BY THE NUMBERS
Royal clubs represented
More than one Top 100 course
Ballyliffin, The Berkshire, Gleneagles, St Andrews, Saunton, Sunningdale, Walton Heath, Woburn
Courses that opened this millennium
Castle Stuart, Doonbeg, Dumbarnie, The Grove, Kingsbarns, Remedy Oak, Rosapenna Sandy Hills, St Andrews Castle, Trump International Scotland
Courses by type
Courses by country
100-92 TOP 100 COURSE RANKINGS
100
RE-ENTRY
Remedy Oak GF: £130-£150
This majestic and surprisingly secluded blend of mature woodland and expansive heathland to the north of Bournemouth first opened for play 15 years ago. It is kept in immaculate order, full of warmth, wonder and welcome.
GMVERDICT
Combines contemporary design with a timeless charm
99
UP 1
Ballyliffin (Old) GF: €180
Originally designed by Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy, the Old Links was most recently upgraded by Sir Nick Faldo. More traditional and forgiving than the Glashedy, some also consider the Old to be the more enjoyable of the two.
GM VERDICT
A terrific links with more variety than most and enormous fun
98
DOWN 3
Pennard GF: £75-£85
Pennard enjoys a magnificent clifftop setting, with dreamy and distracting views down to sea. Golf has been played here since 1896, with the course benefitting from a major James Braid makeover in 1908.
GM VERDICT
One of the most unusual Top 100 courses; astonishing views
97
NO CHANGE
Portstewart GF: £195-£250
Host of the 2017 Irish Open, which revisits next year, the course evolved from an original Willie Park Junior design and now takes full advantage of some of the most fabulous dunes in Northern Ireland.
GM VERDICT
A joy to the eye with a spectacular opening nine
96
DOWN 9
The Belfry (Brabazon) GF: from £175
This parkland track was the venue for four Ryder Cups between 1985 and 2002. With its well-positioned lakes, streams and bunkering, good course management is essential here. It’s important to play for position off the tee.
GM VERDICT
Offers amateurs the chance to follow in the footsteps of giants
95
DOWN 2
Enniscrone (Dunes) GF: €135-€145
Unusually for a links, Enniscrone is almost infinitely varied, with five long holes that work their way through the sandhills or along the shore. It is also extremely photogenic, with views that will stay forever in the memory.
GM VERDICT
Boasts the finest dunes and fresh delights every inch of the way
94
UP 2
Murcar Links GF: £130-£150
Founded in 1909, subsequent changes by James Braid and George Smith fashioned the course as it is today. Keep the ball in play and you will do well; let the wind get a hold and you will undoubtedly struggle.
GM VERDICT
A natural links with elevated tees, gorse, variety and excellent views
93
UP 1
Broadstone GF: £105-£140
This expansive heathland layout ventures through more elevation changes than its Top 100 neighbours at Parkstone and Ferndown. Restoration work has taken the course back closer to its Colt days with some eye-catching bunkering.
GM VERDICT
A heathland fan’s dream set on glorious rolling terrain
92
NO CHANGE
Woburn (Duchess’) GF: £179-£195
Majestic pines dominate at Woburn. This is especially true on the Duchess’, which has many tees with little to encourage golfers expecting a hook or slice! The course is extremely pretty and will reward good strategy.
GM VERDICT
Keep your concentration at the narrowest course in our Top 100
91-83 TOP 100 COURSE RANKINGS
91
DOWN 6
The Grove GF: £99-£179
The course has a traditional feel and it’s clear designer Kyle Phillips was influenced by the great British parkland and heathland courses. The undulating fairways stretch attractively across this mature piece of estate land.
GM VERDICT
Superbly maintained, the playing surfaces are always first-class
90
DOWN 1
County Sligo (Championship) GF: €200-€215
There’s a distinct feeling of being encircled by the sea here, with Benbulben mountain the intriguing backdrop. Harry Colt was principally responsible for the design and Martin Hawtree has advised on improvements.
GM VERDICT
A spectacular links, one of the most scenic in Ireland
89
DOWN 5
St Andrews (Castle) GF: £125
Set on the cliffs around Kinkell Ness to the south and east of St Andrews, the Castle course was designed by David McLay Kidd. Hugging the rugged coastline, the course offers stunning views out to sea and down to the town.
GM VERDICT
Different from the other St Andrews courses, an excellent addition
88
DOWN 7
Mount Juliet GF: €110-€145
The Nicklaus course on the 500-acre Mount Juliet estate provides a majestic canvas for golf and has matured extremely well. Standout holes include the 16th, where the unusual walled green is encircled almost entirely by sand.
GM VERDICT
