|
A Web Brower's Guide to the United Kingdom by Mark Rowlinson A web-browser's guide to some of the more interesting golf courses in the UK. The opinions are mine, so treat them with caution! This is by no means a comprehensive list, more a personal selection. South-East England: http://www.northforeland.co.uk/club.html
A downland course overlooking the sea a few miles north of Sandwich. It is bleak, very exposed to the wind, but there is no gainsaying its quality. The chalky soil gives excellent drainage and supports meagre, links-like turf, so crisp striking is called for and the traditional seaside virtues of the running game are encouraged. The toughest holes to my mind are the 8th, 17th and 18th, long par 4s playing sufficiently uphill to make them bogey 5s for most players. http://www.princesgolfclub.co.uk/
Scene of Gene Sarazen's Open Championship win back in 1932, but the course today is completely different, the original having been destroyed during the 2nd World War. Adjoining Royal St George's but a much gentler links. 27 holes. http://www.royalstgeorges.com/
The only course in the South of England currently on the Open Championship roster. Some of us were disappointed with the set up for the 2003 Open, with some fairways unable to hold a perfectly well-struck drive. It is a wonderful challenge to the decent amateur player off the white plates. Substantial dunes frame many fairways and greens.
http://www.royalcinqueports.com/
A wonderful old links which many say is still good enough to host the Open Championship. There is no doubting the challenge of a magnificent sequence of closing holes. There is a somewhat Scottish feel about the golf course, which may be something to do with its starting and finishing close to the houses of Deal. http://www.kingsdowngolf.co.uk/home.htm
Walmer and Kingsdown is the nearest course on the UK mainland to France. It's set high on cliffs overlooking the English Channel and provides a really enjoyable round. I found the staff very welcoming. The views are unsurpassed and there's decent challenge in the golf. A lovely respite after the sterner challenges of Royal St George's and Deal. http://www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk/
A slightly austere, yet charming links between Deal and Rye. It is for the most part very flat, with the only significant movement on the first-rate 468-yard 16th and famous par-3 17th. But the flatter holes include several thought-provoking par 4s, amongst which the 4th, 8th, 10th and 12th stick out in my memory even though I have not played there for many years. The 11th may be even better, with a stream crossing the fairway on the diagonal just where you would rather it didn't. http://www.romneywarrengolfclub.org.uk/
A public course next door to (and operated by) Littlestone. Short but fun and much of it genuine links. http://www.haylinggolf.co.uk/
One of the lesser-known links courses on the south coast. It was founded by the Sandeman family, the famous Port shippers, and is the work of JH Taylor and Tom Simpson. The first two or three holes are fairly prosaic but it soon builds to memorable stuff, not least the famous 12th (Desert) and 13th (Widow) and the home-run through plentiful gorse is demanding. Weekend visitor play is possible. http://www.stonehamgolfclub.org.uk/
A parkland course just outside Southampton of some substance, good enough, indeed, to have hosted our top Amateur Stroke Play Championship, the Brabazon Trophy. I don't know how much of Willie Park's design survives, but there is enormous variety and excellent use is made of the undulating land to provide any number of interesting strategic challenges. There is some imaginative bunkering (fairway bunkering, too) and some of the green sites are brilliant. It only measures 6,387 yards from the back, but it certainly feels 500 yards longer. http://www.worthinggolf.co.uk/
Two courses set out on chalky downs, very exposed to the wind, with brilliant drainage and some very cunningly placed greens. The club secretary describes it as a Vardon course, though Colt made substantial alterations later. I played it at the end of a long, dry period and there was hardly a blade of grass on it, even on the greens, but it was thoroughly entertaining. http://www.crowboroughbeacongolfclub.co.uk/index.asp
Crowborough Beacon stands on high ground not far from Royal Ashdown Forest and makes a fine foil for it. (I should recommend Piltdown, too, which [like Royal Ashdown] is bunkerless, but there is no website that I can find and I've not played it myself, so I can only do so on reputation). There's plenty of heather and that incomparable downland turf which plays as if it ought to be within earshot of the sound of breaking waves but is, in fact, 800 feet up. The views are terrific, but the prospects from the 2nd and 6th tees are fearsome, the 2nd a par 4 of real villainy, the fairway leaning and curving to the right, with the green on the far side of a chasm. The 6th is a brute of a par 3, across a heathery valley to a green perched on a rock - miss to the left and you are dead. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes was an early Captain. http://www.royalashdown.co.uk/
An absolute must! Bunkerless it may be but there's quite enough trouble of other kinds to thwart the wayward hitter and many of the holes are quite brilliant in their design. First rate! http://www.westsussexgolf.co.uk/
One of the loveliest of all the heath-and-heather courses with any number of really exciting holes. Gorgeous! http://www.effinghamgolfclub.com/
A Colt course within fairly easy reach of central London in gently undulating ground on the North Downs. Again, the chalky subsoil gives excellent drainage with fast, links-like fairways. http://www.farnhamgolfclub.com/
A hilly heathland course which is taking on the challenge of removing its over-abundant trees (see architectural report in website). There are some fine views, many interesting holes and you get some archetypal heath-and-heather play for rather less than you have to pay in the Sunningdale region. I'd heartily commend Liphook, too, but it doesn't have a website. http://www.westhill-golfclub.co.uk/
West Hill is often overlooked, yet it is part of a famous trilogy along with Woking and Worplesdon. It hosts the annual father-and-son tournament which draws an international field, entailing a 5-year waiting list. It's a very handsome heathland course - with perhaps too many trees for some - but there are plenty of first-rate holes offering strategic options and the bunkering has recently been refurbished. I haven't played it for a great many years but I drove past recently and, from what little I could see from the road, it looked to be in excellent health. Woking does not seem to have a web site, but is a compulsory study for all keen on traditional heathland architecture. Worplesdon is a cracker of an Abercromby heathland course. Sadly, no website. http://www.guildfordgolfclub.co.uk/
Often overlooked - rather a good course with fine views. http://www.camberleyheathgolfclub.co.uk/
Said to have been the most expensive golf course in the world when laid out in 1912. It is a good course, somewhat altered since Colt's day, but I found some of it rather disappointing, even ordinary, and it's all too constricted by roads and housing. Japanese-owned, I think. http://www.burhillgolf-club.co.uk/
Two courses, one old, one new. Barnes Wallis designed the 'Bouncing Bomb' in a room here! http://www.whgc.co.uk/
The Old Course at Walton Heath is Herbert Fowler's astonishingly accomplished entry into golf course design. The New Course is not far behind in distinction, either. First class heathland golf. It is on public land, so even if you do not have time to play it you can walk over it freely. http://www.coombehillgolfclub.com/
Aristocratic woodland course beloved of RT Jones, Bing Crosby and visiting royals. Abercromby design, excellent short holes plus many a splendid longer two-shotter. Pricey but classy. The Addington is Aber's best (which is saying a lot). Idiosyncratic and memorable. No web site, but you'd not expect one. Very laid-back. http://www.hankley.co.uk/
Hankley Common must surely boast more heather than any other course in the UK. A wide-open heathland course of real quality. http://www.the-hindhead-golf-club.co.uk/
Engaging, hilly course in superb countryside. New Zealand is a very quiet members' club hidden away in the Woking/West Byfleet area. It's gloriously old fashioned but it does allow a few visitors by prior arrangement. If the opportunity turns up take it, for it has some wonderful classic holes and an abundance of heather. http://www.rmsgc.co.uk/
Royal Mid Surrey has two courses laid out in a loop of the River Thames in Richmond. JH Taylor's earthworks were innovative in their time and there are some first-rate long par 4s. It can get very damp in winter (Royal Mud-Surrey). http://www.stgeorgeshillgolfclub.co.uk/
Some say that St George's Hill is Colt's masterpiece. It may or may not be, but it is wonderfully good. The utilisation of the topography is brilliant, the greens are a study in themselves, and it just oozes breeding and class. Don't miss it! http://www.sunningdale-golfclub.co.uk/
One of the most famous of all our historic heathland courses. Justifiably so. http://www.tandridgegolfclub.com/
A lovely Colt course which is the more beautiful for its wealth of trees, but there are those who say that the trees are too intrusive, detracting from the strategic options once available. http://www.wentworthgolf.co.uk/
The West and East are hideously expensive but classic heathland courses, the West familiar to all armchair golfers. Edinburgh course desperately disappointing. http://www.wbgc.co.uk/
Pretty parkland course on well-drained sandy soil giving good winter golf. http://www.wsgc.co.uk/
As pretty as a picture and good value, too. How much of Fowler's original course remains I cannot say - they have recently completed alterations. The Berkshire doesn't appear to have a website - pity, because its two courses are amongst our finest heathland tracks. Swinley Forest - you'd never expect this to have a website (and it doesn't). If St George's Hill isn't Colt's masterpiece then this is. Wonderful stuff! http://www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/eastberkshire/
Spoken of by the knowledgeable as being every bit as good as either course at The Berkshire. It's a big claim, but those who make it include golfers whose judgement I respect. I do not know it personally. http://www.stokeparkclub.com/
I can't be doing with the excessive lavishness of the place, and some of Colt's original course was dug up when the layout was expanded to 27 holes, but James Bond fans should not miss it, and there is enough of the old course left to attract wealthy Colt fans, if only to play the original of Augusta's 12th. Beaconsfield is a charming Colt course, always in immaculate condition and well worth a visit. No web site that I could find.
