Hi,
I agree with nearly all your listing for the top 100 golf courses, in fact I have been able to play many of them over the last few years, but I object to the inclusion of the loch lomond golf course on the grounds that it is not playable by all and sundry, when all of the others courses in the listing I believe are accessible to almost every golfer. How can it be included when it is so exclusive,most golfers can only dream of playing it, in fact the closest I have ever got to it was to visit the Scottish open this year.Maybe it should be put on another listing of top 100 clubs throughout the world that are out of the reach of the normal golfer rather than be included in the top 100, no matter how good it looks and plays, by the way how did your panel get a game there????

Loch Lomond, and to a great extent Swinley Forest and Rye, are members and guests only. Undoubtedly it is very difficult to get a game here but 100s of golfers each year are lucky enough to play as guests of members so it is not a completely closed shop. Were it members only then that would be a different matter but the bottom line is that it is a superb golf course as and such warrants a place in our list of the best courses.
With regard to how the our panelists played Loch Lomond it was in the course of their assessing duties and the club kindly hosted them as indeed do all contender clubs and for that we are extremely grateful.
Michael Harris, Golf Monthly editor

I do have a slight grievance with your list. Your list is titled, "The Top 100 Golf Courses in the UK and Ireland". However, you then proceed to place the Old Course at number 3 in your list. I always feel this is where your ranking, and countless other rankings begin to lose credibility. The Old Course, is an average golf course. Most locals do not even believe it to be the best course in the town. So why does it always place so highly on rankings of this kind?

If the rankings were renamed "The Top 100 Golf Experiences" then I would completely agree with your choice. I may even disagree that you have not placed the Old Course high enough. As someone who was fortunate enough to play the Old Course for the first time this year, the whole day was the most unbelievable experience I've encountered in all my years playing golf. From teeing off in front of the R&A Clubhouse to the walk back into the town on the back 9. The place is incredible. The course itself however, average. Very average.

For me, the list of top golf courses should be based on one thing. The golf course itself. Yes I would agree that the overall experience is important and breathtaking scenery can excellent levels of service can hide a courses flaws (Kingsbarns is a fine example of this). For me though, the issue is about the course itself. The golf course itself should be the star. Indeed, if we are talking about the golf course, and the golf course alone, Carnoustie would be my number 1, with Muirfield a very close second and Royal Troon coming in at number 3.

Please don’t see this as a bash at the Old Course. There are other courses (The Belfry) for example, that are deemed average at best but due to the history of tournaments, Ryder Cups, Open Championships played at the venue, tend to get ranked higher than they otherwise should.

Perhaps next year we could get 2 lists. One for best course and one for best experience?

Its just a thought!

Many thanks

South cliff golf club Scarborough. This course is an excellent mix of links and woodland golf with stunning views over looking Scarborough. It is 6047 yards long from the yellow tees with a good mix of easy and hard holes. The welcome you get from the pro shop and clubhouse is extremely friendly and helpfull. When you have finished you round why not visit the 19th they have an excellent menu of responsibly priced food and drink, I was very impressed with the tune and mayonnaise melt. Give it a go you will enjoy it.

I loved the article, and indeed hope to, over the rest of my life play most of them. You see, thats how long it would take due to the cost of playing these courses. I (and I don't think i am alone) would be more interested in an article that shows the best 5 courses to play for under £30 in each region (South, South East, North West etc etc) The majority of golf clubs today are facing increasing costs, member shortages and other financial troubles. Such an article would help support local clubs who actually need visitor green fee money to survive.

**I've re-posted as i didn't realise the competition only started in Dec **

I loved the article, and indeed hope to, over the rest of my life play most of them. You see, thats how long it would take due to the cost of playing these courses. I (and I don't think i am alone) would be more interested in an article that shows the best 5 courses to play for under £30 in each region (South, South East, North West etc etc) The majority of golf clubs today are facing increasing costs, member shortages and other financial troubles. Such an article would help support local clubs who actually need visitor green fee money to survive.

