Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i Golf Monthly

There’s no getting away from the fact that breaking into our Top 100 or making major moves up the rankings is becoming ever harder. This is partly down to what we feel is their reliability after nearly two decades, and partly the increasing volume of improvement work at our top courses. It is an extremely competitive arena and clubs really do have to go well beyond the norm to make any significant gains. That said, when a newcomer of the calibre of Dumbarnie Links in Fife appears on the scene, heads are definitely turned, especially with little else to report in the way of premierleague new-build courses. The brainchild of former Ryder Cup player Clive Clark, Dumbarnie is our highest new entry this time in 40th place. It serves up…

Links golf usually offers the best opportunity for playing through the winter months. Bare trees and sodden ground mean some inland courses won’t look or play their best off-season, but there are still plenty that are a year-round delight. This alphabetical tour features ten very varied Top 100 courses that can be enjoyed at just about any time. First up is the fabulous heathland course at Alwoodley in Yorkshire. With a links-like out-and-back routing, it is blessed with firm, springy turf lined by heather and occasionally gorse. The bunkering is a real feature, as are the large, sloping greens. On the extreme north coast of Ireland, the free-draining soil at Ballyliffin is home to two excellent links. The Glashedy is the younger and more demanding; the Old is more forgiving…

The idea was simple – choose the best 1st to 18th holes in this edition of our Top 100. Of course, any such hypothetical selection is highly subjective. But we’ve tried to create a fictional course delivering the right blend of ebb and flow, challenge and enjoyment. It’s a little quirky, too, with a run of three straight par 3s. Whether you agree with all our choices or not, a round on this layout would be quite something! 1st Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg par 5, 561 yards The opener at Doonbeg leads right into the dunes and gives a clear indication of the dramatic terrain to come. 2nd Royal Porthcawl par 4, 425 yards Playing right out to the shoreline, the beach and out of bounds lurk to the left side…

Archerfield (Dirleton) Archerfield (Fidra) Ardglass Ashburnham Ashridge Beau Desert Berkhamsted NEW ENTRY Berwick-upon-Tweed Blackmoor Blackwell Boat of Garten Brora Camberley Heath Carne (Wild Atlantic Dunes) Carton House (Montgomerie) Castlerock (Mussenden) Castletown Cavendish Celtic Manor (Twenty Ten) Close House (Lee Westwood Colt) Concra Wood Conwy Crail (Balcomie) Crowborough Beacon Delamere Forest Donegal Dooks NEW ENTRY Dunbar Dundonald Effingham Elie Enville (Highgate) Fairmont St Andrews (Torrance) Frilford Heath (Red) Fulford Glasgow Gailes Gleneagles (PGA Centenary) Goodwood (Downs) Gullane (No.2) Hayling Hindhead Huddersfield Huntercombe NEW ENTRY Ipswich (Purdis Heath) Isle of Purbeck (Purbeck) K Club (Arnold Palmer Ryder Cup) Killarney (Killeen) Killeen Castle Kilmarnock Barassie Knole Park Ladybank Lindrick Little Aston Littlestone London (International) Lough Erne Luffenham Heath Luffness New Lundin (photo above) Machrihanish Dunes Machynys Peninsula Monifieth Montrose (Medal) Moray (Old) Narin…

Outdated portrayals I’ve read a lot, particularly during this pandemic, and I can’t help noticing how often golf crops up in popular novels, and never in a positive way. As soon as a character, always male, is described as a golfer, you can be sure he will be the bogeyman! Golf dress also gets mentioned, though the clothes described bear no resemblance to the comfortable, practical garments worn nowadays. It is no wonder non-golfers continue to believe the stereotypes of fuddy-duddy, stuffy, male golfers belonging to elitist clubs. This is so unlike the friendly, welcoming and egalitarian golf that most of us now enjoy. Perhaps the golf unions should target popular authors and bring them up to date with the healthy and affordable sport that is 21st century golf? Jakki…

14 Justin Thomas won his 14th PGA Tour title at the Players Championship 5.6 He gained 5.6 shots on the field from tee to green during Sunday’s final round 132 Thomas played 36 holes over the weekend in 12-under-par – a tournament record $2.7m The winner’s cheque. The $15m purse is the largest in golf 1993 Thomas was born in 1993 – the same year Lee Westwood, who finished 2nd, turned pro BY THE NUMBERS Justin Thomas In elite company Justin Thomas held his nerve to fend off an in-form Lee Westwood and claim the coveted Players Championship title at TPC Sawgrass. Thomas, who had endured a tough start to 2021, produced a ball-striking masterclass over the weekend as he surged ahead of the pack and refused to relinquish his…