http://www.denhamgolfclub.co.uk/
Not far up the road from Stoke Park, and the only golf club in Britain to have its own station, Denham is very quiet yet is located within the main M25 London ring-road system. It's a Colt course with some lovely surviving bunkering and interesting green complexes. It's not cheap to play as a visitor, but it is terrific value compared with the exorbitantly expensive Stoke Park. http://www.bbgc.co.uk/
Burnham Beeches is another (even nearer) neighbour of Stoke Poges, laid out in glorious woodland, though the trees are not as great a hazard as they first appear to be. The distinguishing feature is a series of chasms which much be crossed, either from the tee or on the approach to the green, and many of these are filled with trees, bushes or other nasties. Despite its aristocratic membership it's very laid back and relaxed and not too expensive to visit given its prime location. One of my very favourite parkland courses. http://www.flackwellheathgolfclub.co.uk/
Not a great course, but there are some excellent holes on the hillier parts of the course and a genuine Spion Kop. http://www.goringgc.org/
Goring and Streatley is set on well-drained, hilly ground overlooking the Thames Valley a few miles north-west of the famous Berkshire/Swinley/Sunningdale area. Tom Dunn laid out the original course. Who knows how much it has changed? But it's fun. True, there is a steep hill to be climbed over the 2nd, 3rd and 4th, but then you are up on top of the Downs until you descend steeply on the 17th. Up there are some really uplifting holes, the 455-yard 7th being my pick. Strong men may aspire to drive the par-5 17th if they get the angle right. I didn't even try and still ended up with egg on my face! http://www.newburygolf.co.uk/
A pretty country course - a very old foundation - now restored to peace and quiet following the closure of the giant Greenham Common air base. Excellent value for money. South-West England: The West Country is not generally on the international golfing tourist's agenda. St. Enodoc, Royal North Devon, Saunton and Burnham and Berrow are amongst our most characterful links courses but there is so much else besides. Hardy's Wessex lies mostly in Dorset and there are some really lovely heathland courses to be found there. For the purposes of this survey I'll also include Wiltshire, a county of chalk uplands and a host of ancient monuments such as Stonehenge, Silbury and Avebury. Its golf courses lie only just off the M4 and should be considered by those journeying west from London and its airports. Otherwise, I'm talking of anything south of Bristol - Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. http://www.ferndown-golf-club.co.uk/
Ferndown hosted the 1989 Women's British Open (won by Jane Geddes) and a number of professional events in former times. It's too short for the modern tiger but it is still a super course for those of less athletic endowment. There is some excellent bunkering (such as the good, old-fashioned cross bunkers on the approach to the par-4 6th), a number of very deceptive greens (especially that on the short par-4 16th), heather abounds and the pine trees are such a distinctive feature of the Bournemouth area that they are essential, not to be removed! http://www.broadstonegolfclub.com/
Broadstone is outstanding. I first played it on my own in the evening as the deer were coming out onto the course, the low sun emphasising the contours and magnifying the task ahead in keeping out of the abundant heather and well-positioned bunkers. The web-site's photogallery gives a reasonable impression (ignore the dark early and late photos). Add 50% to find out what it is really like! http://www.parkstonegolfclub.co.uk/
Unfortunately, the web site does little justice to the beauty of the place and none at all to the true qualities of the course. It might be described as heathland amongst the pines, but the club is taking in hand any trees which interfere with the playing options and those which interrupt the original sight-lines, yet at all times ensuring full enhancement of the ecological fecundity of this remarkable place. Donald Holmes, the club president, is passionate about the balance between best playing qualities and best greenkeeping and ecological practices and the result is a cracker of a course. Not to be missed in the Bournemouth area. http://www.purbeckgolf.co.uk/
Isle of Purbeck isn't an island (typically British!) but an area of heathland overlooking Poole Harbour and the sea, heather in extremis, gorse aplenty and the view from the 5th tee is surely on a par with any at Pebble Beach or Mid Ocean. The place is awash with ancient burial sites and rare flora and fauna. It can't help but distract your attention from the golf in hand which is thoroughly entertaining, with lots of risk taking options. It's a family-owned club and Mrs Robinson, the current proprietor, seems to have got just about everything right. http://www.camedowngolfclub.co.uk/CameDownGC.swf
Came Down isn't going to set the world on fire but the marriage of the restrained architecture of JH Taylor and Harry Colt with some lovely upland scenery makes for a good example of proper country golf. http://www.lymeregisgolfclub.co.uk/
Unfortunately the website does not currently function well and I could raise no photos, but the location is the thing. Here we are 600 feet above the sea in a stunning cliff-top location. We are at the mercy of the wind. http://www.bowood-golf.co.uk/
What! A recommendation for a new course? Actually, yes. I don't say it's the last word in contemporary architecture, but I think the way Dave Thomas has married the golf course into a Capability Brown landscape and utilised the existing features to make a number of excellent holes makes it worthy of consideration. It may be the most peaceful golf course in the south-west, another cause for celebration. The 8th is a terrifyingly uncompromising hole. http://www.bathgolfclub.org.uk/
Interesting web site! They are so proud of their Harry Colt course that they don't spoil it for the visitor with lots of hype - or even pictures. If your family wants to explore Roman Bath (and why not?) make sure you leave yourself time to enjoy this unusual upland course with many unique holes. This is ancient earth, crossed by the historic Wansdyke, and it even features in the golfing hazards. http://www.highpostgolfclub.co.uk/pages/home.html
http://www.ogdgc.co.uk/ (Ogbourne Downs)
http://www.westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk/
http://www.upavongolfclub.co.uk/
http://www.tidworthgolfclub.co.uk/
http://www.marlboroughgolfclub.co.uk/
I've lumped these together as their websites are not distinguished and fail to do justice to their attractions. They are all pretty similar in providing downland-based golf of some merit, not least in their brilliant drainage and consistently good winter golf. Their upland sites all give wide, panoramic views. http://www.westonsupermaregolfclub.com/
I haven't played it. The website gives some early history (including a picture of Hagen playing there?) but doesn't mention Dr Mackenzie's architectural contributions, nor the famous 15th, often compared to the Road Hole at TOC. Perhaps a Painswick visitor could look in en route to Burnham and Berrow? http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/golf.shtml
Hopeless website, but take it from me that this is a links course of the highest calibre with big, tumbling dunes and some brilliant green sites. Great value for such a fine course. http://www.sauntongolf.co.uk/
Two superb links courses - one can only dream about combining the best of both to host the Open Championship one day. But the infrastructure will need a huge improvement if that is ever to come to pass. Keep dreaming! http://www.royalnorthdevongolfclub.co.uk/
Famous, historic links course with a fascinating golf museum. First-time visitors are shocked at the locals walking their dogs over the fairways and greens and the horses and sheep roaming freely. From the clubhouse the course does not look anything special, either. But by the time that same visitor has walked off the 18th green they know they have played somewhere very special (and not paid a fortune to do so, either). St Enodoc is a top-rate links full of distinctiveness and rich character. It is known to and deeply loved many GCA regulars, but, so far as I can tell, there is no current website. It's a gem.
