Is there anything more enticing for the golfer than the lure of a thrilling 1st hole?
5 Of The Best Opening Holes In The UK And Ireland
Trump Doonbeg (Main image)
The dreamy Greg Norman links at Doonbeg only opened for play in 2002 but has already benefited from some redesign work by Martin Hawtree.
One thing that really didn’t need to change was the imperious opening hole; a magnificent three-shotter played in a north-easterly direction to a green surrounded on three sides by towering dunes.
From the championship tee at more than 550 yards, everything is clearly in view, a sight that will leave any golfer champing at the bit.
The 1st at Doonbeg is a thrilling hole that will send a tingle down the spine of even the most cynical golfer. It involves just the right amount of drama to set the pulse racing and to raise expectations for what's to come.
GF: €200-€230 Par: 72, 6,427 yards
The leading English course in the GM Top 100 has hosted The Open no fewer than ten times.
This peerless links is blessed with some of the finest dunes in the country, and starts with an extremely tough right-to-left dogleg with a magnetic bunker at the corner.
More sand protects the entrance to the green, making a par a theoretical birdie for most.
GF: £235wd, £265 we Par: 72, 6381 yards
The atmosphere and audience on the 1st tee at the world's most famous course is sure to unnerve.
In front of you, however, is pretty much the widest fairway in golf.
So while the tee shot is not the problem, the serpentine Swilken Burn that borders the front of the green very much is.
Anything short and right, or short and left, is likely to end in a splash.
Go long, and you're struggling to get down in par.
GF: £190 Par: 72, 6387 yards
Everything is visible from the tee at this mid-length par-3 on Alister MacKenzie's 1907 heathland design in West Yorkshire.
The left side is flanked by rough, tress and out of bounds, while attractive and beautifully restored bunkering awaits on the right and around the green.
The tempting 2nd hole is also in view, with the gorse and hazards setting the scene for the tough but fair golfing examination to follow.
GF: £105-£130 Par: 72, 6668 yards
Not too many courses open with a thrilling, beautiful and tough short hole, but Herbert Fowler's creation at The Berkshire is an immaculate exception.
At over 200 yards, it's probably a par-3-and-a-half, with a fabulous forest of heather covering the carry. Avoid this and there are bunkers left and right to protect the green.
The safe option for most is a bail out short and left, followed by a chip and run.
GF: £155-£205 Par: 71, 6260 yards
What are your favourite opening holes? Let us know on our social media channels
Expand 5 Of The Best Lesser-Known Links Courses
5 Of The Best Lesser-Known Links Courses
These five stunning coastal courses are knocking on…
Expand Five Of The Best Former European Tour Venues
Five Of The Best Former European Tour Venues
Over the years, the European Tour has visited…
Expand Five Of The Best Clifftop Golf Courses
Five Of The Best Clifftop Golf Courses
Have you played any of these?
Expand Top 100 Golf Courses UK and Ireland 2021/22
Top 100 Golf Courses UK and Ireland 2021/22
Look at the new full list of Top…
For more golf course articles and all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels
-
YouTube Star George Bryan Comes Within Inches Of PGA Tour Start At Qualifying EventThe YouTube star appeared set for a place at the Myrtle Beach Classic, but a near miss on the 18th left him in a playoff, which Matt Atkins won
-
6 Mistakes Golfers Make When Choosing A PutterJoe Ferguson examines how you can avoid some common pitfalls the next time you look to change putters
-
Best Golf Courses In LancashireAlthough the very best golf courses in Lancashire are its brilliant collection of championship links, there is great variety within these as well as plenty of excellent inland golf
-
Best Golf Courses In YorkshireThere are some incredible courses (and value) to be enjoyed in Yorkshire and they can also boast three Ryder Cup courses
-
Best Golf Courses In SussexThere's wonderful golfing variety to be found in both East and West Sussex. We pick out the star attractions of the two counties
-
15 Bucket List Golf Courses You Have To PlayAn incredible selection of layouts showcasing the tremendous variety planet golf has to offer
-
10 Best Winter Sun Golf BreaksAs travel restrictions ease, we run down 10 great last-minute destinations you might consider for warm weather golf this winter.
-
Infinitum – One Of Europe’s Most Highly Sought-After Lifestyle And Leisure ExperiencesDiscover Infinitum, one of Europe’s most highly sought-after lifestyle and leisure experiences, showcasing world-class golf, modern gastronomy, off-course activities, and a contemporary beach club.
-
Golf Breaks In The UK You Can Book Right NowHere are some ideas for golf breaks in the UK you can book right now...
-
Verdura Resort Reveals New Golf CourseThe Verdura Resort will open in October later this year, and now golfers can see what's on offer at the spectacular new course.
