Golf World Top 100: Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain and Ireland
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What are the best links golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland? The Golf World Top 100 panel ranks the best seaside courses across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Welcome to the first ever Golf World Top 100 Links Courses in Great Britain & Ireland ranking. It represents the start of a new era for our highly respected course rankings, which are now published in Today’s Golfer magazine and here at todaysgolfer.co.uk.
Golf World Top 100: The Best Golf Courses and Resorts
The courses will, however, still be chosen by an experienced panel of readers, invited to take part because of their extensive knowledge of the courses ranked that month.
As we always have, we welcome your feedback on all of our rankings and know that everyone will have an opinion on their favourite's position. We'd love to hear from you via email, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
What is the Golf World Top 100?
What is a links golf course?
The British Golf Museum defines a links as: “Land near the coast characterised by undulating terrain, often associated with dunes, infertile sandy soil and indigenous grasses such as marram, sea lyme, and the fescues and bents which, when properly managed, produce the fine textured turf for which links are famed.”
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Jump to the Best Links Golf Courses ranking
100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 | 25-11 | 10-1
How we score the best links golf courses in Great Britain and Ireland
There are a total of 100 marks awarded, and every golf course is marked using the following criteria to find the best:
Design [40 marks]
A key category, split into three sub-sections: Does the course take advantage of its landscape [20]; the green complexes [10]; the routing [10].
Setting [15 marks]
The aesthetic value of the surrounding views and the course itself. And the overall ‘atmosphere’ of the course – not the club.
Memorability [15 marks]
How easy it is to recall holes? Are they distinctive, varied and interesting. Are they strategic and heroic?
Playability [10 marks]
Is it just too tough, possibly even unfair, for the majority? Or is it easily enjoyed by all?
Consistency [10 marks]
Does every hole deliver all of the above, or is it let down by a few poor ones?
Presentation [10 marks]
Two aspects: is maintenance at ease with its surroundings, and the conditioning of tees, fairways, bunkers and greens.
What if there is a tie?
In the event of a tie, Golf World Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram decides the positions based on breadth of opinions from the panel.
Do you consider anything other than the layout itself when scoring the best golf courses?
Off-course facilities, customer service or tournament pedigree played no part in deciding any of our Golf World Top 100 Courses rankings. We care about the best golf courses, not about who has the best clubhouse, has hosted the most Opens or provides the best lunches. No matter what your budget is, there are courses to fit your pocket. And you can play every course in this list, even if some offer very limited tee times.
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Meet the Golf World Top 100 ranking panel
Chris Bertram: Top 100 Courses editor has played all 100 links golf courses in our list. Handicap 11.
Michael Bailey: 88 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 17
Peter Bosworth: 96 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 14
Olle Dahlgren: 98 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 6
Nick Dungay: 96 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 11
Alan Ferguson: All of the Top 100 golf courses played. Handicap 4
Simon Haines: 61 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 3
Clyde Johnson: 87 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 8
Ronan Rafferty: All of the Top 100 played. Handicap Pro
Ben Sargent: 84 of the Top 100 played. Handicap Pro
Stephen Vincent: 73 of the Top 100 played. Handicap 10
In addition, we accepted input from our Scottish specialists Alan McPherson and Neal Stewart, Irish golf courses supremo Kevin Markham and Wales golf aficionados Richard Allen and Phil Davies.
THINK YOU SHOULD BE ON THE PANEL? Get in touch with us, here
Which links golf courses narrowly missed out on a place in the Golf World Top 100?
Not every links in Great Britain & Ireland can get into the Top 100... but here are the 50 that came closest and stand the best chance of making the main ranking the next time we judge the best links golf courses.
Royal Portrush (Valley), Lundin, Conwy, St Annes Old Links, Monifieth, Strandhill, Irvine (Bogside), Golspie, Connemara, Tain, Leven, Fortrose & Rosemarkie, Archerfield (Dirleton), West Cornwall, Ashburnham, West Kilbride, Crail (Balcomie), Portmarnock Links, Royal Dublin, Bude & North Cornwall, Moray (New), Carnoustie (Burnside), St Andrews (Jubilee), Peterhead, Gullane No.3, Porthmadog, Nairn Dunbar, St Andrews (Eden), Ballybunion (Cashen), Royal Troon (Portland), Borth and Ynyslas, Kilmarnock Barassie, Cleveland, Turnberry (King Robert the Bruce), Durness, Newburgh on Ythan, Hesketh, Cullen, Weston-super-Mare, Spey Bay, Littlehampton, Hartlepool, Prestwick St Nicholas, Wigtownshire County, Pwllheli, Powfoot, Carnoustie (Buddon), North West, Castlerock (Bann), Isle of Harris.