http://www.yelvertongc.co.uk/
If you are in sympathy with the common-land nature of Westward Ho you'll love Yelverton. Not that it is over-run with dog-walkers, but that the very nature of it is as a totally natural course. Herbert Fowler was the designer and he made the maximum use of the indigenous Dartmoor resources with the minimum of earth-moving. Profuse gorse is a persistent threat, and the Plymouth Leats (shallow drainage channels dug to provide fresh water for the Royal Navy in the 1790s) and the humps and bumps of 19th-century tin workings have been utilised quite brilliantly for strategic challenge. http://www.thurlestonegc.co.uk/
Hopeless website, but the cliff-top nature of the course is at least apparent. But it's much more than that. The opening hole is unique, somewhere between brilliant and crazy, but the next few holes break out onto the headland and include three excellent short holes. The holes around the turn are stern and I like the temptations of the short par-5 18th. I cannot say how much of Colt's architecture remains intact. I gather Le Meridien hotel group has bought Manor House Hotel at Moretonhampstead on Dartmoor (web searches will direct you to manor House Hotel at Castle Coombe - not the same thing, at all!). I hope the golf course survives, for it is a proper country house course, not an all-singing/all-dancing Sawgrass lookalike. It's actually an Abercomby design, the first eight holes being troubled by a little stream, the 1st perhaps the most perplexing opening hole I can think of for the average golfer. I do hope they don't have grand designs for this charming course. http://www.trevose-gc.co.uk/
Trevose is not perhaps the masterpiece many claim for it, but it has managed to become a set of hotel/country club courses of traditional style and quality and the accommodations are value-orientated. You'll never forget the thrill of an eagle-3 on the par-5 4th, the most attractive hole on the Championship Course. But you'll only do that if the wind is not howling in off the Atlantic. When it does (and it usually does) you may be looking at three wooden-club shots before even contemplating a pitch or putt. Some first-rate holes, some very ordinary. I am distressed to find that West Cornwall Golf Club has an abominable website (http://www.westcornwallgolfclub.co.uk/) for it is a links course full of interest and character. Jim Barnes, winner of the Open, US Open and USPGA, was a product of West Cornwall which, today, probably bears little difference from the links as first laid out by Rev. F.F. Tyack. There are some spectacular dune holes in the middle of the course, and the routing cleverly brings them into play at several different parts of the round. The opening holes run the gauntlet of St Uny's Church and its graveyard and, you guessed it, many a scorecard comes to an untimely end before the round has really begun. I've only been once, but it is firmly imprinted on the mind - and how I long to return! http://www.golfincornwall.co.uk/mulliongc.htm
Hardly the last word in websites, but if you've travelled this far you would not turn down the chance of 18 holes of such scenic, cliff-top golf. http://www.lanhydrock-golf.co.uk/
The Bond Brothers who developed Lanhydrock also developed St Mellion (in my opinion the only Nicklaus course worth thinking about in the UK - more than that, I really enjoyed the challenges of my one outing there). My first impressions of Lanhydrock were not favourable - bland fields with a pond in the middle, but as early as the 3rd or 4th I began to appreciate what a good job Hamilton Stutt had made of the design and by the end I was smitten. Given that's it's in a major tourist area, it is very reasonably priced. http://www.chycor.co.uk/golf/cornwall/perranporth/page1.htm
Not known to me, personally, but highly recommended by more than one GCA regular. http://www.budegolf.co.uk/
Left to last because it is the most Scottish course in this selection. The course is laid out in and around the town in the traditional Scottish manner. The land undulates in the most natural manner and the whole course has the feeling of utter naturalness. I love it. The Midlands (to the south and west):
http://www.kingtongolf.co.uk/
Kington is the highest golf course in England, located in some of England's most unspoiled countryside. Goodness knows what the architecture may be like, but the spot itself is surely unmissable. And there's overseas membership available.... http://www.therossonwyegolfclub.co.uk/
Dear me! All those trees! But there are few more handsome woodland/forest courses in this part of the country. I, for one, don't object. http://www.pasturegolf.com/courses/painswick.htm
Host to the 2004 GCA Ryder Cup. What more need be added? http://www.blackwellgolfclub.com/
A fairly exclusive club in the Lickey Hills south of Birmingham but, if an opportunity to play ever arises, grab it with both arms. A Fowler/Simpson layout - but it's undersold on the web site. http://www.theworcestershiregolfclub.co.uk/
Again the web site does it only partial justice. There are some Mackenzie remnants here, but you play here for the situation, overlooking the Severn Plain while being overlooked by the Malvern Hills. Musicians among us revel at the thought that the composer Sir Edward Elgar used to be a member. http://www.edgbastongc.co.uk/
In the suburbs of Birmingham close to the University, Edgbaston could be said to sum up English parkland golf. Look back to Paul Turner's postings on GCA for some super photos. Harry Colt. http://www.sandwellparkgolfclub.co.uk/
Again, Paul Turner has done photographic justice to this course in a past posting on this site. Would the website did as much! You cannot imagine such an inspiring course lying hidden away amidst the motorways, football grounds and dilapidated housing of the Birmingham suburbs, but it exists and will enthral all who manage to find it! http://www.tadmartongolf.force9.co.uk/
Back to the Cotswolds. Donald Steel's article about Tadmarton in about 1960 alerted me to its promise. One visit was enough to fulfil that promise. The rather embryonic web site reflects the club's laid-back attitude. It knows it's awfully good and doesn't need to sell its wares. I concur whole-heartedly. http://www.henleygc.com/
Henley is synonymous with rowing. It also has a first-rate little arts festival and a thoroughly good brewery (Brakespeare's). You'll be hard pressed to find its golf course, running up and down over the steep hills to the south. Just look at the picture of he 15th and you've a pretty good idea of what is in store. A little beauty! http://www.huntercombegolfclub.co.uk/
I'm pleasantly surprised to find a web-site for Huntercombe. Surely it's too laid back for such a vulgarity! But no! Happily it doesn't reveal much. But we can at least play there as visitors to find out what all the fuss is about at a reasonable fee. Sadly I don't have any photos to post - I played there occasionally in the late 1960s as an undergraduate. Please, GCAers, do your bit! Northamptonshire is a bit of a no-go area for me. Northamptonshire County is a lovely old parkland course (Colt with later amendments), which I played occasionally (and with much enjoyment) as an undergraduate, but it doesn't have a website. Wellingborough (which has a website) has an ancient clubhouse (18th-century Harrowden Hall) but seems more intent on selling weddings and functions than attracting visiting golfers on its website. Let's move to Rutland, England's smallest county. http://www.luffenhamheath.co.uk/default.asp
Again, I'm surprised they have a website. They don't need it. They have a small, devoted membership and there are sufficient well-educated visitors to take up their allocation of green-fee-paying slots. All I can say is that if you are ever in this part of the East Midlands, do not pass it by. It is a genuine hidden gem. Heading back towards London before an excursion into East Anglia: http://www.dunstable-golf.co.uk/
A mixture of parkland and downland (some photos on the website - it's certainly photogenic on the upland holes) relatively close to London, yet far enough away to be affordable. East Anglia: That region to the East of England sticking out into the North Sea, once described as 'Cut off on three sides by the sea and on the fourth side by the Great Eastern Railway.' It includes the remarkably flat Fens, but also surprisingly undulating parts of Suffolk and Norfolk. This particular coast is subject to severe coastal erosion and if the global warming thing is going to happen play Royal West Norfolk and Sheringham before they disappear beneath the waves. Other courses of international repute are Hunstanton and Royal Worlington & Newmarket, said by many to be the finest 9-hole course in the world. Only 2-ball play is allowed at R W Norfolk, Hunstanton and R Worlington. East Anglia may have few courses, but those it does have a of a much higher-than-average quality and they provide some of our best (if sometimes bitterly cold) winter golf. Royal West Norfolk is so restrained that it does not have a website. Glorious, old-fashioned links golf with sleepered-bunkers and lightning-fast greens plus some great design. http://www.members.aol.com/bagnjol/
Not the official web site for Hunstanton, but better than nothing. Great fun, especially those holes which cross the central spine of dunes. Superb greens, probably the fastest in the country on a day-to-day basis. I have played Hunstanton many times and look forward to playing it more eagerly every time - inspiring! http://www.aldeburghgolfclub.co.uk/
Aldeburgh is another traditional club which prefers 2-ball matchplay. The pictures on the website hardly do justice to the severity of the bunkering, wickedly tight fairways (mostly lined with deep gorse) and lightning-fast, rarely-watered greens. The fairways, too, are bone dry (fantastic drainage) and running approaches may have to landed 40 yards short of the putting surface playing downhill with the wind. Terrific and terrifying! Woodbridge doesn't seem to have its own website, but it will be known to many US servicemen who have flown from Bentwaters or Woodbridge. 27 holes of attractive mainly heathland golf. http://www.felixstowegolf.co.uk/
A part-links very exposed to the wind, connected with Bernard Darwin, though the course had to be completely rebuilt after WWII. It feels ancient enough, though, with many raised greens tricky to hold in the inevitable wind. http://www.ipswichgolfclub.com/
It's many years since I played here and I understand that much recent work has been done to restore the heather. It's subtle rather than brutal - a very pretty course always in good condition, even in winter. http://www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/rushmere/
Rushmere is another pleasant course in the Ipswich suburbs. Here the predominant feature is gorse - acres of it, as I remember. http://www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/orsett/
Orsett is really a London club - close to the Tilbury-Dartford Thames crossings. It plays like a heathland course and the wind is rarely absent. It's been a regular Open Championship Qualifying course, and I'm not surprised. http://www.thorndonparkgolfclub.com/
Not a great website, but the clubhouse is surely enough attraction. The Colt/Alison name-tag is also attractive. I haven't been there since the 1970s so I can't say what sort of alterations may have been made to the original but I remember it, even from then, as being in stunning condition. http://www.gogmagog.co.uk/
Those of you who know Cambridge as a beautiful, but flat, city may be surprised at just how hilly the first few holes of the Old Course are. They lead to a fine stretch of upland golf with many individual features - fast, links-like fairways, plentiful bunkering and some fascinating green complexes. The Wandlebury hadn't even been thought of, let alone built, when I last played here but I remember the old 9-hole subsidiary course with fondness, so it might be good, too. http://www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/thetford/
