Whats the most underrated course you've played?

[Qwerty]

Or course that took you by surprise that you didn't expect to.

I think there's a lot of courses out there with a charm all of their own which doesn't always get recognised, The hidden gems that in your opinion should be ranked much higher. Or sometimes it can be a personal Favorite that only you seems to like and nobody else seems to "get"

I'll start with a local course, Manchester GC. A great moorland layout that in my opinion is the best inland course in Lancs although is isn't recognised as Being so.

Two Scottish courses that I always enjoy, Southerness, I think it's a great test but for me it's the remote setting that really draws me in. And Stranraer, not the greatest of courses but I find it really enjoyable with some absolutely stunning holes down the side of Loch Ryan.

In my opinion though, the most underrated course Ive come across is Beau Desert. I was expecting a decent course when I played it, But after 36 holes I was amazed that this course isn't ranked up there with some of the other best heathland courses in the country.
Ok it is well known and regarded, and I don't think it could be classed as a hidden gem. But still massively underrated IMO.


How about you?

 

[cookelad]

Good thread - I'm looking forward to the responses!

The best I can think of at them moment is Wallasey - not really underrated more overshadowed by it's Wirral neighbour, but given the choice between Hoylake and Wallasey I'd be heading to The Wirral's North corner not the West!

 

[Chris1980]

Id have to go with castlerock. Abs cracker!

 

[fundy]

In the last few years Northamtpon County the one that surprised me most, had little expectations as its rarely ever mentioned but a cracking Colt designed course, in great condition and far better than many rated well above it for me

 

[timchump]

I really like Stinchcome Hill in Gloucstershire

Amazing views and some pretty good holes. James Braid had some input on the design to.

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/area.asp?Move=Next&id=197

It's ranked quite low within Gloucestershire courses according to this list, personally think it should be much higher, i prefer it to the Kendleshire which is number 3 on the list.

 

[One Planer]

Hawkstone Park - The Hawkstone Course.

Beautiful course and scenery :thup:

 

[Adi2Dassler]

Brighouse Bay.Maybe not so much under rated just not known.always in excellent condition, a tough test if the wind is blowing and some lovely holes.

 

[MikeH]

two courses I've played in the last year that were great fun and probably better than I expected them to be were Elie in Fife and Kilspindie over in Lothian

playing Hullane No3 on Tuesday which I hear is another fun track

interesting to see comments about about Beau Desert and Wallasey - both are are always in the final reckoning for our Top 100m but have just missed out

Wallasey - contrast between the good holes and weak ones just too wide in our view. The 10 this one of the silliest holes Ive ever played

Beau Desert - the club with most signs telling you where not to go and what not to do. makes me cringe just to think about it.

 

[Qwerty]

Beau Desert - the club with most signs telling you where not to go and what not to do. makes me cringe just to think about it.

I honestly don't remember seeing many signs out on the course Mike. Surprising Really as I would usually notice that kind of thing as I do like a course to feel as natural as possible and something like that would generally take the edge off it for me also.

 

[MikeH]

signs werent on the course but in and around the clubhouse

dont go here, dont do this, dont even think about...

 

[stevek1969]

Id have to go with castlerock. Abs cracker!

Love that course especially the 4th the par 3 never made there yet.

For me its The Valley course at Portrush would gladly play there the rest of my days.

 

[Bratty]

Pedham Place in Kent and Morecambe GC in Morecambe would be two that spring to mind.

 

[thecraw]

I always think Kingussie is underrated.

I'd also say Dunbar and West Kilbride are under rated when you see how high some people rate the Kintyre track at Turnberry.

Finally going by the current GM top 100 then Western Gailes is very underrated. Its a better track than Kingsbarns without a shadow of a doubt.

 

[Twire]

I always think my course is underrated (East Devon GC) It's a heathland course situated on the cliffs in Budleigh Salterton. Spectacular views, and a good test of golf. If I could only play one course for the rest of my time, I wouldn't be upset if it was this one.

Never understood why it never gets into the GM top 200 as it manages to get in most of the other top 100 lists.

 

[Hobbit]

Ashridge GC, Herts. Played it twice and, although it is a top course, I think it deserves a higher rating.

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=27

Best parkland greens I've ever played on.

 

[Rooter]

West Cornwall at St Ives, green fees were low, didnt expect much when we pulled up either. Once you get past the 2nd or 3rd, it just opens up to the most glorious scenery i have seen on a golf course, right by the sea, single track trainline following the border, some stunning holes and a really tough test!

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Drayton Manor, Tamworth.
It's a James Braid course, quite short with accuracy at a premium, and having some shot shaping ability is very useful.
It's only around the corner from the Belfry and worth a visit if you're in that area.

I also really liked Woollaton, Nottingham.
I'd never heard of it until playing it in a work do. A lovely little course with some interesting holes. Just need to watch out for the deer.

 

[PNWokingham]

Or course that took you by surprise that you didn't expect to.

In my opinion though, the most underrated course Ive come across is Beau Desert. I was expecting a decent course when I played it, But after 36 holes I was amazed that this course isn't ranked up there with some of the other best heathland courses in the country.
Ok it is well known and regarded, and I don't think it could be classed as a hidden gem. But still massively underrated IMO.


How about you?

Totally agree Qwerty - I was expecting a lot as I had read a lot of reviews and it still surpassed expectations - I would go so far as to say that it is not a long way behind Sunningdale and the best of the best - just needs a bit more tree clearance to take it the next level, typified by the par 3 (8th??) which desperately needs the left side of trees cut back severeally to make it an awesome hole.

 

[scratch]

West Cornwall at St Ives, green fees were low, didnt expect much when we pulled up either. Once you get past the 2nd or 3rd, it just opens up to the most glorious scenery i have seen on a golf course, right by the sea, single track trainline following the border, some stunning holes and a really tough test!

Seriously?

West Cornwall is possibly the most dangerous course I've ever played! They have built too many tees back down the fairway in an attempt to lengthen the course and this puts you in the firing line of wayward shots from the group behind. I had 3 VERY close calls in one round there, I'd recommend wearing a hard hat if you play it.

Agree about the views though, some absolute stunners across the bay :thup:

 

[richart]

Salisbury and Wilts is an underrated course. Great views, quality greens and some big hills.

Course that has really improved over the last few years is West Surrey. Unlike a lot of courses in Surrey it is more parkland than heathland. Greens have really come on, and a club with a nice feel about it.