My Top 10 Courses: Tony Jacklin

The word legend is often over-used in sport but as far as Tony Jacklin is concerned it is perfectly fitting. The man from Lincolnshire captured the Open and US Open titles in consecutive years and also revitalised the Ryder Cup. He made seven Ryder Cup playing appearances but it was as captain that he really shone, breaking America’s domination. After playing on many of the world’s most iconic courses, Jacklin retired from tournament golf in 2004 and turned his attention to designing courses with The Concession – created with Jack Nicklaus after the Golden Bear’s famous gesture at the 1969 Ryder Cup – being his first. Other projects include Secret Valley (Cyprus), San Roque (Spain), Turkey’s Klassis Golf and CC and two Moroccan layouts – while he’s currently creating a new par-3 course, driving range and academy at Magnolia Park Golf & CC (www.magnoliapark.co.uk).

● Sunningdale, Surrey
With the magical Old and New courses you really are spoilt for choice. I’ve mostly played the Old – brimming with charm and character. It’s such a wonderful place and you always get the feelgood factor here. Green fees: £205.

● Wentworth, Surrey
Big changes have taken place recently and to be honest I would rather have seen more of a heathland feel thrown back into the mix. It’s more of a test than neighbouring Sunningdale. Green fees: Members & members’ guests only.

● Woodhall Spa, Lincs
I played the Hotchkin course a lot when I was younger growing up in Lincolnshire. Although it’s very flat it has a lot of charm and overall is a super course; you’ve got to avoid the big penal bunkers at all costs. Green fees: £75.

● Royal Birkdale, Merseyside
I’m a great fan of links golf and Birkdale is right up there among the best in the UK if not the world! It weaves in and out of dunesland and overall is a superb test of golf and a fantastic Open venue. Green fees: £195-£235.

● Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancs
This has to be included, doesn’t it (he won The Open there in 1969)? You can hardly call it a beautifullooking course but I’ll always have a soft spot for it. It’s a unique place and a great test. Green fees: £180-£220. 

● Turnberry, Ayrshire
In many ways the ultimate links venue with two great courses and a hotel on a spectacular coastal site. I’ve spent many happy weeks here down the years. Green fees: £230.

● Old Course, St Andrews, Fife
It’s unique and simply has to be included in any top 10. I go back with the Old Course a long way – when I tried to qualify for the 1964 Open at the Home of Golf. Green fees: £80-£170.

● Kingsbarns, Fife
Probably the best of the modern links and it’s hard to believe it’s only 15 years old. A nice challenge and provides sea views on every hole. Green fees: £194-£226.

● Muirfield, East Lothian
One helluva course; I’ve always enjoyed playing here. It’s a superstar within wonderful golfing country but is a very fair links where you can run the ball into the greens. Green fees: £210.

● Swinley Forest, Berkshire
This place and course has got an old-fashioned feel and I love this sand belt country and love Swinley’s heather and contrast of colours. Green fees: £175 in midweek.

Tony Jacklin’s Golfing CV

• Four-time PGA Tour winner.

• Eight European Tour wins and 22 European wins, achieving a lot of success before the Tour was born.

• Major victories in successive years (1969 Open at Royal Lytham and 1970 US Open at Hazeltine, the first Brit winner of the latter since 1920).

• European Tour money leader, 1973.

• Awarded OBE in 1970, CBE in 1990 and is a member of World Golf Hall of Fame.

• Played in seven Ryder Cups between 1967-79 and was captain in 1983, ’85, ’87 & 89.