Too many trees, I hear you say. Yes, they are a factor on some shots, but by no means all, and the bunkering on holes such as the 5th is excellent. C.H. Mayo was the original architect and Donald Steel added new holes and considerable length about 15 years ago, so the new holes have had time to grow in, and they have largely done so admirably. The lovely Breckland turf plays fast with its brilliant drainage. http://www.royalnorwichgolf.co.uk/index2.htm
I've not played it, but I have it on the recommendation of trusted friends that it's a fine course and good test. The website is informative (even including an old course layout [course history]). If they take so much trouble about the presentation of their website it suggests they have something of which to be genuinely proud. http://www.sheringhamgolfclub.co.uk/home.htm
As I said, play it before it crumbles into the sea. The cliff-top holes are wonderful, gorse then closes in and the finish is alongside a preserved steam railway. Super greens. http://www.royalcromergolfclub.com/idx0.htm
Seaside, but not true links, closely connected with the foundation of the Curtis Cup. The website is quite interesting in that each hole is given an aerial plan and a photo from the tee. To my mind the holes on the high ground around the lighthouse are the best (13-15). http://www.gorlestongolfclub.co.uk/
Web site still under construction, and this is a mixture of a course, part-links/part-inland. But it has the distinction of being England's (the UK's for that matter) most easterly course. It makes for delightful holiday golf. http://www.caistergolf.co.uk/
Fun links, playing in and out of the racecourse (shades of Musselburgh but a full 18 holes). Sleepered-bunkers, wicked rough and exposure to the wind remind that it is very much the real thing. http://www.club-noticeboard.co.uk/kingslynn/
I've haven't played it, but I have walked parts of it. It struck me as very handsome, very tight in parts and likely to be a good test. It's a Peter Alliss/Dave Thomas design so I know you are all going to shriek The Belfry! I'd love to hear from anyone who knows it what it is really like. As I play Hunstanton from time to time I could easily add it to the 'must visit' list. Midlands to the east and north:
This is an area stretching from the Wash in the East to the Welsh Marches in the West, everything more or less to the north of Birmingham. It was not an area of great international (or national, for that matter) acclaim despite the excellence of such courses as Woodhall Spa and Notts until The Belfry put it on the map.... In case you think all Midland architecture is of this kind, here are links to a few courses which buck the trend. I'll start in Lincolnshire, where you don't need me to further sing the praises of Woodhall Spa which vies with Ganton for the title of our best inland course http://www.woodhallspagolf.com/welcome/
The Hotchkin Course is a brilliant heathland course of the highest class. The bunkering is wicked, the design stimulating and the condition superb. It represents excellent value for such quality. http://www.seacroft-golfclub.co.uk/
Donald Steel describes Seacroft eloquently in his Classics Links Courses. It is the absolute essence of a traditional English links, tight (you can slide out-of-bounds on 14 holes!), with some blind and semi-blind holes, 75-or-so bunkers, many excellent green sites and a traditional out-and-back layout. As you play it you get the feeling that it is 'spot on.' http://www.lincolngc.com/
Lincoln is flat, heathland in feel (though there isn't much heather) and very exposed to the wind. It's a nice country course which is well worth playing if you happen to be in the area, though it's not worth making a detour specifically for its architecture. I can't find websites for Blankney (pleasant parkland course near Woodhall Spa) or North Shore (a part-links hotel course in Skegness), neither of which is a major architectural statement but both provide many an hour of pleasant entertainment if you happen to be passing that way. The best courses in Nottinghamshire seem to be just as badly served by their websites. I can find none for Notts or Sherwood Forest. I can only think that it is the location of Notts, on the edge of the rather ugly Nottinghamshire coal fields, that has prevented its earning wider recognition. It is a fine heathland course full of grand gestures. It's a big course, over 7,000 yards in length, with sweeping fairways and many a cunningly located green. Trees have been cleared where they interfered with design strategy and heather is being encouraged to re-establish itself. It ought to be on the itinerary of anyone visiting the Midlands. Sherwood Forest is only a few miles away geographically and not far off Notts in quality. There are some who say that the back nine is the best sequence of nine holes in the country. I'll not stick my neck out that far but it is a lovely course. Like Notts, the surrounding scenery is not propitious but (also like Notts) it is well screened by the surrounding woodlands. Again, trees are not allowed to interfere unduly with the course strategy. http://www.coxmoor.freeuk.com/
Coxmoor made a surprise appearance recently in the excellent AOTD thread. I didn't recognise it because I've never played it, but it makes a fine trilogy in the Nottingham vicinity. I've espied a little of it from the road and what you see from there looks very promising - undulating heathland with lots of gorse as well as heather. Moving on to Leicestershire: http://www.charnwoodforestgc.co.uk/
Lots of trees, I agree, but a very pretty 9-hole course worth seeking out. http://www.thelgc.co.uk/
In the Leicester suburbs, The Leicestershire is no pushover. It may have no par 5s, but it has a goodly quota of substantial par 4s. Charles Mackenzie and CK Cotton were the architects, taking a fairly nondescript site and making something of a slik purse out of this sow's ear. There are also pleasant parkland courses around Leicester at Kirby Muxloe and Glen Gorse, but let's go west towards the northern suburbs of Birmingham http://www.suttoncoldfieldgc.com/index.htm
Sutton Coldfield is one of the best value Mackenzie courses in the country. Set on the edge of Sutton Park, it's a delight to play, though I suspect the trees have encroached somewhat since I last played there (in the 60s!). http://www.littleastongolf.co.uk/
Little Aston is the aristocrat of Birmingham courses. It's located in a very exclusive mature development of upper-class residences, though from the course itself hardly a house is visible. It is not particularly long with many of the par 4s under 400 yards but the design is clever, the bunkering a study in itself, and the condition of the course, even in a damp winter, leaves little to be desired. Unhappily, I don't think there's a website for Whittington Heath, a few miles north outside the cathedral city of Lichfield. It's a cracker. I think Paul Turner posted some photos a while ago, and I hope some of mine might find their way onto this site in the future. It is a Colt course for the intelligent player. http://www.bdgc.co.uk/
Well-known to GCA regulars, and rightly so. 6,300 yards of sheer fun, full of Fowler's originality and guile. One day I may get some photos posted, though I've yet to see any which indicate the bewildering nature of putting on these greens. http://www.trenthamgolf.org/
and Trentham Park lie only just off the M6 in North Staffordshire near Stoke-on-trent and Newcastle. This can be one of the most frustrating stretches of motorway in the country with innumerable accidents causing dreadful hold ups, and you may be glad to relieve your frustrations here! But let's not dwell on matters unsavoury. We head west for the gloriously unspoiled countryside of Shropshire: http://www.churchstrettongolfclub.co.uk
Church Stretton is a little jewel perched on the vertiginous sides of the Long Mynd. Just watch the pictures float by on the home page and you'll learn all you need to learn. http://www.btinternet.com/~steve.gauge/
Llanymynech - most of it lies in Wales but it is affiliated to Shropshire so it gets in on today's posting. Enjoy the photos! They give you an idea of what's in store at many Marches golf clubs. Wales: Grab it while it's going. Wales offers the best value golf in the UK. It has a good number of first rate links courses, some gems amongst the parkland courses, and some really enjoyable upland courses with terrific views. Prices will go up as the publicity machines kick into action for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. Many clubs have open competitions and at almost all times visitors are warmly welcomed. You may hear Welsh being spoken but you'll not hear much American. I'll start just down the road from where I left off in the Midlands, a few miles south of Llanymynech. http://wiredwales.com/wpgolf/
Welshpool is a piece of Braid wizardry on a wickedly hilly site. Don't attempt it if you have heart problems. Some quite lively holes! The 18th is a cape hole of monumental proportions. http://www.lwgc.co.uk/
Llandrindod Wells is a course to which my attention was drawn by Donald Steel. Lovely surroundings, many delightful holes, very much at one with nature. http://www.cradoc.co.uk/
Again, stunning scenery and great value. http://www.monmouthshiregolfclub.co.uk/
A bit dearer, but you are in the more accessible lowlands. The River Usk is part of the strategy of the par-5 6th. http://www.westmongolfclub.co.uk/
The highest golf course in Britain - again a position to die for. http://www.stmellonsgolfclub.co.uk/
Paul Turner E-mailed me to say how impressed he was with this course - an old tour venue - and, in particular, by the quality of the bunkering. http://www.glamorganshiregolfclub.co.uk/
An old club with lots of history. Course pleasant parkland - I don't know its architectural history, unfortunately. http://www.royalporthcawl.com/index.php
Tiger Woods apparently hated it when he played here in the Walker Cup, but we know better, don't we! The top Welsh club and course, with good reason. http://www.pyleandkenfiggolfclub.co.uk/course.htm
Next door to Porthcawl with some wonderful dune holes on the back nine, rather tamer earlier. But it's a good test, none the less. http://www.southerndowngolfclub.com/
My personal favourite of the trilogy of courses around Porthcawl. Superb downland turf, some very ingenious bunkering and a glorious setting overlooking the estuary and Porthcawl. http://www.pembreyfamily.net/ashburnham_golf_club.htm
Ashburnham is a challenging links close to Burry Port. There are some fine holes and some interesting bunkering, but you hardly see the sea so it feels a little too inland in character for total pleasure. http://www.neathgolfclub.com/
James Braid wrote enthusiastically about the site when laying out the course. The photos in the course page bear this out. Pennard - I couldn't find a website, but it's been lauded (very rightly) on GCA and there are photos there which show what a stunner it is. Can get burned up in dry weather. http://www.langlandbaygolfclub.com/
Not far from Pennard with some stunning seascapes, but the 360-degree panorama also shows up the meadowland elements which are not in Pennard's league, of course. http://www.tenbygolf.co.uk/
Tenby is the oldest established club in Wales (though some courses are older) and its links course is full of character with a few blind and semi-blind holes, some wonderful green sites and marvellous sea views. Miss it not! Cardigan - if you want to get away from it all this remote part-links should be worth a visit - every hole gives a sight of the sea. Website? http://www.borthgolf.co.uk/
Little-known, very natural gem of a links on the west coast. http://www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk/
Historic links where Bernard Darwin learned the game - and also Harry Lighthorse Cooper. Some wonderful holes, terrific greens, and a really old-fashioned feel. http://www.royalstdavids.co.uk/
The premier club in North Wales - stern, windswept, testing, with a fine finish through the dunes. Established by a boomerang-throwing Australian and a man who knew nothing about golf (who went on to become the club's first secretary and a major force in establishing Welsh golf). http://www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk/
