Golf World Top 100 Courses 2014 review - Biased?

MendieGK

MendieGK

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Yesterday I received my copy of Golf World through the post (I assume its sacrilege to mention GW on here), and with it was the top 100 course guide for 2014.

One of the first things I noticed about the review was that 13 out of the 14 panellists stated they preferred links courses, with the 14[SUP]th[/SUP] stating no preference.

Whilst I understand that a review such of this is merely people opinions meaning there are no right or wrong answers, surely a panel with these views does not ensure an even playing field?

The outcomes were fairly consistent with other top 100 reviews, but there was only 1 non-links course (sunningdale old) in the top 20 odd. Now surely this isn’t correct? Where is woodhall spa??

I will openly admit I prefer parkland/heathland courses to links, but I also fully appreciate the quality of a links golf course (Saunton East is probably my favourite I have ever played).

What are people views on this?
 
MendieGK said:
Yesterday I received my copy of Golf World through the post (I assume its sacrilege to mention GW on here), and with it was the top 100 course guide for 2014.

One of the first things I noticed about the review was that 13 out of the 14 panellists stated they preferred links courses, with the 14[SUP]th[/SUP] stating no preference.

Whilst I understand that a review such of this is merely people opinions meaning there are no right or wrong answers, surely a panel with these views does not ensure an even playing field?

The outcomes were fairly consistent with other top 100 reviews, but there was only 1 non-links course (sunningdale old) in the top 20 odd. Now surely this isn’t correct? Where is woodhall spa??

I will openly admit I prefer parkland/heathland courses to links, but I also fully appreciate the quality of a links golf course (Saunton East is probably my favourite I have ever played).

What are people views on this?
Click to expand...

Where i would expect a non biased opinion i think the fact they admit to preferring one type of course could influence their picks ,even un intentionally . some of the GM guys will have a better idea if they pick up on the thread
 
Perhaps the panel fully appreciate the quality of different types of course as well? Maybe links usually perform well in these top 100 reviews for one reason, that being that they are better courses.

I kind of favour a links course but really enjoy playing a nice parkland style course as well. Both give differing challenges and should be appreciated for what they are on the day. :)
 
Old Skier said:
Perhaps they should do a review of the 100 top affordablecourses or top 100 best value for money courses. In the end though it all comes down to personal preference.
Click to expand...


I'd like to see something like that. A top 100 'off the radar' courses (ones that don't quite make it but give great value for money), or top 10 on a regional basis perhaps (great for planning away days).
 
c1973 said:
I'd like to see something like that. A top 100 'off the radar' courses (ones that don't quite make it but give great value for money), or top 10 on a regional basis perhaps (great for planning away days).
Click to expand...

Didnt GM do this list after their last top 100 review?
 
MendieGK said:
Yesterday I received my copy of Golf World through the post (I assume its sacrilege to mention GW on here), and with it was the top 100 course guide for 2014.

One of the first things I noticed about the review was that 13 out of the 14 panellists stated they preferred links courses, with the 14[SUP]th[/SUP] stating no preference.

Whilst I understand that a review such of this is merely people opinions meaning there are no right or wrong answers, surely a panel with these views does not ensure an even playing field?

The outcomes were fairly consistent with other top 100 reviews, but there was only 1 non-links course (sunningdale old) in the top 20 odd. Now surely this isn’t correct? Where is woodhall spa??

I will openly admit I prefer parkland/heathland courses to links, but I also fully appreciate the quality of a links golf course (Saunton East is probably my favourite I have ever played).

What are people views on this?
Click to expand...

The list is subjective and the panellists opinion if will create a talking point and divide opinion always when published
woodhall spa hotchkin is in at 18.
above royal Liverpool at 29, it is extremely difficult to pick apart these lists when generally we only get chance to play a handful of them.
out of the top courses I have played

Birkdale
Woodhall
Ganton
Royal Liverpool
Royal Aberdeen
Cruden Bay
Hillside
Hollinwell
Woburn Dukes
Woburn Duchess

Appear in a similar order to how I would rate them.
 
Most golf Rags do a top 100 list and the panel are made up of "Golfers" but to be honest I bet the handicaps are rather high so they will only rate the ones they thought they played well so will not be to everyone choice so I tend to ignore them.
 
c1973 said:
I'd like to see something like that. A top 100 'off the radar' courses (ones that don't quite make it but give great value for money), or top 10 on a regional basis perhaps (great for planning away days).
Click to expand...

Old Skier said:
Perhaps they should do a review of the 100 top affordablecourses or top 100 best value for money courses. In the end though it all comes down to personal preference.
Click to expand...

Agree! I'd love an idea of what is the best course I could roll up to with say £40 in my wallet on a sunny Saturday afternoon in June and get a game of golf!

I enjoy the Top 100 courses articles but for most of us these are one offs and/or special treats I'm never going to drive into the car park at Muirfield on the off chance, which is also great as it gives us mere mortals something to look forward to when we do arrange to play.
 
Mail Man said:
Most golf Rags do a top 100 list and the panel are made up of "Golfers" but to be honest I bet the handicaps are rather high so they will only rate the ones they thought they played well so will not be to everyone choice so I tend to ignore them.
Click to expand...

and this is why i fully accept that a review is an opinion so cannot be wrong, just different.

As an example i cannot understand how the marquess @ Woburn isnt higher, its fantastic. BUT does the fact it plays very long for some people make a difference?

Its all very interesting the characteristics people look for in a top course. In the review they state that West Sussex could reach the top 20 in years to come. Whilst a nice course, i cannot understand peoples love for it. One par 5 (the 1st) at a little over 450yds, not for me.
 
Mail Man said:
Most golf Rags do a top 100 list and the panel are made up of "Golfers" but to be honest I bet the handicaps are rather high so they will only rate the ones they thought they played well so will not be to everyone choice so I tend to ignore them.
Click to expand...

Understand the panel for the TG one included PGA qualified coaches , pros , editors and a mix off handicaps
 
Mail Man said:
Where can I find the GM one and do we know who made up the panel ?
Click to expand...

It was right after they published the "GM top 100 Uk" so it would be a couple of years ago, you would have to look though back issues.

There was also, The Free clubgolf Mag that gets dist to clubs had a top 100 value for Money list a few months ago, that might have been the Scottish one though.
 
Mail Man said:
If that is the case then it may be worth a look do you have a link ?
Click to expand...

In their mag and there is minimal difference between theirs and GM and GW

There might be ok the odd difference but not much
 
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