There are so many fantastic golf courses to play around the world, some more famous than others. Our team would like to share with you their own personal Top 5 courses that they have played.
First up is our designer Ryan’s choices in no particular order:
Kingsbarns
Located in Fife, Scotland, Kingsbarns is renowned for its stunning coastal views and unique layout that feels like a traditional links course. The course is known for its challenging design and one of the courses that hosts the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Playing a course that has been a familiar sight on TV is an experience that stands apart. It not only met but exceeded all expectations. Among the many remarkable holes, the landmark hole for me that sticks out the most when I think about the course is the Par 3, 15th. Embed right on the edge of the rugged coastline it’s an incredible place to be that seems almost sculpted by nature itself. It was a true test of golf but really fun to play and I’m so lucky to been given the chance to play it
Malone Golf Club
Situated in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Malone Golf Club offers a beautiful parkland setting with tall mature trees and water features playing a major part in the course’s defence. It’s known for its well-maintained fairways and greens, reminiscent of the charm of Augusta National Golf Club. There are so many great holes on this course, but the standout one for me is the par 3, 15th. A short but penalising hole surrounded by a lake. I have been fortunate enough to play it many times and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Ardglass Golf Club
Found in County Down, Northern Ireland, Ardglass Golf Club is perched along the coastline. This links course offers breath-taking views of the Irish Sea with distinctive views of the Mourne Mountains in the background. What truly makes Ardglass unforgettable is its first tee. Positioned on the old fort battlements, teeing off from this vantage point is a one-of-a-kind. It’s uniqueness doesn’t stop there as you also have the challenge of hitting over the Irish sea. As you can tell I do like a water feature!
Panmure Golf Club
Located in Angus, Scotland, Panmure is a traditional links course steeped in history. It’s known for its classic layout but unlike a normal links course it isn’t located near the sea. I had never heard of the golf course and didn’t know what to expect, but I was far from disappointed. It was so unique and very different from traditional links courses I have played in the past. The heather is something that I have rarely seen before but the abundance of it really emphasises the change in the terrain and makes it visually stunning. This one I definitely want to play again.
Torrance Course
(Fairmont St. Andrews): The Torrance Course is part of the Fairmont St. Andrews resort, Scotland. Designed by golfing legend Sam Torrance, the course offers stunning views of the North Sea and the surrounding countryside The course’s design is strategically crafted to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens require players to employ a variety of shots and strategies. In recent years it has hosted a few professional tournaments so it does show it is suitable at the highest level. I Included this course on my list not only because of the amazing hotel situated there but because it was the first course I ever played in Scotland at the home of golf and it made a lasting impression on me and I hope it does for you too.
These are just some of Ryan’s personal favourite courses that have had some meaning for him. We are all definitely looking to play more courses in the near future. We would love to know what your favourite course you have played too. Let us know in the comments.
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