The golfing world fell into collective shock in February when news broke that 15-time Major Champion Tiger Woods had suffered significant lower-leg injuries after crashing his car in California. He sustained multiple fractures of his leg and foot and underwent surgery, leaving many to question whether he’d ever be able to play golf again. So, will he? According to surgeon and consultant Nima Heidari, who specialises in foot, ankle and limb reconstructions, Woods’ injuries will heal within a few months, with 80 per cent of the recovery coming in the first three to four months. It will then take up to two years of rehabilitation, although some complex tibial injuries can take up to five years to fully recover. Bones in Woods’ foot and ankle were stabilised using pins and…

While we were stuck at home working or on furlough, going out on our daily walks or our weekly food shops, greenkeepers were hard at work battling the elements over what was a very testing winter period. When we recently returned to our courses, they were looking as good as they possibly could thanks to the passion and professionalism of those greenkeepers. Throughout the winter we had lots of snow, huge amounts of rain and freezing temperatures, and our courses were being maintained by a greenkeeping team reduced, on average, by two members of staff because of the pandemic. Next time you play, if the greens aren’t quite up to speed or the bunkers aren’t quite to your liking, we would really encourage you to think of the positives, appreciate…

T game of golf has a chequered past when it comes to race relations and equality. But let’s be honest – for a very long time, and until uncomfortably recently, there was overt racism in many areas of the game. Inequality was, sadly, engrained in many of the institutions, administrations, clubs and people at the very top. A quick look at some of the records and quotes makes for pretty horrible reading. There was a ‘Caucasian only’ clause in the membership rules of the PGA of America until 1962, and it was just a year earlier that Charlie Sifford became the first black man to join the PGA Tour at the age of 38. His late arrival on golf’s main stage wasn’t for any lack of talent. Sifford, along with…

It may, or may not, come as a surprise that the chief executive of the PGA (photo above) is neither a professional golfer nor a member of the organisation he leads. He is very much a golfer, though, having played off plus figures for 30-odd years. Robert Maxfield’s first ambition was to be a tour pro, but after nine months at Florida State University, he knew that living out of a suitcase away from family was not for him. He embarked on a career as a trainee manager at The Belfry, becoming golf manager in 1991 and group golf manager for De Vere in 2004. The Belfry is also home to The PGA, and in 2006, chief executive, Sandy Jones, enticed Maxfield into the fold to develop the PGA’s international…

GM Verdict A combination of excellent ball speed and forgiveness with relatively low spin meant the G410 Plus driver kept its place in our bag for most of 2020. Our testing showed it was one of the fastest and most consistent drivers around, so we were keen to see how its replacement, the G425 Max, compared. A few drives quickly revealed the feel remains just as powerful as before, with the same booming sound we heard on G410. Testing in the same loft and shaft (8?, Ping Tour 65 stiff) on the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor showed us that the headline numbers were very similar, and that we couldn’t get any more distance out of G425 Max versus G410 Plus because it was spinning a touch more, if anything.…

Your stand bag will be with you through the highs and lows of every round, so you need to love what it offers if it’s to be your perfect match. A model that has the preferred range of pockets, weight and level of protection will leave your mind free to focus on your game, rather than wondering where your tees are or if your phone is going to get wet should the heavens suddenly open. “Using a bag with the wrong amount or size of pockets will frustrate you – think about how you like to split your kit”Joel Tadman, GM technical editor If you play all year round, you need a sturdy and reliable waterproof bag; if you only carry, perhaps a more lightweight option would help prevent any…

Brenda Allvey Member at Piltdown GC for 50 years How has Piltdown changed most as a club since you joined? Fifty years ago, the membership consisted largely of ex-military and ex-pats. It had the reputation of being rather elitist and a haughty element prevailed. This image has been dispelled over the years and it has become an exceptionally friendly club. What do you most like about the club? While not being long, the course is quite challenging. Much clearing of trees and undergrowth has been done, making it very picturesque and well manicured. The club provides a very enjoyable social life enhanced by the excellent catering. What have been the highlights of your playing ‘career’? There have been many highlights, but getting single-figure status felt like my greatest achievement. I…

