News:

Welcome to the Golf Club Atlas Discussion Group!

Each user is approved by the Golf Club Atlas editorial staff. For any new inquiries, please contact us.


Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Your Top 20 Favourites (or Best) in ENGLAND
« on: November 03, 2011, 05:13:04 PM »
« Last Edit: December 21, 2021, 07:23:56 AM by Sean_A »
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Adrian_Stiff

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2011, 05:38:16 PM »
ROYAL BIRKDALE
ROYAL ST GEORGES
SUNNINGDALE OLD
ROYAL LIVERPOOL
ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES
WOODHALL SPA
GANTON
WALTON HEATH OLD
FORMBY
WEST SUSSEX
SAUNTON EAST
WENTWORTH WEST
ALWOODLEY
SUNNINGDALE NEW
ROYAL CINQUE PORTS
THE BERKSHIRE RED
SWINLEY FOREST
NOTTS
ST GEORGES HILL
THE BERKSHIRE BLUE
A combination of whats good for golf and good for turf.
The Players Club, Cumberwell Park, The Kendleshire, Oake Manor, Dainton Park, Forest Hills, Erlestoke, St Cleres.
www.theplayersgolfclub.com

Bart Bradley

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2011, 05:45:31 PM »
Sean:

Did I miss something or don't you think Sunningdale New and Old, Swinley Forest, Walton Heath, St. Georges, Deal, ....etc. deserve consideration?


Bart

Jud_T

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2011, 06:05:32 PM »
Brancaster?  Westward Ho?  Royal Worlington?
Golf is a game. We play it. Somewhere along the way we took the fun out of it and charged a premium to be punished.- - Ron Sirak

Tony_Muldoon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2011, 07:03:41 PM »
Oh god I hate these but I did join in before it started! 


(On checking there’s only 4 of these that I’ve only played once.  And any course that shows me all its guiles on one playing ain’t worthy of a top 20 place, but conversely  it does mean a no of places that I have only played once probably didn’t get a fair crack...)


Those I ‘m determined to play again.

Addington
Alwoodley
Berkshire Red
Burnham and Berrow
Formby
Ganton
Huntercombe
Princes, shore and Dunes.
Royal Ashdown Forrest
Royal Cinque Ports
Royal Liverpool
Royal St Georges
Royal West Norfolk
Rye
Saint Georges Hill
Siloth
Stoneham
Sunningdale Old
Swinley Forrest
Woking


Found it very hard to get this list down from 30.

Never palyed Wentworth, St Enedoc, Saunton East, Notts, Kington,  Broadstone, Beau Desert  and more than  half of Sean’s list (tee hee).
« Last Edit: November 03, 2011, 07:07:43 PM by Tony_Muldoon »
Let's make GCA grate again!

Paul_Turner

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2011, 07:06:08 PM »
Sean's list is er eccentric.  But perhaps Cleeve Hill is better than St George's Hill?  I hope so!

« Last Edit: November 03, 2011, 07:14:09 PM by Paul_Turner »
can't get to heaven with a three chord song

Tony_Muldoon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2011, 07:09:34 PM »
Let's make GCA grate again!

Marty Bonnar

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2011, 07:24:31 PM »
Dear Tonyunderscoremuldoon,
it is that kind of selective editing that I find to be totally unacceptable in any kind of civilised internet-based debate.

Luckily this AIN'T ONE!!!

Nice one, big guy.  ;D

Just funnin' Sean.

A slightly peeved at being dissed in Fifeshire,
FBD.

 8)
The White River runs dark through the heart of the Town,
Washed the people coal-black from the hole in the ground.

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2011, 07:25:44 PM »
Sean's list is er eccentric.  But perhaps Cleeve Hill is better than St George's Hill?  I hope so!



Paul

I wouldn't say Cleeve Cloud is better than St Georges Hill.  I would say I would rather hand my money over the counter to the guy at Cleeve Cloud than at St Georges Hill.  Golf for me is not about what is best.  Golf is about what gives me enjoyment and good value.  