Not much in the way of photos on this site - pity, for it is a very photogenic course. The back nine, playing through mountainous dunes is well worth the (small) green fee alone. http://www.pwllheligolfclub.co.uk/
A remarkable course, part old links, part member-designed parkland holes, with some very nice semi-links holes to boot. The holes playing from the sea wall around the turn can be lethal in a stiff wind. Lovely course. http://nefyn-golf-club.com/
The nearest we get in Wales to Cypress Point - not in architectural terms, of course, but in its setting, especially the holes on the Old Course running out above the Ty Coch Inn (to which you can easily descend for a swift restorative during the back nine). Stunning! http://www.abersochgolf.co.uk/
9 charming old Harry Vardon links holes and, sadly, 9 rather mediocre meadowland holes. http://www.bullbaygc.co.uk/
One of my Welsh favourites, a Herbert Fowler classic making the most of an undulating site on the rugged and windswept north coast of Anglesey. Brilliant value, umpteen really good holes with sparing bunkering. http://www.holyheadgolfclub.co.uk/
Testing, windswept links with several narrow fairways and some punishing gorse. Lovely place to while away a few hours before catching the ferry to Dun Laoghaire and Portmarnock.... http://www.theangleseygolfclub.com/
No worthwhile photos. This is a flat, very natural links laid out either side of a railway line. Distance judgement is difficult on such terrain and there's a wicked finish over a tidal creek. Sheep roam freely - even on the greens! http://www.st-deiniol.co.uk/index2.html
Again, no worthwhile photos, but a testing upland course with spectacular views over the North Wales coastline, up into the heart of Snowdonia and over the rooftops of Bangor. Narrow fairways and some tricky lies. http://www.conwygolfclub.co.uk/
My home club, though I play there less and less frequently. Very tough course, very unforgiving, yet architecturally a bit dull, though the seascapes and views of the surrounding mountains make up for any shortcomings. Almost 7,000 yards from championship tees when there are some very demanding tee shots, the 17th as terrifying as any I know in golf. Some reconstruction going on to fit it for future championship golf. Very friendly club - no warmer welcome than from Peter Lees, the long-serving club professional. http://www.northwalesgolfclub.co.uk/
A very interesting old course with a wonderful collection of unusual short holes and a number of archetypal longer links holes with a touch of blindness and many an uncertain lie. Recommended! http://www.golfnw.co.uk/maesdu_golf_club.shtml
Maesdu - Overlooking the sea with magnificent views along the coastline. Some wonderful longer par 4s, though there are a few ordinary holes, too. http://www.prestatyngc.co.uk/
A challenging, championship links with several excellent holes, particularly on the back nine. Its only downside is that it is hidden away behind the sea wall and you have no sense that the sea might be there at all. But a true links it most certainly is. http://www.wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk/
A rare thing - a Welsh parkland course. It has no two holes alike and there are a good many holes which make you think. The greens are fascinating. Good value, too. Within easy reach of Manchester Airport or Royal Liverpool. England - North West:
With Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale and (happily restored to the Open Roster) Royal Liverpool heading the list, this region provides England's richest pickings. With Formby, Hillside, Southport and Ainsdale, Hesketh, West Lancs and Wallasey in close attendance there is clearly strength in depth amongst the links courses, especially when one remembers also Silloth and Seascale on the Cumbrian coast. I hope, too, to introduce you to some of the inland delights of moorland, heathland and parkland courses abounding in the region. Cheshire may have only one course which makes it into the UK Top 100 (Hoylake) but I could make a case for 10 which might easily fill the next quarter century. Lancashire is a big county with a goodly number of high quality layouts and the joys of Cumbria are many. In previous posts I have championed Manchester Airport as a good terminus for transatlantic flights. It is linked directly to many US and Canadian cities and (if you can manage to sleep on an aeroplane) many of the eastbound flights are timed to arrive early in the morning. You are then only an hour's drive away from all the big names of the Lancashire or Cheshire coasts, the Mackenzie jewels of Yorkshire and 90 minutes from all that is good in North Wales. For the sake of this post I've annexed Derbyshire to be able to include: http://www.cavendishgolfcourse.com/
I played this Mackenzie jewel again in the summer of 2003 and I was in many ways reminded of Pasatiempo. No, it's not its equal, but there are some wonderful holes and the greens are mischievous in the extreme. I played with a friend who is a single figure golfer at Royal Mid-Surrey. Neither of us broke 100 - the pin positions were set for some competition later in the day - they were wicked and 4-putting was commonplace. We both played Alwoodley on the following day which was a doddle in comparison! http://www.buxtonandhighpeakgolfclub.co.uk/
Not a very helpful website, I'm afraid, but if you like moorland golf in hill country this makes a good contrast with Cavendish, on opposite sides of the pretty little spa town of Buxton. Roads cross it, sheep roam on it and it's quite unforgiving in parts. http://www.sickleholme.co.uk/
Sickleholme is quite hilly and pretty natural. It enjoys lovely views in and around the Peak District. It's not an architectural marvel but it is enjoyable. Now to Cheshire http://www.maccgolfclub.co.uk/course.asp
I've included this not so much for its architecture (it was a 10-hole course recently extended to 18 by Hawtree), but as the logical bridge between the highland courses of Derbyshire and those in the gentler countryside of Cheshire. Macclesfield is one of several courses which sit on the edge of the hills with lovely views out over miles of lower country. Disley, Mellor, Marple, Shrigley Hall and Davenport fit this bill, too. http://www.prestburygolfclub.com/
Prestbury was laid out by Harry Colt on a wonderfully secluded site hidden away behind the very affluent village of Prestbury (a suburb of Macclesfield, but they'd hate you to say so!). Many of the greens are brilliantly sited on higher ground making this a very good test of the approach game (reminding me of his wonderful natural green sites at Royal Portrush). As originally built there were no bunkers and many of the greens were simply levelled-off pieces of ground. Colt returned a few years later to complete the job. The head greenkeeper is a Colt scholar and is fascinating company. Highly recommended. http://www.sandiwaygolf.co.uk/
A Ted Ray/Harry Colt course of some distinction. I suppose it knows how good it is that it doesn't bother with photos. The big par 4s on the back nine (10, 12 and 14) are as tough as you'll find in this part of the world and on just about every hole there are deceptive slopes and tricky breaks. Few visitors, even pros, match their handicap first time out here. http://www.dfgc.co.uk/
Cheshire's lone Herbert Fowler layout, Delamere Forest is more heathland than forest. Fowler had plenty of movement in the land he was given to work with and he made the most of it. You'll see from the card that the front nine is tough. The back nine is shorter on paper, but there are some lovely holes. My own personal favourites are the 8th and 14th. Lots of photos here - worth a look. http://www.wilmslowgolfclub.ukf.net/
The best of my local courses, always in lovely condition. I'm not a member (can't afford it!) but my sons are and if either is free might introduce you - saving £40 on a round. I'm afraid I wrote the hole descriptions, but I don't get royalties every time you visit, so I'm not pedalling my own canoe, as it were! It's generously set up but the entrances to the greens are generally well-defended and there are several deceptively tricky holes (4th and 15th for instance). A long catalogue of architects has been involved with this course over 100 years. http://www.aegc.co.uk/
Alderley Edge (9 holes) is within walking distance of my home (and therefore within a cheap taxi ride of Manchester Airport). It's not a great course but the first three holes and the 8th demand respect from players of all abilities. It was designed by one of the Renoufs who were members of the Jersey School along with the Vardon brothers and Ted Ray. http://www.meregolf.co.uk/
A James Braid course but a terribly company-orientated establishment. Exorbitant green fees for what is a nice but not brilliant course but, as most who come to play here fly in in their private helicopters or chauffeur-driven limousines, who cares? The back nine is quite a lot more interesting than the opening, the last 4 holes very good fun and as pretty as a picture. http://www.didsburygolfclub.com/
In the Manchester suburbs, this was a Mackenzie course until the motorway you can see in the background was constructed when Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas were required to squeeze 18 holes into the remaining land. The course is laid out in a bend of the River Mersey which is allowed to flood onto the course from time to time. It's here just for the slight Mackenzie connection. http://www.toltecsystems.com/RVGC/About%20the%20Club.htm
Reddish Vale is a fascinating Mackenzie course, even the apparently straightforward opening holes up by the clubhouse are full of interest, great fun when the course descends (steeply) to the banks of the River Tame. One quite extraordinary hole, the 13th, is a hugely long par 4 with a tiny, triangular green hidden behind a grass rampart with a steep hill on the left and big drop-away on the right. Not in a very nice part of Stockport, and vandalism can be a problem, but the design is terrific, apart from one substitute hole. The 18th is a bit of an uphill slog. Romiley Golf Club, a few miles further on in gently hilly country is a very attractive course with some hole designs unique in my limited experience. I can't find a web site. http://www.ringwaygolfclub.co.uk/
You could just about walk to Ringway from the Manchester Airport, so if your flight is delayed.... A good collection of longer par 4s (Colt, modified Braid) and some fascinating bunkering (eg short par-4 4th). From Cheshire on to that bit of what was historically Cheshire but is now called something ghastly like Merseyside. Bureaucrats! http://www.royal-liverpool-golf.com/
Needs no introduction. Don't be surprised if you wonder what all the fuss is about when first you see the course. It looks flat, perhaps even a trifle dull. But once you've tangled with the out-of-bounds on both sides of the opening drive (usually straight into the wind) you'll have got the message and it just gets better and better. http://hoylakegolfclub.com/Clubhouse.htm
Opposite Royal Liverpool, this is one of several good municipal tracks on the Wirral. I think it's going to be used as the practice ground for the 2006 Open Championship, with a footbridge over the intervening road and railway. It's a genuine links (Braid), simpler than its famous neighbour, but the real thing, none the less. http://www.wallaseygolfclub.com/?page=homepage
Why is this not in the UK's top 100? Brilliant links course with much more spectacular dunes than neighbouring Hoylake. Plenty of photos (including some wonderful oldies from Paul Turner) if you search GCA, and some appetising ones on the club website, too. http://www.caldygolfclub.co.uk/
Started by Tom Morris's brother, then Professional at Hoylake, a clever mixture of heathland, parkland and genuine links holes. Can't recommend it highly enough. http://www.heswallgolfclub.com/