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Which country has the most links golf courses in the ranking?
Of the 100 golf courses in the main ranking, it'll come as little surprise to learn than Scotland's links dominate with 40 courses, including six in the top 10. England has 29 of the best links golf courses, followed by Ireland with 20.
Then comes Wales with six, followed by Northern Ireland with five. But, in the case of the latter, sometimes its quality not quantity that counts with two of Northern Ireland's courses in the top five.
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Golf World Top 100: The Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain and Ireland
To read Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram's review of each course, simply click on its name
100 Pyle & Kenfig
Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Design 29.9 Setting 12.6 Memorability 13.5 Playability 7.2 Consistency 5.9 Presentation 7.0
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.1
99 Dunaverty
Southland, Argyll, Scotland
Design 27.4 Setting 13.1 Memorability 13.4 Playability 8.2 Consistency 7.3 Presentation 7.0
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.4
98 Donegal
Murvagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Design 32.2 Setting 10.2 Memorability 12.2 Playability 5.9 Consistency 8.2 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.5
97 Shiskine
Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, Scotland
Design 27.4 Setting 13.2 Memorability 13.4 Playability 8.2 Consistency 7.2 Presentation 7.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.5
96 Castlerock (Mussenden)
Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Design 29.4 Setting 12.1 Memorability 12.6 Playability 7.3 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.5
95 Tenby
Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Design 28.2 Setting 13.3 Memorability 12.4 Playability 7.3 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.5
94 Dooks
Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Design 28.3 Setting 13.8 Memorability 12.5 Playability 7.1 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.5
93 Seaton Carew
Seaton Carew, Co. Druham, England
Design 31.6 Setting 9.2 Memorability 11.8 Playability 7.9 Consistency 8.2 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.5
92 Saunton (West)
Braunton, Devon, England
Design 30.4 Setting 11.2 Memorability 12.4 Playability 7.5 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.7
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91 Perranporth
Perranporth, Cornwall, England
Design 28.4 Setting 13.7 Memorability 12.7 Playability 7.1 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.7
90 Askernish
South Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Design 30.4 Setting 12.7 Memorability 13.4 Playability 7.1 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 5.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.7
89 Narin & Portnoo
Portnoo, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Design 30.5 Setting 12.2 Memorability 12.4 Playability 7.1 Consistency 7.2 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 76.8
88 Kilspindie
Aberlady, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 28.2 Setting 12.4 Memorability 12.0 Playability 8.9 Consistency 7.8 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 77
87 Murcar
Bridge of Don, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Design 30.2 Setting 13.2 Memorability 11.0 Playability 8.1 Consistency 7.3 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.2
86 Royal County Down (Annesley)
Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Design 29.2 Setting 13.1 Memorability 11.2 Playability 8.8 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 8.0
Golf World Top 100 total 77.2
85 Seascale
Seascale, Cumbria, England
Design 30.0 Setting 13.0 Memorability 11.2 Playability 8.5 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.0
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.2
84 Portsalon
Fanad, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Design 30.0 Setting 13.4 Memorability 11.4 Playability 8.6 Consistency 6.6 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.4
83 Gullane No.2
Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 31.3 Setting 11.0 Memorability 11.5 Playability 7.5 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 8.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
82 Montrose (1562)
Montrose, Angus, Scotland
Design 30.1 Setting 13.5 Memorability 12.4 Playability 7.7 Consistency 6.3 Presentation 7.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
81 Rosapenna (Old Tom)
Downings, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Design 31.3 Setting 11.8 Memorability 11.6 Playability 8.1 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
80 Wallasey
Wirral, Merseyside, England
Design 31.7 Setting 11.1 Memorability 11.8 Playability 7.6 Consistency 7.6 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
79 Fraserburgh
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Design 31.5 Setting 11.7 Memorability 11.5 Playability 8.1 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
78 Trevose
Padstow, Cornwall, England
Design 30.1 Setting 13.5 Memorability 11.2 Playability 7.7 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
77 Panmure
Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland
Design 31.2 Setting 11.1 Memorability 11.3 Playability 8.3 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
76 Hayling
Hayling Island, Hampshire, England
Design 31.0 Setting 11.8 Memorability 11.9 Playability 8.1 Consistency 7.2 Presentation 7.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
Five-time Open champion Tom Watson on his love of links golf courses
“The first time I played the Old Course was in 1978. I really didn’t like it. It was too blind and there were too many bounces and variables. I didn’t like playing the game with so many variables. I liked to be in control.
