Luxury Golf Courses In Horse Racing Tracks

When you think about it horse racing and golf are not so different. After all, they both can be considered as prestigious sport, and for whatever reason, many high-net-worth individuals have a knack for both.

It is quite normal to see a golf course next to a horse racing track, and there are plenty of venues that pulled this off successfully. So, if you go through the horse racing picks for Saturday, who not choose a racecourse that also has a golf course? – It will be double the fun.

Horse racing might be all about fast-paced action, while golf is more a leisure test of skill, but many of the world’s iconic racetracks have paired them brilliantly, which makes them the perfect luxurious destinations.

Therefore, if you love horse racing, but you also want to play some golf after the race to relax, here are the best places to visit.

Santa Anita Park Golf Course – Arcadia, California

When it comes to horse racing, this is a legendary course that has been around for decades. But did you know that the Santa Anita Park has a secret? Yes, it is also home to a beautiful golf course. 

We are talking about a place tucked beneath the San Gabriel Mountains, and although it is most popular for the Santa Anita Handicap since 1935, it is also a home to a 18-hole golf course, which was actually opened few years later in 1938.

So, not just the racecourse, but also the golf course is draped with history. It spans 6,200 yards, with a par-71 layout, and it is incredibly beautiful.

You have the perfect combo of tight fairways, subtle greens, and of course the jaw-dropping mountain view. The golf fees here range from $50-70, and you don’t have to be in a special club to play.

Tucked beneath the San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Anita Park is a Thoroughbred racing legend, famous for the Santa Anita Handicap since 1935. Its 18-hole golf course, rolled out in 1938, spans 6,200 yards with a par-71 layout, weaving through the track’s 185-acre expanse. 

Gulfstream Park Golf Course – Hallandale Beach, Florida

Here we have another legendary racecourse that is home to the Pegasus World Cup, which for those that don’t know, it is a prestigious $3 million race. 

However, Gulfstream Park also has a golf course that opened in the 1970s, and it might be smaller than Santa Anita Park coming with only 3,200 yards, but it is still great for some leisure golfing. This is a nine-hole, par-35 course, that offers plenty of action.

In terms of the green fees, it is a bit cheaper than Santa Anita Park coming at around $45. Plus, there is a casino on the side for some entertainment after an exhausting golf match.

Inside Scotland’s Musselburgh Racecourse, Musselburgh Links is a historic treasure—the world’s oldest golf course still in play, dating to at least 1672. This nine-hole, 2,874-yard, par-34 track hosted six early Open Championships and cuts through the racing oval. 

Green fees are a modest £25 ($32 USD) in 2025, with optional hickory club rentals for a retro kick. It’s flat and forgiving, but horses crossing fairways on race days (like the tote Double) add a wild twist. Heritage meets horsepower here in spades.

Gowran Park Golf Course – County Kilkenny, Ireland

Gowran Park in Ireland marries Thoroughbred racing with an 18-hole golf oasis. Opened in 1910, this 6,315-yard, par-71 course threads five holes inside the racetrack, offering a flat, wind-exposed challenge. 

Green fees for 2025 are €30-€40 ($32-$43 USD), with a cozy clubhouse serving Irish classics. On race days—like the Thyestes Chase—golf wraps early, blending both worlds seamlessly. Rolling hills and a laid-back luxe vibe make it a standout.

Royal Durban Golf Club – Durban, South Africa

Royal Durban Golf Club sits within Greyville Racecourse, home of the Durban July Handicap (set for July 5, 2025). This 18-hole, 6,194-meter (6,774-yard), par-72 course, established in 1907, boasts tight fairways and thick rough. 

Green fees are budget-friendly at ZAR 450 ($25 USD), but the colonial clubhouse and grandstand views scream high-end. Ocean breezes spice up the play, and July’s fashion frenzy adds extra dazzle—a true South African gem.

Fairmount Park Golf Course – Collinsville, Illinois

Fairmount Park, now FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, has been a racing staple since 1925. Its nine-hole golf course opened in the 1930s, stretches 3,000 yards with a par-35 layout inside the track. 

Green fees hover at $25-$35 in 2025, offering affordable luxury with a twist—races like the St. Louis Derby run nearby. The course is flat with mature trees, and a planned 2025 casino opening ups the ante. It’s a Midwest charmer with big potential.

Ascot Golf Course – Ascot, England

Ascot Racecourse, famed for Royal Ascot (June 17-21, 2025), hides a lesser-known treat: an 18-hole golf course on its estate. Built in 1887 as part of the Wentworth Club’s East Course before splitting off, this 6,500-yard, par-70 track offers heathland beauty just outside the track proper. 

Green fees hit £100 ($130 USD), reflecting its upscale status, says Leading Courses. It’s private now, but race attendees with connections can sneak a round—think manicured greens with a royal racing backdrop.

So, which of these racecourses you think about visiting?


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