I cannot believe that Bamburgh Golf Club in Northumberland has made your top 100, situated on the outskirts of what must be Northumberlands most beautiful coastal village. Living as I do on the west coast of Scotland, I make the following observations as a visitor.
It has to be the most picturesque course in England which, by virtue of its location, can also be one of the most demanding. Its not a long course, about 5600 yds I think off the back markers, but it is a very demanding par 68 or 69, particularly if the wind is coming in off the North Sea. The 6th is one of a number of good par 3's, and being uphill its worth all of its 200+ yds. I can't remember which hole it is but as you approach the green, with rising land either side of you, Bamburgh Castle in all its majesty and power just leaps into view. It quite simply takes your breath away and will live in your memory for the rest of your life. I live to play just once more this most beautiful course, perhaps in better weather this next time though than the last, when we experienced four seasons in one round. But it was winter.
The course has ample Gorse and heather to tame your swing and is backed up by stunning views of Lidesfarne. Its a golf course that is a total package.
Go on, go for it, you know you want to now.

Leasowe Golf Course (Wirral) - After several years of travelling to coastal Scotland for Links golf, I find a links gem on my doorstep! Leasowe Golf Course is situated on the Wirral, overlooking Liverpool bay, and is a neighbour of Wallasay Golf (founder home of Stableford scoring system) and nearby Royal Liverpool Hoylake. Although this course will not attract the same customers (and neither the related green fees), as the imposing neighbouring courses, Leasowe will offer all golfers a real taste of seaside golf. The course features an old castle and superb views of a lighthouse and the seawalls - but the real joy is the course. Many of the holes are testing and lie on fairways that can only be compared to the finest courses in Scotland (sand based fairways that do not plug in early December - a course that drains well and plays well 365 days a year). Many of the bunkers are animals, and the greens are very challenging and very well maintained. On certain days, this course location will attract windy conditions, but the chill factor will be worth the pain, as the club house is very warm, welcoming with good food at fair prices. If any golfers are looking for Links experience at a fair price, then look no further than Leasowe.

It would be possible to insert a number of the excellent links courses in Northumberland in almost any position in your list, especially at this time of year, when they broadly offer as decent a challenge as they do in the summer. I'm thinking in particular of Seahouses, Alnmouth and especially Dunstanburgh Golf Clubs. Dunstanburgh in particular will enthuse any golfer, with it's outstanding condition, large mobile dunes, a scattering of WWII pill boxes, and a front nine which approaches the spectacular ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle which stands like a monolithic critic of any golfer whose shots pull into the unforgiving dunes. I live forty miles to the south, and am happy to drive past the many courses I pass to savour winter links golf on the Northumberland coast.

Having read the top 100 courses there are obviously some with which i agree being in there but also some which i dont as well as some which are missing.
Turnberry, Carnoustie and Royal Birkdale are, for me, the top 3. I would have Woodhall Spa and Ganton higher than their ratings as well. Also having played The Belfry recently and having been there to watch its debatable for me whether it should be in there.
Also i must agree with Andy Wright about having a 'cheaper' list where us poorer golfers could afford to play and not just the lucky people with the money whom the credit crunch isn't affecting.

I have sent in my thoughts on the top 100 list and i'm hoping i'm in the correct place to send a review of a golf course. The course which i think is excellent is Lindrick Golf Club. This is available to play in the winter for £119 for a fourball. For a course which has hosted the Ryder Cup, albeit a long time ago, this is Value for money with a capital V. Great layout, some lovely holes and great condition all year round. This is a Ryder Cup course but not with the fees you get at the other courses. Dont get me wrong its not the Royal Birkdale, Walton Heath or the K Club but i think its as good as The Belfry for a lot less money.

Prestwick St Nicholas

The clubhouse stands square to the sea, facing down the elements which usually sweep in from the west. Robust – just as your game needs to be if the wind were anything other than the gentle zephyr that greeted us. The clubhouse exudes an air of grandeur, but the welcome belies it; the starter couldn’t have been kinder, giving a tour of the facilities, and as much information about the course as our collective minds could manage.

