So what makes an outstanding course?

I also like Littlestone. Some really testing holes, especially when the wind is up.
Cooden have a reciprocol with them.
£30.00 green fee. Cushty.

If it was an hour closer to me I would join as country member - it is a superb course and look forward to playing it again this year
 
Unfortunately in this country the one thing we can't control which can make or break a course when you play it is weather,
Couple of years back played Dundonald Links and Royal Troon in consecutive days, first day at Dundonald Links the weather was beautiful and a great day, Troon it absolutely pished down and was a complete slog, wind was virtually identical both days.
Obviously it's not the courses fault, but the even the slightest mention of Troon gives me shivers.
It doesn't detract from the quality of the courses just our experiences of them.
The other thing that can also impact is the playing oartners.
 
It has to be enjoyable, for me the recipe for this is..Varied, scenic, Friendly, Good Greens and a good test without being too much of a ballbreaker.
 
Unfortunately in this country the one thing we can't control which can make or break a course when you play it is weather,
Couple of years back played Dundonald Links and Royal Troon in consecutive days, first day at Dundonald Links the weather was beautiful and a great day, Troon it absolutely pished down and was a complete slog, wind was virtually identical both days.
Obviously it's not the courses fault, but the even the slightest mention of Troon gives me shivers.
It doesn't detract from the quality of the courses just our experiences of them.
The other thing that can also impact is the playing oartners.

I was going to suggest we book Troon, but if you're worried about the weather AND playing partners I guess it's a no then.
 
I was going to suggest we book Troon, but if you're worried about the weather AND playing partners I guess it's a no then.
I was thinking Middlesbrough Muni next time your down😃
 
any course that isnt links .
i like a bit of scenery with my golf and links tracks are just boring ,hate the things with a passion.
give me a parkland course every time .trees and water with deep bunkers and not stupid fast greens ,but ones that hold an iron when played in.
links courses are just bits of grass on a sand dune, and when the wind blows become unplayable .I play to enjoy not endure golf.

what a load of absolute rubbish, just about every links course ive played has stunning scenery.
 
For me an outstanding course can be links, parkland or heathland. It must have an overall flow and coherence, ideally using the natural contours of the land, including quirky features if they exist in that pice of land. Holes should generally be a tough par but an easy bogey and offer risk-reward options. They should not be slaves to distance, though. Shorter trickier holes and half pars are fine. It need not have verdant green grass, azure water and dazzling sand, but should be in consistent and good playing condition. It need not be finely manicured either, a few rough edges are fine.
 
Well, that's about 15 different opinions of what makes a great course already :whistle:
 
Different people have different ideas about what stunning scenery is.

Exactly that - beauty is in the eye of the beholder and can understand why some see links courses as dull with no scenery. Have played stunning links , parkland and heathland courses and also played bland versions of them all.
 
what a load of absolute rubbish, just about every links course ive played has stunning scenery.

trees that are bent nigh on double and a few waves splashing about isnt my idea of beauty,
couple that with bloody sand blowing everywhere and you can have it .

look at it this way ,you wont find me clogging up the fairways holding you up or taking your tee time that you wanted .
you have your idea of a goat track ,i have mine .
 
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