top three courses played

[HomerJSimpson]

Like I said way too many to ever have a definitive top 3. Others I've enjoyed include the Nicklaus at St Mellion (knee high rough accounted for a number of balls) The Old COurse at St Andrews (its St Andrews - simples) The New Zealand - again very quiet and undisturbed.

I've played a lot of munis in my time too. Of those Downshire in Wokingham is well worth a look for anyone looking for a game in the area. Its in top qulaity knick especially at this time of year and is a good test of golf.

Other golf courses I'd play again would be Bearwood Lakes (I'd happily play there for the rest of my days), Bude, and Holsworthy. The latter not so much for the course which was good but for the welcome we received on a filthy day. We were forced to stop after nine but the members were great and offered us free chips and a beer and made sure we were well looked after.

 

[stevek1969]

Machrihanish
Loch Lomond
Ballyliffin Old Links

And my hidden gem is Pitlochry on a nice day the scenery is awesome.

 

[backwoodsman]

Royal Dornoch - tough as hell & stunningly beautiful

Brora - totally unspoiled links

Boat of Garten - same reasons as The Craw

(Top two played for first time this year and easily jump into the list)

 

[mono217]

St andrews
Mossock Hall
Hurlston Hall

 

[mancity101]

tOUGH ONE BUT

Stockport, always in fantastic condition

Nuwara Elya - Sri Lanks _ Old world charm, caddies and its at altitude so the ball flies for miles + I went round in level par gross

Fleetwood - Great traditional Links course

 

[Wildrover]

I'm going to bottle it and split it (like the magazines do) between UK and Europe.

UK

1. Turnberry (Ailsa)- As you saw at the Open, stunning, amd not too long to enjoy.

2. St Andrews (Old)- Enough said really.

3. Montrose (Medal)- Not too long but a challenge all the same.

Europe

1. Vilamoura Old - Absolutely stunning course with large elevation changes and always in great condition.

2. Santo de Serra (Madeira)- Play it on a clear day and you will not play a more stunning course anywhere, tough too.

3. Carya (Turkey)- Peter Thomson's creation in Antalya really is reminiscent of Sunningdale or Walton Heath, but with better weather.

 

[HogansAlley]

1. Royal Birkdale
2. Hillside
3. Ganton

Interesting to hear a few shouts for Berkshire Blue. Lovely as the Blue is, surely the Red is superior?

My number 4 would be Pearl Valley in South Africa

 

[slugger]

I've only been playing the game for not even two years, yet i've been very very lucky in some of the courses i've been able to play...

1st place - North Berwick West Links - East Lothian
Golf was designed to be played there, i have still never had as much fun on a golf course! 'nough said )

2nd - Kingsbarns - Fife
One of the few courses that i've played that i can clearly remember every single hole. Would have been in top spot if it wasn't for a couple of weak holes in amongst the best i've played. Kingsbarns is an experience more than most other courses i've played. The views are second to none and the course design is beautiful.

3rd - Kilspindie - East Lothian
Just such a damn fine golf course. This isn't the longest course, but it's certainly challenging and rewards ambitious play. It feels like it's been there for ever and is very good fun to play. Not once have i felt like i didn't want to be on that course, even when things were going wrong!

 

[birdieman]

Difficult but if I had to choose 3 I've played and would go back to today I'd go with, in no particular order -

Royal Dornoch
Carnoustie championship
Old Course, St Andrews

Dornoch has far and away the best scenery, Carnoustie is the hardest course, St Andrews is great cos it's St Andrews.

 

[Fyldewhite]

1. (Without a doubt) Turnberry (Ailsa)
2. Carlisle
3. Stranraer

 

[Mike_j_golf]

Hi,
The European Club
Best links i have played
Mount Juilet
Best Parkland course in Ireland
Royal County Down
One of the best courses in the world

 

[freddielong]

Turnberry (ailsa)
Royal Birkdale
Castletown Golf Links Isle of Man

 

[Deleted member 1147]

I haven't played many in recent times, but of those I remember:

Forest of Arden - the main course, name escapes me.
Belfry - Brabazon
Kedleston Park Golf Club - near Derby

 

[bernix]

* Trallee
* Wild Coast Sun
* St. Andrews Jubilee

 

[RGDave]

West Hills is supposed to be nice. Played Guildford few months back and that was a nice track.

West HILL (no "S") is possibly the best non-famous club in the area, if not the whole south. Guildford (used to be known as Merrow, perhaps) is rough compared to the likes of New Zealand, Hankley Common and Hindhead. Not to mention West Surrey, Puttenham etc. etc.

 

[RGDave]

I haven't played many in recent times, but of those I remember:

Forest of Arden - the main course, name escapes me.
Belfry - Brabazon
Kedleston Park Golf Club - near Derby

The "Arden" course is the one you mean. The Aylesford is the other. The Arden is a beautiful course with great fairways.

Currently £69 for unlimited golf....still wouldn't tempt me though.

 

[RGDave]

Offering a vote to the Welsh contingent...

what about

1. Royal Porthcawl
2. Royal St. David's
3. North Wales (Llnadudno)

 

[thecraw]

Talking of Wales, we played at Prestatyn a few years back. Its advertised as a championship links. It was utter crap, a total waste of money and a day.

Nothing an army of bulldozers couldnt fix.

 

[Billysboots]

Monte Rei (Eastern Algarve) - expensive, but no more than you would expect for a Nicklaus design, but an absolute belter. Not a weak hole, and when it's had a year or two to mature don't be surprised to see it hosting a Tour event.

Victoria (Vilamoura) - class, from 1st to last.

Forest of Arden (Arden Course) - one of the best inland courses in the UK.

 

[RGDave]

Talking of Wales, we played at Prestatyn a few years back. Its advertised as a championship links. It was utter crap, a total waste of money and a day.

Nothing an army of bulldozers couldnt fix.

Thanks for the tip mate.....HAD planned to play there next week!!!