Best 4 in a Row Worldwide

[hp@hc]

Since we have best 4 in a row in USA, I thought I would add a worldwide debate.

My choice is holes 4-7 at Royal Portrush.

#4 may be one of the best par-4's in Europe, and with a back pin on hole #6 you can reach for all ya got if the wind is right.  

As a back-up, I will have to defer to holes 3-6 at Portstewart - a great par-3, a long meandering par-5, a lengthy par-4 thru dunes and a short par-3 that can wreck any man's card!

[Steve Lapper]

1-4 Royal County Down
3-6 Royal Melbourne Composite
13-16 Royal St. Georges


Just a few.

[bg_in_rtp]

2-5 at Royal County Down
5-10 at Turnberry (oops, that's 5)
15-18 at Prestwick - great whiskey (or kummel) round

I've seen several other people post that #1 at RCD is a great hole, and I'm trying to understand why.  Other than the great aura of being at RCD, where is the challenge?  (Note: When I played there, the afternoon winds were only moderate).

[Pete Lavallee]

4-7 at West Sussex in Pulborourgh

5 & 6 are surely the second best back to back par 3's in the world. I would say #6 is in the top three for a long one shot hole that both challanges the better player and gives the distance challanged an alternate, but much more difficult way to play the hole, if he chooses not to try and make the 180 yard carry over the pond.

[hp@hc]

slapper - are you out of your mind - #1 at RCD is tame, and not very interesting - I played it about a month ago, and it was driver, 7 iron. Hole #2 has not just one, but yes, count them, 2 blind shots as a weak par-4 that should be blown up.  RCD is admittedly good, but has too many holes like #2 to merit the #10 in the world ranking.  Friar's Head should displace it asap!

[Jeff Fortson]

4-7 Cruden Bay

Jeff F.

[JDoyle]

14-17 Ballybunion Old

[Steve Lapper]

HP,

   I'm so out of my mind that many others have proclaimed RCD #2 one of the best 4 pars on the planet....maybe its not, but I do know a good hole when I see it, and I've seen a few.

[Chris Kane]

4-7 New South Wales
12-15 New South Wales
2-5 Woodlands

[hp@hc]

slap - tell me why you think it is a good hole - is it the mystery of not seeing the landing area on the first shot , or the mystery of not seeing the greensite or the demise or otherwise of you approach?  If so, I would like to let you know about a night tournament they are having in my area soon, you would probably win!

[Steve Lapper]

HC,

   I like RCD #2 because the premium on centering the drive from 421 yds to find the best angle to use the full green on the approach. Although both shots are blind,(and due to the weather, would be if the terrain was straightforward), the green has a small funnel in its center and can only be maximized by having a center(no angle) look at the aiming target. I just really like the hole.

   Now for night golf.....count me in...love the sport played with little green balls, or just maybe with new USSF night vision googles...something I did this summer...way cool!

[Shane Gurnett]

Chris, how could you leave out 15,16,17 & 18 at Commonwealth?

All terrific, and importantly UNTOUCHED holes?

[Tim_Weiman]

JDoyle:

My choice at Ballybunion would be the original first four holes now playing as #6-9.

[Chris Kane]

Shane,
15, 16 and 18 are outstanding holes.  I'll leave out 17 until the trees on the l.h.s have been removed  

[Tyler Kearns]

15-18 at Capilano

[George Blunt]

A bit off the beaten track : 5 - 8 at Newcastle Golf Club (Australia)

More mainstream: 9 - 12 Royal Melbourne West.

In my view you cannot include the composite course (RM) in this discussion, as technically they are not "in a row," they are from different golf courses that happen to be side by side.

Cheers,

George

[Mark_F]

What about 3,4,5 and 6 at Royal Dornoch?

Or 15,16,17 and 18 at Carnoustie?

Chris and Shane,
Aren't 4&5 at Commonwealth excellent holes?
So therefore 2,3, 4, and 5 is a pretty nice run.

[Doug Siebert]

I'd go with 15-18 at Carnoustie (but I'm biased) or 14-17 at Old Ballybunion.

Though from an architectural perspective, does it get any better than North Berwick's 13-16?  Pit, Perfection, Redan and finally Gate's ultimate biarritz finish.  I knew they were something special when I played them but since I've discovered this place and am now aware of how much inspiration in GCA on so many courses was received on that stretch I realize I must return, soon, armed with my newfound knowledge  

[Mike_Clayton]

3,4,5 and 6 at Royal Melbourne.
4,5,6,and 7 at Sunningdale
11,12,13,and 14 at St Andrews

[Jonathan Cummings]

Pretty hard to beat the final 4 at TOC.  It is impossible to play those holes and not feel like you are coming home.  They stir more passion than any finishing series in golf.

JC

[RT]

15-18 Carnoustie

[Matthew Delahunty]

3,4,5,6  or 4,5,6,7 at RM West. If people are going to choose the Composite course at RM can you please state whether you're thinking of the old routing (which was much better) or the new routing which was adopted for and since the Presidents' Cup. (11,12,13,14 of the old Composite course was a good stretch)

[Mark_F]

Mike Clayton,

4 at Sunningdale Old?  You'll have to shout me a round there and explain it to me.

What about 10, 11, 12 and 13 at Sunningdale Old?  I thought the 13th wasn't too bad, behind only the 15th in par 3s there.

Or, for a real sleeper, 3,4,5 and 6 at Ganton?

[Ben_Hogan_NJ]

Couple of you boys took the words out of my mouth...14 thru 17 Ballybunion Old.

[Markus]

5-8 at Crystal Downs aren't bad!