8 nov, 2010
- i appreciate that you include your readers in your annual survey which is a good thing. however, this must be suspect insofar as many of the golf courses are inaccessible to the average joe!! (loch lomond/ muirfield etc!)
- i still have difficulty with 2 elements in decision making:
1). comparing courses built on diffetent terrain is questionable. is it equitable to compare a classic links (the "old course") with a classic parkland ("loch lomond")?
2). would it not be more sensible to rate courses in an alpha sequence. ie A++/A+/A: B++/B+/B ........ and so on?
why should a course numbered (say) 15 on your list be higher than one rated (say) 22? would it not be more realistic to say they are both category (say) "A"?

the way i see it is that the only reason for a numerical order is that a course can be rated #1 in the uk/ireland. this could always be considered judging by the stats provided on an annual basis!!
regards,
graham d black

Can't believe Killeen castle is not here. It's gone in ahead of the k club palmer at 14th in Ireland on the golf digest!

just hate the way everyone ranks these courses, its always the clubs that have money behind them, why dont you rate the courses with out the money behind them, ve played lots that shouldve been there, its a joke what you run. get with the times and do one for the work man........ that only costs less then £50.00, which most of us play.... for some reason royal co down wouldnt be an outstanding course to me, play it off the back tees and try and 28 hcappers over the blind mounts, no way, the greens or never in great sharpe, they must know when your coming. as for portrush the greens have been bad for years, its a joke, loug erne is away to dear to play, so what will your group do, will they go and do a new one and shows us how good they or at picking it right. alawys the big time charlie getting all the credit. come on, its the work man who buys your mag.............

As part of the legacy of the Ryder Cup 2010 taking place in Wales many more visitors will hopefully travel to play on some of the most enjoyable and scenic courses in the UK. Llandrindod Wells Golf Club has celebrated its Centenary and has been described as one of James Braid's best links courses located on the top of a mountain !
It offers great local hospitality, stunning views, great wildlife and wonderful golf to suit all abilities. Although relatively short its Par of 69 can be challenging, especially when the wind blows. As the wind blows most days the challenge becomes greater due to the fluctuating nature of the wind speed and direction.
The fairways are well prepared and the greens have been rated some of the best in Wales thanks to the love, care and attention given by the greens staff over a number of years. the course boasts three links style Par 5's and six testing yet varied Par 3's. Although on the top of a mountain the conditions underfoot make it a joy to walk even when undertaking 36 holes!
From the perspective of visitors the signature holes are possibly the demanding 236yard Par 3 10th and the closing holes 15 to 18. The home hole is a classic risk-reward Par 4 with the option of driving for glory across a ravine and road. Regardless of your score the stunning countryside and sheer joy of playing on a James Braid designed course will guarantee you return.
Look forward to meeting you at the first. Kind Regards, Len Meeke 6 handicap.

Hamptworth Golf course review!

I have been known to eulogise about golf courses I have played in the past. I always keep an open mind when I play somewhere new because I like to judge each venue on its merits.
Hamptworth is an extremely welcoming and attractive club, and I could already feel my adrenaline beginning to flow. We turned up slightly early to absorb the atmosphere, so we relaxed in the lounge over a coffee and watched Sky Sports in a luxurious sofa. By the time, I stepped onto the first tee, I was totally relaxed and looking forward to the round ahead.
I must admit to being slightly wary about the 6509 yards that lay ahead, because the course according to the guide looked a challenge in any golfers language. It probably didn't help that I hit the ball like a rank amateur over the first 6 holes losing 4 balls in the process, but I was determined to enjoy what felt to me a superb course.
The front 9 was highly enjoyable but a struggle, so I have to be content that I at least hit one par on the 9th. It was on the back nine that I began to find my range, and a couple of tasty 4 irons really got me in the groove. What I couldn't fail to notice however was the intricate nature of each hole. So much thought and effort has obviously gone into the design of the course, that you can see why it is such a challenge for amateur and professional golfers alike.
So to the 14th, what a hole!! I stood on the tee in total awe. Trees on the left and right as far as the eye could see and a narrow tramway to drive through! Fighting the fear, I launched my drive high and left. Fearing the worst, I played a provisional, but alas, that also went high and left. I had to admit defeat, but did allow myself a chuckle when I read the course pro's tip for the hole, Good Luck. I like his style.
For the rest of the round, I enjoyed the picturesque and tranquil beauty of Hamptworth. I unashamedly say that it is one of the most beautiful courses I have ever played. Even though I didn't do it justice, it was an absolute joy.
I'm not going to beat around the bush, if you haven't played Hamptwoth, book a tee time today

