Best course played & why?

"Best" is an interesting one, and you're right to ask people to expand on their replies.

I've played four 'top' courses - by that I mean they regularly feature in the UK Top100 lists (Princes, Woodhall Spa, Hollinwell and Sherwood Forest). They were all lovely but they were also very expensive. Expensive places are sometimes full of people who want to show you how much money they have, or pretend they have more than they actually do. Maybe I have a working class chip on my shoulder but I bristle at the prices.

So, I'm choosing my best course based on the 'vibe' on the day, and the memories it created. I'm going to say Tobermory GC on the Isle of Mull. It's nine holes, you pay your green fees in a shop in town, the clubhouse facilities consist of a kettle, a jar of instant coffee, and an honesty box. I went round with my wife (she wasn't playing, just taking photos). We got lost halfway up the first hole. I played terribly with some borrowed clubs that must have been 50 years old. The views over the Sound of Mull were breathtaking and I loved every moment.

It probably wouldn't make the Top100 in the West of Scotland, but for me, on that day, it was my number one.
 
The highest profile course I've played was The Belfry (played all three). The Brabazon was lovely, and I enjoyed the PGA National.

I've played a lot of courses in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, and a few beyond that. Difficult to say "best" though, because my attitudes in the day are not just influenced by the course, because other factors like the weather and how I play can also play a part on my mindset.

Woodhall Spa is nice, albeit I personally prefer the Bracken course. Played Lindrick which was decent. Hallamshire (Matt Fitzpatricks home course) was very good, although I remember the greens bing so quick that it was almost absurd.
 
My list feels a bit unworthy with all the fantastic courses people are naming . Think I’ve only played 2 or 3 top 100 England courses.
Sherwood Forest
Sand moor
Hallamshire
Cavendish
But my all time favourite but I will caveat that it needs to be sunny is Nefyn . It’s stunning, where ever you play from you can see the sea but the little bonus and I encourage everyone to do it is the fantastic pub on the beach Ty Coch . Couple of pints in here then re- join on the 15th bliss .
 
Thread title says "best course" and the opening post says "enjoyed the most" as a visitor. This rules out places where I was or am a member.

My definition of "best" will be very different from most golf enthusiasts.
When I look back on my personal golfing history I think about courses that I could play at a reasonable price that fed my growing enthusiasm.
Bude. I think it was 1970. Green fee was half-a-crown for my dad and 1/3 for me. This might have been the with-a-member price, as we played with a local chap.
A place to inspire some love-of-the-game for someone fairly new to the game.
Today, courses with massive green fees are never going to be in my "best" list as they are not available to enough people to qualify.
Of course, we can't go back in time and play courses like that for those kind of prices, but that was not the question.

"Enjoyed the most" - Ganton 1982. It was a university team competition. Got to play a practice round and then 36-hole comp the next day. Playing the course three times was no personal financial cost to me. One night in a B&B sharing a room was fairly cheap in Scarborough. This, and the team aspect made it very enjoyable. We did not finish in the top places, but that took nothing away from enjoying the privilege of playing there.
 
Voyager EMH said:
Thread title says "best course" and the opening post says "enjoyed the most" as a visitor. This rules out places where I was or am a member.

My definition of "best" will be very different from most golf enthusiasts.
When I look back on my personal golfing history I think about courses that I could play at a reasonable price that fed my growing enthusiasm.
Bude. I think it was 1970. Green fee was half-a-crown for my dad and 1/3 for me. This might have been the with-a-member price, as we played with a local chap.
A place to inspire some love-of-the-game for someone fairly new to the game.
Today, courses with massive green fees are never going to be in my "best" list as they are not available to enough people to qualify.
Of course, we can't go back in time and play courses like that for those kind of prices, but that was not the question.

"Enjoyed the most" - Ganton 1982. It was a university team competition. Got to play a practice round and then 36-hole comp the next day. Playing the course three times was no personal financial cost to me. One night in a B&B sharing a room was fairly cheap in Scarborough. This, and the team aspect made it very enjoyable. We did not finish in the top places, but that took nothing away from enjoying the privilege of playing there.
Click to expand...
Ganton is on my bucket list . Drove past last year on the way to Scarborough. It looked amazing
 
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It’s difficult to split best from other premier courses. When they get to that level, the differences can be small, and sometimes it might even come down to how someone spoke to you on the day.

Playing a top course now and again certainly can give you the wow factor but imagine how difficult it could be trying to grind out a score every Saturday. I love the Hotchkin at Woodall Spa but the second time I played it was off the blacks on a horrendously windy day - I didn’t reach some of the fairways. I’ve happily revisited it many times and would again.

But for a hidden gem, Llangollen. Not too long, though the tree lined fairways give an impression that it’s a little tight. A fantastic setting down in the valley by the River Dee. Hugely welcoming. And well worth return visits.

For something a little quirky and old fashioned, Royal West Norfolk @ Brancaster. Ideally, play it when the tide is in as it impacts several holes but be aware, the road to the course floods at high tide. Also, be aware of the dress code, inc. knee length socks in the bar when wearing shorts. Do go into the clubhouse, if only to look at the Honours boards. I found the place very welcoming, a great test of golf and a piece of history as a “Royal” course being so close to Sandringham.
 
The best day I had (and the courses were fantastic) was 36 holes at The Berkshire.

Played with my dad and 2 mates (1 is sadly no longer with us), the weather was perfect the courses were both immaculate the food at halfway was wonderful.

