[Niall C]

Looks like a change in the panel. A lot of modern courses have been dropped out of the 200 (Ours - The Players Club has gone we were 113 in 2006) Its gone back to a lot of old fashioned ones, Huntercoombe, Beau Dessert, Pennard, Tain, Wallasey make the 200.

Adrian

Thanks for posting the list. Will the change in position of the Players Club mean much to you from a marketing/revenue point of view ?

Niall

[Adrian_Stiff]

Niall - Its very dissapointing, we feel the course has greatly improved since its 113 rating in 2006 and we have made improvements, and were more hoping of getting top 100, but its as others see it and we are not top 200 anymore. It could be a change in the panel or additions that just see the older courses better than the new ones, we are not the only casualty there are a lot of newer courses that got chopped. I only know of two raters than have ever seen us. I dont think it will affect us short term but it could do long term. It inspires me to make it better. I would like to redo our bunkers, since I have been on this site I have realised much more importance to them than I did pre GCA.

[Michael Goldstein]

This list has limited credibility. With the numbers spewing out, at random, like that I'm sure there are many knowledgable people who refuse to be associated with it.

[Adrian_Stiff]

This list has limited credibility. With the numbers spewing out, at random, like that I'm sure there are many knowledgable people who refuse to be associated with it.

Michael - its absolutely the other way in the UK. Any rating of anything is like an award so higher the better, if you had a hotel you would want it awearded maximum stars and you want the stars of the one that counts. In golfing terms this is the one with most credibility, that does not mean we are going to debate the positions but the list is (or was) assembled by a large number of well informed people. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if we took the nine open championship courses currently on rotation we would have huge differences of opinion on this site.

[Joey Chase]

As much as of a Roger Rulewich apologist as I am, I can't see how a place like Adare Manor is on the list but places like Brora, The New Course, Murcar and Dunbar are off of it.  Do people really believe the course is worthy of being ahead of them?  On a positive note, I am glad to see Enniscrone well placed on the list!  As to the debate about Ireland, I have already given my vote for Waterville, but to see Lahinch so far down is a bit off, IMO.

[Mark Chaplin]

One of my unsung favourites misses out on the top 200 - Knole Park a very nice Abercrombie in a Sevenoaks deer park. Very worthy of a GCA'er visit.

Scott - as you know I'm a big Hankley fan. They have strengthened 2, 11 and especially 3 with new tees, the course is always presented immaculately, its ultra peaceful and unencumbered by houses, roads, noise, etc. It's also in the R&A schedule with Open qualifying and a successful Boys Internationals. I'm sure it scored highly with the "well informed". I'd definitely put it above Ferndown, Berkshire Blue and SGH.

[Paul Nash]

One of my unsung favourites misses out on the top 200 - Knole Park a very nice Abercrombie in a Sevenoaks deer park. Very worthy of a GCA'er visit.

Scott - as you know I'm a big Hankley fan. They have strengthened 2, 11 and especially 3 with new tees, the course is always presented immaculately, its ultra peaceful and unencumbered by houses, roads, noise, etc. It's also in the R&A schedule with Open qualifying and a successful Boys Internationals. I'm sure it scored highly with the "well informed". I'd definitely put it above Ferndown, Berkshire Blue and SGH.

Mark, interesting that you would put Hankley ahead of SGH which isn't necessarily a mainstream view - I'm also a Hankley fan and SGH for sure but never do understand when folk proclaim it the best of the Heaths. I think the relative softness (except for in the middle of a dry spell) relative to the other Heathland courses is a black mark. Would be interested to hear your views...

I agree with Mark - my favourite course on the planet.

[Paul Nash]

Paul, to clarify, I meant I am confused when folk refer to SGH as the best of the Heaths and the comments re softness were referring to SGH. I can see why you might prefer Hankley even though I think the greens let it down.

By the way: how far do you live from Hankley? Can't be more than 20-30 mins? You should join! (And host us all )

Brian - I agree about SGH - although I really like the course I think it punches a bit above its weight in most rankings as I think 3-7 are pretty average. I reckon Hankley is bout 35 minutes ish - and I did give it some thought as it is a lot cheaper than Bearwood apart from the first year! However, I do love Bearwood similarly to Hankley and it is round the corner - and the convenience factor and the ability to have a few drinks and leave the car, plus a great club vibe and people tips the balance, for now - as long a they kep a lid on fees

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Trump is not even a course yet. How many adds are in the magazine,

[Mark Chaplin]

Brian - win your second round match in the Committee Cup and we can discuss HC v SGH in a third round battle!!