"l didn’t grow to love links golf until just prior to the 1981 Open at Sandwich. My epiphany came during a wonderful series of rounds I had with my friend Sandy Tatum. We started out at Ballybunion in Ireland and had a glorious time there. Then we flew over and played Prestwick and Troon in one day, before taking a helicopter up to Royal Dornoch.
"On the 16th hole, I said to Sandy: “This is about as much fun as I’ve ever had playing golf.” That’s when I truly fell in love with the links style of golf.”
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Golf World Top 100: The Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain and Ireland 75-51
To read Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram's review of each course, simply click on its name
75 Littlestone
Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent, England
Design 30.5 Setting 11.2 Memorability 12.0 Playability 8.2 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.5
74 Castletown
Castletown, Isle of Man, England
Design 30.2 Setting 12.8 Memorability 12.3 Playability 7.7 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.6
73 Dunbar
Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 31.0 Setting 12.3 Memorability 11.0 Playability 8.2 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.6
72 Seacroft
Skegness, Lincolnshire, England
Design 31.0 Setting 11.5 Memorability 12.0 Playability 8.7 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.8
71 Portstewart
Portstewart, Derry, Northern Ireland
Design 31.0 Setting 13.1 Memorability 13.5 Playability 7.4 Consistency 5.5 Presentation 7.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.8
70 Goswick
Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England
Design 31.0 Setting 11.5 Memorability 12.1 Playability 8.6 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top100 total: 77.8
69 Glasgow Gailes
Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland
Design 32.9 Setting 11.5 Memorability 11.9 Playability 7.6 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.0
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.8
68 Southerness
Southerness, Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Design 32.4 Setting 11.5 Memorability 11.9 Playability 7.8 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.8
67 Dundonald
Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland
Design 32.8 Setting 7.7 Memorability 12.3 Playability 8.0 Consistency 8.6 Presentation 8.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 77.9
66 Tralee
Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Design 30.0 Setting 14.1 Memorability 13.8 Playability 7.3 Consistency 6.0 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 79
65 Moray (Old)
Lossiemouth, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Design 32.0 Setting 11.5 Memorability 13.1 Playability 8.6 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 79.8
64 Luffness
Aberlady, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 32.9 Setting 11.2 Memorability 11.7 Playability 7.4 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 8.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 79.8
63 Ballyliffin (Old)
Inishowen, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Design 32.0 Setting 11.5 Memorability 13.1 Playability 8.6 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 79.8
62 Southport and Ainsdale
Southport, Merseyside, England
Design 32.4 Setting 11.2 Memorability 11.7 Playability 8.9 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 79.9
61 The Renaissance Club
Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 33.2 Setting 11.6 Memorability 11.4 Playability 7.5 Consistency 8.0 Presentation 8.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 80
60 Aberdovey
Aberdovey, Gwynedd, Wales
Design 32.4 Setting 11.5 Memorability 13.6 Playability 8.3 Consistency 6.5 Presentation 7.7
Golf World top 100 total: 80
59 Elie
Elie, Fife, Scotland
Design 31.4 Setting 11.9 Memorability 12.3 Playability 8.6 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 80
58 Rosapenna (Sandy Hills)
Downings, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Design 33.0 Setting 13.8 Memorability 13.1 Playability 5.3 Consistency 8.6 Presentation 6.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 80
57 St Andrews (New)
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Design 32.4 Setting 11.9 Memorability 11.0 Playability 8.6 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 80
56 Enniscrone
Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Design 32.5 Setting 12.9 Memorability 13.4 Playability 7.3 Consistency 6.4 Presentation 7.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.1
55 Brora
Brora, Sutherland, Scotland
Design 31.4 Setting 11.9 Memorability 12.6 Playability 8.6 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.1
54 Royal North Devon
Westward Ho!, Devon, England
Design 32.5 Setting 10.9 Memorability 12.6 Playability 8.7 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.3
53 Carne
Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Design 33.2 Setting 12.8 Memorability 13.9 Playability 6.6 Consistency 6.8 Presentation 7.0.