The golf was not particularly amazing although we all played well enough to enjoy it.

It was just 3 mates having a day together with loads of banter.

The courses were both as good as anywhere I have played, I would find it hard to rank a favourite among those I have played but as a day that would take some beating.
 
I have one primary candidate for worst course I've ever played. I'll not mention it publicly, but @LincolnShep will know the course I have in my mind.

It had a pretty run down pub as it's club house, everything seemed to be tatty and falling apart all over the course, and we lost balls in the middle of the fairway, as the grass was as long as heavy rough at other courses. On a positive note, they had a bouncy castle.
 
I've been lucky enough to play some great courses through some of the big GM meets. Too many to choose from but a standout for me would be Castle Stuart.
 
Skytot said:
Ganton is on my bucket list . Drove past last year on the way to Scarborough. It looked amazing
Click to expand...

Ganton can always be incorporated in a trip if you don’t mind doing a few miles. Scarborough South Cliff and Malton & Norton. There’s also S’boro North Cliff if you’re looking for a 4th course.
 
Hobbit said:
It’s difficult to split best from other premier courses. When they get to that level, the differences can be small, and sometimes it might even come down to how someone spoke to you on the day.

Playing a top course now and again certainly can give you the wow factor but imagine how difficult it could be trying to grind out a score every Saturday. I love the Hotchkin at Woodall Spa but the second time I played it was off the blacks on a horrendously windy day - I didn’t reach some of the fairways. I’ve happily revisited it many times and would again.

But for a hidden gem, Llangollen. Not too long, though the tree lined fairways give an impression that it’s a little tight. A fantastic setting down in the valley by the River Dee. Hugely welcoming. And well worth return visits.

For something a little quirky and old fashioned, Royal West Norfolk @ Brancaster. Ideally, play it when the tide is in as it impacts several holes but be aware, the road to the course floods at high tide. Also, be aware of the dress code, inc. knee length socks in the bar when wearing shorts. Do go into the clubhouse, if only to look at the Honours boards. I found the place very welcoming, a great test of golf and a piece of history as a “Royal” course being so close to Sandringham.
Click to expand...
Lucky enough to play Brancaster in the late 80's, for an Aussie....WOW absolutely loved it and the course next door, Hunstanton.......drew me back to play in their Spring and Autumn foursome weekends, I also organised a trip to go up play Woodall Spa that week.....brings back a lot of happy memories.
 
Swango1980 said:
I have one primary candidate for worst course I've ever played. I'll not mention it publicly, but @LincolnShep will know the course I have in my mind.

It had a pretty run down pub as it's club house, everything seemed to be tatty and falling apart all over the course, and we lost balls in the middle of the fairway, as the grass was as long as heavy rough at other courses. On a positive note, they had a bouncy castle.
Click to expand...
We played a course this May on the way home to South Manchester having played Sherwood Forest . It was awful , we had a very rowdy society in front of us who were all over show and won’t let us through. There were dog walkers and the remnants everywhere, greens were very poor . It had a Forest in its name which made it sound good 😂
 
D-S said:
Skukuza or Leopard Creek immediately spring to mind , nothing better than being very close to nature in the raw whilst also enjoying your hobby. Memorable experiences.
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Just to add a few images to illustrate my nature in the raw on courses like Skukuza, Leopard Creek and Hans Merensky.
These are from Skukuza. Golfing experiences you will never forget and Leopard Creeks is a stunning course too.
1764846965752.jpeg
1764847011959.jpeg
1764847118091.jpeg
 
AussieKB said:
Lucky enough to play Brancaster in the late 80's, for an Aussie....WOW absolutely loved it and the course next door, Hunstanton.......drew me back to play in their Spring and Autumn foursome weekends, I also organised a trip to go up play Woodall Spa that week.....brings back a lot of happy memories.
Click to expand...

I played Brancaster as part of a trip, playing Royal Cromer, Sheringham and Hunstanton. Unfortunately, my trip to Hunstanton was marred by two obnoxious members. To be fair, every review I’ve read before and since has been very good, and I should have revisited to give it a second chance.
 
Hobbit said:
I played Brancaster as part of a trip, playing Royal Cromer, Sheringham and Hunstanton. Unfortunately, my trip to Hunstanton was marred by two obnoxious members. To be fair, every review I’ve read before and since has been very good, and I should have revisited to give it a second chance.
Click to expand...
Wife comes from Suffolk and I lived there for a year and visited the relations quite a few times, so was lucky to play a lot of their courses and also Norfolk, never heard a bad word about Hunstanton, played a foursomes event with a mate and one of our partners was chap off z1 handicap who played soccer for Scotland, think his name was Ian Robertson, it was a fantastic day, 36 holes in glorious sunshine, never forget it.
 
Really tough to answer that question, as I’ve enjoyed so many.

In the UK, both the Kings and Queens at Gleneagles take some beating, in terms of conditioning, aesthetics and test. I’m also a big fan of places like Beau Desert and Cavendish. I know some rave about JCB but it left me feeling pretty underwhelmed after the hype I’d heard prior to playing. The trio of Sherwood, Hollinwell and Coxmoor in Nottinghamshire are all belters. So, too many to pick just one within our shores.

For me, probably my favourite is Monte Rei on the Algarve. I’ve been lucky enough to play it over a dozen times and it is a class act in every way. Fabulous golf course.
 
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