A near neighbour of Caldy, perhaps even more handsome. It's a pity they've chosen to show photos of ponds - they give a misleading impression. True, that on the 3rd is very much the key to the hole's strategy, but the overall feel is much more of an open course exposed to the winds, with the holes across the defunct railway (4-8 and 14) almost true links. It is a very picturesque spot. http://www.prentongolfclub.co.uk/
Some of Mackenzie's work survives, and particularly like the opening stretch of holes. I wouldn't say that you should go out of your way specially, but if you want to warm up for Royal Liverpool or Wallasey it'll do the job adequately and give a lot of pleasure. I don't think Wirral Ladies' has a website' But it's a little gem with cleverly protected greens - a good test of the approach game. http://www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk/
Most southerly of the courses on the famous stretch of dunes stretching up the coast to Southport. It's a good test, somewhat bland, but very open and exposed to the wind. There is more movement in the holes at the far end, away from the clubhouse. There is a station within easy walking distance of the clubhouse. http://www.formbygolfclub.co.uk/FormbyGolfClub.html
I love Formby and I know many who say it's the finest of the Lancashire coast courses, but GCAers will probably mark it down for its abundance of trees. Quite simply, without them the present course would follow the old holes straight into the Irish Sea. It is also a haven for Red Squirrels, a rarity in England today. I'm even going to stick my neck out by saying that the new, wooded holes are among the best on the course.... http://www.sandagolfclub.co.uk/
'S & A' may have hosted an early Ryder Cup and it has a very famous hole, Gumbleys, but it's my least favourite of this run of courses. I find it rather dull out at the far end and around the houses and, apart from the rise towards the middle of the course, I long to nip over the railway and sneak onto neighbouring Hillside instead. http://www.ukgolfer.org/clubs/hillside/
Not much on this poor website to show the glories of Hillside. I love the contrast of the fairly level opening holes alongside the railway with the tumbling back nine running through the pine-clad dunes adjoining Birkdale (which it overlooks). I know that many GCAers will complain about the 11th and 17th because they offer no alternative strategies, but I love them, with their high, gun-platform tees, firing down into valley fairways far below then climbing in the latter stages towards raised greens. Whether you like it or not, don't forget the camera - very photogenic. http://www.ukgolfer.org/clubs/royalbirkdale/index.html
Loved by the pros because of its lack of blind shots and level fairways. Loved by the spectators for its unrivalled natural viewpoints. Loved by me because I have a friend who invites me to play a mixed foursomes annually, a very civilsed form of golf, and my host's sister and I currently hold the lead. http://www.ukgolfer.org/clubs/hesketh/
The least known of the principal Southport courses, I suspect. The holes nearest to the clubhouse have the most links characteristics, those over the road being plainer, though no easier. Worth a look. Visitors to Southport may also like to know that there's a 9-hole links course there, Southport Old Links. Heading inland: http://www.ukgolfer.org/clubs/ormskirk/
Again, not a great website, but at least there's one photo of a hole on the back nine, Harold Hilton's original. These tend to be shortish holes but are full of character, whereas the front nine is much longer, more exposed and very different in character. The course is wonderfully hidden away from the bustle of everyday life. A restful retreat (especially for those trying to regain their swings after a bashing on a wind-swept links). http://www.boltonoldlinks.co.uk/
An exposed Mackenzie course on high ground with relatively recent amendments by Hawtrees. A frequent venue for Open Qualifying and county matches and a deceptively tough nut to crack despite the apparent lack of length in the par 4s. http://www.mangc.co.uk/
A serious Colt course on the northern fringes of Manchester. It's a spacious layout with voracious rough in a wet summer. Being exposed to the wind and undulating significantly it is a big test of control on the longer shots. http://www.clitheroegolfclub.com/
Not much of a website for what is one of the prettiest parkland courses in north-west England. It is surrounded by gorgeous hill country, yet the course itself is flat enough to make pleasant walking. There's good variety about the holes - some open, heathland in feel, others very narrow through trees, with mischievous 16th and 17th holes, their greens guarded by a stream. http://www.royallytham.org/
Tthe site is currently being re-organised. Least attractive of our Open Courses (or vying for the title with Carnoustie), no sight of the sea, houses and a railway line all round, yet it is very much the real thing. The compact nature of the site makes for difficult walking following matches in the Open, but the stands are excellently sited and there are so many devilishly difficult holes on which to watch play. For a mid-handicapper this is by far the hardest regular Open course I've played. http://www.fairhavengc.co.uk/
Fairhaven is almost adjacent to Royal Lytham, yet it could hardly be more different - a very flat parkland course. It used to have 365 bunkers (one for every day of the year) and though it now only has a third of them it's still a very sandy course. The wind is usually a big factor too. Tree planting over the years has made this a pretty course, despite the flatness. I like it, once in a while. http://www.coastalgolf.co.uk/default.htm
St Anne's Old Links occupies part of the original Royal Lytham site and is a very flat, windswept links. It's quite a handful in a wind, and there are several really demanding holes. The short 9th is quite famous. My sons played there some years ago in a school match. At that time they hated links courses, but came home singing the praises of this one. (That they both won probably had a great deal to do with it). http://www.ukgolfer.org/clubs/lythamgreendrive_p.html
Another infuriatingly inadequate website for what is a very pretty and welcoming parkland course in Lytham itself. It used to host final qualifying for the Open, but it's not long enough today. Always very well presented. http://www.fleetwoodgolfclub.org.uk/
Said to be the hardest course on the Fylde after Royal Lytham. There is a decent selection of photos on the website, although they do demonstrate how hard it is to take attractive photos on very flat ground. I've not played it, but my father used to when he was on holiday in the 50s and 60s. He always said it was too hard for him, but somehow he kept going back.... http://www.lancastergc.co.uk/
It's not a links, rather a parkland course, but it overlooks the sea and is fully exposed to the winds, often making this a difficult challenge. The 9th and 17th are reckoned to be particularly demanding and the par-3 18th has the reputation of a widow-maker. I've not played it, preferring to see what I could from the car park as it was raining horizontally when I went to have a peep. http://www.pleasington-golf.co.uk/
One of the best upland courses in Lancashire, part heathland. The views are splendid and the undulating ground means there is hardly ever a shot on the flat - I don't mean stance, but that the shot will have to be played uphill or downhill, adding to the difficulty of club selection. Let's make a short detour over the water to the Isle of Man: http://www.castletowngolflinks.co.uk/
A wonderful links with the sea on three sides and a sterling finish over the rocks. The original Derby horse race was run on this site. http://www.iomguide.com/golf/rowany-golf-course.php
This will guide you to the other IOM courses. I've played Rowany, which is not a great course but it is great fun, especially the holes around the middle of the site which climb on and off a rocky plateau through dense gorse. Back on terra firma: http://www.windermere-golf-club.org.uk/
This isn't the Windermere designed by Davis Love III to which Google directed me, but a fun, highland course in the heart of the Lake District. Forget your yardage books, use your eyes and instincts and simply enjoy - not at all the pushover you might imagine! Pity there aren't more photos. It's a jewel. I don't think I can locate a website for Penrith, but it's worth a look if you're travelling up or down the M6 and need a break. It's a good-value (even cheaper if you stay in a local guest house) upland course with fine views and a good enough course to have hosted ladies' championship matches. http://www.seascalegolfclub.org
You'll find Seascale in Donald Steel's excellent Classic Links book. It's full of character with lots of movement in the fairways and some cunningly sited greens. Sure, you're overlooked by the vast Sellafield Nuclear Plant, so check that your Pro V1 doesn't turn into a luminous Ping when you dump your ball in a stream.... My favourite holes are the wicked dog-leg 3rd, plunging downhill 9th, the roly-poly 16th, and the uphill drive at the 17th. There's something a bit scary about playing the 1st and 18th both of which run across the front of the clubhouse in full view of the bar. There are some magnificent bunkers, too. Check out the 'course view' section. http://www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk/
Silloth is quality through and through. It's not as long as our principal championship links but it's plenty testing enough for me. All the holes are full of individuality. It's not far off the M6 west of Carlisle, so it's a compulsory stop for anyone journeying between England and Scotland, but leave yourself an extra half hour to find it. The little country roads are narrow and you can get stuck behind a tractor or the like. In this area there's also a pretty parkland course at Carlisle (described by Peter Alliss in his Good Golf Guide). http://www.bramptongolfclub.com/index.html
Brampton is fun. When you get on the higher parts of the course you wonder how on earth James Braid was able to find a route through this jumble of hills, but he did, and there are many interesting holes. It's not a study in design, but there are such fabulous views and the place is just so friendly that you can't help letting your hair down and enjoying yourself. Furness (which I don't know personally) is reputed to be a genuine links of some merit on a spit of land beyond Barrow, and Dunnerholme is a 10-hole links in the same vicinity, but you're a long way from the beaten track and if you play at either of these it's probably because you were already in the area for some other purpose. Those who have Mackenzie's Golf Architecture will remember that he included photos of Grange-over-Sands under construction. It's a short and rather flat parkland course beside Morecambe Bay (which can get flooded with high tides or torrential rain). Its short holes are some of the best in this part of the world. I rather like Grange Fell, a slightly eccentric 9-holer sitting astride a hilltop ridge above Grange. It's a 'Trust the golfer' place - you put your minimal green fee in a box on the clubhouse wall. The views of the Lakeland Fells, over Morecambe Bay and down onto the pretty village of Cartmel and its beautiful Priory are what set this apart for me. The course at Ulverstone attracts many visitors, too, again enjoying lovely views and with an unusual quarry hole. I don't know it personally. England - North East : Only three counties to consider here, but Yorkshire alone has over 170 courses so this will be another labour of love. Next to Wales, the north-east provides many of Britain's best value green fees. Yorkshire may be a huge county with a long coastline but it only has one genuine links, The Cleveland. I'll start, however, in the west of the county in the Pennines. http://www.baildongolfclub.com/
I've directed GCAers to this website before. Wonderfully natural and rugged upland golf with a wittily-written website. Halifax (I don't think it has a website) is similarly natural - primitive you might say - but there are some splendid holes making full use of rocky mountain becks for strategic purposes. The turf is springy moorland giving lies not unlike links golf. You climb slowly up a rugged valley before emerging on top of Ilkley Moor, play a few very airy holes up there and suddenly plunge down the mountainside in the spectacular 17th, a mid-length par 3 as far down as it is long! http://www.huddersfield-golf.co.uk/
