111. Parkstone (2004 position – 87)
6241 yards; Par 72; SSS 70
Green fees £50-£60
Tel: 01202 708092
www.parkstonegolfclub.co.uk
Has the feel of links but is really heathland. Excellent variety of holes both in terms of distance and rise or fall of the land. Good condition and a good all-round and very fair test of golf from tee to green.
112. Archerfield Dirleton (new entry)
6525 yards; Par 72; SSS 72
Green fees only with a member or as a resident
Tel: 01620 850714
www.archerfieldgolfclub.com
Trees play little part here, although they are used cleverly to shape the tee shot on the par-5 5th. The rough is long and will punish any wayward tee and approach shots. A tough but very enjoyable course in excellent condition with good facilities and friendly staff.
113. Little Aston (115)
6670 yards; Par 72; SSS 73
Green fees £65
Tel: 0121 353 2942
www.littleastongolf.co.uk
The 17th has to be the standout hole here – a great short dogleg par 4 surrounded by gorse, dense trees and a water feature. A lovely inland course in very good condition with a long and proud history – it was designed by the legendary Harry Vardon and boasts a clubhouse from the 19th century.
114. St Andrews Bay Devin Course (113)
7049 yards; par 72; SSS 74
Green fees £45-£95
Tel: 01334 837000
www.standrewsbay.com
Set on cliff tops just outside St Andrews, the Devlin course features some spectacular holes that run along the coastline. Not as historic as its illustrious neighbours but a marvellous golf course in its own right that is extremely well maintained.
115. Adare (new entry)
6590 yards; Par 72; SSS 72
Green fees E75-E130
Tel: 00353 61 395 044
www.adaregolfclub.com
One of the best inland courses in Ireland and one of the last designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr before he died. It takes advantage of the excellent natural terrain on which it's built and the tributaries of the River Maigue. Some large sloping greens will test your putting skills.
116. Royal Worlington (new entry)
3105 yards (9 hole course); SSS 70
Green fees £45-60
Tel: 01638 715224
www.royalworlington.co.uk
Often referred to as one of the finest nine-hole courses in the world, Royal Worlington is built on free draining soil. This means that although it is a superb course all year round, it really comes into its own in the winter. A great day out and a real test of your skills.
117. Skibo Castle Sutherland Course (110)
6672; Par 71; SSS 72
Green fees unavailable – members only
Tel: 01862 894600
www.carnegieclub.co.uk
Also known as the Carnegie Club, this exclusive Scottish course features brilliant practice facilities and one of the best clubhouses anywhere in Britain. The welcome is warm but make no mistake – this is a searching examination for any standard of golfer.
118. Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course (118)
6787 yards; Par 73; SSS 74
Green fees £70-£115
Tel: 0800 389 3737
www.gleneagles.com
The last of the three Gleneagles courses to feature in the list, the PGA Centenary Course is long and uncompromising. Only the most consistent strikers of the ball from the tee will shoot a low round here. Excellent views temper this often severe test.
119. The Belfry Brabazon Course (111)
6724 yards; Par 72; SSS 73
Green fees £80-£140
Tel: 0870 9000 066
www.devere.co.uk/hotels/belfry
Scene of numerous dramatic Ryder Cup clashes, the Belfry's Brabazon Course is well known to golf fans all over the world. The 10th and 18th holes are arguably the most exciting and the course is without doubt a fair and true test of golf with the onus on long and accurate driving.
120. London Club International Course (new entry)
6574 yards; Par 72; SSS 73
Green fees £50-£100
Tel: 01474 879899
www.londongolf.co.uk
For me, the International is more enjoyable than the Heritage thanks to the number of its holes that are pure golfing fun. Two par 3s stand out – the 8th and 12th – both of which are all carry across water, making club selection crucial. These and other instant recall holes are usually the hallmark of a good course.
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