Maidstone is a great course, but it is overrated when compared to several unrated links in the UK.  I was absolutely blown away by Rye--quite literally for an hour--3-4 club wind.  Rye may have the best set of 3's in golf!  I wonder if the par 68 causes a bad bias.  By the way, there were a couple of stakes for new tee locations--one making 17 possibly play 240.  Two new tees were already open--13 and 8.

Rye is one of the great courses in the world period. It is without competition except from Royal St. Georges in SW England. I also find 10 to 12 out of character.

For those who have played Rye -- I hope to visit the southeast area of England next summer -- and will want to play all the gems in the area -- can those "in the know" rate for me where they see Rye finishing among the following ...

1). The top courses in England

2). The top courses in all of the UK

Is it fair to say it is the best par-68 layout period given the nature of the par-4's that I have heard from those who have played there.

Many thanks for any info provided.

P.S. For what it's worth -- Maidstone is a bit overrated in my book minus the grand dunes holes encountered in the middle of the rounf there.

Matt,

I'm not going to get involved in rating the courses, but in the South-East there are really three you have to play, Royal St George's, Royal Cinque Ports and Rye.  If, after that, you have any money left then work your way back to South-West London by playing West Sussex and Royal Ashdown Forest.  I'd say The Addington should not be missed (south-east rather than south-west London) and you could play it on your way to or from the coast.  After that the must-plays for my taste are Sunningdale (both courses), Swinley Forest, Walton Heath (both courses), St George's Hill and perhaps one of Woking, West Hill, New Zealand, Liphook.  You can drive through the Wentworth estate and view most holes on the West Course from the comfort of your car and it will save you an arm and leg.  You can also drive into Stoke Park and see what you need to of the course (now 27 holes) and do homage to Goldfinger, but don't bother to play it.  

Matt

I did the trip last year and we played Chart Hills day one, next Deal and RSG's in that order, then Littlestone and Rye on day three and followed up with Royal Ashdown Foerest on the way back. It was superb, quite magical but in the perfect world I would remove Chart Hills and Littlestone and add in Sunningdale and maybe Walton Heath.

I've plenty of pics if anyone wants a taster but be quick as I'm flying out to France tommorow morning to sample Bill Coore's Medoc amongst others and whilst in the vicinity we might partake of the odd glass of what the area has to offer.

Matt

I am not sure what sort of detail you would like.  For my money, Sandwich is streets ahead.  I would put Sandwich top 10 in the UK and top 5 in England.  It has variety.  Nuff said.  

To me, saying a course is par 68 or 75 is meaningless as to the quality.  Par means nada baby.  Now, if you want to play a course that is tough as old boots, then Deal is your chap.  On a calmish day, I reckon Deal is in a dead heat with Rye.  Both have their funky moments, but Rye has the one shotters.  If there is any real wind, Deal is a nightmare slog coming home.  I don't care for this sort of Troonish golf (ie driver 3 wood, driver,  three wood... I am sorry, was I perseverating?).  I still think the way to see Rye is in the winter.  Rye is a great winter course.  Go watch The President's Putter then play the course.  I freely admit to never having played Rye in the summer.  So Matt, if you get a game there next summer, give me a call.  Edge goes to Rye.

Another tier down is Princes and Littlestone.  Both well worth a go.  Though they are quite different.  Littlestone has the best holes (#s 16 & 17 are outstanding) of the two, but I think Princes is a better sum of its parts.  Edge goes to Princes.  Word of warning, I would take Princes over Deal because I know the chances of playing Deal in the calm are slim and none.  

Matt, don't forget about Hayling.  It is a serious sleeper and out of the London airport loop, but it may very pleasantly surprise you.  If you are heading to Pulborough, which you owe it to yourself to do, then chuck in Hayling.  

As for the Heathland courses, Mark is well and truly spot on.  

Last word, get yourself a good loan if you are thinking of playing even half the courses mentioned!

Ciao

Sean

 

Matt, I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but Ran has a very compelling writeup on Rye:

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/rye1.html

(Offered in an earnest attempt to help, not trying to be a smartass )

There's also a terrific writeup in The Confidential Guide..., but I'm sure you knew that.

Sounds like there are some real ballbuster par 3s and 4s - I'd be curious to learn your take.