On the move
Jeremy Ellwood takes a closer look at the new entries, re-entries and our biggest climbers
ith so much improvement work at many courses, if you’re not striving to move forwards, you’re probably going backwards. But with less new-build work than at any time in recent years, clubs are no longer having to contend with several excellent newcomers. There are still some, though, as our highest new entry proves…
New entries
Just as last time with Dumbarnie, so too this time is our highest new entry a modern links. St Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna in Co. Donegal enters in 61st spot. Tom Doak’s splendid newcomer is laid out over stunning linksland where two former courses had lain dormant. It is a vast rollercoaster adventure through the dunes and we will be watching its future progress keenly.
Wallasey on The Wirral enters for the first time in 89th place after taking big steps forward in recent years. Among many improvements are those to the lovely little par-3 12th, where all bunkers have been rebuilt. Dundonald Links joins our already strong Ayrshire contingent in 99th place following major investment by new owners, Darwin Escapes, including an impressive clubhouse. This improvement in facilities and visitor experience alone has been enough for Dundonald to break free from the cluster of clubs knocking on the Top 100 door.
Gleneagles PGA Centenary course received improved reports, too – enough for it to enter in 100th place and for the resort to become just the second to boast three courses in our Top 100.
Re-entries
Carne has been in before but returns in 76th place with the newer Kilmore nine combining with the more spectacular nine from the Hackett course to create the new Wild Atlantic Dunes routing. The holes and landscape on a rugged peninsula are breathtaking and it received rave reviews.
Tandridge in Surrey has wavered either side of our cut-off point in recent years, but comes back in this time in 97th place following further good work on the course at the hands of Tim Lobb, and a period of quite excellent course conditioning during the review period.
Biggest climbers
Three long-established and highly regarded courses are our top climbers this time. First, the Queen’s at Gleneagles, which climbs eight to 50th as the resort continues to invest in all its facilities. Royal Cinque Ports climbs eight to 45th, with our panellists effusive in their praise for an already great course further improved through Martin Ebert’s fine work on several holes. Finally, it’s back to Tom Doak, whose well-received renovation work on the Hotchkin course at Woodhall Spa has now settled in really well. It climbs five to 13th.
UP 3 91 Murcar Links GF: £140-£160
This is a fabulous and traditional links with elevated tees, gorse and wide views out to sea. The course enters full stride from the par-5 4th, with great and engaging golf all the way from there. GM verdict: Excellent and enduring links deserving of wider acclaim.
88 Ferndown (Old) GF: £80-£195
This pristine heathland layout boasts sandy fairways, with heather lurking either side of the mown surfaces. With pine trees and firs also lining many holes, it’s an extremely attractive course. GM verdict: A beautifully conditioned layout with exceptional playing surfaces.
85 Woburn (Duke’s) GF: £160-£345
This is where it all began on the Duke of Bedford’s Woburn Estate, with Charles Lawrie crafting the first of its three courses through avenues of pine, birch and chestnut in 1976. Accuracy off the tee is key here in among the trees. GM verdict: Beautifully kept tree-lined gem offering a secluded round of golf.
90 Sherwood Forest GF: £60-£145
Founded in 1895, the club has been at the same site since 1912, playing over a Harry Colt layout remodelled by James Braid in the 1920s. It’s a good test, with placement off the tee essential. GM verdict: Attractive, natural layout lined by heather and birch.
87 Aberdovey GF: £50-£130
This fine links on the northern mouth of the Dovey estuary runs in a figure-of-eight routing. The bunkers are visually impressive, but perhaps the best hole, the short 12th, has none.
GM verdict: Traditional out-and-back links set between beach and railway.
84 Royal North Devon GF: £50-£130
Set on a flat coastal plain by Westward Ho!, this is one of our most natural layouts. Covered in sea rushes, with sheep and wild horses grazing, it can take a round or two to begin to grasp the subtleties of this great links. GM verdict: Historic, unique and characterful seaside golf in a pure form.
89 Wallasey GF: £85-£235
Old Tom Morris, Hawtree and Taylor, James Braid and Donald Steel have all leant a hand here. Recent improvements under course manager John Mcloughlin see it crack our Top 100. GM verdict: Thrilling ride through some of the best dunes in English golf.
86 County Sligo (Colt Championship Links) GF: €230-€250
The views of the Ox Mountains and the golfing test are outstanding throughout. When you reach the loop around the turn, you feel you’re in a different world. GM verdict: Colt classic with flat-topped Benbulben Mountain as a fine backdrop.
83 Woking GF: £100-£155
Regarded as architecturally significant, Woking starts with a short par 4 then a superb par 3, recently enhanced by the removal of a large oak and bunker improvements. There’s no let-up in quality throughout the round. GM verdict: A case study in strategic course design and a lovely place to play.