The opening hole leads you southwards along the coast. It’s not a strict links layout of 9 out and 9 back, but only a purist would quibble. The par three second carries over rolling waves of gorse, to a sloping green guarded by a bank. You’ll not thank yourself for underclubbing. The third, a short par 4, turns right, heading straight towards the sea and the Isle of Arran, and is eminently drivable if the wind is with you. But not if not, as is much more likely.

Over the road, the terrain subtly changes. Gorse gives way to grass and the spindly, tussocky, rough of the next couple of holes lulls you to false security about the consequences of wayward strokes. The sixth is blind over a huge mound, but the marker post gives no hint of the dogleg beyond. Your proudest, longest, straightest drive may prove disastrous.

Still heading southwards, the view of industrial Ayr may not be the most inspiring, but on the right, the spectacle of the Firth of Clyde, the hills of Arran and, as a faint smudge on the horizon, the Mull of Kintyre more than compensate. And of course, Ailsa Craig is always present in the middle distance. If it’s not, you’ll be wanting your rain hat.

Gradually, as the fairways slant and wind through the undulating ground, the rough thickens deep enough to lose a greenkeeper, and with out of bounds behind or to the right of most holes - 12 in all -, careful shotmaking is a necessity. The greens throughout are beautifully kept; firm and fair, but with borrows difficult to read and a test to the last. The only par 5, with it’s green hidden and surrounded by banks, doesn’t materialise until the 11th and the turn back towards the clubhouse not until the 13th.

Two long par 4s, and one short, all parallel to the customary links-side railway, bring you to the best hole on the course. An elevated tee looking down through an undulating channel cut through the gorse. A valley to cause the Light Brigade to have second thoughts. Gorse, a mere bush, should not be this intimidating. Take just two shots and two putts and you’ll walk from the small green very well pleased. And if the 16th didn’t scare you, the 18th just might.

A 227 yard par 3, lined full down one side with bonnets gleaming in the car park, nagging doubts arise about that slice. On a length, but with too much shape, and your second will need chipping back out through the starter’s window. Gorse to the left and the green is an upturned saucer. Fortunately, the clubhouse is but a moment away where you can recover, settle your nerves, savour your round and admire the panoramic views.

All in all, a fine course, in fine golfing country, that can hold it’s own, especially considering its near neighbours are such as Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes. But mind, it does sometimes get a bit windy. When a par of 69 becomes a different challenge altogether!

Coming from different part of the world with fewer golf courses, living in the UK has been amazing - lots of good courses with descent VFM and easy access. Chanced to have a look at so-called World Top 100 late 2007, 27 of which in UK&I, and decided to play as many courses as I can within less than 18 months before leaving London. Starting the journey in March 08, I've been playing some 17 of the 27 from Sandwich to European Club and probably more or less 24 of the list above.

What I have realized is the ranking process never can be objective thanks to numerous reasons and the course reviews may also vary depending on some factors like weather and hospitality given, apart from the course quality itself. Reactions from some other golfers I have been together with are different to some extent. Weird thing for ranking to me is they are comparing different types and styles of courses like links and parkland. Maybe more reasonable and comparable if ranked within some kind of same category.

Thankfully, most of them I have been went beyond what I expect but still a few I don't understand why so up there on the table. Some good to me are RCD, RSG, Portrush, Sunningdale, Portmarnock and Carnoustie. Ganton and Woodhall Spa would be the best VFM in peak season. Wentworth? It's good course but doubt it's worth for being a visitor. Really impressed by all courses in NI and Ireland. Looking forward to being there again.

