WORLD’S TOP 100 COURSES YOU CAN PLAY
These courses are truly exceptional and are available for everyone to play. Here, we present our first-ever WorldTop 100.
International travel might still be o the table due to the pandemic, but COVID can’t stop us from dreaming – dreaming of the day when we can venture abroad and play some of the greatest courses on the planet.
There are plenty of wonderful courses that didn’t make the Top-100, so you can be assured the ones that did make the list are exceptional.
There is a good mix of traditional and modern creations, and a decent geographical spread, despite the dominance of the United States, Great Britain and Ireland. Australia punches well above its weight, considering our small population, with 11 courses on the exclusive list.
There was only one proviso for a course to be included in the ranking … Only courses open to the public – no matter how much the green fee and how limited the tee times are – were considered. As a result, there is a slew of famous American layouts, high-quality European courses (and one Australian) that were deemed ineligible for this list. We felt a ranking with so many inaccessible courses lost its relevance and value to our readers.
Over the following pages you will find 100 courses you can dream about playing when the world opens again. After all, the planning of a golf adventure is all part of the fun.
HOW WE DID IT
For this inaugural World Top 100 we enlisted the expertise of a panel with vast specialist as well as worldwide experience. As we detail below, each member has comprehensive knowledge of specific areas as well as experience of courses across the world – and it is that ability to offer a global overview that enabled us to piece together what we think is a list that accurately reflects reality.
So, for example, our Canadian experts didn’t only moot the Canadian courses they felt were worthy of inclusion, they were also able to suggest which courses in other countries they were of a similar quality to. Elite courses of UK&I and the USA were often used as a reference point.
The criteria for assessment was the same as in all of our Top 100s – design, setting, playability, memorable holes, consistency and presentation. We did not, however, mark the courses this time as we felt they were so close in quality that the margins in terms of marks would mean so many courses were on the same totals.
Finally, if a panellist had direct or even tenuous links to a course, they were not able to comment on it.
ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
DOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND
Over the next 30 pages you will see images that take your breath away, but there is little – if anything – that surpasses this. Just drink in this setting for a moment, and know that this is not some kind of Photoshop wizardry – Royal County Down really is as aesthetically perfect as this.
That is the first, very obvious, appeal of our first World Top 100 No.1. The second is more subtle but just as notable; a relentlessly probing challenge of all aspects of the game.
It is indubitably an awesome test, one which in inclement weather could verge toward being too difficult for high handicappers. That is the sum total of any criticism you could level at the course we believe is the finest in the world.
RCD is, by any stretch of the imagination, not especially forgiving. Carries of up to 200 yards are sometimes required and while the fairways are often wide, gorse and rough mean waywardness is punished.
Drive bunkers add to the premium on direction, and their pleasingly unkempt nature – with overhanging lips of marram, fescue and heather – adds additional penalty.
Domed greens dismiss approach shots lacking accuracy and recovery shots around them are perilous, for the slick slopes take mishit chips (and putts) away from the pin and indeed potentially o the green entirely.
Mistakes are punished here... and are compounded if not accepted. Fortune doesn’t often favour the brave at RCD.
But while visitors must be prepared for a robust examination of all parts of their game, this Northern Ireland links never feels tricked-up or unfair – unless you dislike blind shots, because there are plenty of them here.
RCD does not need the help of the weather to be testing or to get its full experience. It is epic in any conditions and on a relatively benign evening it is utterly heavenly; still suciently challenging, but also o ering the chance to savour (and capture for your screensaver and wallpaper) a location and landscape whose majesty is conveyed accurately in the images you see of it here and elsewhere.
On the opening trio, Dundrum Bay edges their right side and a better start in Britain and Ireland you will not find. Then you turn round for the seminal short 4th and the rest of the front nine, with the towering Mountains of Mourne a brooding backdrop. Sand dunes, gorse, bracken, heather and those bearded bunkers decorate fingers of gorgeous seaside turf, each individual masterpiece sitting exquisitely in the wider gallery.
It is, without fear of contradiction, a breathtaking arena and, in our opinion, the finest course in the world you can play. Also play: Royal Portrush to the north and County Louth and Dublin’s elite (two hours) to the south. Closest city: Belfast is less than an hour away.
