BIRDIE ON 18

Medieval castle, stunning mountains, towering dunes, pine forest, dubious Royal patronage, oh - and the sea too; Harlech has it all. What began as an area to practice throwing your boomerang is now one of the finest courses in Wales...

One of the world's most picturesque golf courses is here on our doorstep, the adorable Nefyn GC in north Wales. Often compared to Pebble Beach, we were delighted to discover what all the fuss is about...

Manchester, the thriving northern sprawl famed for its industry, music, nightclubs and football also possesses the second oldest golf club in England. The city can boast strong ties to the origins of the game in England, which are alive and well at the splendid Manchester Golf Club, just a few miles north of the city.

Dumbarnie Links, just down the road from St. Andrews, is the new kid on the block in the Kingdom of Fife. Does it live up to the hype and can it rub shoulders with the myriad of fine courses in the same parish?

For a small village tucked away in Northumberland, Alnmouth has played a surprisingly large role in the history of English golf. It's blessed with two cracking courses, the 18-holer being Alnmouth Foxton, one of the oldest courses in England. Seaside, links or parkland? This Harry Colt layout has a bit of each...

Founded in 1869 and designed by former Open Champion, Mungo Park, Alnmouth Village GC is the oldest 9-hole golf course in England. Set in a picture-perfect coastal spot, it also boasts one of the finest holes in world golf...

Northumberland - the land of medieval castles, sweeping beeches, border raids and fierce local pride. They've got some rather good golf courses too. In our first of three local reviews, we start with Dunstanburgh, perfect in so many ways…

Set in the glorious Yorkshire Dales National Park, Kirkby Lonsdale GC will charm your socks off...

Moortown, Alwoodley & Sand Moor golf clubs. Dr. Alister Mackenzie's 3 Kings in north Leeds are three of the finest golf courses you could wish for - and they're all within the same post code.