[Mark Chaplin]

Yes I'm awaiting the winner of your match. I'll book us a 1pm lunch next Sunday and 4pm tee time. 

[James Boon]

The Golf World rankings have always been the ones I've looked up to since I first started playing the game, and its always been a very solid list.

This year I'm naturally disappointed to see Notts (Hollinwell) drop down, which may well be down to the conditioning over recent years, but this is well on its way to being put right, but a shame to have to wait 2 years to see if the club can move the other way. I also think Burnham, is once again way out of place, but that aside, as Mark says the top 50 or 60 are probably the right 50 or 60, just not necessarily the right order.

BUT the one thing which ruins this years list is Trumps course being ranked at no 8 before its even opened! Now if they had waited till it had opened, put it at say 30something then bumped it up to the top 10 in a couple of years time, that would have been fine. But jumping into the top 10 before opening, that just stinks to me 

Lastly, I know there are plenty of reasons why these lists dont matter to everyone on here, but to clubs whose coffers can be seriously boosted by green fee income, they certainly do.

Cheers,

James

[Sean_A]

Adrian

Thanks for the 2nd 100.  There are a lot of very good courses on that list though I am continually surprised as to why Wallasey doesn't do much better, as in top 100 better. 

I am very surprised not to see Northamptonshire Co in the top 200 - same for Cavendish. 

I will have to see Hankley Common.  Photos don't suggest to me that it is in the class of SGH.  Maybe I will have a go this summer. 

Ciao

[Mark Pearce]

I have to say that Hankley Common was a huge disappointment at BUDA last year.  It's not in the same class as Liphook, for instance and I simply don't understand how a decent judge like Chappers can rate it better than Berkshire Blue.  It's a decent course,  for sure, and spectacular to look at but  as a course it seemed very one dimensional.  I'm sure low handicappers love it but, the one wonderful par 3 (is it the 7th?) aside it didn't seem to demand much thought.  For me it's the weakest of the heathland courses I have played.

[Niall C]

ARCHERFIELD DIRLETON
ARDGLASS
ASHBURNHAM
ASHRIDGE
BALLYBUNNION CASHEN
BEARWOOD LAKES
BEAU DESERT
BELLEISLE
BLACKMOOR
BLACKWELL
BOAT OF GARTEN
BRORA
CARTON HOUSE MONTY
CASTLEROCK
CHART HILLS
CONNEMARA
COOMBE HILL
CRAIL BALCOMIE
CROWBOROUGH BEACON
DELAMERE FOREST
DOOKS
DOWNFIELD
DRUIDS GLEN
DRUIDS HEATH
DUNBAR
EAST SUSSEX NATIONAL WEST
FOTA ISLAND
FRASERBURGH
FRILFORD HEATH RED
FULFORD
GLASGOW GAILES
GLENEAGLES QUEENS
GOODWOOD
HAYLING
HINDHEAD
HUNTERCOMBE
IPSWICH
IRVINE
ISLE OF PURBECK
K CLUB
KILLARNEY KILLEEN
KILMARNOCK BARRASIE
KILSPINDIE
LADYBANK
LEVEN LINKS
LINDRICK
LIPHOOK
LITTLESTONE
LONGNIDDRY
LUFFENHAM HEATH
LUFFNESS
LUNDIN
MONIFIETH MEDAL
MONTROSE MEDAL
MORAY OLD
MOUNT JULIET
MURCAR
NAIRN DUNBAR
NEFYN & DISTRICT
PANMURE
PARKSTONE
PENNARD
PERRANPORTH
PORTMARNOCK LINKS
PORTPATRICK
PORTSTEWART
PRINCES
PYLE & KENFIG
QUEENWOOD
ROYAL DUBLIN
ROYAL NORTH DEVON
SAUNTON WEST
SCOTSCRAIG
SEACROFT
SEASCALE
SEATON CAREW BRABAZON
SHERINGHAM
SHISKINE
SOUTHERNDOWN
SPEY VALLEY
ST ANDREWS BAY KITTOCKS
ST ANDREWS BAY TORRANCE
ST ANDREWS DUKES
ST ANDREWS NEW
ST MELLION NICKLAUS
STOKE PARK
STONEHAM
TAIN
TANDRIDGE
TENBY
THE LONDON HERITAGE
THE ROXBURGHE
THE WISLEY
TREVOSE
TURNBERRY KINTYRE
WALLASEY
WEST HILL
WEST KILBRIDE
WISLEY
WOBURN DUCHESS

What !!! No Forfar !?!

