Are dogs allowed on golf courses in the UK?

Yes, dogs are allowed on some UK golf courses, but there is no single national rule. Each golf club sets its own dog policy. Some welcome dogs under close control, some require dogs to stay on a lead, and some do not allow dogs on the course or in the clubhouse.

Dogs can go on golf courses where the club permits it. Before you book, check whether the course allows dogs under control, requires leads, limits dogs to members and guests, or has seasonal and competition-day restrictions.

You can take dogs on golf courses that explicitly welcome them. Use the directory to find a dog-friendly course, read the policy badge, then confirm directly with the club if you need access to the clubhouse, terrace, hotel, lodges or other facilities.

Use the Dog Friendly Golf map to search by town, county or postcode, then compare each course policy before you play. Look for Dogs under control if your dog has reliable recall, or Lead required if the club asks dogs to stay on a lead throughout the visit.

Dog-friendly golf courses vary by area. The directory lists UK courses that allow dogs on leads, courses that allow dogs under control, and listings that need a fresh check. Start with the map, then use regional pages such as South West, Yorkshire and Scotland for trip planning.

There may be dog-friendly golf courses near you, especially if you are close to rural, coastal or resort-style courses. Search the map by location, compare the policy badges, and contact the club before travelling if the visit depends on bringing your dog.

Clubhouse rules are separate from course rules. A club may allow dogs on the course but not in the clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant or changing areas. Some allow dogs on terraces or in selected bar areas. Always check the listing notes and confirm with the club.

Many dog-friendly golf courses require dogs to stay on a lead, especially around players, wildlife, roads, livestock, tees, greens and clubhouse areas. If a listing says Lead required, assume your dog should stay on a lead for the whole visit unless the club tells you otherwise.

Bring water and a bowl, waste bags, a lead even if the course sometimes allows dogs off lead, treats for good behaviour, and a towel if the course has wet or muddy areas. A quiet place for your dog to rest between holes also helps.

Yes, most courses have specific rules. Common requirements include keeping dogs under control at all times, cleaning up after them, avoiding greens and bunkers, staying clear of other players, and following any lead, livestock, wildlife or clubhouse restrictions.

Yes. A round of golf can take several hours, so bring fresh water and a portable bowl. Snacks or treats can help reward calm behaviour, but avoid letting food distract other golfers or wildlife on the course.

Dogs under control means dogs are welcome on the course and may be off lead where the club allows it, provided they are well behaved and under close control at all times. Your dog should respond to commands and not interfere with golfers, staff, wildlife or livestock.

Lead required means dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead during the visit. This is often for safety, wildlife, livestock, insurance, competition or course-management reasons.

We work to keep listings accurate and mark club-confirmed policies where clubs reply, but dog policies can change because of seasons, competitions, livestock, wildlife, insurance rules or clubhouse restrictions. Confirm directly with the course before a special journey.

If you know a golf course dog policy that is missing, wrong or out of date, use the Submit update page to share it. Club confirmations are especially useful because they help other golfers plan with more confidence.

This varies by course. Some golf courses allow public access or dog walking at certain times, while others restrict access to golfers, members, guests or paying visitors. Check directly with the club before walking a dog on any course.