FBD

I need your number and the memory never to forget to call you if I cross the wall - that is if I am forgiven.

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Tony_Muldoon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2011, 07:32:53 PM »
Eye thank you Martin ( double rimshot)


But Paul, now that I've showed you mine, I'd love to see yours....(rimshot, cymbal)
Let's make GCA grate again!

Marty Bonnar

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2011, 07:42:03 PM »
Baddaboom, Badda-BING! ;D
Actually kinda fascinatin',
I'd love to know if La Turner's time in the colonies has coloured his judgement in any way of the golf courses of his homeland. He has had a lovely unique opportunity to compare/contrast with those wonderful east coast beauties...
Paulo bella? Opportunity to re-think? Your early golfing experiences with now?
F.
The White River runs dark through the heart of the Town,
Washed the people coal-black from the hole in the ground.

Ben Stephens

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2011, 07:59:07 PM »
Here is the top 20 I have played in England – the top 10 more or less this order the next 10 may move up and down over time.

01 Royal Birkdale
02 Royal St Georges
03 Ganton
04 Woodhall Spa
05 Royal West Norfolk
06 Notts
07 Royal Lytham and St Annes
08 Hunstanton
09 Royal Liverpool
10 St Enodoc (Church)
11 Burnham and Berrow
12 Alwoodley
13 Lindrick
14 Liphook
15 Swinley Forest
16 Seacroft
17 Hankley Common
18 Huntercombe
19 West Hill
20 Luffenham Heath

Others courses that missed out – Northamptonshire County, Gog Magog, Sherwood Forest, Brancepeth Castle, Charnwood Forest and Royal Worlington (on the basis that its only 9 holes) Cavendish (lack of distance) Beau Desert (I know!!! it has great greens still not too sure on rest of the course will need another look!)
« Last Edit: November 04, 2011, 05:53:15 AM by Ben Stephens »

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2011, 02:52:11 AM »
Spangles

Another lover of Stoneham!  I would surely like to get back to that part of the world and add a little known course for a one nighter - Hockley. 

 Ben

Seacroft has always intrigued, do you have photos, opinions etc?

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Mark Chaplin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2011, 03:22:50 AM »
Sean shouldn't the title be "the top 20 places in England you most like to hand your money over to" your title doesn't match what you are writing.
Cave Nil Vino

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2011, 04:11:14 AM »
Sean shouldn't the title be "the top 20 places in England you most like to hand your money over to" your title doesn't match what you are writing.

We all float different boats.  It doesn't interest me much to know the best courses of an area, everyone's list will be quite similar, besides, we have rankings which cover that fairly extensively.  I like to know where people really want play again, but I don't feel a need to guide their opinions with titles of best, favourite, best value etc.  Folks can decide for themselves what their top courses are and why.  Stop gibbering and give us your list - tee hee.

Ciao
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Ben Stephens

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #15 on: November 04, 2011, 04:13:20 AM »
Spangles

Another lover of Stoneham!  I would surely like to get back to that part of the world and add a little known course for a one nighter - Hockley. 

 Ben

Seacroft has always intrigued, do you have photos, opinions etc?

Ciao

Sean,

Must go and play Stoneham one day - I played with a member in Wales this year and he has invited me there!

Seacroft - last played it 2 years ago. If it had more TLC and updating the course - it would be one of the best links courses in England. If you are ever in the area Sleaford is also a must go - its a hidden gem.

