Nine-holers

There are plenty of historic, varied and unusual nine-holers that also offer wonderful value for money

Braxted Park

This delightful parkland course in the heart of Essex is both pretty and engaging. An inventive approach to alternative tees means that four holes change par on your second circuit, while the 6th goes from being an outrageously tough par 4 to a realistic birdie chance. The clubhouse is a characterful old cricket pavilion and the welcome is warm and genuine. In as much as the course flies under the radar and is very attractive, it is just about the epitome of a hidden gem.

18 holes: £25, Mon-fri

Usually just a flick with a wedge, the short 3rd at Braxted Park plays down towards the lake and sits at the furthest point from the clubhouse.

Durness

Probably the course in the most remote, undeveloped and idyllic natural location in mainland Britain, Durness was designed in the late 1980s by three local enthusiasts. This one-of-a-kind links and heathland hybrid is stunningly beautiful and the extreme setting has the feel of a lunar landscape. Standout holes include the par-5 6th and the celebrated par-3 closing hole that runs along the clifftop.

GF: 18 holes: £30

Royal Worlington & Newmarket

Bernard Darwin billed this traditional and very peaceful course as the Sacred Nine, and many rate it as the finest nine-holer in England. This is almost an inland links where the bump-andrun is often the option to play. There are tee shots over previous greens and streams and heather to avoid.

18 holes: £80; day: £90

Musselburgh Links

For its history alone, this is a must-visit. Golf was documented to have been played here as long ago as 1672 and it hosted six Opens up until 1889. At this time, it was also the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers before its move to Muirfield. There are three par 3s and a reachable par 5, with all but two holes running inside the race track. For a real step back in time, hickory clubs are available for hire. GF: nine holes: £17wd, £18.70we

Holtye

Originally founded as the Liliput Golf Club, this sporty and distinct nine-holer dates back to 1893. The first two holes ease you in, before an absolute brute of a two-shotter that is usually into the breeze and becomes scarily narrow. The next three are all from inviting tees and take you through a hidden valley. You then climb back up at the 7th, before a well-protected short hole and strong par 4 return you home.

GF: 18 holes: £22wd, £25we