Ever played Concra Wood?

So where is Celtic Manor - The 2010 course. Have walked round it several times and am playing it in December but its a wonderful course in great settings and deserves to be in the Top 10 not outside the top 100.

The European Club at Brittas Bay -- I defy any middle to high handicap golfer getting around there without losing a ball or two -- what a great and beautiful course. A real challenge and what golf is all about.

Sherwood Forest Golf Club

One of the finest heatthland courses in Great Britain.
A long estabilshed heathland course, one of the finest in Great Britain and a challenge for even the lowest handicap golfer. The back nine is the toughest part of the course, 11th to 14th are 4 tough par 4's in a row. Renowned for its fantastic greens, you won't be disappointed after your round, this course is a true Jewel in the heart of England!

Got to agree with some of the statements from my fellow golfers. Time you got with it - I can guarantee that 75% of readers of your mag has never had the opportunity to play these elitist courses. With average costs for a membership (in the West of Scotland) at £700, it's time that some of the smaller (in prestige) courses should be recognised for the wonderful endeavors of their green staff to turn out magnificent courses for the real-world golfers of Scotland. So, come on GM - get the finger out !!

Played at Burnham and Berrow last weekend in the West of England Winter 4somes and it was magical. A proper links course with all the links elements. Our club was as wet as you like, but here it was dry, firm and god was it a tough test.

I have played there many times before in tougher conditions, and still enjoyed every minute of it. Pay a visit soon!

Rye not in the top 50 surely not - this is one of the very great, particularly winter, links courses. Arriving on a crisp dry autumn day with a spectacular view across to the river Rother and the hilltop Cinque Port of Rye the appetite is whetted and the hands tingle. Once on the links you are treated to tight sandy lies, rapid perfect greens and a myriad of tempting but fearsome longish second shots invariably with a cross wind to small targets......and that's before you challenge 4 great short holes. These are always cross wind and require exceptional skill to hit the right shot that will hold the green and not be swallowed by fearsome bunkers (the cavern in front of the lonely7th) or taken away down some damning slope (the pit left of the 5th or sleepered 'bed' to the right of the 14th). Then as you flag towards the end of your round you are faced with 3 of the most exacting second shots into long par4's - 15,16 (the Crawley line?) and 18......what a treat - finally the convivial hospitality and unrivalled lunch in a light and open simple clubhouse ....a wonderful day out.