Here is the thread with photos - http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,42120.0.html

Cheers
Ben

Mark Chaplin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #16 on: November 04, 2011, 04:28:10 AM »
Sean - in that case why poison our minds with a title at all. Your list also shows a distinct lack of respect to the Crown!  ;)

In no order;

Royal Birkdale
Royal Cinque Ports
Royal Lytham
Royal St George's
Royal West Norfolk
Sunningdale Old
Sunningdale New
Hankley Common
Swinley Forest
Woodhall Spa
Hunstanton
Rye
Worplesdon
Alwoodley
Formby
Saunton East
Rye
Notts
Walton Heath Old
West Sussex

Trimmed to 20 out go RAF, Ferndown, Littlestone, Little Aston, B&B, Knole Park & New Zealand as I'd forgotten Walton Heath Old & Pulborough!
« Last Edit: November 06, 2011, 07:04:56 AM by Mark Chaplin »
Cave Nil Vino

Duncan Cheslett

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #17 on: November 04, 2011, 04:43:49 AM »
Sean shouldn't the title be "the top 20 places in England you most like to hand your money over to" your title doesn't match what you are writing.

We all float different boats.  It doesn't interest me much to know the best courses of an area, everyone's list will be quite similar, besides, we have rankings which cover that fairly extensively.  I like to know where people really want play again, but I don't feel a need to guide their opinions with titles of best, favourite, best value etc.  Folks can decide for themselves what their top courses are and why.  Stop gibbering and give us your list - tee hee.

Ciao

I'm with Sean totally on this.

In his opening post he did refer to his top 20. Which means he can use any criteria he chooses.

Personally I find Sean's list a lot more useful in planning where to visit than a familiar list of all the 'usual suspects'. I have neither the money or the inclination to spend the next ten years bagging all the top championship courses when I'm sure I can have just as much fun exploring the best of the rest.

I'm also delighted to see my place on your list, Sean. A return visit will cost you but the price of a pint!



PS Have you ever played Wallasey?
« Last Edit: November 04, 2011, 04:46:41 AM by Duncan Cheslett »

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #18 on: November 04, 2011, 04:47:39 AM »
Ben

Thanks for the pix.  Seacroft looks very good.  Is it moorlandish?

Chappers

First, with counting like that its no wonder coppers loose track of ther ammo - tee hee.

What do you expect from an American transplant?  A war was fought over this crown thingy.

I continue to be very intrigued by Knole Park.  Do you have photos?  I am also surprised to see a Londoner rank Little Aston.

Duncan

Watch it - I may take you up on that golf/pint offer.

Yes, I have played Wallasey several times.  I have a lot of time for the course.  It is, however, slightly pricey for what it is and I don't care for how much of the flat land was dealt with.  Wallasey should be a better course, but its laughable it doesn't make top 100 inn GB&I.

Ciao
« Last Edit: November 04, 2011, 04:53:47 AM by Sean Arble »
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Mark Chaplin

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #19 on: November 04, 2011, 05:08:19 AM »
Sean - ah top 20 not top 25, just using my take on your title! I've never posted a picture on GCA as I still don't know how to.

Knole is a delight and well worth a visit especially as it's only 10 mins from the M25, could be one for a post Christmas round as it's on sand so never gets too wet.

I was fortunate to play Little Aston in a big event with the course set up for a compo, I've yet to visit Luffingham or Beau so my Midlands favourite may change.
Cave Nil Vino

James Boon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #20 on: November 04, 2011, 05:23:27 AM »
Sean,

Interesting thread. I'll spend the morning mulling it over and post my list later.

Cheers,

James
2023 Highlights: Hollinwell, Brora, Parkstone, Cavendish, Hallamshire, Sandmoor, Moortown, Elie, Crail, St Andrews (Himalayas & Eden), Chantilly, M, Hardelot Les Pins

"It celebrates the unadulterated pleasure of being in a dialogue with nature while knocking a ball round on foot." Richard Pennell

James Boon

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #21 on: November 04, 2011, 05:49:01 AM »
Here is the top 20 I have played in England – the top 10 more or less this order the next 10 may move up and down over time.

