When you think of a typical golf course, bunkers will be a regular feature, perhaps being present on each hole, providing a formidable hazard to avoid that adds to the strategic quality of the layout.
Bunkers are particularly famed on classic seaside links designs, with some like Hell on the Old Course at St Andrews, and Himalaya at Royal St George’s becoming truly iconic in the game.
You even have extreme creations like former Ryder Cup venue Whistling Straits in the United States that has somewhere in the region of 1,000 sandy hazards dotted around.
That said, just as water and trees aren’t part of every course you encounter, there are some notable courses that don’t have any bunkers whatsoever, which certainly qualifies them as being distinctive these days.
Having spent many formative rounds at the eponymous Bute Golf Club on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, which for much of its existence didn’t possess any bunkers (only to add several in more recent years), I am familiar with the concept of there not being sand to trap you on a course.
Typically found at venues that are natural in character, which simply evolved from the landscape and took full advantage of existing slopes and quirks that meant additional sandy obstacles weren’t necessary to present a rewarding challenge, these places are unique, but several of them are considered to be among the finest courses in the country.
The remarkable Forest Course at Bramshaw Golf Club boasts just one hole with bunkers (its 12th), with the rest being free of sand traps, so it just misses out for consideration in this instance.
Sticking to those found within the UK, here are some bunkerless layouts that you really ought to play one day.
Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club (Old Course)
Featuring plenty of heather, hollows and narrow fairways, the Old Course at Royal Ashdown Forest in East Sussex is a natural layout that has changed little since it was established way back in 1888.
Golfshake Rating: 4.70
Review Comment: “I played the Old Course which is tough. For high handicappers and short drivers the challenge is hard because of loads of heather and in some cases narrow fairways. The greens were also very fast. It is an undulating course and in generally very good condition. Nobody said golf was easy but this course is challenging.”
Windermere Golf Club
Taking full advantage of the Lake District peaks and landscape, this is a wonderfully scenic course that doesn’t have any bunkers, although there is one as part of the practice facilities!
Golfshake Rating: 4.63
Review Comment: “Even though it’s short, this course is really challenging because of the hills. But it’s worth it because the scenery is so beautiful. You won’t be disappointed!”
Kington Golf Club
This is a spectacular venue, full of character, being the highest full 18-hole golf course in England, and it is also bunkerless. It doesn’t come more distinctive than that!
Golfshake Rating: 4.49
Review Comment: “Never disappoints! Played here first weekend in March and what fantastic condition the course was in, especially the greens. Great grass coverage and already running true and at a really good speed already. Welcome was friendly as always. Staff and members really do the club proud. Can’t wait to return.”
Welshpool Golf Club
Designed by the legendary James Braid, this is another course that sits on hills way above sea level, but while not originally bunker-free, it doesn’t have any now, with the undulations of the majestic landscape being its main defence.
Golfshake Rating: 4.47
Review Comment: “What an absolute gem. Panoramic views that are unmatched. Greens, swift and undulating that are small and easy to miss. The course is not long and gives ample opportunities to score, BUT it is a course where most holes offer risk and reward, whether it be boldness off the tee or attacking the flag. The stunning 12th hole is the most difficult in the county. A par here is a great result. Welshpool is a must play for any golfer.”
Llandrindod Wells Golf Club
Staying in Wales, Braid also had a hand in this design, as did six-time Champion Golfer of the Year, Harry Vardon, who laid out a fabulous course – without bunkers – that has stood the test of time.
Golfshake Rating: 4.43
Review Comment: “What an absolute gem of a course in beautiful Mid Wales. The course is always in immaculate condition whatever the weather and the views are to die for. With so many cracking holes it makes for a fabulous day’s golf and to cap it all off you’ll have the warmest and friendliest of welcomes in the clubhouse where the food is very reasonable, and generally superb. I’ll be back there in a couple of weeks, and can’t wait!”
Berkhamsted Golf Club
Describing itself as golf as nature intended, it’s hard to argue with that statement as Berkhamsted is such a renowned course, and for very good reason.
Golfshake Rating: 4.42
Review Comment: “Quite flat, no bunkers! Beautiful day to play with my son and good friend. Quite a busy course for midweek but good pace of play.”
Painswick Golf Club
This course has been laid out on the remnants of an Iron Age fort that dates back more than 3,000 years, meaning that there is nowhere quite like Painswick, and its blind shots and ancient defensive walls of earth.
Golfshake Rating: 4.28
Review Comment: “Here is a course with great variety and no bunkers, where every hole is different. It’s better if your drives are straight and strong (180 yards). But a load of fun and heaps of laughs.”
Piltdown Golf Club
The club has written that while “there are no sand bunkers at Piltdown, there is evidence in contemporary accounts and drawings that there were some in the early days.” But today it’s all about the natural swales and heather that provide this course with some teeth.
Golfshake Rating: 4.22
Review Comment: “A great heath and heather course. Not long, but a dropped shot if you don’t find the fairway. No bunkers.”
Charnwood Forest Golf Club
Using its natural contours to present a formidable challenge to golfers of all standards, there are 18 tees on this nine-hole layout in Leicestershire.
Golfshake Rating: 4.19
Review Comment: “Don’t let the fact that it’s a 9-hole course put you off. The alternate tee positions make the back nine a different challenge on most of the holes. Each hole significantly different and challenging. Very scenic and course in good condition. Would certainly play again.”
Minchinhampton Golf Club (Old Course)
Tucked away in the Cotswolds, there is no sand or water on this historic course that has been part of the Common since 1889, being yet another example of playing golf in a pure form.
Golfshake Rating: 3.62
Review Comment: “Interesting course in that it’s based on the Common itself so you share it with all sorts of different folk, most of whom are aware of your presence and will make allowances. Course itself is almost like an inland links in set up and for most holes it’s pretty difficult to lose it off of the tee.”
London Scottish Golf Club
Part of the Wimbledon Common, this is a club rich in history that has several quirks to its makeup, including the fact that all golfers must be wearing red shirts. Known for its tree-lined fairways, this course has no sand bunkers, but there are grassy bunkers that will test your powers of recovery.
Golfshake Rating: 3.25
Review Comment: “Good quirky course. It’s an experience for sure. Not long but very tight and great fun to play.”
Those are just some of the best bunkerless golf courses that you can play. If you can think of any more, please let us know!
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