• Craigielaw Par 71, 6,601 yards Right in the heart of Scotland’s Golf Coast – East Lothian – Craigielaw is perfectly situated for a trip to play one or more of the bountiful, wonderful courses nearby. It also boasts its own very fine links that is mature well beyond its 20 years. The course is a proper championship test, so much so that two years ago it hosted the Scottish Senior Open, won by Paul Lawrie. Words: Rob Smith Photography: Larry Lambrecht, Kevin Murray, Jeremy Ellwood The 25-room hotel is spot on for golfers, with the accommodation overlooking either the course or the courtyard – the latter being an excellent spot for al fresco dining. The hearty menu is both delicious and very reasonably priced. There is also terrific value…

One of the great things about golf is the tremendous variety of scenery and settings in which it is played. In the UK and Ireland, we’re blessed with some of the world’s most striking, pleasant and stirring countryside and the courses around these isles reflect the diversity of our landscape. Some deliver wonderful views of their surrounds; others are simply beautiful in their own right. Coastal courses offer some of the most memorable golfing views. At Castle Stuart, the outlook across the shimmering Moray Firth to the Black Isle and the vistas up towards the mountains beyond the Kessock Bridge are captivating. At Rosapenna, the views around sprawling Sheephaven Bay offer a great sensation of space and freedom. It’s one of the best feelings in golf, being in the open…

Given that the courses in this list are the very best in the UK&I, it follows that they are also the most expensive to play as a visiting golfer. The higher the quality of your product, the more you can reasonably charge for it. Some of the summer green fees in the main listings can be eye-watering (though we have also quoted twilight rates where we’ve spotted them). But there are opportunities to play many of these tracks for less by being flexible, or by taking advantage of package deals that are available. There are also courses in our list that offer excellent value for money, even at top whack. Summer rates are generally the highest on offer, but most courses have reduced rates in the winter and sometimes shoulder…

Welcome to the 2021/22 Golf Monthly Top 100 course rankings. Due to Covid, the process was trickier and took longer this time round, but despite lockdowns and travel restrictions, our dedicated team of assessors and staff managed to make more visits and create more reports than ever before. This is the ninth biennial listing of the Top 100 and Next 100 courses in the UK & Ireland. We fully believe that what sets our rankings apart from other lists is that they are compiled entirely by knowledgeable, keen but ‘ordinary’ golfers like you. While we are always interested in the opinions of pros, elite amateurs, course designers and industry insiders, all assessments are the shared results of playing visits and reports made by enthusiastic amateur golfers; our reader panel and…

Royal clubs represented More than one Top 100 course Ballyliffin, The Berkshire, Gleneagles, St Andrews, Saunton, Sunningdale, Walton Heath, Woburn Courses that opened this millennium Castle Stuart, Doonbeg, Dumbarnie, The Grove, Kingsbarns, Remedy Oak, Rosapenna Sandy Hills, St Andrews Castle, Trump International Scotland Courses by type Courses by country 100-92 TOP 100 COURSE RANKINGS 100 RE-ENTRY Remedy Oak GF: £130-£150 This majestic and surprisingly secluded blend of mature woodland and expansive heathland to the north of Bournemouth first opened for play 15 years ago. It is kept in immaculate order, full of warmth, wonder and welcome. GMVERDICT Combines contemporary design with a timeless charm 99 UP 1 Ballyliffin (Old) GF: €180 Originally designed by Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy, the Old Links was most recently upgraded by Sir Nick Faldo. More traditional…

Across 7 Are tea dances to make holes in turf? (6) 8 Peter or Richard (6) 9 Equipment organisation (4) 10 Italy’s only Major winner (8) 11 Return test to baby daughter first and 1873 Open Champion (3,4) 13 Royal club which will host Open in 2024 (5) 15 Ran in to form at Scottish club (5) 16 Bamboo on Augusta’s 17th (7) 18 He won in 2020 in only his 6th European Tour event via a milk round (8) 19 Winner of last year’s WGC-Mexico Championship (4) 21 Europe’s Ryder Cup record points scorer (6) 22 Contribute when hole out (4,2) Compiled by: Tait Down 1 Healthy on 16th at 13 (4) 2 Australian who won The Open (3,5-5) 3 Bare mud gives way to type of grass (7)…