Dummer Golf club - course review

I have been playing golf in and around hampshire for the past 5 years now. I am an 18 handicapper but am not affiliated to any club. This gives me the freedom to play the local courses that allow visitors and throughout my playing career to date I have played almost all of the courses that this beautiful county has to offer. I obviously have courses that I play more than others due to personal preference but one course in particular stands out for me!
Dummer golf club situated in the quaint village of the same name just outside Basingstoke, Hampshire is a king amongst golf courses. Designed by the legend that is Peter Alliss, Dummer is a free draining course built on chalk land that never closes! During the cold, bleak and dismally wet winters, this fantastic course is always playable., no fear of temporary greens here! It might not seem important, but for an avid golf nut like myself, to know that there is a course to play come rain or shine is essential. Of course, this isn't the only reason I love this course, it is a true challenge from start to finish whether you are a scratch or 28 handicapper. From the moment you drive through the entrance gates, you can sense there is something magical afoot. This may sound over dramatic, but when you play there for the first time you will know what I mean. The welcoming clubhouse overlooks the sprawling, picturesque countyside that forms the backdrop of the course and you know just from paying for your green fee that the 19th is going to be every bit as memorable as the 18 holes that go before.
To the 6066 yard course itself! From teeing off on the 398 yard opening hole, you really get the feeling of being able to open your shoulders and play with gay abandon. The fairway is wide and forgiving, but with the driving range out of bounds to the right, there is trouble to be had!! i should know as i have sliced my tee shot in there three times already. Hopefully after walking off with a par, you are well set to attack the 269 yard par 4 second!! with the wind in your face however, this short hole has a few tricks up its sleeve to wipe the smirk off your face. If you drive well but get caught in the breeze, there is a ditch to gobble up any errant ball! if you miss the ditch, there is a mammouth bunker protecting the green from usurpers! A steady iron and wedge approach should do the trick though, and good shots will always be rewarded. two challenging par 4's follow, the 4th especially is a delight as your second shot is played into the heart of a valley with the plateaued green shimmering in the early morning sunlight. again, bunkers surround the approach, so beware!! The 5th is the first par three and in keeping with the challenging design of the course, it is played 80% over water. The sun has a habit of peering over the trees and affecting your vision, so on many occasions, the tee shot is played blind! Avoid the water though, and you have a chance as with all the holes and their obstacles.
The remaining 13 holes are a mixture of intricate challenges, twisting dog legs, but in the main real gems to play! one thing about Dummer is you never take notice of how long the round is taking, you are too engrossed in the round itself and the tests that need to be overcome. I have played there over ten times now and I still love the course as much as the first time I played there. Credit must go to Mr Alliss and the greenkeepers who keep the course in such pristine condition.
by the time, you have retired to the bar to discuss where it all went right or wrong, you will already be thinking about your next trip to this quaint little village in the Hampshire countryside.

Lesser Known Courses

Wrag Barn Golf course - Wiltshire

Set in 205 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside is a hidden gem in the form of Wrag Barn Golf course. Once part of Lord Banbury's estate, this Simon Gidman designed golf course boasts outstanding views of the downs and the Vale of the White Horse and will challenge both low and high handicappers alike. Whilst the club is relatively new, only founded in 1990, it has become one of the most popular and challenging courses in Wiltshire.

The Course

This 6622 yard - par 72 course delivers a challenge to golfers of all levels on every hole. Whilst still being a maturing course,finding the fairways is imperative as the mix of trees( old and new) combined with the 50+ bunkers and water hazards will punish the 'directionally inept'.
On reaching the protected greens, the daunting undulating, quick greens will leave some of the more accomplished wielders of the flat stick wishing that they had spent more time on the practice green.

Hardest Hole - 15th( par 4)

This 464 yard par four requires a long drive in order to have a chance of reaching the green in regulation. The second shot requires an accurate long iron, played into an undulating green protected by sand. Good fortune does not always favour the brave.


Best Hole - 5th( par 3)

Faced by a 198 yard par 3, protected by water at the front, the choice of club is not an easy one. From a 5-Iron on the good day to a driver on a windy on, the safest option may well be to lay up short of the lake....but where's the fun in that ?

The 19th Hole

With its great view over-looking the 18th green, the clubhouse is the perfect place for relaxing after your round. A warm welcome is guaranteed from both members and staff alike. The food and local ale comes highly recommended.

Green Fees

Visitors - £40

Website

www.wragbarn.com



Hope to see you there soon.

