All Courses Great and Small: A Golfer's Pilgrimage to England and Wales | Simon & Schuster

Discover England and Wales through golf

All Courses Great and Small invites readers to explore a country whose golfing variety rivals its storied landscapes. Rather than focusing only on the well-trodden Scottish and Irish routes, this guide shines a light on England and Wales, where heathland courses dance with seaside links and coastal winds shape every round.

James W. Finegan offers a country-wide survey that blends the prestige of well-known venues with the joys of hidden gems. Expect coverage of Open Championship venues such as Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham & St. Annes, and Royal St. George's, alongside enduring favorites like Sunningdale, Wentworth, and The Belfry. The book does not stop there; it confidently flags lesser-known treasures like The Addington in suburban London, or Southport & Ainsdale just a short drive from Royal Birkdale. These pages celebrate more than two thousand courses across England and Wales—an inviting reminder of the breadth that awaits the traveling golfer.

In addition to course descriptions, the guide maps towns, inns, and eateries that become part of the journey. You’ll read playful nods to lunch after a round in Sandwich, or a warming cup at Gog Magog. The author even tackles the quirks of place names, helping readers feel confident when planning their itinerary. If you’re curious about the classics, you’ll find thoughtful entries for Rye, Wentworth, Hoylake, and the royals, while also discovering gems such as St Enodoc, Silloth-on-Solway, Southerndown, and Pennard, each presented with practical notes to help you plan a visit.

Finegan’s previous works, including Emerald Fairways and Foam-Flecked Seas, have earned a devoted following among traveling golfers. All Courses Great and Small builds on that reputation with a charming, accessible voice that guides you across the landscape, helping you imagine your own pilgrimage without prescribing a single path. It’s a resource that enriches your shelf and your trips, inviting you to picture the textures of turf, the rhythms of town centers, and the satisfaction of plotting a multi-stop adventure.

Key takeaways for planning your journey

• Balance of famous and hidden courses to suit different interests and budgets
• Practical travel cues, including towns, inns, and eateries to complement a round
• Accessible writing that helps you imagine your itinerary while staying flexible

Realistic possibilities you’ll encounter

• The chance to order an open-air round at storied venues and cozy village courses
• Spotting regional flavors in town dining and local pubs
• Confidence in mapping a golf circuit that spans heathland to coast