Courses You Must Play

Would recommend every golfer should play – and why. Here’s what they told us.

Utrecht de Pan, Holland

If you can’t get on what I believe to be the Continent’s undisputed No.1 – the very private Morfontaine – this Dutch heathland track is a very fine alternative.

Cruit Island

Nine barely-known holes that take a lot of effort to get to. However, once you finally arrive at this scenic Donegal outpost, you will categorically not be disappointed.

Kilspindie

Just around the corner from Muirfield, you can confidently leave the driver in the car boot and enjoy a links that requires deft touch to master.

Shiskine

Another nine-holer, this time on Arran. Bags of character and some wonderful golf holes, plus a bit of madness and incredible views.

Brora

James Braid converts will tell you that this Highland links is as good as it gets. Leave enough time for a second round to really get to know it.

Kiawah Island

Those of us of a certain middle-age will always remember the iconic “War on the Shore” Ryder Cup here in 1991. And this seaside course ticks a lot of boxes.

East Lake GC, Atlanta

A stern and challenging test of golf in its own right, but worth a visit for the huge collection of Bobby Jones memorabilia in the clubhouse.

Seminole

US country club golf at its very best and Hogan’s off-season practice venue.this Donald Ross track is very private and very expensive, but it may well be the best routed golf course on the planet. Fearsome dunes and tiny, angled greens are its main protection.

Sebonack, Long Island

Who would have thought that Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak could play nicely enough together to collaborate let alone create an epic course in the Hamptons. But they did and it’s great. There’s more of Doak’s thumbprint on the design than Jack’s though.

Peachtree, Atlanta

A wonderful jaunt through the Georgia Pines. Inviting tee shots, wide fairways, huge greens and a just a hint of Augusta National about it.

Turnberry

Martin Ebert’s redesign of this classic Open links is just stunning. The eight coastal holes from 4 through 11 are epic. The only minor criticism is that the par 3s feel just a little similar, and there’s probably one too many.