My Top 10 Courses: Padraig Harrington
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Carnoustie and Royal Birkdale – scene of the Dubliner’s two famous Open victories – were always going to make Padraig Harrington’s hit list. It was highly likely too there would be a strong Irish contingent – and sure enough four of his homeland’s finest feature in his top 10. Harrington has played many of the world’s best courses, but these are the ones he rates the highest on these shores. Of the rest of the world he singles out Augusta National, Riviera and Oakland Hills, where he won the US PGA in 2008. But he insists: “There are a number of other courses that deserve a special mention, places like Chantilly, Fontainebleau, Paris National, Pebble Beach, Pine Valley, Royal Melbourne, Hong Kong GC (Fanling), Durban Country Club and Spain’s Sotogrande Old.”
● Royal Portrush (Dunluce), County Antrim
A personal favourite of mine and a course that comes with great memories. This spectacular links doesn’t always take, but gives back from time to time with some exciting risk-reward birdie opportunities. Green fees: £155-£175.
● St Andrews (Old Course), Fife
The Home of Golf and such an iconic location for our sport. Standing on the first tee always has the hairs on the back of my neck standing up on end. Green fees: £80-£170.
● Portmarnock, Dublin
The historic Old Course is a serious links layout and a real test. There’s no trickery attached to it whatsoever and it’s all laid out in front of you. Green fees: €185-€195.
● Ballybunion, County Kerry
A traditional links course that demands every shot – and club – in the bag. You definitely want your thinking cap on to play this gem. Green fees: €95-€180.
● Carnoustie, Angus
This course, like a few others listed, holds a fond place in my heart for obvious reasons (he won the 2007 Open here). However it would probably rank higher on my list if it wasn’t so difficult – it certainly lives up to its reputation as the hardest links course in the world. Green fees: £154.
● Royal Birkdale, Merseyside
Scene of my second Open success and a course that is very much in the mould of Portmarnock. A big, solid links course with everything in front of you. Green fees: £205-£235.
● European Club, County Wicklow
A relatively new links course in a spectacular setting. It’s so outstanding that many of the holes would make it into most golfers’ best 18. Green fees: From €100.
● Woodhall Spa, Lincs
A testing heathland course with great bunkering and contrasting nines. The key is to stay out of the heather off the tee, which is easier said than done! Green fees: £75.
● Sunningdale (Old), Berks
A stunning course on rolling heathland that is always a joy to play. It is not the toughest test, but is fair and at its best when the greens are fast and firm. Green fees: £205.
● Muirfield, East Lothian
Very tough when the wind blows, but this one is generally more difficult than most given its penal rough and strategic bunkering. The 2013 Open showed how hard and fast it can play. Green fees: £110 winter, £210 summer.
Padraig Harrington’s Golfing CV
- Represented GB&I against the USA in three Walker Cups (1991, 93 & 95).
- Turned pro in 1995 (+2). n Has registered 14 European wins.
- Made six Ryder Cup appearances since 1999.
- Became the first European to win back-to-back Majors by adding the 2008 US PGA to the Open after he successfully defended the Claret Jug at Birkdale in 2008 (he won the previous year at Carnoustie).
