WELCOME TO THE BEST OF ENGLAND
We have been ranking the finest courses in England for a decade and I have no doubt this is the most accurate reflection of the best the country has to offer that we have produced.
Every course in previous lists was excellent, but I think this panel’s even more comprehensive knowledge makes this a better list. As with all rankings, it will please some and infuriate others. More than anything, I think it will surprise. We have not intentionally tried to create a list of surprises, but as a result of this panel tending to favour fun, natural golf over more penal, sanitised courses, it has meant plenty of movement in/ out and up/down the list. It doesn’t mean everything in the 100 is under 6,000 yards and maintained by a flock of sheep, or that there are no ‘championship’ courses. But it’s fair to say courses of character, fun and eccentricity generally do well. There are, though, still plenty of courses that are ‘right out in front of you’, if that’s your preference.
As ever, our experienced panel, invited to take part because of their extensive knowledge, assessed each course with a total of 100 marks awarded, in these criteria...
• Design (40 marks) A key category, split into three sub-sections: Does the course take advantage of its landscape (20); the green complexes (10); the routing (10).
• Setting (15 marks) The aesthetic value of the surrounding views and the course itself. And the overall ‘atmosphere’ of the course – not the club.
• Memorability (15 marks) How easy it is to recall the holes? Are they distinctive, varied and interesting. Are they strategic and heroic?
• Playability (10 marks) Is it just too tough, possibly even unfair, for the majority? Or is it easily enjoyed by all?
• Consistency (10 marks) Does every hole deliver all of the above, or is it let down by a few poor ones?
• Presentation (10 marks) Two aspects: is maintenance at ease with its surroundings, and the conditioning of tees, fairways, bunkers and greens. • In the event of a tie, the Top 100 editor adjudicates based on the breadth of opinions across the panel. Off-course facilities, customer service or tournament pedigree play no part. • Queenwood would be a contender for the
list but do not wish to take part in rankings. • Chris Bertram, Top 100 Editor