What’s the pressure like trying to finish off a Players Championship? I’ll tell you what, it’s a lot harder than when there weren’t fans around, that’s for sure. I’m so happy they’re back and I’m so happy to be The Players champion. I fought so hard. I stayed really patient. It was probably one of the best rounds of my life tee to green – I had total control of the ball and I really was hitting a lot of good putts. Can you talk about the rollercoaster of emotions that the last two months has been for you? Yeah, it’s been bizarre is probably an understatement. It’s been a crappy couple of months. I’ve had stuff happen in my life I never thought I’d have happen. Losing grandpa was…

1 Perez was born on September 2, 1992 in Tarbes, France. He started playing golf at a young age and met his current coach, Mike Magher, at Biarritz Golf Club, which is just down the road from his birthplace. 2 Perez played collegiate golf in the States from 2011 to 2014. He competed for the University of New Mexico alongside future tour professionals John Catlin and Gavin Green. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on psychology and now lives in Dundee with his Scottish girlfriend. 3 To date, Perez has had one victory on the European Tour, at the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He is now comfortably inside the world’s top 50 and in contention to earn a Ryder Cup debut at Whistling Straits.…

TaylorMade’s popular range of Spider mallet putters just got bigger as the company has announced the addition of four new models, headlined by the Spider EX. Thanks to its multi-compound construction, TaylorMade says the Spider EX delivers optimal stability. Specifically, the aluminium frame and carbon-composite centre allow for weight to be distributed around the perimeter, which increases MOI for a more consistent roll and extra forgiveness across the face. Two 28g weights occupy the heel and toe and a heavy tungsten weight has been placed at the rear – the exact weight of this depends on the length of the putter. The new True Path system makes it easier to aim thanks to the reflective white colour that features prominently on the top of the putter, as well as three…

The year that Jon Rahm was born – 1994 – Jose Maria Olazabal won The Masters, making a 35-footer for eagle on the par-5 15th in the final round. He then scrambled to save par from the gallery on the 18th to secure a two-stroke victory and the first of what would be two Green Jackets for the Spaniard, who would go on to win the tournament again in 1999. Rahm does not remember any of that, though. He was too young. A more prominent moment, as it would ultimately relate to Rahm’s Masters experience, took place in 1997. That’s the year, of course, that Tiger Woods thrust his way into golf’s history books with a record-setting performance at Augusta National and the first of 15 Major triumphs. But it…

It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” So said The King himself, Arnold Palmer. Golf is a sport that elicits an almost complete range of emotions, from soaring positives to depth-plumbing negatives. During any round, you’ll likely experience a rollercoaster of hope, joy, despair, anger, anxiety, relief and exasperation. It is the quest for the more affirming sensations that keeps many of us coming back to this complex and compelling game. Some of these feelings are hard to beat, whether stimulated by achievement, expectation or simply good fortune. Read on for ten serotonin-inducing moments that make it all worthwhile… 1 Posting a great score Let’s start…

There are many things I don’t understand about golf: gigantic, ugly putters; the popularity of shorts; the current insistence that SMASHING THE BALL AS HARD AS YOU CAN is a good idea. But the thing I really don’t get is practice. Golf courses are beautiful places that nourish the soul and give welcome respite from life’s drudgery and madness. And the game itself is an intoxicating mix of challenge and chit-chat, with endless opportunities to invent new swear words. Add in the milky tea and flapjack mid-round and the chance to win a fiver off Bob and, frankly, what’s not to love? “If life has taught me anything, it’s that very few things in buckets are good for you” But practice? Beating ball after ball on a soulless driving range?…

Thankfully, the Rules of Golf grant you free relief from certain situations that fall under one of the four categories of abnormal course condition (ACC). These four conditions are things which are not intended to be part of the challenge of the game and include animal holes, ground under repair, temporary water and immovable obstructions. While relief procedures from all these ACCs are the same in the general area of the course, here we’re focusing on temporary water (as shown in the diagram). Temporary water is any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that is not in a penalty area and can be seen before or after you take a stance…

GM Verdict There’s an awful lot to admire in the upgrade to the King Speedzone iron. Eyebrows were raised when Cobra strengthened the lofts last time around, but they have stayed the same into the new Radspeed iron. Down at address, you’ll notice the generous offset and darker carbon fibre section within the topline. This is a big improvement on the checked pattern that featured in last year’s King Speedzone and does make it look fractionally thinner. We also prefer the less reflective finish. The sole shape has changed, too – it plays narrower and has a little less camber to it. The toe screw is a bit of an eyesore, but that aside, it’s a modern-looking iron and there’s lots to like aesthetically. Our testing of the 7-iron on…