One of my favourites - a Herbert Fowler layout on a hilly site. On the whole it is a very spacious golf club, although the 1st and 9th fairways do cross each other. The course still retains a number of fairway cross-bunkers (a feature all too frequently eliminated these days) and there are several quite unusual holes on the back nine, not least the 18th which involves a drive up to the summit of a hill before plummeting down the far side. I'm sure that in dry weather a strong hitter could clear the summit with enough to spare to catch the steep downslopes, suggesting the possibility of driving the green on a straight par 5! http://www.bingleystivesgc.co.uk/
Bingley St Ives hosted a few tour and senior tour events in the past. The website suggests that Alister Mackenzie was one of the architects. A correspondent whose knowledge of Mackenzie is considerable suggests that he was not involved. No matter, it's still a fun mixture of heathland and woodland holes and very attractive, too. http://www.bradfordgolfclub.co.uk/home.php
Fowler and Simpson, I believe. I've not played it, but I gather from some who have that it's a good test. I haven't found a website for Headingley, but it's worth a look if you're in Leeds. Mackenzie was the designer, the course runs out and back over high ground to the west of the city, with lovely views and really rural feel. http://www.leedsgolfclub.com/
Often overlooked (easily done when there are Alwoodley and Moortown close by), an entertaining parkland course in lovely condition, remarkably rural given its proximity to the city centre. Nicely undulating ground well utilised. http://www.alwoodley.co.uk/
A 'must play' for anyone with the least interest in golf architecture, Colt or Mackenzie. It's beautifully kept, the course is pretty well exactly that mapped by Mackenzie in about 1910 (play from the present-day ladies' tees if you want his exact course). Trees have been removed to restore Mackenzie's original sight lines, ecology is a high priority and from the moment you hit your opening tee shot you get that feeling that this is 'spot on.' http://www.moortown-gc.co.uk/
Just over the road from Alwoodley, one of Mackenzie's first solo designs and home to that famous short hole, Gibraltar. Unfortunately, not all the original holes remain, and I always feel that the new holes are not really in the same league. Quite tree-bound, not at all the open moor you might expect. http://www.sandmoorgolf.co.uk/
I believe that even less of Mackenzie's work survives here. That is not to say that it isn't a good course. It's very well set up for modern play and has produced many fine amateur players over the last few years. http://www.otley-golfclub.co.uk/
A pretty course in handsome surroundings. Don't know who designed it. Holes crossing stream are charming and out-of-bounds is a frequent threat. http://www.ilkleygolfclub.co.uk/
An absolute beauty with a most intriguing opening seven holes running along the banks of the River Wharfe - not only running along but often playing over it on and off islands. I admire the later holes equally. They are man-sized and the 16th is a stand-out for me, played from a tee high on a wooded hillside down to a narrow, angled fairway. Gorgeous scenery. http://www.shipleygc.co.uk/
I haven't played it, but my attention was drawn to it very recently by a fellow GCAer, and from the website it looks to have some fine holes and several interesting greens. A Mackenzie design. http://www.woodsome.co.uk/
As you'll see from the home page, Woodsome Hall's pride and joy is its historic clubhouse. The course is uneven. It was apparently laid out by the club's inaugural professional, W. Button, with advice from James Braid. There are some good holes (the 3rd, 8th and 9th, for instance) but there is too much hill-climbing for my taste on the back nine which doesn't seem to match the front nine in character. There are fewer interesting courses in the south of the county, though the municipal provision in Sheffield must be mentioned and I should have done the same for Leeds, too. Municipal provision is very sparse and often of a lamentable nature throughout most of England. Full marks to Leeds and Sheffield for their sterling efforts in this respect despite the calls on public money of enormous social problems, a crumbling heath system and education crises. http://www.doreandtotleygolf.co.uk/
It's hardly the last word in architecture but if your work brings you to Sheffield and you have time to spare this is the only relatively flat course around the city! All the same, there are some blind shots and the 5th and 16th, I think, are cunning par 3s utilising the hills. However, if you are in Sheffield itself, the course I should recommend unhesitatingly is Hallamshire (is there a website?). I should describe it as the most challenging golf I can think of in the minimum acreage. The club took advice from Colt and Fowler at various times but from what I can tell from the centenary book few of their suggestions have ever been implemented. Morrison visited shortly before WWII and some of his suggestions were carried out before hostilities began, a further modification being delayed until the 1950s. It's on high ground, with many very strong holes, some exciting crossings of a ravine and fine views of the surrounding moorlands. http://www.lindrickgolf.com/
A super old heathland course with a distinguished history. Its postal address is Nottinghamshire but it plays as a Yorkshire club. Bernard Darwin described the 4th as 'the worst hole on the course....yet it should never be altered.' It's a quaint par 5 played on uninteresting level ground until the last few yards when the fairway disappears down a steep bank where the tiny green lies hidden - totally blind - with a stream through the back if you overclub! As this spot lies on the border of three counties it was a favourite spot for cock-fighting - you could run away from one county's police by crossing the boundary. For my taste the really exciting holes come on the back nine with the 13th my pick. http://www.sitwellgolf.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.designmentor.co.uk/golf/sitwell_park.htm
I can't compete with the excellent review on the designmentor site with its helpful assessment of the fate of Mackenzie's work and helpful photos. The old East Riding of Yorkshire won't detain us long, but there are a few courses which might amuse. http://www.beverleyandeastridinggolfclub.co.uk/
Hopeless website, but the course is fun. It's laid out on common land overlooking the market town with its two stunning churches at either end. Cattle roam freely, so it's not unknown to have to pitch over three or four bullocks. Utterly natural. http://www.bridlingtongolfclub.co.uk/
A James Braid meadowland course with good sea views (but if you've come this far keep going until you hit Ganton). http://www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk/pageex.htm
Again nothing out of this world, but you are overlooking the very stretch of the North Sea on which John Paul Jones defeated the British navy in 1779. It's also a great spot for birdwatchers - a place to spot rare migrants and erratics. http://www.hornseagolfclub.co.uk/pageex.php
Parkland course but very close to the sea, so breezes are often more like gales. Several fun holes (plentiful bunkering). When I played there a few years ago I was frequently distracted by low-flying USAF A-10 Warthogs which were on their final approaches to a gunnery range just down the road. The things they seemed to be firing (at an alarming rate and in huge quantity) were shells about the size of wine bottles. I hadn't heard of 'friendly fire' at that time or I might have run away. Yorkshire's finest scenery (The Dales, North York Moors and Howardian Hills), its finest old buildings (Rievaulx, Fountains, Byland etc), its finest golf course (Ganton) and its finest villages, pubs, restaurants are in North Yorkshire. http://www.clevelandgolfclub.co.uk/
Yorkshire's only proper links and its oldest club. The photo on the home page may entice but have a look, also, at the gallery within course details - the course is overlooked by heavy industry. It certainly doesn't put me off but it might deter others. I don't know anything about the new holes, but the course as I knew it was of deceptively good quality. It lacks sea views and big dunes but the same could be said about many holes at Hoylake. If you want to play Seaton Carew make sure you play here, too. http://www.fulfordgolfclub.co.uk/comp.htm
A course made famous by the world stars who played here during many Benson and Hedges Tournaments, with Trevino, Weiskopf, Norman and Jacklin among the winners. Laid out by Alister Mackenzie's brother, Charles, the course is nowadays of two contrasting types, parkland within the A64 York ring road and heathland on the far side. Those heathland holes (from the 6th to the 13th) are enchanting (never concede a putt, however short, on the par-3 10th). I also like the two-shot parkland holes (1,2,4,15,16,17) but I find the parkland par 3s and the closing par 5 dull. The course is immaculately maintained. http://www.yorkgolfclub.co.uk/pageex.php
I have enjoyed playing here on several occasions. It's flat and laid out next to military ranges, so your backswing may be interrupted by a sudden burst of machine-gun fire. There's a nicely varied collection of two-shotters and a couple of quite individual par 3s (2nd and 11th) played from remote tees across OOB and over a fence to the green. Excellent greens on my visits. http://www.gantongolfclub.com/
What a place! I'm lucky enough to have played here many times and all I can say is that it seems to get better every time (the course, not my play). It may have been designed by a committee (well, lots of different architects at lots of different times) but it adds up to a great whole with a stunning finish. Only the dog-leg 12th seems slightly out of place to me and that is a relatively new hole put in after the Americans had shown the course to be too short for modern championship play in that early post-war Ryder Cup. http://www.harrogate-gc.co.uk/
Gentle parkland course in pretty surroundings with Mackenzie touches. Well kept. http://www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk/
In ascendancy within Yorkshire golf, compact layout with trees separating fairways - James Braid design. http://www.harrogate-oakdale-golfclub.co.uk/
Attractive Mackenzie course in suburbs of genteel Harrogate. http://www.pannalgc.co.uk/pageex.php
A hugely enjoyable Sandy Herd/Charles Mackenzie course on a hilly site just south of Harrogate giving fine views from the higher parts of the course. You must climb over the first few holes but then it is fairly level for most of the round with a number of very sound longer par 4s on heathland turf. You descend dramatically with a most demanding short hole, the 17th, played across an abyss to a ledge green with no margin for error, followed by a pleasingly downhill final fairway encouraging an all-out attack. http://www.ncgc.co.uk/
Despite its title, Scarborough North Cliff is mostly undulating parkland of a most attractive nature. The first hole is a monster of a par 3 along the cliff top but you are soon over the road enjoying Braid's inland holes, of which I remember a fine drive over a valley at the 5th, well-sited hilltop greens on the 6th and 7th, good short par 5s at the 8th and 9th and another good hilly hole at the 12th. The closing holes back on the clifftop are less interesting. http://www.scarboroughgolfclub.co.uk/
It seems that a few new holes have been built, but I don't know the course well enough to know what Mackenzie might have thought about it! Maybe a GCAer knows it better than I do and could make a more meaningful comment. Club website seems to think it's a drop of alright, but it would do, wouldn't it?
