My Top 10 Courses: Paul Lawrie
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Choosing his favourite courses was tough for the 1999 Open Champion, who told us: “I don’t play an awful lot of golf unless I’m competing in tournaments, so usually I don’t get the chance to play a lot of other courses.” But that means he can still be surprised by the places his does visit. He added: “Royal Portrush is a prime example and I’ve only just played there for the first time. There are so many great courses in Britain and Ireland, but I’ve made my decisions and here, in no particular order, is my top 10.”
● Muirfield, East Lothian
The first Open venue I played and it’s a special place – it always will be. I go down there quite a lot these days owing to the fact one of my sponsors is a member there. Green fees: Winter rate, £110.
● Royal Portrush, County Antrim
I played it for the first time just before a recent Irish Open and it blew me away. Darren Clarke was always singing its praises and I must say it really lived up to all the hype and expectations. Green fees: Winter rate, £60 (exc Sat).
● Carnoustie, Angus
This would obviously have to come into the equation, wouldn’t it? Not only because I won the Open there, but I’ve played it quite a lot over the years and it really is a fabulous test. Green fees: TBC.
● Royal Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
Again, I’ve played here a lot down the years and it’s underrated beyond belief. It successfully held this year’s Scottish Open and everyone loved it. It’s such a top course all year round that there wasn’t an awful lot they’ve had to do to make it a European Tour venue.” Green fees: Winter rate, £70.
● Turnberry, Ayrshire
An absolute classic, one of my favourites of all-time to play. It’s certainly held some great Open Championships and has provided some great winners, always the sign of a great course. Green fees: £110 (till end of Dec).
● Royal Troon, Ayrshire
When I played here for the first time a few years back it surprised me how good it was. Par 3s don’t come any better than the ‘Postage Stamp,’ only 120 yards but you have to be spot on to ensure you walk off with par. Green fees: From £140.
● Boat of Garten, Highland
Not too many people would know about this course, a super-scenic layout boasting the finest greens I’ve ever putted on. I’ve played there three or four times and the greens are out of this world year-round. Green fees: £45-£49.
● Royal Birkdale, Merseyside
All your game has got to be spot on to get it around there. It’s a fabulous layout, very tough and again the list of Open winners there tells you how good a course it is. Green fees: Winter rate, £155-£190 includes soup & sandwich lunch.
● Skibo Castle, Sutherland
My favourite place to go in the UK. The course, hotel and facilities are world class and the castle is beautiful, too. Green fees: Residents, members & members’ guests only.
● Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire
This is my favourite inland course and it’s an absolute joy to play. Every hole is fantastic. Green fees: Members & guests only.
Paul Lawrie’s Golfing CV
- Turned pro in 1986 and became a European Tour member in 1992.
- He’s celebrated a dozen wins as a professional, including eight European Tour victories.
- Famously won the 1999 Open at Carnoustie – he came back from the largest thirdround deficit (ten shots to Jean Van de Velde).
- Played in the 1999 and 2012 Ryder Cups, winning his singles against Brandt Snedeker 5&3 at Medinah.