ST ANDREWS (OLD) FIFE, SCOTLAND
Set against the spectacular scenes that follow on every page of this Top 100, the Old might look a little sedate and under-powered. It does, however, take the breath away in many other ways. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on the 1st tee and several times thereafter, especially as you play back into the town on the back nine. Also play St Andrews New and Castle , Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie and Elie.
Closest city Edinburgh is 80 mins away.
ROYAL MELBOURNE MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Royal Melbourne is golf on a grand scale. This Alister MacKenzie design incorporates fairways that are wide – although choose your line with care – and the slopes on the greens need to be seen to be believed.
The elevation change is significant as it rises and falls over Melbourne’s venerable ‘sandbelt’ terrain. For a course with such a venerated reputation it is more playable than you might imagine, but to score well you need to have a high level of control over your ball. The 5th is regarded as one of the best par 3s in the world. Its green has deep bunkers left and right and a steep slope at the front. Any putt above the hole should be hit with a dextrous touch. That Royal Melbourne splits GB&I’s finest links in our World top five is as good an indication as any as to its quality. Also play The East, which is also in this World Top-100, plus Victoria, Kingston Heath and Peninsula Kingswood.
Get there Melbourne airport is 45 minutes away.
TURNBERRY (AILSA) AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND
Martin Ebert’s bold revision of Philip Mackenzie Ross’ design has reaped significant rewards. Before Ebert’s intervention, the Ailsa would be more like No.54 rather than No.4. But it now makes much more of its peerless setting as well as improving the technical merit of the holes. Full of memorable tests, the stretch around the lighthouse is one of the best in Britain. Also play Turnberry’s Kintyre, Royal Troon, Western Gailes, Prestwick, and Dundonald. Closest city Glasgow is an hour away.
CAPE WICKHAM
One of the most breathtaking courses ever built. Set along the cli s of remote King Island, the setting is peerless and the course more than lives up to its canvas. Pretty much every hole is on or very close to the coastline, so you feel the spray on your face. A course designed to please. So many holes are magnificent, including the 18th – which may be the world’s most spectacular climax. Also play Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm. Get there Fly to King Island from Melbourne.
MUIRFIELD
EAST LOTHIAN, SCOTLAND
Lacks the scenery of the others in this top 10, but does the pure links experience so well. A routing with few peers, perfect bunkering, immaculate conditioning – and its greatest strength is arguably its consistency. Old Tom and Harry Colt created 18 holes that are all good, if not better than good. Also play North Berwick, also in this list, Gullane No.1 and No.2, Renaissance, Luffness, Kilspindie. Closest city Edinburgh is 45 minutes away.
PEBBLE BEACH
SAN FRANCISCO, USA
Yes, there are many who say the course is not what it was and is in need of restoration. And yes, there are those who insist it has one too many mediocre holes to warrant this position. But its tee-sheet remains full, and many walking o the 18th green will tell you they just had the experience of a lifetime. Also play Spyglass Hill, also in this list, is along the coast. So, tantalisingly, is Cypress Point.
Get there Fly to San Francisco or Los Angeles.
ROYAL PORTRUSH (DUNLUCE)
ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND
Back on The Open rota and receiving the plaudits it deserves. The Dunluce takes the golfer on a dramatic dunescape journey to the sea and back. Its variety derives from a site that changes from quiet ripples to significant elevation change. New holes by Martin Ebert add even more X Factor. Also play Portstewart is 10 minutes away, Ballyliffin just over an hour to the north-west. Closest city Belfast is under an hour away.
PINEHURST (NO.2)
NORTH CAROLINA, USA
No.2 is a masterclass in course architecture. This US Open venue was designed by Donald Ross and the famous domed greens are still in evidence, providing the greatest obstacle to a good score. Revised by Coore-Crenshaw in 2010, it is wide o the tee but after that you are tested on every shot. Also play You never need leave Pinehurst, which has nine courses. Kiawah to the south.
Get there Raleigh Durham is 60 minutes away.
ROYAL DORNOCH (CHAMP’SHIP)
HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND
A links that never seems to stop surprising and enchanting. If you have golf running through your veins, you have to make the journey to this Highland links. Its setting is often overlooked as the domed-green tests and memorable holes set in natural linksland take the focus, but it is an aesthetic delight. Also play Skibo Castle and Brora nearby plus Nairn and Castle Stuart further south.
