Anyone who loves golf will know that a links course on the coast brings an extra level of joy (and challenge) for even the most avid of players. Providing a budget and experience for a variety of occasions, here are some of my top recommended golf hotels on the coast.
Gleddoch - Hotel, Spa & Golf, Renfrewshire
In 350 acres of glorious Scottish countryside, Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort is a country house hotel with views over the Clyde Estuary. Continuing its coastal inspiration throughout, it has a spa that uses isgha products in its treatments - developed in the Outer Hebrides using the purest Scottish seaweed. Meanwhile, in the restaurant food and drink is very much inspired by the surrounding area - local fish, vegetables and meats as well as regional whiskies.
The hotel's own 18-hole championship course is an intrinsic part of the experience, with a prestigious history dating back to 1974. It was designed by esteemed golf architect J. Hamilton Stutt and is intended to cater for all golfing abilities. European tour star Brian Barnes played the course, and in 1980 The Carlsberg Open on the Ladies European Tour was staged here with local player Wilma Aitken claiming her victory. Enjoy your round with views across the water, practice at the driving range, and of course for anything you need, they have a pro shop as well.
Ufford Park Woodbridge, Suffolk
A relaxed and understated hotel and spa, Ufford Park Woodbridge sits in the Suffolk countryside close to Suffolk's Heritage Coastline. Not a links course but within easy reach of the sea air, it's a popular destination for groups of friends and corporate trips. The hotel is friendly and welcoming, with many rooms enjoying views of the course, while the spa has a wide range of facilities to enjoy.
The course itself features 18 holes and a driving range within the 120 acre estate. At par 71 it's an award-winning course that's designed for intermediate and experienced players. You can book tuition if you're a beginner or want to improve your game, with day, group and corporate packages available for visitors.
Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire
A luxurious hotel where nothing is too much trouble, Trump Turnberry has everything you could ask for, including its own beach complete with horse riding in the surf. On the rugged west coast of Scotland, the hotel has been welcoming guests since 1906, but underwent a decadent refurbishment in 2017. Rooms and suites are bedecked with mahogany furniture, sparkling chandeliers and lavish Italian marble bathrooms; food and drink is a feast at a variety of restaurants, including the 19th hole bar area. The spa, at the hotel is also a destination in its own right, and like Gleddoch, uses the organic ishga product line in treatments and lifestyle programmes.
The Championship Ailsa links golf course is a wonderful experience, with views towards the Isle of Arran and beyond. It's part of an 800-acre estate and was ranked one of Golf Digest's "World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses". Home to four Open Championships, it was updated in 2016 by renowned architect, Martin Ebert, and is named after the third Marquess of Ailsa, who owned the land on which it was built.
