the Curtis Cup. Lindrick regularly ranks within England’s top 100 golf courses and sits alongside Ganton, Alwoodley and Moortown as the best in Yorkshire!

Location: North Wales | Course Type: Links | Notable features: Classic out & back links

Nestled along the Cambrian Coast, Aberdovey Golf Club is one of the finest links courses in North Wales and a true representation of Herbert Fowler’s design style. Opened in 1894, Fowler made several key alterations to this stunning seaside course, ensuring it blended beautifully with the natural landscape.

The undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and views of the Dovey Estuary provide an exceptional golfing experience. A classic out-and-back links, Aberdovey challenges golfers with a mix of long and short holes, demanding accurate shot-making and strategic play throughout.

Location: Devon | Course Type: Links | Notable features: Oldest golf course in England

Royal North Devon is the oldest golf course in England, with golf played here since 1864. Fowler first joined the club in 1879, and helped to suggest amendments to the layout throughout his membership of the club also known as Westward Ho!

One of the wonders of Royal North Devon is the similarities of the modern-day course to the one laid out more than 150 years ago, and so whilst it can’t be classed as a true Herbert Fowler design, it’s undoubtedly a must-play for any golfer looking to truly connect with the origins of the sport.

Location: South Wales | Course Type: Links/Heathland | Notable features: Iconic elevated tees thanks to Fowler’s extensive redesign

Our second course outside of England on this list, Southerndown Golf Club combines classic Welsh charm with Herbert Fowler’s renowned eye for detail. Like others within his repertoire, Fowler didn’t create the initial design for Southerndown, but arrived in 1907 to help suggest changes that were implemented over the following two years.

His redesign of Southerndown was one of his more extensive, suggesting changes to more than 10 of the original holes. These amendments helped to create one of South Wales’ best golf courses and most long-standing layouts. The course’s elevated tees offer spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, with Fowler making more of these with his changes. The architect was particularly fond of the turf and sub-soil at Southerndown, ideal for playing throughout the year – something that continues to be a huge benefit to the club.

These Herbert Fowler masterpieces continue to stand the test of time, offering world-class golf experiences. Whether you're looking for championship links, historic Ryder Cup venues, or stunning coastal courses, Fowler’s designs have something for every golfer and are sure to impress!