There’s something poetic about the Six Nations. For me, the six nations always starts in the depths of the cold, dark winter. But as the weeks go by and the ever dwindling possibility of Wales winning the six nations fades, a new excitement arises. The dawning of the golf season. For whilst the six nations begins in February in Winter, it ends in April and the shoots of Spring emerge – indicating the beginning of grass growth, the longer days and the start of the golf season.

The six nations also brings the clash of rugby titans, the pilgrimage to hallowed stadiums and the camaraderie of fans spilling out of pubs in the chill of early morning. But what if you packed your golf clubs alongside your match-day scarf? What if, between tries and tackles, you teed it up at some of the finest golf courses near each Six Nations venue?

A mad idea? Perhaps. A brilliant one? Maybe. Let’s embark on a journey through rugby’s greatest championship with a set of clubs and a longing for fairways as lush as Millennium Stadium turf.

Wales – Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Cardiff on a match day is something to behold. The singing begins at breakfast, and by kickoff, the whole city vibrates with emotion. One of the only cities where the stadium is in the dead centre of the city. But after the final whistle, swap the roar of the crowd for the sound of a well-struck iron at one of these Welsh gems:

  • Royal Porthcawl – Wales’ most prestigious links, with sea views to make you forget any Six Nations heartbreak.
  • Tenby – One of the oldest courses in Wales, an atmospheric, quirky links with a proper seaside charm.
  • Celtic Manor – Host of the 2010 Ryder Cup, ideal if you want to relive the tension of a Grand Slam decider.
  • Radyr – A fine Harry Colt parkland course just outside Cardiff, often overlooked but offering a solid test.
  • Pennard – The ‘links in the sky,’ perched atop the cliffs, offering stunning vistas and a memorable challenge.
  • Southerndown – A unique downland course with spectacular views, a natural challenge and the threat of being tackled be livestock.

Rugby Trivia: The Principality Stadium has a fully retractable roof, but even that wouldn’t save you from the gales of Porthcawl on a blustery day.

Golf Trivia: Legend has it, Royal Porthcawl, host of this year’s Women’s AIG Open, could field a British & Irish Lions side from their membership.

Ireland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Dublin is a city that embraces its rugby with the same passion it pours into a pint of Guinness. The Aviva Stadium, a sleek, modern fortress, is a short hop from some of Ireland’s finest golf courses:

  • Portmarnock – One of the world’s great links courses, a purist’s paradise where the elements dictate the challenge.
  • Baltray (County Louth) – The Tom Simpson gem. A rugged, unspoiled links that will test every club in your bag.
  • The Island – Tucked away in dunes, offering solitude, scenery, and supreme shot-making demands.
  • Corballis – A budget-friendly links experience, where you get endless fun without breaking the bank.
  • Royal Dublin – A historic links course just minutes from the city, offering a stern test.
  • St. Anne’s – A wonderful links nestled beside Royal Dublin, often overlooked but full of character.

Rugby Trivia: Ireland’s first-ever international match was against England in 1875.

Golf Trivia: Portmarnock has hosted multiple Irish Opens and is renowned for being where Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead won the Canada Cup in 1960.

England – Allianz Stadium, London

Twickers, also known horrifically as “HQ”, the home of English rugby, is steeped in history and the ghosts of great battles. London may be a metropolis, but venture out a little, and you’ll find some of the finest inland courses in the entire world:

  • Sunningdale – Willie Park Jr and Harry Colt – Both the Old and New courses provide a masterclass in heathland design.
  • The Addington – J F Abercromby designed a rugged, rolling course with panoramic views of the London skyline.
  • Sunningdale Heath – A delightful, compact course that punches well above its weight in quality. Value for money like no other.
  • Woking – One of England’s oldest heathland layouts, full of charm and architectural brilliance.
  • Walton Heath – Two championship layouts of the highest order, designed by Herbert Fowler and watched over by the great James Braid.
  • Hankley Common – A hidden gem with beautiful, undulating heathland.

Rugby Trivia: The first match at Twickenham in 1909 saw England lose to Wales.

Golf Trivia: Walton Heath has astounding history and amongst many things, is famous for its association with Winston Churchill, who frequently played there.

Scotland – Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Murrayfield, the spiritual home of Scottish rugby, sits in a city where history seeps through the cobbled streets. After the match, trade the terraces for these Scottish classics:

  • Muirfield – The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers awaits, one of the world’s finest links.
  • Kilspindie – In the centre of Aberlady, a charming, short course with sea views. A wonderful hickory challenge.
  • Gullane – Three courses, all spectacular, all worthy of your attention. (3 is the shortest so naturally we love this)
  • St Andrews – Need we say more? The pilgrimage of all golf pilgrimages.
  • North Berwick Putting Course – Perfect for a hungover morning after a wild Murrayfield night.
  • Bruntsfield Links – One of the oldest golf societies in the world.

Rugby Trivia: Murrayfield’s record crowd was 104,000 in 1975.

Golf Trivia: St Andrews is considered the ‘Home of Golf,’ with records dating back to the 15th century, making it older than the game of rugby itself.

France – Stade de France, Paris

Paris is a city of passion—both in rugby and golf. While the Stade de France roars with Six Nations action, just beyond the city lie some truly exquisite golfing venues:

  • Morfontaine – A world-class, exclusive private club that golf purists dream of playing.
  • Les Bordes – A stunning, modern championship course set within pristine woodland. Both the Old and New are wonderful and varied.
  • Fontainebleau – One of France’s oldest and most beautiful courses, framed by forests and unique rock formations.
  • Saint-Cloud – A historical course with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Golf de Chantilly – A majestic parkland course known for its classic design and elegance.
  • Golf National (Albatros Course) – The host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, offering a tough but rewarding challenge.

Rugby Trivia: France’s first Grand Slam came in 1968, ushering in a golden era of French flair on the pitch.

Golf Trivia: Morfontaine is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world, though getting a tee time here is as tough as winning the Six Nations Grand Slam.

Italy – Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Italy may be underdogs in the Six Nations, but they have no shortage of incredible golf near Rome:

  • Marco Simone – Host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, a must-play for championship golf lovers.
  • Olgiata – A beautiful, tree-lined course that has hosted the Italian Open.
  • Acquasanta – Rome’s oldest golf club, rich in history and charm.
  • Castelgandolfo – Built in a volcanic crater, a stunning and unique challenge.
  • Parco di Roma – A fantastic layout with breathtaking views over the Eternal City.
  • Golf Nazionale – One of Italy’s top-ranked courses, offering a true test of skill.

Rugby Trivia: Italy’s first Six Nations win came in 2000 against Scotland. They have since beaten Wales – which really hurts.

Golf Trivia: Acquasanta Golf Club, founded in 1903, is one of the oldest courses in Italy and offers breathtaking views of the ancient Roman aqueducts.

Which Six Nations Stop is Best for Golfers?

That’s for you to decide. Whether you seek the wild coastal winds of Wales, the heathland perfection of England, the raw beauty of Irish links, the grandeur of Scottish classics, the hidden treasures of France, or the Mediterranean charm of Italy, there’s a golf course waiting beyond the rugby stadium gates.

So, the next time you plan your Six Nations away trip, don’t just pack your jersey. Pack your clubs. Because rugby and golf—though different—share one essential truth: the journey is as thrilling as the game itself.