What numpties are on the rating panel. Shocking decision.

Niall

[Ben Stephens]

I have to say that Hankley Common was a huge disappointment at BUDA last year.  It's not in the same class as Liphook, for instance and I simply don't understand how a decent judge like Chappers can rate it better than Berkshire Blue.  It's a decent course,  for sure, and spectacular to look at but  as a course it seemed very one dimensional.  I'm sure low handicappers love it but, the one wonderful par 3 (is it the 7th?) aside it didn't seem to demand much thought.  For me it's the weakest of the heathland courses I have played.

Mark,

I echo your statements about Hankley and Liphook. Also I am baffled that both Liphook and West Hill are not in the top 100 and yet the 'Cabbage Patch' at the Belfry is! I prefer the Players Club and yet it is not in the top 200 which is disappointing.

Hankley was too one dimensional to me there was not enough variation and some holes looked to similar than others thanks to the 'airport runway' like fairways framed by heather. Liphook was a delight to play yet it had challenging long par fours supported by delightful short par 3's which were more memorable.

The most baffling thing is that Notts is not in the top 50! Its an awesome championship course. I would rate Ganton better than Woodhall and the gap between them is alarming!

Cheers
Ben

[Mark Pearce]

Ben,

I agree, Ganton should be above Woodall Spa.

[Brian_Ewen]

What !!! No Forfar !?!
What numpties are on the rating panel. Shocking decision.
Niall

 

[Kris Shreiner]

Trump at # 8, before it's even open and ONE ball has finished seeing 18 cups? NAIRN at #23? You folks CAN'T be serious?

All credibility is GONE on those two absurdities ALONE! Comical, just comical... .

Jeers,
Kris

[Eric Smith]

Yes I'm awaiting the winner of your match. I'll book us a 1pm lunch next Sunday and 4pm tee time. 

Chappers: see you in round 3

Must be nice to roll out of bed on a Monday and go play (and WIN!) a golf match. Well done, sir!

[Mark Chaplin]

Eric today is a UK holiday. Well done Brian, when do you fancy playing?

The B&B is rammed next weekend and I'm away the following. How about if you can get a half day playing Friday 24th before the Willingdon dinner?? Or Willingdon Sunday afternoon providing neither of us make the final?

[Eric Smith]

Blimey! Can't believe I forgot it was Early May Bank Holiday. Enjoy!

[Mark Chaplin]

Ben - Woodhall has always been high in these ratings. Nairn is interesting as there appears to be little love for it here yet it's hosted some pretty big events in recent years. Don't forget everyone their marking system also rates condition and ambience, it's not a GCA geek rating.

Liphook is nice in parts but those parts are bloody dangerous to get to and from.

[Kris Shreiner]

It is interesting how Nairn gets that ranking. They have the big gin palace(horrid looking edifice that it is; it belongs in a Star Trek movie) and apparently some folks think the golf there grand....how?

Name or show me ONE great hole on the entire course. I can't find even two or three very good holes that have anything memorable or unique. The green on #8, especially for a short four, is an abomination, unless they've SIGNIFICANTLY altered it.

Just where is the world class golf on this course? I'm begging ANYBODY to show me what I'm missing. So it is reported to have some of the best greens/conditioning in Scotland. Over a mediocre routing and mundane ground, I struggle to find the highlights.

Mr. Trump must be giddy at the hilarity this rating lot is offering. Almost like declaring you've had one of the best meals in your life before you've even eaten a mouthful.

I do know this; you're going to need special forces toughness as a player, OR or a caddie, to get around that place in blustery conditions.

Cheers,
Kris

[James Boon]

Kris,

I'm no great fan of Nairn, as I think i was expecting more from the course, and it certainly shouldn't be as high as it is in the list as far as I'm concerned. BUT you seem a little strong there with the criticism? The stretch of 3, 4 and 5 I recall as a great run of holes. I've heard people slate the green on 8 but i don't recall it as anything that bad (A ball missed me by inches on that tee as some idiot neglected to shout "Fore!" so perhaps I was distracted?) and 12, 13 and 14 is another excellent stretch of holes, with the short par 4 15th not too bad either.

Cheers,

James

ps I should also add its good to see Sherwood Forest make the Top 100, though there seem quite a few others in the second 100 that should be in there...

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