Best Golf Courses in Newcastle
A busy city on the river, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is one of the most populated cities in North East England.
While you can definitely find some fun nightlife and great food in the area, another thing you can find is some decent places for a round of golf.
Best Golf Courses in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Having spent the best part of three years “studying” at Newcastle University, I managed to play most of the courses in the area.
From my experience of playing most of the golf courses multiple times, the below would be my top recommendations!
1. Northumberland Golf Club
📌 High Gosforth Park, Great N Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HT
💷 Green Fees from £35
A mere 10 minutes from the city centre sits the immaculate Northumberland Golf Club. An 18-hole parkland-style course that was originally built in 1898 and then perfected in 1920.
This classical yet challenging course is all about strategy, using fast-paced greens and plenty of bunkers to work through.
A unique fact, the layout actually takes you in and around the racecourse on the grounds! While not full of flashy holes and scenery, it’s a quality track and an ideal game of golf for all players.
2. City of Newcastle Golf Club
📌 Three Mile Bridge, Great N Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2DR
💷 Green Fees from £20
The ideal course for those staying in Newcastle centre, the City of Newcastle Golf Club is within a quick 8-minute drive.
An 18-hole course opened in 1891, this woodland-parkland course is sure to please.
You’ll find a wide variety of flora and fauna as you play through, giving you gorgeous scenery to admire.
Despite being so close to the city centre, you’ll feel like you’re tucked away in the countryside.
3. Gosforth Golf Club
📌 Broadway E, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5ER
💷 Green Fees from £20
If you want something super close to town, stop by Gosforth Golf Club just 5 minutes away.
It’s also called the “Bridlepath” as a nod to the path that cuts the course in half.
This parkland layout has 18 holes, each with varying challenges. The 18th hole is actually considered one of the most difficult in the area, with a few other tricky holes on the course, as well.
The rolling greens are usually kept in good condition whatever time of year you play.
4. Close House (Westwood Colt Course)
📌 Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT
💷 Green Fees from £100
Nestled along the bank of the River Tyne, The Westwood Colt Course at Close House is an 18-hole gem of a course.
These undulating greens are right near the remains of Hadrian’s Wall and ancient forests, giving you so much to see as you play.
As one of the newest courses on this list, opening in 2011, this course is already well-recognized as one of the best in the area. And combined with their second 18-hole Filly Course, Close House ranks in most lists as one of the best golf breaks in the UK.
The course is kept in excellent condition – as you’d expect from a place that’s held the British Masters on a number of occasions.
5. Whitley Bay Golf Club
📌 Claremont Rd, Whitley Bay NE26 3UF
💷 Green Fees from £30
Whitley Bay Golf Club is a little further out than some of our other options. But it’s well worth the 17 minutes drive from Newcastle city centre.
The 18-hole parkland course is tucked into the countryside with delicately contoured, well-maintained greens.
The trees that line the fairways and the strategically placed bunkers make this course, while a bit short, a fun game for players of all skill levels.
6. Slaley Hall
💷 Green Fees from £42
About half an hour from the city, Slaley Hall boasts 2 excellent 18-hole parkland-style courses: the Hunting Course and the Priestman Course.
Both will give you a beautiful scenic view full of moorland, valleys, trees, and other plant life. Though the Hunting Course will provide more of a challenge!
While there are some water hazards on the course, it’ll probably be the trees that’ll catch you out.
The rolling greens on each course are always kept in top shape to cap off what is one of the best golf courses in the North East of England.
7. Dunstanburgh Castle
💷 Green Fees from £25
A slightly different option, nestled on the grounds of Dunstanburgh Castle (about an hour from the city) is this traditional links course.
A typical links with a plethora of bunkers, high winds, and other hazards, the course provides a fresh challenge to the other parkland style courses in the area.
With free draining land, this course can also be played nearly year-round.
The layout is well-kept and filled with some gorgeous scenery for those who want to stop and appreciate it.
8. Matfen Hall
📌 Matfen, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0RH
💷 Green Fees from £30
Set on 300 acres sits the beautiful 27-hole course that is Matfen Hall.
Only half an hour from Newcastle, you will find a course filled with water hazards and other challenges, along with gently rolling greens that are manicured to perfection.
The three loops of 9 can be played in a number of ways to give 3 different 18-hole layouts. Each course is a scenic masterpiece that contains some tricky holes.
Players of any level can find something to enjoy here, especially since they also have a shorter 9-hole par-3 course for those who want to brush up their game.
Final Thoughts
These beautiful courses each have their own challenges and special features, which is why they made our favourites list for the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne area.
However, if none of these strike your fancy, why not compare our full list of golf courses in Northumberland?
Otherwise we’ll go over our list for you one final time.
- Northumberland Golf Club
- City of Newcastle Golf Club
- Gosforth Golf Club
- Close House (Westwood Colt Course)
- Whitley Bay Golf Club
- Slaley Hall
- Dunstanburgh Castle
- Matfen Hall
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