Closest city Inverness is 60 minutes away.
TARA ITI AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
It feels fair to assume you’ll struggle to take your eyes off the image of the first of Tom Doak’s New Zealand masterpieces. Laid out on the Te Arai coast, south of Mangawhai, every hole offers a view of the sea. Tara Iti was built on a sandy site and, as you can tantalisingly see, the terrain is covered in fescue grass from tee to green. Doak has sculpted the sand into a kaleidoscope of mounds, hollows, bowls, ridges and undulations to create holes that engage your mind and delight your eye. There isn’t a bunker on the course – just a succession of waste areas. Natural and gorgeous, Tara Iti allows limited access... but you can play it. Also play Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidknappers. Get there Auckland is 80 minutes away. BANDON DUNES (PACIFIC DUNES) OREGON, USA
The highest-ranked of the courses at super resort Bandon in our World ranking. Tom Doak was eager to get the job at Pacific Dunes and boy did he and his Renaissance Golf team make the most of it. Expect one mesmerising hole after another, and a course you would never tire of. Also play Bandon Dunes, Sheep Ranch, Bandon Trails and Old Macdonald – all on site, incredibly. Get there Southwest Oregon or Portland airport. ROYAL ST GEORGE’S KENT, ENGLAND
The top-ranked English course in our list manages to be simultaneously quirky as well as challenging. It is fun and entertaining while still managing to host Open Championships. Characterised by wonderful green complexes, our panel are confident it is England’s finest links. Also play Royal Cinque Ports is in our World list and Open venue Prince’s is a GB&I Top 100 entry. Closest city London is two hours by train or car. SUNNINGDALE (OLD) SURREY, ENGLAND
A Harry Colt masterpiece... you hear those words a lot, but rarely is more apt than here. This is simply heathland heaven. Impossible to believe anyone ever comes to Sunningdale and isn’t utterly charmed by this heather and pine utopia. Looks exquisite and a proper but playable test. Also play The New, Walton Heath (Old), Woking, and St George’s Hill are all in this Top 100.
Get there London is a 45-minute drive away.
KINGSTON HEATH
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Kingston Heath is the archetypal sandbelt course. The turf runs fast, the fairways bleed into scrubby sand rather than rough and the recently renovated bunkering is exquisite. Much is made of the small size (and flatness) of the property, but it gives it a real intimacy. The par 3s are tremendous. Also play Royal Melbourne West & East, Victoria and Kingswood Peninsula – all are in this list. Get there Melbourne airport is 45 minutes away.
ROYAL BIRKDALE
LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND
Birkdale is one of the favourite Open venues among Tour players, who enjoy the absence of eccentricity in this Southport links. Instead, Birkdale largely plays along fairly flat fairways between dune corridors. The ‘English Muirfield’ sustains its challenge impressively from the daunting 1st hole. Also play Formby, which is also in this list, plus Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, West Lancs. Closest city Liverpool is 40 minutes away.
NORTH BERWICK
EAST LOTHIAN, SCOTLAND
Good luck choosing the ‘signature’ hole at The West Links in North Berwick. Redan, the much-copied par 3, might get the nod from the majority, but that would be to overlook so many vintage alternatives. As memorable as it is entertaining, the closing stretch will have you reminiscing forever. Also play Muirfield, Gullane 1 & 2, Renaissance, Luffness, Archerfield, Kilspindie, Dunbar. Closest city Edinburgh is 45 minutes away.
BARNBOUGLE DUNES TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Also play Lost Farm at Barnbougle Dunes, and hop over to King Island to get to our No.10, Cape Wickham. Get there 90-minute drive from Launceston airport.
It’s impossible to believe you are on a small island o the coast of Australia here because this course oozes a Celtic links feel. The dunes are higher than you would see at most British links and, as a result, getting the right line to holes is key – especially if you use the ground game. Get the line right and you will find the ball accelerates to the green, get it wrong and you will be faced with a challenging pitch up from a long way away. This is even more pronounced on the back nine, where you are often playing from dune to dune. There are several half holes, none better than the sporty par-4 4th. Wonderfully scenic and very playable.
