When it comes to studying golf in the UK, you want to select a university that provides more than just a degree; you want to find somewhere that connects with your passion for the sport and goals. Increasingly, more universities offer specialised courses that go beyond simply playing skills, covering coaching and management and even the science of the game.
We want to support you in locating the finest universities in the UK to grow your golfing instincts and understanding.
The growth of golf education in recent years has been meteoric. There are now degrees focused on golf-related subjects, a far cry from times when the best anyone could hope for was joining a club team in order to get noticed.
So if you’re someone seeking a place where you can get professional guidance in the way of environmental management, coaching or sports science (or something similar), these universities may be well worth considering.
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Top 7 Best Golf Universities in the UK
Golf School UK
Golf School UK was where we went; it’s situated among the peaceful surroundings just outside Battle. It’s so peaceful, and the greens are always in perfect shape, which is great for learning and playing.
The facilities are modern and of a high standard, and, frankly, they cater to you whether you’re an absolute beginner or have been gripping and ripping a club for years. The staff also felt genuinely friendly and seemed focused on helping students step up their game, which was not always a given.
The training curricula contain a good mix of practical and esoteric. You can tell the school doesn’t want to teach just technical skills; it’s about creating a full golf education in an informal setting.
If you want to remain on site, there’s resort-style lodging that would make life simpler if golf is going to be your main (or only) concern during your visit. The entire space just feels like it is designed to help you concentrate and build.
Rating: 4.9 (62 reviews)
Contact: +44 7368 945342
Website: Visit Website
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is characterised by the rough-and-tumble ambience of its main campus, which sits on a hill among green parks and sculptures scattered around its premises. It’s got a placid, almost inspirational vibe that’s tough to fake.
Exeter’s reputation is solid. It’s won awards, particularly for teaching excellence and efforts in social mobility, which is good as long as you value that kind of thing.
There’s an active student community here, and there are loads of clubs and societies to join, including many sports teams. But whether you’re new to golf or already competitive, there are groups out there for everyone and a chance to grow on and off the course.
The university has a strong emphasis on research and collaboration, so students can get involved in projects beyond the lectures. That’s a plus if you’re looking for more out of your university experience than just hitting the books.
Rating: 4.3 (502 reviews)
Location: Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4PY, England
Contact: +44 1392 661000
Website: Visit Website
University Of Surrey
We looked at the University of Surrey, and it’s a friendly, modern campus with lots of open green spaces for walking around or relaxing. The golf scene isn’t as hyped as in other places, but the sporting centre is wonderful and provides for a pretty decent golf club and team.
One thing that came up repeatedly was their strong relationships with businesses and the local community. That’s a pretty nice side hustle if you want to gain real-world experience while you are still in college.
If you’re into sports science or physical education, it’s great if you want to build a career in innovation and research here. Surrey is at Guildford, so you’re kicking around the countryside and a host of golf courses – never short of places to knock it about.
We like that you can sign up for open days and webinars to try out the courses and find out more about funding. The university is accessible and appears keen to assist, particularly if you’re considering postgrad study.
Rating: 4.5 (645 reviews)
Address: Stag Hill, University Campus, Guildford GU2 7XH, England
Contact: +44 1483 300800
Website: Visit Website
Old Course
We hung out a little at the Old Course in St Andrews, which, let’s face it, is legendary. The place dates to the 1400s, and there’s a story at every hole.
The course is challenging but fair, with wide fairways, deep bunkers and a layout that requires you to think a little more and not just bash the ball. There is an on-site snack bar and café that’s great for grabbing a bite after one of their rounds.
To play here is about more than golf; it’s about immersing oneself in the lore and tradition. The ocean views don’t hurt, either, and the overall vibe is warm and serious all at once.
Rating: 4.8 (2054 reviews)
Address: W Sands Rd, St Andrews KY16 9XL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 1334 466666
Website: Visit Website
Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a good choice for golf. Campus life The campus is a compact, sporty environment, which means that you are never far away from a training venue or coaching support.
They’re a believer in mashing academics with hands-on sports experience. Students get to compete in events and really master what they’re learning outside the classroom, which is awesome.
The immediate surroundings of the campus are peaceful and easily navigable. Golf students were well served by support services, which gave us the impression that this is a university that cares about topics such as e-waste and sustainability. Good job!
Rating: 4.6 (728 reviews)
Location: Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU, England
Contact: +44 1509 222222
Website: Visit Website
The Golf College
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The Golf College, in Lindfield, is very much about combining education with the development of young talent. The campus is located directly on a full 18-hole course, meaning students have never-ending access to a driving range, short game areas and indoor practice zones.
The coaching staff is full of pros with decades of experience, and students receive more than 17 hours of coaching every week. There are specialists for putting, chipping and biomechanics, and they employ tech like Trackman launch monitors to break down your game.
Classes are small, and students study for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma while working it out on the mats. The college operates a term in Portugal during the winter, so the practice doesn’t end when the weather gets tough.
Most students live with host families in the area, which adds a layer of support beyond campus and class. It’s a cool scene if you want to live and breathe golf for a bit.