As i haven't played any of the top courses i can't review any of them but here is my review of my home course (which no golf mag has ever reviewed as far as i'm aware).
CHALGRAVE MANOR GOLF CLUB, nr Toddington Beds.
A relatively young course at just 16 years old but with great potential. The course is currently undergoing some major course works which will improve things further. Situated 2.5miles from M1 junction 12, this club has a great atmosphere & an enticingly low membership fee! It is an ever improving course which uses the natural features of the Downs perfectly. Small greens, in the main, reward accurate approaches with one giant shared green (8 & 17). Water features on several holes along with some fantastic views as you go up & down the rolling countryside. A relatively easy start, assuming you miss the pond on the first, & with the 3rd, a shortish par 5, giving a good eagle/birdie chance you can be led into thinking that its an easy course but don't be fooled! The wind on the Downs can be very fierce! The front nine finshes with a 600yd+ par 5 followed by the signature hole - the short par3 10th, over water onto a sloping green, possibly the toughest 100yards of golf you'll play! A three tiered green on the par 4 11th is protected by a pond, with out of bounds down the right & with a ditch across the fairway an accurate tee shot is a must. This is followed by the s.i.1 12th a dog-legged beast of a hole into any kind of wind with o.o.b down the right. Augusta has Amen corner, at Chalgrave it's something similar if you get round the turn relatively unscathed! Not that it gets much easier on the rest of the back 9. The hilly nature of the course means only the short 16th can be called straightforward on the back 9! A good challenge from the yellow tees at 6092yds it is a completely different animal from the whites which adds another 300+ yards with a tough par of 72. Other facilities include; a basic pro-shop, driving nets, practice range, chipping green, putting green & a practice bunker. Finally a clubhouse with a great atmosphere (& some good grub!) greets you at your rounds end. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
Phil Greenhill.

The Worcestershire, Malvern Wells

Surrounded by the beautiful Worcestershire countryside that inspired the great patriotic music of Edward Elgar; it's so easy to be tempted to unleash a dramatic Land of Hope & Glory drive on the relatively short 320 yd, Par 4, 1st hole and start your round with a birdie or even an eagle! But beware, the green is well protected and it's accuracy not length that will be rewarded, as you play this 6,455 yd, Par 71 course.
Nestling at the foot of the magnificent Malvern Hills this 130 year old Alistair McKenzie (of Augusta fame) designed parkland course is a real gem. Without exception, every hole has a stunning vista, and even if your game is not its best, you can't help but enjoy this course. From the elevated tee of the delightful 194 yd Par 3, 5th hole, looking due East across the Vale of Evesham that stretches into the distance, it's said the next highest point from here, are the Ural Mountains in Russia!
On a course rich in visual appeal, it's hard to pick a signature hole, but for many it will be the long 446 yd, Par 4, 14th. A long accurate drive down the left hand side of the fairway, will give you a chance of reaching the elevated tiered green in 2. More often than not, the pin will be found on the upper tier, so for your second shot club selection is vital, too short and you'll be on the lower tier with little chance of making par on this harshly contoured green. Too long and you will have a treacherous chip back, with the lower tier waiting expectantly to gather your ball.
Standing on the 16th 506 yd Par 5, if you've played well so far, then it's from this point that will make or break your round. With out of bounds on the left, a good straight drive will be rewarded with a relatively straight forward 2nd and you'll be disappointed with anything less than a Par. The 17th 537yd Par 5, is a sterner test altogether, with a lake protecting the green, you are forced to play for position with your second, and rely on an accurate short iron to make the green, you'll be delighted with a Par on this hole.
With a slight uphill fairway and the finishing line in sight, the temptation to finish with a mighty drive is great, but beware, with out of bounds to the left and trouble to the right, the 345 yd Par 4 18th demands a straight drive, from which a well hit 9 iron will find the centre of the green. Overlooked by the clubhouse and terrace, acknowledge the approving glances of fellow golfers as you complete your round.
A well deserved beer awaits you at the 19th, where you can relax and observe your fellow golfers, or just relish the beauty of this majestic setting - a view with a golf course!

Western Gailes

On the West coast of Scotland, you would struggle to find a more idyllic setting than that of Western Gailes. It encompasses everything you would want from a Links course, bare land, with nothing to protect it from the conditions ensuring a golfing test like no other.

The course is laid out with the first four holes going north from the clubhouse, with the next 9 holes coming south, ending with the last 5 holes coming north again, back up to the clubhouse. Therein lies the teasing of the golf course as you stand on the first hole down wind, feeling good, forgetting that for 9 holes, you will be head on with that wind. No bigger test will come than the 5th hole which, when that wind blows, you would struggle to find a more difficult hole. From the championship tee it is a mere 499yard par 4, and with a head wind, it really is a daunting prospect.

