Courses 61-70

published 28 September 2006

61. Royal North Devon (2004 position ? 66)

6665 yards; Par 72; SSS 72

Green fees £38-£44

When I first arrived at the Royal North Devon club I was surprised to hear that, having been founded in 1864, it is England?s oldest links course. However, from the moment I stepped out from the small, old-fashioned clubhouse (a shrine to the evolution of the sport from its embryonic stages) onto the course, I was left in no doubt of its heritage. Sheep, cows and horses share this landscape with sea rushes and narrow ditches, and the result is a unique and charming test of golf. The wind whistles unrestricted across this arid countryside and this means you will require strict ball control, while the large greens feature some subtle changes in elevation that always demand a careful read.

Green fees £25-£43

I found that while playing to your handicap is difficult on this course the challenge it presents does create its own enjoyment factor. Miss the fairways ? even though they are on the generous side ? and it?s probably a hack out. However, I feel that if you find yourself on top of your game and the weather is set fair then a good score is possible. The course is built on shallow sandy heathland soil over rock, and is awash with heather and gorse. There are views over Poole Bay that are truly magnificent.

Ballyliffin?s Glashedy links is the creation of Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock and the course is marked by huge greens and beautifully riveted bunkers. Unique and challenging holes that wind through the looming sand hills must be negotiated with careful thought and precision. The course is situated on Donegal?s Inishowen peninsula, which is looked over by Binion Hill and has splendid views out to the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1995, the Glashedy is the newer of the two courses at Ballyliffin.

From the start there?s an eager sense of anticipation as you thread drive after drive between dunes. The start leaves you breathless ? especially the par-4 4th doglegging away to the right ? but there?s really no let up in excitement from start to finish. It?s peaceful too, as many holes are effectively little islands of solitude amid the imposing dunes. The whole experience is unrelentingly mesmerising, and I?d be amazed if this links didn?t climb higher on this list in future years.

Green fees £35-£80

There has been a lot of work done to Worplesdon in the last few years including the introduction of new bunkering, the lengthening of holes and much tree clearing. The results are spectacular. The new tees and bunkers have really toughened the course up, especially for big hitters, while the tree clearance has restored the course?s natural characteristics and dramatically increased the quality of the greens as result of the increased light and air getting to them.

Green fees £60-£125

Some Wentworth members believe the relatively youthful Edinburgh course to be the best on the estate, and after playing it I?m not so sure I wouldn?t agree with them. Yes, the West has its fame and history and is complemented beautifully by the East. But the Edinburgh has a different feel again as it wends its way through the estate?s ?Great Wood?, often through avenues of pines. My favourite hole would be the par-3 17th, over water to a tiered green, where getting too cute to a tight pin position can cause you to come a watery cropper ? as I discovered to my chagrin.

Ireland has many fine links courses dotted right around the coastline and County Louth (Baltray) is one of these. It is a Tom Simpson design set in sand dunes. After a long start, a long par 4 followed by two par 5s, the character of the course is established with a succession of terrific holes that test your skill and keep your interest right to the last putt. The sea is rarely seen but often heard, especially when whipped up by the ever-present wind.

Green fees £25-£45 only with a member

This is a relatively new course and I found much to admire in its layout. While plenty of earth has been moved in order to create it, the end result is a course that is for the most part pleasing to the eye and perhaps more importantly enjoyable for all levels of golfer. The clubhouse is also excellent and I felt it had a refreshingly unstuffy atmosphere throughout. Particularly noteworthy was the relaxed attitude towards children both in the clubhouse and out on the practice green.

Green fees £45

One of only two island courses to make the Top 120, along with the Isle of Man?s Castletown. But don?t let a ferry crossing or short flight put you off sampling this wonderful 115-year-old links on the Hebridean island of Islay. It?s as natural a course as you?ll find anywhere with a fair sprinkling of the quirky elements and blind shots you?d expect from a 19th-century Celtic links. And when you?ve hung up your clubs for the day you can retire to the adjacent hotel and work your way through some ? or all ? of the fruits of this tiny island?s seven whisky distilleries, thus completing a truly Scottish golfing experience.

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