With so many players looking for ways to get their golfing fix from home, we ordered four golf training aids from Amazon. They all promise to improve your golf but how do they stack up? • Newthinking portable 20” chipping net Price paid: £15.99 This forced us to be more target-orientated and within a few chips, we started to get a good feel for distance. Ideal for those with limited space to practise at home. There were no assembly instructions, but it was easy to put together. If using in the garden, you might also want to buy a mat. • Champkey golf swing trainer Price paid: £44.99 This uses a flexible shaft and heavy silica gel head to improve your golf swing tempo and build your muscle strength. With…

Take the mighty links of the Wirral out of the equation and many golfers would rank the fine course at Prestbury among the top three in Cheshire. The club, which reached its centenary milestone in the difficult year that was 2020, plays over a wonderfully varied yet relatively compact layout, which makes excellent use of a number of eye-catching changes in elevation. The reasonably accommodating par-5 opener drops down before rising to the green, while the steeply downhill par-3 4th plays from a tee you must scale via steps aplenty. Although best described as parkland/woodland terrain, there is more than a hint of a heathland feel trying to get out in places, with Prestbury’s sandy soil ensuring it is one of the best-draining courses in the area. From the 8th,…

Over 70 per cent of our Top 100 courses have reported improvement works this time, often extensive. It covers everything from irrigation work to tweaking tees, green surrounds or bunkers and even wholesale remodelling and brand new holes. Some might see new holes on highly rated courses as potentially dangerous tinkering. But clubs have perhaps become emboldened by the success of the well-received new holes at Turnberry and Portrush, both masterminded by Martin Ebert. He and business partner, Tom Mackenzie, have been very gainfully employed of late, working at well into double figures of our Top 100 courses, among them Nairn, where Mackenzie was tasked with a delicate balancing act to cater for players of all abilities. “We added forward tees, shortened carries and removed some steep, deep bunkers that…

Our Top 100 is dominated by seaside golf, and one of its finest clusters is England’s Golf Coast in the northwest. This is home to some of the best links courses in the world, including three Open venues: Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes. The supporting cast, including Hillside, Formby and Southport & Ainsdale, is magnificent, with accommodation options to suit all. At the other end of the country, the Kent coast has its own exceptional cluster, with this year’s Open host Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports and Top 100 newcomer Prince’s almost touching one another. Away from the links, the Bournemouth area is home to four Top 100 courses, all surprisingly different from one another. There is Broadstone with its undulating Harry Colt heathland…

Since the 2004 publication of what was originally a Top 120, we have refined the process to a point where we have a Top 100 ranking that we genuinely believe is as fair, democratic, comprehensive and contemporary as possible. One thing it is not, is definitive! Beauty is still very much in the eye of the beholder. NEW FOR 2021 With regard to the criteria and the process, little changed this time round. Everyone had to adapt to restrictions, and we are enormously grateful to the overwhelming majority of clubs who welcomed our assessors at a time when demand for tee times from their members had never been higher. With regard to the Top 100, there are two newcomers and a re-entry this time round. This reflects that there are…

Building on the momentum of last year, Skechers has launched its 2021 Go Golf footwear range for men, women and juniors. The shoes have been designed with insights from a host of tour pros, including Matt Kuchar and Colin Montgomerie, and also incorporate innovations from the brand’s running and lifestyle divisions. One such feature is called Arch Fit technology, an insole system developed using 120,000 unweighted foot scans to provide podiatrist-certified arch support. Benefiting from this are three new models – the laced Arch Fit Balance and Arch Fit Line Up, along with the Arch Fit Front Nine, which has a Velcro hook-and-loop closure system. Arguably the most versatile shoe in the new range will be the Go Golf Torque Pro, which features a full-grain leather and synthetic upper combination.…

The beautiful course at La Finca was designed by Pepe Gancedo, formerly one of Spain’s leading amateur golfers. It opened for play in 2002, and its wide fairways and distinct design features make it a delight for all golfers. There are plenty of highlights, including its own Amen Corner, which starts with the bunkerless par-5 5th played to an island green. This is immediately followed by a short hole over water, and then a very tough uphill par 4 which culminates in a square green with an L-shaped bunker right and back. The opening two holes on the back nine skirt around La Finca’s fine hotel. This makes for a perfect golfing base, as well as for visiting the many other delights on offer in the area. The punchbowl green…