01 Royal Birkdale
02 Royal St Georges
03 Ganton
04 Woodhall Spa
05 Royal West Norfolk
06 Notts
07 Royal Lytham and St Annes
08 Hunstanton
09 Royal Liverpool
10 St Enodoc (Church)
11 Burnham and Berrow
11 Lindrick
12 Liphook
13 Swinley Forest
14 Seacroft
15 Hankley Common
16 Huntercombe
17 West Hill
18 Luffenham Heath
19 Northamptonshire County
20 Gog Magog (Old)

Others courses that missed out – Sherwood Forest, Brancepeth Castle, Charnwood Forest and Royal Worlington (on the basis that its only 9 holes) Cavendish (lack of distance) Beau Desert (I know!!! it has great greens still not too sure on rest of the course will need another look!)


Ben,

Sorry to choose you to pick on but I spotted two problems with your list...
a, you've 21 courses?  ;)
b, didn't you play Alwoodley earlier this year?  ::)

Cheers,

James
2023 Highlights: Hollinwell, Brora, Parkstone, Cavendish, Hallamshire, Sandmoor, Moortown, Elie, Crail, St Andrews (Himalayas & Eden), Chantilly, M, Hardelot Les Pins

"It celebrates the unadulterated pleasure of being in a dialogue with nature while knocking a ball round on foot." Richard Pennell

Ben Stephens

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #22 on: November 04, 2011, 05:55:14 AM »
Here is the top 20 I have played in England – the top 10 more or less this order the next 10 may move up and down over time.

01 Royal Birkdale
02 Royal St Georges
03 Ganton
04 Woodhall Spa
05 Royal West Norfolk
06 Notts
07 Royal Lytham and St Annes
08 Hunstanton
09 Royal Liverpool
10 St Enodoc (Church)
11 Burnham and Berrow
11 Lindrick
12 Liphook
13 Swinley Forest
14 Seacroft
15 Hankley Common
16 Huntercombe
17 West Hill
18 Luffenham Heath
19 Northamptonshire County
20 Gog Magog (Old)

Others courses that missed out – Sherwood Forest, Brancepeth Castle, Charnwood Forest and Royal Worlington (on the basis that its only 9 holes) Cavendish (lack of distance) Beau Desert (I know!!! it has great greens still not too sure on rest of the course will need another look!)


Ben,

Sorry to choose you to pick on but I spotted two problems with your list...
a, you've 21 courses?  ;)
b, didn't you play Alwoodley earlier this year?  ::)

Cheers,

James

Boony

A. At this moment I can't bloody count as I was a bit too eager!
B. Thanks for mentioning Alwoodley - I have modified my list putting it at 12 edging out both Northamptonshire County and Gog Magog!


Ben Stephens

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #23 on: November 04, 2011, 05:58:45 AM »
Ben

Thanks for the pix.  Seacroft looks very good.  Is it moorlandish?

Chappers

First, with counting like that its no wonder coppers loose track of ther ammo - tee hee.

What do you expect from an American transplant?  A war was fought over this crown thingy.

I continue to be very intrigued by Knole Park.  Do you have photos?  I am also surprised to see a Londoner rank Little Aston.

Duncan

Watch it - I may take you up on that golf/pint offer.

Yes, I have played Wallasey several times.  I have a lot of time for the course.  It is, however, slightly pricey for what it is and I don't care for how much of the flat land was dealt with.  Wallasey should be a better course, but its laughable it doesn't make top 100 inn GB&I.

Ciao

Sean,

Seacroft is linsky (not moorland) - the grass looked very green in the photos which is unusual - its right on the edge of the North Sea! Here is a link to the club's website which has more photos which looks more linksy http://www.seacroft-golfclub.co.uk/

I have a friend who is an assistant greenkeeper at Knowle Park

Cheers
Ben
« Last Edit: November 04, 2011, 06:00:39 AM by Ben Stephens »

Mark Pearce

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Top 20 in ENGLAND
« Reply #24 on: November 04, 2011, 07:10:23 AM »
I'm going to have to give this one some thought before I post my list.

Chappers, have you played Ganton?
In June I will be riding the first three stages of this year's Tour de France route for charity.  630km (394 miles) in three days, with 7800m (25,600 feet) of climbing for the William Wates Memorial Trust (https://rideleloop.org/the-charity/) which supports underprivileged young people.