18CARNOUSTIE (CHAMPIONSHIP)
ANGUS, SCOTLAND
The legacy of 1999 is now thankfully a distant memory and Carnoustie is now viewed as it should be – an unremittingly demanding test on beautiful linksland. The climax is one of British golf ’s great experiences, but there are also lighter moments and a score to be made. It’s also in phenomenal condition. Also play Monifieth, Montrose & Panmure nearby, Aberdeen’s elite to the north, Fife to the south.
Closest city Dundee is a short drive away.
CABOT CLIFFS
NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA
Coore-Crenshaw have built this spectacular course into the breathtaking landscape of Cape Breton. The famed design duo created myriad moments that mix intimidation and daring in many holes on the edge of the bluffs. Jaw-dropping scenes, a clever routing and enjoyably remote. Also play Cabot Links is also in this list, plus Baddeck Forks or La Portage in Novia Scotia.
Get there Halifax airport is three hours away.
CRUDEN BAY
ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND
Now rightly being talked about alongside North Berwick and Royal Dornoch among Scotland’s most characterful links. Packed with intriguing half-par holes set down on terrain full of mounds, dips, rises and falls, Cruden Bay packs in more entertainment in six holes than most courses manage in 18. Also play Trump Aberdeen and Royal Aberdeen in this list, plus Fraserburgh and Murcar. Closest city Aberdeen is 20 minutes away.
PORTMARNOCK
DUBLIN, IRELAND
A former Walker Cup venue, Portmarnock is Ireland’s Muirfield on and off the course. A traditional club and a traditional links that oozes pedigree and demands solid ballstriking. Lacks aesthetic appeal of others in the top 20 and doesn’t give lots back to the higher handicapper, but a very classy links. Also play The Island, Portmarnock Links and Royal Dublin nearby, The European to the south.
Closest city Dublin is 20 minutes’ drive away.
WOODHALL SPA (HOTCHKIN)
LINCOLNSHIRE, ENGLAND
Tom Doak and his team have renovated this grand old heathland course to wonderful effect. Out have gone hundreds of trees and in have come Insta-worthy vistas. Some bunkers have been filled in, others built. There’s more strategy and firmer turf.
The Hotchkin now punches its full weight. Also play Seacroft, a Top 100 England course, as well as the Hotchkin’s sister course, the Bracken.
Closest city It’s remote! But Lincoln is 30 mins.
NEW SOUTH WALES
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA ‘La Perouse’ is a dreamy course in Botany Bay in south-east Sydney. It was officially opened in 1928 and designed by Alister MacKenzie. “It’s one of the great golf courses I’ve seen,” said Arnold Palmer. Routed among sand hills with holes taking you down towards the Pacific Ocean. Also play Lakes GC and The Australian are both a short drive away.
Get there Sydney airport is 15 minutes away.
KINGSBARNS
FIFE, SCOTLAND
The top-ranked modern course from Britain and Ireland, it is a serious achievement for this Fife links to get into the top 25. Kyle Phillips’ design is playable, varied and epically scenic. Sea views on every hole and a brilliant routing that skilfully takes you along the coastline and back again. Also play St Andrews Old and New are 20 minutes away. Dumbarnie & The Castle too. Closest city St Andrews but also Dundee.
SUNNINGDALE (NEW)
SURREY, ENGLAND
Even in a World list where there are so many high-calibre candidates, there can never be more than a few places between the New and Old. Some even prefer the New and certainly it offers arguably a more exacting experience – but, really, golf at Sunningdale just makes you glad to be alive. Also play The Old, plus Walton Heath, St George’s Hill and Woking are also in this list. Get there London is 45 mins away, 60 by train.
BALLYBUNION (OLD) KERRY, IRELAND
The Old course at Ballybunion starts modestly, there is no getting away from that. The first third makes visitors wonder what all the fuss is about and why Tom Watson waxed so lyrical about it. Then it leaves you speechless with such beauty and drama that we have it in our World top 30. Also play It’s in the famed Ring of Kerry, so Tralee, Waterville, Dooks – plus the Cashen, its No.2. Closest city Limerick is 80 minutes away.
BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
A very different style to sister Dunes course, Lost Farm doesn’t play as a ‘pure’ links; the ground is a little flatter and there isn’t the same firm fescue turf. It was designed as an easier test than the Dunes, but it still has a lot of nuance – and the par 3s are a particular strength. Also play The Dunes at Barnbougle Dunes, and hop over to King Island to get to Cape Wickham. Get there 90-minute drive from Launceston..
KAWANA (FUJI)
SHIZUOKA, JAPAN
Opened in 1936 and designed by Harry Colt’s associate Charles Alison, it has been described as ‘Japan’s Pebble Beach’. It sits alongside Kawana Hotel and sister course Oshima. Both courses offer majestic views – including of Mount Fuji. The Fuji course is a mix of treelined and cliff-edge holes. Also play Ogi GC and Kawana CC are short drives away – plus the Oshima option on site. Get there Haneda airport two hrs 30 mins away.
TRUMP ABERDEEN
ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND
If dramatic, ‘big dune’ golf is your thing, you’ll love it here – and think it could be even higher than this lofty position. There aren’t sand hills of this size in many places in the UK&I and Martin Hawtree used the topography to produce bold holes, awesome views and heartpounding tee shots. Also play Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen in this list, plus Fraserburgh and Murcar. Closest city Aberdeen is 20 minutes away.
SWINLEY FOREST
ASCOT, BERKSHIRE
Swinley might have the best set of short holes in this entire list. Certainly, there won’t be any that are definitely better. Harry Colt’s “least worst” is the cutest heathland out there; the master used the undulating terrain to produce a course of rare class, tranquility and beauty. Also play Sunningdale Old/New, Walton Heath, Woking and St George’s Hill are all in this list. Closest city London is 50 minutes away.
ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES
LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND
As we know, it isn’t anything to look at, with red-brick houses surrounding it. That said, the low-lying linksland – no big dunes here – is beautiful in itself. The bunkering is penal and impossible to avoid as the ground escorts your ball inexorably to sand. Peerlessly presented and consistently good. Also play Southport’s Birkdale, Hillside, Formby, S&A and West Lancs are all an hour away. Closest city Blackpool 10 mins, Liverpool 70 mins.
ROYAL TROON (CHAMPIONSHIP)
AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND
Troon is often characterised as a dour but solid links. Yes, there are holes of that nature here, and good ones at that, but Troon is also frequently more scenic – especially on the opening stretch along the coast – and entertaining than it is given credit for. Plus it has the Postage Stamp... Also play Turnberry Ailsa to the south. Prestwick, Western Gailes and Dundonald nearby. Closest city Glasgow is 50 minutes away.
WALTON HEATH (OLD)
SURREY, ENGLAND
Herbert Fowler was a master at working heathland and this 1904 example is one of his best. The last great venue for a Ryder Cup in Europe, the Old has possibly Surrey’s thickest blanket of heather and a good score is earned here – all the while enjoying views across the open heathland. Also play Sunningdale Old/New, Walton Heath, Woking and St George’s Hill are all in this list. Closest city London is 22 miles to the north.
ARDFIN
JURA, SCOTLAND
A spectacular position for a spectacular new course. Bob Harrison has laid down an epic course on the clitops and shore of this tiny Scottish island. It was a feat of routing, imagination and engineering to get it to work but the results are breathtaking. In a breeze, exacting. But it’s bucket list stu. Also play The Machrie on neighbouring Islay is also in this list, and Machrihanish en route too.
Get there Fly/sail to Islay, then a ferry to Jura.
SKIBO CASTLE
HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND
There are only limited tee times, and it is expensive, but you can play here. It is worth the eort and expense. Revamped a decade after opening to take better advantage of its exquisite Loch Evelix and mountain setting, Skibo mixes challenge and scenery as few can – and it’s immaculately presented. Also play Royal Dornoch is almost walkable, plus Brora is a must. Tain and Golspie are also terrific.
Closest city Inverness is 60 minutes away.
WATERVILLE
KERRY, IRELAND
Waterville has a romantic history and an outstanding setting, but the course itself is its biggest star. Perched on the last bit of southwest Ireland on the edge of Ballinskelligs Bay, this is a links that leaves nothing in the tank. The dunes are big and so is the drama – not least the climax. Also play Ballybunion’s Old and Cashen, Tralee, Dooks and Doonbeg/Lahinch to the north. Closest city Cork and Limerick, two hours away.