Every shot you play on this course will test your golfing capablilities, yet the surroundings make it tranquil and enjoyable even if your golf is not up top standard. On a good day the view out to the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig in the background, you will not find a better place to be playing golf.

Adare Manor Golf Club
This is the best parkland course in Ireland. Every hole is different and throughout the course one has to both draw and fade the ball. The setting is stunning with many very mature trees and a river running through the course. There is also excellent use of water hazards and the holes that surround the Manor building create a beautiful site.
The course is demanding with very challenging greens but can be enjoyed by all levels of golfers. That is summed up by a corporate day I attending a few years ago and after the round when one asked other players as to how they played a common response was not very well but I really enjoyed the day and the course - that to me is what an excellent golf course should be about.

sherwood forest gc (no 100)
What a fantastic golf course. Always in great condition (winter golf is as enjoyable as most courses summer golf) and a real test for any standard of golfer. I watched the Notts pros play off the back potts and the best score was 3 over par for 36 holes and that was on a good day weatherwise. The greens are fast with subtle breaks and the stretch of par fours from holes 11-14 are so unforgiving as each are well over 400yds in length. The groundstaff work tirelessly on the upkeep and deserve a massive pat on the back. The clubhouse gives a great view of the course and i could have sat there all day whilst the chef served me up some stunning food and drink. The pro shop has a vast array of merchandise from all the best makes and at a competitive price. My only surprise was the fact Sherwood Forest was not already in the top 100 golf courses and i am sure in due course it will climb higher and higher in the rankings.

In contrast to many of the others posting comments I have played about 80% of the courses on the list and must say that I largely agree with the rankings. I haven't played the Ailsa course at Turnberry since it was renovated prior to to the 2009 Open, but prior to that it would not have ranked no. 3 on my list - more like no. 10. In my view the best courses in the UK & Ireland are Muirfield, Royal Birkdale, St. Anderws, Royal St. George's, Royal County Down, Caroustie and Royal Lytham & St. Anne's - so much the same as your rankings.

As a player from abroad (Holland) I have had the pleasure, in the past two years, of playing on some of the fantastic courses mentioned in the top 100 and the next 100 lists.
This year I will be adding another 8 new courses of which at least 6 are in the mentioned rankings.What a joy to be playing these fine links, heathland and parkland courses. And although the fees can be pretty steep some of for the 'famous' courses it still is a celebration to walk these fairways.
I intend to come back for many more years and who knows one day I will succeed in completing the first 100 or at least a lot from all the courses in the Uk & ireland. My top courses, St. andrews Old course, north Berwick, Carnoustie, The duke's, gullane No1, K-Club Palmer Ryder cup & smurfit, Belfry-Brabazon, Panmure, gleneagles PGA. Oh who am I kiddin? they all have been great. Can't wait 'till it's may.

I can't believe ALYTH GOLF CLUB is not in that top 100. what a joke. The best greens in perthshire in the summer and iv'e got to say there better than most in the top 20 cause iv'e played 9 of those courses and only Muirfeild and Turnberry were better. Please review your top 100 carefully

Magnificent list, and, I appreciate that it is very subjective and impossible to please everyone. However, there is no one in the world that would convince me or any of the people who have had the privilege of playing Wallasey that it does not deserve its place in this list. The Home of Stableford and one of the best links courses that Britain has to offer. The views of the Irish Sea from the 4th Tee are stunning. Hosted countless Cheshire County Championships. If Nefyn makes the Top 100 then Wallasey should be in the Top 20. Simple as that. Time for, whoever compiles this list, to take a fresh look.

Glasgow Gailes Links

One of the best tests of Golf, and the course was in fantastic condition last week. Golf Monthly - you should review your rating of this course, and I am told it is final Open qualifying from 2014!

I have a question. Have you ever surveyed Berkhamsted Golf Club in your top 100 rankings

Rob, Berkhamsted GC is nice, but NOT GREAT m8. So they do not need to survey it in my opinion anyway

Seriously? No Downfield?