1 ROYAL ST GEORGE’S DEAL, KENT NO CHANGE SUNNINGDALE (OLD)
SUNNINGDALE, SURREY NO CHANGE
Design 35 Setting 12 Memorability 14 Playability 7 Consistency 9 Presentation 9 TOTAL 86
Another two years as England No.1 for ‘Sandwich’. Sorry for being boring, and we know the magazine should entertain, but we will never manufacture any list in order to create interest or spark debate. Simply, RSG is, in our view, England’s standout No.1. Fearsome but very, very fun, this multiple Open venue has it all.
3 ROYAL BIRKDALE SOUTHPORT, MERSEYSIDE NO CHANGE
Design 33 Setting 13 Memorability 14 Playability 7 Consistency 9 Presentation 9 TOTAL 85 Tough but fair and still many people’s favourite English links, this is the Open host the pros really love.
4 WOODHALL SPA
(HOTCHKIN) WOODHALL SPA, LINCS NO CHANGE
Design 35 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 7 Consistency 9 Presentation 8 TOTAL 85
Tom Doak’s superb renovation keeps the robust Hotchkin in the top five. Despite the overall flatness of the land, it possesses bunkers deep enough to make any links deeply envious.
5 SUNNINGDALE
(NEW) SUNNINGDALE, SURREY NO CHANGE
Design 34 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 7 Consistency 9 Presentation 9 TOTAL 85
The tougher brother of the two. A true championship test and equally as glorious as the Old. It could easily have been two spots higher; don’t be surprised if one day Sunningdale does indeed have two of the top three.
6 SWINLEY FOREST
ASCOT, BERKSHIRE NO CHANGE
Design 35 Setting 13 Memorability 13 Playability 8 Consistency 8 Presentation 8 TOTAL 85
A beguiling course and club with a uniquely charming and playable layout. Swinley has clearly now found its place in our rankings, because it never fails to leave an imprint on the heart.
7 ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES LYTHAM, LANCASHIRE ▲1
Design 34 Setting 11 Memorability 12 Playability 7 Consistency 9 Presentation 10 TOTAL 83
What it lacks aesthetically, Royal Lytham more than makes up for as an ultimate test of golf. Heavily and penally bunkered, but you relish the challenge. Impeccable presentation – as befits an 11-time Open host.
Design 34 Setting 13 Memorability 13
Playability 9 Consistency 8 Presentation 9 TOTAL 86
A delightful walk, a delightful experience and one of the game’s most exquisite rounds. The undisputed top inland course in these isles. Expert contouring and mesmeric heathland scenes. A perfect example of elevation and the shot frame. Oozes confidence and class.