Rating: 4 (1 review)
Address: East Mascalls Lane, Lindfield RH16 2QN, England
Contact: +44 1444 484467
Website: Visit Website
Carnoustie Golf Links
Carnoustie Golf Links is one of those special places. There are three courses here, and the Championship Course is known throughout the world for its toughness and history, hosting the Open Championships more than once.
The Burnside Course has a different feel and shorter holes that still demand real precision. It has its own stories, from Ben Hogan’s fabled 1953 round on it, and it seems like a secret.
The Buddon Course combines links and parkland characteristics on land formerly occupied by the Ministry of Defence. It’s less known but still a good, quirky challenge.
They’ve also got an indoor performance centre with simulators so you can practise even when the weather’s classic Scottish rain. If you are a golf nut, Carnoustie is one of those places that will challenge your game and maybe even your attitude about yourself.
Rating: 4.7 (1118 reviews)
Address: Links House, Links Parade, Carnoustie DD7 7JE, Scotland
Contact: +44 1241 802270
Website: Visit Website
Main Things To Consider When Selecting A Golf College Or University
When it comes to selecting the perfect golf college, it’s not just about who offers the course you want. You have to consider the academic reputation, sports facilities and the type of financial support that is available.
Accreditation and Academic Reputation
Accreditation is a necessity; otherwise, you could graduate with a degree that means little to employers or other colleges. Ensure the place you choose is officially recognised.
Academic reputation matters too. A decent university will have good staff and resources, and contacts in other areas as well. And that balance of sport and study might be the difference maker in future options for you, whether you stay with golf or try something else down the line.
Golf Facilities and Coaching Quality
The standard of golf facilities is a concern. We need access to quality-maintained golf courses and practice turf.
Modern equipment matters, too. It just makes it so much easier to train when you have venues right by campus; no one wants to spend hours on the subway.
Quality of coaching is right up there, too. Good, competent coaches who really get performance development can make a huge difference.
Decent programmes will provide you with personal training plans and a smattering of sport science support. Playing that well and being that competitive at big places is a huge plus, and all this stuff just continues to help push us forward with elite-level golf.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Money can completely alter how we decide on a university. Many golf colleges offer scholarships for talent, academics or a combination of the two.
Such scholarships could be used to reduce tuition or offset the cost of training and tournaments. For some of that pressure to be relieved feels so good.
It’s a good idea to look up eligibility and deadlines for scholarships as early as you can. Some even offer additional support of other kinds, such as sports science facilities or assistance with travel costs.
This type of support allows us to play golf and concentrate on our studies without the stress of money.
Job Prospects After Completing Golf Programmes
Golf programmes provide a variety of career paths, on the course and behind it. A lot of graduates take on jobs that match their skills and interests.
Professional Golf Careers
Some graduates are all in on a professional golf career, hoping for tournament play at any level. It’s a grind: practice, coaching, travel; rinse and repeat.
Others are part of developmental tours that help build experience before moving up to the big leagues. There’s not one path, really.
Lots of pros become golf instructors or coaches at clubs or in sports academies. Occasionally, they run junior programmes or will entertain private pupils, teaching what they’ve learnt.
The schedules can be punishing, requiring long hours and extensive travel. The battle is half finance and sponsorships, to be honest.
Golf Industry and Management Roles
Playing for a living isn’t appealing to everyone, and that’s OK. Golf programmes also prepare graduates for management positions within the industry, such as course management, operations or events.
Some of them become golf execs or lead junior golf efforts. Organising tournaments, looking after staff, promoting the sport, it’s never quiet behind bars.
And there are quite a few marketing and business positions as well. Golf tourism, equipment sales, club membership growth – you can even carve out your specific niche!
Most university golf programmes have a practical element, and that helps a lot when you are first starting. Communication and leadership are massive here, and tbh, getting a solid network together in your time at uni can open more than a few doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of the UK’s universities has the best golf programmes?
The leading golf programmes? Golf School UK, Exeter University, Surrey University, Old Course and Loughborough. They also strike a nice balance between coaching, education and access to high-quality courses.
What are the parameters to get into a UK elite golf university?
“All of the top golf colleges are looking for strong academics plus proof that you can play,” he said. You will most likely need some competitive experience and possibly have to play a couple of trials or show a handicap certificate.
What are the results of UK universities in national and international golf?
Loughborough and Exeter, quite frankly, have done really well at BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) events. Some have even spawned players who now play in amateur and semi-pro leagues around the globe.
What golf resources do the best UK colleges offer?
Students receive professional coaching, access to practice ranges, work out in fitness centres and even use video analysis technology. The on-site or nearby courses are also typically well-maintained with dedicated training facilities, which is actually a phenomenal perk.
What are the golf courses at UK universities like compared to pro courses?
University courses, such as the Old Course, which a few of the programmes have utilised, are surprisingly nice to play upon. The layouts are often fairly challenging as well.
Yes, these courses may not have the grand scale of the big professional venues, but they’re still great for game development.