Teeing Off at the Edge of England
There are few places in the British Isles where you can begin your round with the sound of Atlantic swell rolling onto white sand, seabirds wheeling overhead and not a single traffic noise in earshot. On the Isles of Scilly, golf feels less like a sport and more like an immersion in landscape.
Just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, Scilly is known for turquoise seas, subtropical gardens and slow-paced island life. But tucked among its windswept heath and rolling turf is one of the most unusual golf experiences in the UK.
St Mary’s Golf Club: A Course Like No Other
The focal point for golfers visiting Scilly is St Mary’s Golf Club, a delightful nine-hole course perched on the edge of St Mary’s, the largest island. It’s not championship length, nor is it manicured to tour standards, but that is precisely its charm.
The course stretches to just over 4,800 yards for 18 holes (played as two loops of nine), but what it lacks in yardage it more than makes up for in character. Fairways ripple over natural terrain, greens sit exposed to Atlantic breezes, and the rough is as untamed as the surrounding heathland. On some holes, you’ll swear the sea is close enough to influence your swing.
Wind is the ever-present opponent here. A gentle morning breeze can turn into a crosswind challenge by mid-round, making club selection an art form. On calmer days, the course feels generous and open; when the wind picks up, it becomes a true links-style test.
A Golfer’s Escape
One of the joys of golfing on Scilly is the absence of hurry. There are no crowded tee sheets, no halfway house queues, no pressure from four-balls stacking up behind you. Instead, you may find yourself pausing on the tee while a pheasant ambles across the fairway, or simply stopping to admire views stretching towards Tresco and the Western Rocks.
The clubhouse is friendly and unpretentious , is a place where visitors are warmly welcomed and stories flow as freely as the post-round drinks. It embodies the island spirit: relaxed, sociable, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Beyond the Fairways
Of course, a golf trip to Scilly is about more than just the course. After your round, you can wander down to Porthcressa Beach for a swim, explore Hugh Town’s independent shops, or catch a boat to Tresco for an afternoon exploring the world-famous Abbey Garden.
Evenings are for harbour views, fresh seafood and spectacular sunsets that bathe the islands in golden light. The pace of life encourages you to linger over dinner, over conversation, over the simple pleasure of being somewhere beautifully remote.
Pack your waterproofs, bring an open mind, and prepare to tee off at the very edge of England.
