9 Ancient Links Courses We Wish Could Host The Open

The Open has become such a behemoth of an event that, sadly, there are many forgotten venues no longer suitable for hosting.

The battle for the Claret Jug has grown so much since even the turn of this century that far more than just a quality golf course is required to satisfy the R&A. There will be 300,000 fans in total on-site throughout the week at Royal Birkdale, which is up from the 235,000 in 2017 when it last hosted.

On-site, plenty of spare ground is required to accommodate the countless structures that go up for players, fans and sponsors alike, while the logistics are a huge consideration. What are the transport links like and is there additional space for car parking?

There is so much that goes into it now that even iconic venues like St Andrews are at their limit.

The R&A also has a rota of venues it uses, and it doesn’t get added to regularly.

With all that in mind, it is inevitable that some great links courses have to miss out. Here are some ancient layouts across the UK and Ireland we wish could host a modern-day Open.

Royal County Down

Opened in 1889, Royal County Down is renowned as one of the best courses in the world. Ranked No. 1 on Golf Monthly’s Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland, with a mountain range in the background and the Irish Sea close by, it boasts some of the most spectacular views you could wish to see while venturing out for 18 holes.

The visual spectacle is matched by the test provided on the Championship course. Weaving golfers through the dunes with some blind shots and devilish bunkers lying in wait, it would surely make for a thrilling Open venue.

It has hosted five Irish Opens but whether it would be capable of taking on a Major – well, we might never know.

Royal Dornoch

Royal Dornoch is another highly rated links, which is situated in the north of Scotland. Opened in 1877, it sits fifth in our Top 100 UK and Ireland list for a reason.

It provides a brilliant test of golf, with loads of variety and stunning views across the Dornoch Firth. The set of par-3s, in particular, must be among the finest of any course in the world.

Seeing the pros test themselves against this legendary layout would be a treat, but there are too many factors working against Dornoch for that to ever become a possibility.

Ballybunion

Next on the list is Ballybunion Old. Situated in County Kerry in Ireland and opened in 1893, it has a worldwide reputation among golfers of all levels.

Tom Watson certainly has a huge affinity for the club. In fact, such is his love of the place he once said that “after playing Ballybunion for the first time, a man would think that the game of golf originated here.”

Through the dunes and sandhills this course takes golfers, with some holes precariously close to the edge of the cliffs. A true thriller, then, and one that we would love to see host the game’s best players.

Royal Porthcawl

There have been murmurings about The Open and Royal Porthcawl, but, so far, that is how it has remained. Porthcawl is regarded as the best course in Wales and is a permanent feature in our Top 100 UK and Ireland rankings.

Unlike some links layouts, there are no dramatic dunes here. Rather, it is slightly flatter, meaning views of the sea are on offer from practically every hole.

Superb variety is on display through demanding par-4s and tricky short par-3s, making it a great test, one that has graced out TV screens during the 2014, 2017 and 2023 Senior Open.

North Berwick

Where to begin with North Berwick? For starters, it is perhaps one of the most fun courses anyone could wish to play. It isn’t likely to intimidate players through its length but some of the green complexes will undoubtedly leave golfers in a spin.

Strategy is all important here, as is taming the typically ferocious wind that blows off the Firth of Forth. Once you play North Berwick, you will want to return again and again, as the pros do when the men’s Scottish Open is on just up the road at the Renaissance Club.

Like Dornoch, though, it is far too tight a piece of land to ever stand a chance of taking on an Open.

Prestwick

The host venue for the first 12 Opens and none since, it would be fascinating to see how this legendary Ayrshire links would stand up to the best players in the world today.

With several whacky greens and some blind shots to navigate, it’s a quirky course that splits opinion. Some love it, while others prefer courses that lay things out in front of you.

But, given the distances the best male players now hit the ball and the tight space restrictions, it won’t be hosting its 13th Open anytime soon.

Cruden Bay

Cruden Bay is situated on a big piece of land, but even at that there probably is not enough space for the requirements of an Open. It would also be a logistical nightmare for players and fans to get to.

And all of that is a shame as it is a stunning golf course. Dunes feature prominently, as do spectacular elevated tee shots. It is a gem well worth playing for anyone considering it.

West Lancashire

Founded in 1873, West Lancashire is a proper links test. Golfers will need their wits about them to tame this course that has less dunes and more humps and hollows.

With everything in front of players, it is about as fair a challenge as you could wish to get at a links venue. If you play well and hit the rights shots, you will be rewarded. Fail to do that, though, and punishment awaits. Views of the Mersey Estuary and across to the mountains of Wales will ease your suffering, though.

It has hosted some of the game’s most prestigious amateur tournaments and is a Final Qualifying venue for The Open, so it has serious championship pedigree.

Royal North Devon

Last on the list is England’s oldest golf course, Royal North Devon. This is about as raw as golf gets, with horse and sheep free to roam the fairways.

It might be less of a visual spectacle than others, but it is no less worthy of its strong reputation. Changes have been made recently due to coastal erosion but it remains a brilliant test of golf, albeit one the pros won’t get to take on at an Open.

Which ancient links courses would you like to see The Open visit? Let us know in the comments section below.