Courses 81-90

published 29 September 2006

81. Alwoodley (position in 2004 - new entry)

6666 yards; Par 72; SSS 72

Green fees £35-£85

A real pleasure seeker?s course. I feel there is wonderful balance here with the holes fitting seamlessly together. It?s hard to identify any one hole over any other ? this usually means that a course is either very average or very good. Alwoodley is definitely the latter. The whole course oozes class and the expansive feel is amazing considering its proximity to Leeds. For me it has a special atmosphere that?s difficult to pin down.

Green fees £40-£85

This is a lovely, pure golf course that combines most of the essential elements for a links gem. The turf is tight and sandy, the bunkers are well placed and menacing, and the holes go back and forth in the dunes. The course has good par 3s, very well bunkered par 5s that allow birdie chances for straight shooting and in the 14th and 15th a pair of excellent par 4s at the far end of the course. There is nowhere to hide from the wind and good or bad shots get their just rewards.

Green fees £40-£60

Although you only glimpse the sea from one hole at Aldeburgh the course plays like a true links with firm fairways and blustery winds to contend with. The real test here is negotiating the long par 4s, especially as many of them are lined by thick gorse. Lovers of a swift pace of play will love it at Aldeburgh as only two ball golf is allowed here, meaning even in winter you?ve a chance of getting in 36 holes.

Green fees £85-£105

The New course is 7,026 yards off the back tees, with the back nine a massive 3,845 yards. This is a beautiful but fierce test, with large clumps of heather lining the course from tee to green to penalise wayward drives and approach play. It is a fine example of a traditional heathland style course in the English tradition and the clubhouse and facilities make for a great all-round golfing experience.

Green fees £85

The Blue course has three reachable par 5s for good scoring chances and respite, as tight par 4s and tough par 3s throw in the odd high score. Hailing from the same stable of heathland courses as Sunningdale and Swinley Forest, the Berkshire Blue Course stands up well to the competition from these tracks and the others that lie in close proximity. As with its sister course the Red, the Blue is in exceptional conditional.

Green fees £20-£55

The crowning glory at this idyllic course set on the Isle of Man might well be standing on the 17th tee. Certainly, for me, it raised the hairs on the back of my neck. The 5th is probably the most difficult on the course and wouldn?t look out of place on a list of the world?s greatest golf holes. Its remote location in the Irish Sea may go some way to explaining why Castletown could be the most forgotten top course in the Britain.

Green fees £100-£155

Green fees £85-£100

Few links courses can boast the natural changes in elevation that make Gullane such a fierce and memorable test. From its highest points you?ll enjoy views down towards the surrounding countryside that includes Muirfield and the Firth of Forth. I found that controlling yardages is the hardest challenge and I think it?s fair to say that to return a good score it helps to know the intricacies of the challenge. The good news is that if you are playing Gullane for the first time, it?s kept in immaculate condition and the stunning views will sustain your attention whatever your score.

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