There's some wonderful golf to be found in these Durham and Northumberland courses and for the visitor to these shores interested in history some magnificent things to see. The scenery is also marvellously varied, from the grouse moors of Durham, the wide expanses of Kielder Forest or Hadrian's Wall country in Northumberland, industrial archaeology left, right and centre, great buildings such as Durham Cathedral, historic Lindisfarne and Corstopitum, little fishing villages and unspoiled beaches. Many golfers, of course, will pass this area by in their hurry to get to North Berwick and Muirfield. Tarry a while here and your time will not be spent in vain.
http://www.barnardcastlegolfclub.org.uk/
A place to get away from it all. The architecture is not a reason for visiting (but you might fancy that picture of the 1st green on the website), but it's the combination of seriously fresh air, unspoiled English countryside and the proximity of a charming little northern market town. There are, however, several jolly teasing holes, not least the fun 17th. http://www.bagc.co.uk/
There's something very homely about the photos on the website - almost a family photograph album - but then they call you 'pet' up here and they mean it. Again, not great architecture but a surprisingly interesting challenge in lovely country with fine views over the Bishop's Palace. I haven't been able to find a working link to Brancepeth Castle, but this is an architectural must, worth driving a couple of hundred miles to play. It's a Colt course distinguished by the large number of tee shots which must be played over deep ravines. It's a handsome course, mostly heathland in character, with a number of tricky greens. The backdrop is of the Durham Moors to the south on which wild boar used to roam (hence the derivation of the village name: Braun's Path), while to the north the castle and village church present a most agreeable backcloth. There are any number of memorable holes, but top of the list are the back-to-back par 3s at 9 and 10, both over 200 yards long, all carry over tree-filled ravines to hill-top greens. Don't miss it! http://www.hartlepoolgolfclub.co.uk/
Hartlepool is squeezed between the railway and the sea on a fecund patch of undulating ground. Some of James Braid's original design survives. Some of it is true links, not all, but it's such a friendly place and there's so much character to the place that you'll come away with a smile. http://www.sportnetwork.net/main/s235.php
This seems to be the official website for Seaton Carew. It has a fair amount of information but no course photos. Like Cleveland, it's overshadowed by industry, but once you are on the course you don't notice it. It's quite a flat links yet there is a central spine of low dunes which provide enough movement to yield some interesting green sites. 22 holes can be configured in several ways and I have to say that the new holes in the dunes beside the beach are among the best. It is surely the best value of all the top quality links courses in England. http://www.southmoorgolfclub.com/
I'm glad to see South Moor has begun to set up a proper website. When I was compiling the Times Guide they could let me have no printed material, there was no website and I was concerned that the place might be dying from lack of interest. The course pages show that they are taking it seriously and the green fee page will show that this must be the best value Mackenzie original in the country (and, therefore, the world). Worth pursuing, surely? http://www.south-shields-golf.freeserve.co.uk/index.html
A little-known (apart from the locals, that is) piece of heathland golf with fine coastal views only a mile or two from Newcastle city centre. Recommended! The Northumberland Golf Club is the premier club in the Newcastle conurbation. I haven't located a website. It's laid out inside the racecourse (Colt and Braid) and has hosted a number of professional and R&A tournaments. Interestingly it has a completely different winter course from summer course (different routing). I have not played it. Can anyone tell me more? http://www.cityofnewcastlegolfclub.co.uk/
A Vardon course of some distinction a mere three miles from the city centre. There are some handsome holes (though only one par 4 exceeds 400 yards) and it is charming. Just look at the annual subscription - this for a course in the very centre of one of our big cities! http://www.wbgolf.free-online.co.uk/
There's a charming and very witty page on the site - How to get round Whitley Bay and survive. I have only played it once but I enjoyed myself immensely. It's not a links course, being set back behind the town about a mile from the sea, but the turf is crisp and links-like and many of the holes are affected by the chasms and craters of former mine workings. The wind will almost certainly be a factor and the finish is terrific with a nerve-jangling 16th of real quality, a cape hole of the first order. Sadly no photos on the website, but the description should be encouraging enough. http://www.alnmouthgolfclub.com/
A very old club (4th oldest in England), Alnmouth is a parkland layout beside the sea. The 5th and 6th could almost be links holes and the 6th is probably the hardest on the course. Most enjoyable. http://www.bamburghcastlegolfclub.org/
Celebrating its centenary this year, Bamburgh Castle is a wonderful marriage of golf and location. You can see five famous old castles from the higher ground, and on every hole there is a sense of being far away from all worldly cares. It's not long, but neither is it easy. The 6th, for instance is a very unforgiving long par 3 with its green amongst the rocks. http://www.goswicklinksgc.co.uk/
A very hospitable club with a pleasant links course with occasional views over the sea to the Farne Islands. Despite the proximity of the railway there is a wonderful feeling of remoteness here and the golf course has that lovely vintage feel, even if it has been delicately upgraded over the years. http://www.dunstanburgh.com/
Another friendly club with a links course two fairways deep keeping very close company with Embleton bay. A Braid design and, of course, wonderful value for money. http://www.hexhamgolfclub.ntb.org.uk/template.asp?ID=208&resID=0209867A
Not the greatest of websites, but the two photos will tell you what to expect. It's one of the nicest parkland courses in this part of the country, mostly Vardon-designed. It's a good combination of hilly and level holes and the scenery of the surrounding Tyne Valley is delightful. http://www.magdalene-fields.co.uk/
The most northerly course in England, on the Scottish border in Berwick-upon-Tweed (which, incidentally, is still at war with Russia, having been omitted from the peace treaty at the end of the Crimean War....). Some wonderful seaside holes including an all-or-nothing shot across an inlet of the sea. http://www.seahousesgolf.co.uk/
A decent course at only 5,500 yards from the back? How on earth can they hold county fixtures here? This is a really deceptive little course on which standard scratch score is rarely bettered. A little gem. Scotland - Far North and Islands: We English think we've reached the North Pole by the time we make it as far as Dornoch, but there is more beyond. And for those who venture as far as the islands there are some remarkable experiences available. Happily, many of them run to websites, some of them very good. I recommend the Globetrotter Golfer's Guide - Scotland by David J. Whyte (New Holland, London 2000)
ISBN 1 85074 276 9
It is written with the tourist in mind, but he has the authority to say what he does and the photos are excellent.
http://freespace.virgin.net/nicola.taylor/golf.htm
Let's start on the mainland 60 miles west of Inverness on the coast of Wester Ross. Gairloch is one of the very few courses on this west coast. The scenery on the journey there makes it all worthwhile but there is fun on the course, too, despite its modest yardage.
http://www.isleofbarra.com/golf1.html
A £5 green fee is all it takes to enjoy the most westerly course in Scotland. Its setting has been compared to Pebble Beach, but on Barra you get cattle sharing the fairways and they're still waiting to get a clubhouse. Delightful picture of it in Whyte's book. http://www.harrisgolf.com/
Take one look at the wonderful pictures on their website and you'll immediately want to part with £150 for life membership. Follow the link to Scarista for more photos. http://www.isbuc.co.uk/Business/IslGol.htm
Not the official website, but it does have a photo. Although it is close to the sea, Isle of Skye is more meadowland in quality. Scenery, as ever, majestic. http://www.skeabostcountryhouse.com/frameset2.html
A comfortable hotel with its own short course - I don't know any more about it than what you can see on the website. http://www.lochcarrongolf.co.uk/
At the head of a sea-loch, Loch Carron, on the route from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. Very basic, but mustn't this be how so many early Scottish courses started out 500 years ago? http://www.stornowaygolfclub.co.uk/
A full 18 holes are available at this course on the Isle of Lewis which is so advanced that it even has a shop and club hire! A bit progressive for us, I suspect. http://www.traighgolf.co.uk/
Another photo gallery to die for. Just tap it up and drool. http://www.sollasgolfcourse.co.uk/
Remoter and remoter! I've never played from machair turf but it is highly reputed on the islands. There are also courses on Benbecula and Colonsay of which I have no knowledge. http://www.orkneyholidays.com/golf/
Open the photos page with caution if you're in an open-plan office! Inland, parkland I understand. I can't find a link to Sanday, a links which is also a haven for wildlife. I've seen photos in tourist magazines and it looks wonderful (Atlantic Ocean one side and North Sea the other). http://www.shetlandgolfclub.co.uk/
I'm afraid the one photo of the course isn't inspiring. It's set in a valley with several holes affected by a burn. The damp climate means that you get little run on the ball making the course play longer than it appears on paper. http://www.stromnessgc.co.uk/
Unusually for an island course there is a proper clubhouse and even semi-rough. I'm told the 8th, a very short par 3, can be a card wrecker with a burn in front and a bunker and heavy rough through the back. The seascapes are splendid. The website photo album is a hoot. | 
