First impressions
Rob Smith delves into the archives to pick out our six highest new entries of all time
The very first Golf Monthly rankings date back to 2005/6, and in order to be a little different, the original custodians decided it would be the Top 120 courses in the UK&I. The current team took over for the third biennial publication in 2009/10, at which point we reverted to the more traditional Top 100, while also introducing a Next 100. Here, we highlight the six newcomers to burst on to our Top 100 scene with the greatest impact – our highest new entries of all time...
76 – Prince’s (Shore/himalayas) 2021/22
After hosting The Open in 1932, Prince’s lived somewhat in the shadows of its neighbours – perhaps understandable with Royal St George’s next door and Royal Cinque Ports just down the coast. In the last decade, this accessible and friendly club has been transformed, with Martin Ebert revitalising the courses with his eye-catching revisions, including two excellent new sea-facing par 3s.
61 – Rosapenna (St Patrick’s Links) 2023/24
Rosapenna has long been a consummate golfing destination with the Sandy Hills Links an ever-present in the Top 100 and the Old Tom Morris Links a very enjoyable and interesting accompaniment. The land immediately to the south in Sheephaven Bay had been developed as a 36-hole complex in the 1990s, was then lost, but has now been transformed by Tom Doak into a new, thrilling and extremely attractive links, which opened for play in 2021.
40 – Dumbarnie Links 2021/22
Just as this wonderful new links opened for play, Covid arrived, which meant that most of its booked initial golfers didn’t. Overcoming this hardship, and issues with the greens for a spell last year, has been a brilliant achievement from David Scott and his team at this modern Fife links. Running over what was formerly farmland, this exciting course is full of risk-and-reward and bunkering that is bold and dramatic.
25 – Cabot Highlands (Castle Stuart Golf Links) 2011/12
Recently renamed by its new owners, what was originally Castle Stuart was the genius brainchild of the late Mark Parsinen. Running over an upper and lower level overlooking the Moray Firth, it is a magnificent, scenic and very versatile design that has hosted four Scottish Opens but is playable by all.
25 – The Golf Course at Adare Manor 2019/20
The original Robert Trent Jones Senior design made it into our early rankings, but fell out a decade ago before what became the most complete rebuild in the UK&I. Without altering the routing, Tom Fazio was given the resources to upgrade every blade of grass, grain of sand and drop of water. It is now the most pristinely manicured and perfectly presented golf course in Ireland.
14 – Trump International Scotland 2015/16
Our highest ever new entry. Trump’s course north of Aberdeen is a stunner, packed with visual impact and full of variety and drama. Designing a new links course with 18 memorable holes is no mean feat, but Martin Hawtree has achieved this, taking full advantage of the imposing dunes that hug the shore.
NO CHANGE 73 Woburn (Marquess’) GF: £160-£345
Golf on a grand scale, set in 200 acres of glorious countryside with majestic woodland separating the holes. Big greens, exquisitely crafted holes and stirring approaches are the hallmark. GM verdict: Youngest and most varied of Woburn’s three Top 100 courses.
70 Ballyliffin (Glashedy) GF: €220
One of two brilliant courses at Ballyliffin, the Glashedy is a 1990s Pat Ruddy creation. It cleverly combines the best of a traditional links with a look and feel that is somehow more modern.
GM verdict: Rollercoaster of a modern links with maturity beyond its years.
DOWN 3 67 Machrihanish GF: £75-£200
Make the breathtaking trek to this remote corner of Argyll and you won’t be disappointed by this Old Tom Morris classic. The exhilarating run from the 3rd to the turn is accompanied by thrilling views out to the Inner Hebrides. GM verdict: A perfect example of fitting a golf course into the natural terrain.
72 Hunstanton GF: £90-£150
A classic out-and-back links, where the holes largely play either side of a dune ridge running down the centre. Sand dunes are a real feature on most holes, as are the traditional pot bunkers. GM verdict: Challenging, characterful links with a quartet of very fine par 3s.
69 West Hill GF: £90-£220
Dating back to 1907, West Hill is largely unchanged in terms of design, but with consistent improvements to presentation and conditioning. Despite the Hill in its name, the walking is easy. GM verdict: Brilliant journey through the pines in prime Surrey heathland.
66 Cruden Bay (Championship) GF: £110-£220
This excellent design is way more than a traditional links with a strong heritage. It has a quite different feel, with elevation changes and dunes allowing the most wonderful, panoramic views. Golfing escapism at its best.
GM verdict: Thrilling yet unconventional links packed with character and charm.
71 The Island GF: €250-€270
This superb and recently improved course weaves through some of the most awe-inspiring dunes of any older links. The improvements make full use of the magnificent front-nine terrain. GM verdict: Fine links in an idyllic setting surrounded on three sides by water.
68 Moortown GF: £65-£150
Moortown hosted the first home Ryder Cup match in 1929. Created by the great Dr Alister Mackenzie in 1908, large, undulating greens and deep bunkers are evidence of his contribution. GM verdict: Classic urban heathland course with a rich history.
65 Rye (Old)
GF: contact club for fees Founded in 1894, the original layout came courtesy of a 25-year-old Harry Colt. Even at that age, his talent for visualising and creating attractive and exciting holes was evident. This is a characterful and timeless layout.
GM verdict: A classic and historic links with fast-running, rumpled fairways.