Best Municipal?

[Captainron]

St Andrews is almost definitely the best in the UK but are there any really good tracks run by the council out there? Gotts Park in Leeds isn't blessed with the best site but they do keep it in reasonable nick year round.

 

[TobieC]

Not played it for years but before i had a club membership i used to play and enjoy Walton Hall in Warrington. don't know what its like these days but it was always a challenge and in good nick

 

[CMAC]

Lochgreen in Troon runs beside royal Troon and is normally in great condition, Ayr Belleile is also very good.

There must be many others I'd imagine.

 

[Captainron]

Lochgreen in Troon runs beside royal Troon and is normally in great condition, Ayr Belleile is also very good.

There must be many others I'd imagine.

I am sure there are. That's why I am trying to get a list together. might be an idea for Golf Monthly to compile a list of the top munies in the land to promote affordable golf and encourage people to take up the game

 

[rosecott]

Thorpe Wood in Peterborough has got to be in with a shout - and its sister course Orton Meadows is also pretty good.

 

[Hobbit]

Stressholme in Darlington used to be good but not been there for a few years.

 

[CliveW]

Carnoustie is almost as good a St. Andrews. Also The Braids in Edinburgh is an excellent course.

 

[mc73]

I'm sure Routtenburn in Largs is also a municipal course and although ive not played it for a few years it was always a great track

 

[DCB]

I'd second the Braids, a great test of golf. Not long by modern standards, but to score well you have to play really well.

I'd also go along with Bellisle in Ayr and Lochgreen in Troon, another two great Muni courses.

St Andrews and Carnoustie aren't true Muni courses, they are both managed by Links Trusts rather than being real Munis

 

[Dodger]

I remember playing a track near Derby years ago that was fantastic......I was taken aback when I was told it was a Muni!!

Forget the name though...was near Allestree though,parkland with mature trees....anyone??

 

[MadAdey]

Thorpe Wood in Peterborough has got to be in with a shout - and its sister course Orton Meadows is also pretty good.

I agree with that one. Thorpe Wood is fantastic value for money and is better than a lot of courses that you pay a lot more for. Other thing is the pro at Thorpe Wood is one of the best in the area and is authorised TM, Callaway and PIng so has there full custon fitting setup.

 

[rosecott]

That would be Allestree Park.

 

[Dodger]

That would be Allestree Park.

Rings a bell....is it still as nice?

 

[rosecott]

Rings a bell....is it still as nice?

It's always worth a visit.

 

[papyt]

WALTON HALL is still a great track and would put many a private course to shame as well as the golf it has a small zoo and plenty of other things for the family to do while you play,SHERDLEY PARK in ST HELENS used to be voted the best muni in the north west year after year but has gone down the nick in resent years due to bad maintenance issues( done on the cheap)or BEACON PARK in upholland off the comp tees is a long and tough test set in what feels like a forest,very undulating but rewarding.

 

[LCVreg]

Down here in the South, Queens Park and Meyrick Park in Bournemouth used to be up with the best of the area, but like many, are now basically privately run for the council, so basically, pay as you play rather than true muni. Both still good, but nowhere near their former glories.
Likewise, Southampton, as above and was a few years go rated 3rd best muni in UK - still as good a course as any around.
Trouble is now, what is a true "Muni" ?

 

[Smiffy]

Down here in the South, Queens Park and Meyrick Park in Bournemouth used to be up with the best of the area, but like many, are now basically privately run for the council, so basically, pay as you play rather than true muni.

Played Queens Park once. On a Saturday. Gave up after 5 hours and 13 holes.....

 

[Shaunmg]

WALTON HALL is still a great track and would put many a private course to shame as well as the golf it has a small zoo and plenty of other things for the family to do while you play,SHERDLEY PARK in ST HELENS used to be voted the best muni in the north west year after year but has gone down the nick in resent years due to bad maintenance issues( done on the cheap)or BEACON PARK in upholland off the comp tees is a long and tough test set in what feels like a forest,very undulating but rewarding.

I can't really agree;
My first game of golf was at SHERDLEY PARK and although I’m a member of another club’ I still play regularly at Sherdley. I have been playing it for years and if anything it has improved over the last few years. My biggest criticism of Sherdley is it’s not marshalled enough, like a lot of muni’s, you do get a few k*obheads from time to time

I’d always said Sherdley was the best muni I’d played on, until I played PANSANGER at Welwyn Garden City. A lovely course and very well marshalled. Knocks all other muni’s I’ve personally played into a cocked hat

 

[thecraw]

I must be one of the few people who doesn't rate the Troon municipals. Bellisle used to be good however like all these courses, the councils are not putting in the same investment, raising the fees and cutting the work getting done.

 

[DaveM]

A lot of this is subjective. Use to play in a society from work. Used the Muni's in the northwest. Never really rated Walton Park. The best I have played is Heaton Park. But then again its just a personal view.