It’s no wonder the Rahm family got into golf after witnessing this event first-hand. For the first time in its history, the Ryder Cup was held in continental Europe in 1997 as 24 of the world’s best descended on Valderrama. Looking to defend the trophy, the hosts, captained by the impassioned Severiano Ballesteros, took on an American team led by Tom Kite that included rookie Tiger Woods. While an overnight downpour caused a delay, it did little to dampen the excitement as Davis Love III got the contest underway. It was tight early on and at the close of Friday, the teams were locked at 3-3. Torrential rain caused further disruption on Saturday but, after a monumental effort from the grounds staff, play was resumed, and Europe took a slender…

Photography: Getty Images, Kenny Smith Chris Wallace, Rules manager at The R&A, discusses a very unusual situation from the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, when Jorge Campillo’s ball became wrapped in a divot from another player’s stroke made earlier in the day. Arriving at his ball, Campillo found that his tee shot had enveloped itself under a loose divot in the middle of the fairway, and being unsure how to proceed, he called in a Rules official. At first glance, the official was unsure whether someone had placed the divot on top of the ball as the situation looked so bizarre! However, it was established the ball had hit the discarded divot at speed. This caused the divot to wrap around the ball and it ended up…

1 Fergus lifts his ball to take an unplayable drop. Before dropping, Jezz says it’s an abnormal course condition so free relief, which Fergus takes. What is the ruling? 2 After using a launch monitor, Jezz makes a stroke during a stroke play round with the stickers still attached to the clubface. What is the ruling? 3 In stroke play, Fergus stumbles stepping into a bunker so steadies himself with his club, touching sand in the bunker as he does so. What is the ruling? 4 In stroke play, Jezz can’t find his ball in the rough after a blind shot towards a red penalty area so thinks it’s probably in there. What are his options? Photography: Kenny Smith – shot on location at The Gleneagles Hotel, Perth & Kinross…

As I write this, three days after Boris announced his roadmap out of lockdown, a wet round at the superbly revamped Liphook in Hampshire on December 18 is the last time I hit a golf ball in anger or otherwise. Looking ahead, it’s too soon to know exactly what might be possible and when, but I do know that come April and May I’ll be itching to get back out there. Many clubs and secretaries I’ve been liaising with during lockdown have said, “You must get back here when you can.” I won’t need much encouraging! For a start, there’s a journey west to reinstate, visiting courses across the spectrum from Wales’ premier links at Royal Porthcawl to the recently saved Cleeve Hill in Gloucestershire. Return visits to Western Gailes…

Newent Par 33, 2,003 yards GF: nine holes: £10; 18: £15 Offering some of the best-value golf anywhere, this charming and free-draining little nine-holer is perfect for a quick round or practising your short game. It is extremely well maintained, offers easy walking and each hole is flanked by dense trees, many with low canopies. With three par 3s and six par 4s that are all under 300 yards, you won’t need your driver. What you will need is to keep it straight. Informal, friendly and fun. Photography: Geoff Ellis, Getty Images Cleeve Hill Par 71, 6,400 yards GF: round: £18-£20 If far-reaching and unspoilt views are your thing, Cleeve Hill will tick all the boxes. This is the very epitome of natural golf, running as it does up hill…

• Stay Newent Golf Club & Lodges This family run business makes for a refreshing and informal change from most golfing set-ups. Its ten rooms are attractive, roomy yet cosy, peaceful and relaxing. Rates are extremely reasonable and include a breakfast pack to go. • Eat/drink The Kilcot Inn, Kilcot This characterful gastro-pub is a perfect mix of opposites; traditional yet modern, friendly but efficient. The food is delicious, there is plenty from which to choose and there are local ales to enjoy. • Also play The region may lack trophy courses, but it compensates with beauty, variety and value. Close to Bristol are the fine parkland courses at Long Ashton, Knowle and Bristol & Clifton, there is plenty of drama at The Player’s Club and for ultimate quirk and…

Askernish With four Opens to his name, Old Tom went on to become a founding father of course design. He created Askernish in 1891 at the age of 70, but partly due to its gloriously isolated location, it changed beyond all recognition. In 2005, course maintenance expert Gordon Irvine and architect Martin Ebert set about uncovering its past and restoring it. Their labour of love has resulted in a magical links in the Outer Hebrides. GF: round: £40-£45 Elie Old Tom extended the course to a full 18 in 1895, and it remains very much the same despite later modifications from Elie native James Braid. Perhaps uniquely, there are 16 par 4s. These range in length from 252 to 466 yards and are so different from one another that there…