I'm obviously not playing in the right circles - I've not played any of these courses! I have however played on some that will be memorable for years to come. Like some others that have responded (in magazine articles too) I am driven by what I afford, and clearly a lot of these are elite and exclusive - not much use to the average joe like me. I'll watch out for them appearing on TV in Pro comps and enjoy them from the sofa....!

I have visited many clubs and although one or two have made your top 100 they can not hold a candle to the greens at Mullion Golf Club, Cury, Cornwall. Is it just that we are too far south west for you to samp[le our course.
Give me a shout and be my guest.

Howard.

A number of points
1. I live in mid Northumberland and am a loyal supporter of everything in this region but altho' Bamburgh has stunning views (to rival RCD and Tralee), it is not a 'great' golf course. It is a pretty simple equation. If it were a very good track it would be in the top 20. However, if you get the chance to play in this area, visit Dunstanbrough, Goswick and Bamburgh.
2. I am endeavouring to play the Top 100. But whose Top 100? I have played 47 courses on your list and over 50 on another list. And I have played another 20 or so courses that have at one time or another been on one list or another. I am now concentrating on the top end as they move around but do not disappear. This is a pain in the wallet.
3. I find it difficult to rate links courses against parkland/heathland courses. To do so is as to comparing white and red wines.
4. Value for money is either a major factor or not. If it is then pretty average courses would have to be considered because the golf is free. And it is not just about how much the green fees are. Macrahanish is a great course in superb surroundings; with a day rate of £80 this would be a top 10 course (actually for me it is not far off my top 10 for the whole experience but anyway...) if value was a governing factor. However, the cost of getting to/from and staying makes it anything but cheap. Inevitably, the cost of the better courses will be a limiting factor to many, but that does not diminish the quality of the course anymore than a dreadful track can be improved by charging next to nothing.
5. I didn't want to do this but I have to say if the following belong in a top whatever list it is not for the overall quality of the golf courses; Hoylake, The Palmer course at the K Club and (with some feeling of disloyalty) Seaton Carew.
Tim Gorman

Being a links course does not make any course a great course - this list is very pro links and there should be a top 100 for all the different styles of course. In my opinion you cannot compare lytham st.annes to the belfry as they are worlds apart in style and aesthetics not to mention grass species. One more thing there is a great course in fife called St. Michaels - it is a nine hole with internal oob but it was an absolute joy to play many years ago.P.s what about stoke by nayland in suffolk

Great article and interesting to read other golfers comments. I've only played 1 course in the top 10 that was Royal County Down and what a course it is. I've played 16 of the other 90 courses a favourite would be Loch Lomond. I notice some comments saying that Loch Lomond should'n't be included because it's not possible to play there unless invited but Swinley Forest and Muirfield are the same and I'm certain there are others.

Unlike some of the commenters here, I haven't played at many of the courses on your list as I'm quite young and don't possess the financial capacity! I did, however, have the privilege and pleasure of playing at Royal County Down this year and by god, does it deserve its #4 spot. I do think it's fair to put Loch Lomond on the list- sure, I'm not just going to be able to drop in whenever it takes my fancy, but the list is about the quality of the course, not necessarily ease of admission!

Can't believe people miss out on Letham Grange Old Course in Angus
This is a championship course in its true sense, every hole is different with water hazards to test on over half the course. The Old course incorporates narrow tree lined holes and open, rolling, and undulating fairways that would test any golfer, and comes equipped with its very own Hallelujah corner.
If you think it looks good on the web page, you will love seeing it up close and personal.

Great list. We are kiwis coming to the UK in a few months to (hopefully) play at most of them as part of our golfing odyssey puregolf2010 (see www.puregolf2010.com). puregolf2010 is a challenge we have set ourselves to play at a different course, every day of 2010 to raise money for The First Tee. Today is day 49, and next week we start to tackle the best courses Australia has to throw at us..

Our itinerary has approx 110 days in the UK from the beginning of July and we can't wait to learn about the UK golf experience. Any help with introductions onto any of the courses please contact us via our website.