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.3
52 Ballyliffin (Glashedy)
Ballyliffin, Donegal, Ireland
Design 34.2 Setting 12.6 Memorability 12.2 Playability 6.3 Consistency 8.0 Presentation 7.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.6
51 Pennard
Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales
Design 31.3 Setting 12.6 Memorability 13.6 Playability 8.0 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.6
Three legends of the game pick their best links golf course
Sir Nick Faldo
“If I think about memorability, I think about Muirfield. It is a good, solid, honest course. It is a good mind game. But you better play well there!”
Annika Sorenstam
“St Andrews is a fabulous place. It’s just a treat to play the golf course. I love it. It does not get better than the Old Course.”
Colin Montgomerie
“I put Royal Porthcawl in the same category as Turnberry and Royal Birkdale. If the weather plays its part, it’s a super test.”
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Golf World Top 100: The Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain and Ireland 50-26
To read Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram's review of each course, simply click on its name
50 Prince’s
Sandwich, Kent, England
Design 33.0 Setting 12.2 Memorability 12.0 Playability 7.9 Consistency 7.3 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.6
49 West Lancs
Blundellsands, Merseyside, England
Design 32.7 Setting 11.2 Memorability 11.9 Playability 7.3 Consistency 8.7 Presentation 8.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.6
48 Nairn
Nairn, Highlands, Scotland
Design 33.0 Setting 12.5 Memorability 12 Playability 7.6 Consistency 7.0 Presentation 8.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.6
47 Hunstanton
Hunstanton, Norfolk, England
Design 33.0 Setting 11.9 Memorability 11.4 Playability 7.7 Consistency 8.2 Presentation 8.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.6
46 Royal St David’s
Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales
Design 33.5 Setting 12.4 Memorability 11.8 Playability 6.9 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 80.7
45 Dumbarnie Links
Fife, Scotland
Design 31.1 Setting 13.6 Memorability 13.2 Playability 8.3 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 7.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.0
44 Machrihanish Dunes
Machrihanish, Argyll, Scotland
Design 33.1 Setting 12.6 Memorability 13.5 Playability 7.0 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 6.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.0
43 Hillside
Southport, Lancashire, England
Design 32.9 Setting 12.6 Memorability 12.9 Playability 7.8 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.0
42 County Louth
Baltray, Co. Louth, Ireland
Design 33.2 Setting 11.6 Memorability 12.4 Playability 7.8 Consistency 8.1 Presentation 8.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.4
41 Gullane No.1
Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 33.2 Setting 11.6 Memorability 12.4 Playability 7.8 Consistency 8.1 Presentation 8.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.4
40 Trump International Golf Links Ireland (Doonbeg)
Kilkee, Co. Clare, Ireland
Design 33.0 Setting 13.7 Memorability 12.7 Playability 7.1 Consistency 7.4 Presentation 7.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.4
39 County Sligo
Rosses Point, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Design 33.9 Setting 12.8 Memorability 12.6 Playability 7.1 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.5
38 The European
Brittas Bay, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Design 32.5 Setting 13.5 Memorability 13.3 Playability 6.1 Consistency 8.6 Presentation 7.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 81.6
37 Western Gailes
Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland
Design 34.9 Setting 11.5 Memorability 12.2 Playability 6.9 Consistency 8.9 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.1
36 The Island
Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Design 34.3 Setting 12.0 Memorability 13.1 Playability 7.2 Consistency 8.0 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.3
35 Rye
Rye, East Sussex, England
Design 35.3 Setting 12.1 Memorability 13.0 Playability 7.6 Consistency 7.0 Presentation 7.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.3
34 Silloth-on-Solway
Silloth, Cumbria, England
Design 34.2 Setting 12.1 Memorability 13.5 Playability 7.6 Consistency 7.8 Presentation 7.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.3
33 The Machrie
Islay, Argyll, Scotland
Design 34.2 Setting 12.8 Memorability 13.0 Playability 7.5 Consistency 6.9 Presentation 8.0
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.4
32 Saunton (East)
Braunton, Devon, England
Design 33.2 Setting 12.7 Memorability 12.8 Playability 7.4 Consistency 8.4 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.4
31 Machrihanish
Machrihanish, Argyll, Scotland
Design 34.7 Setting 12.5 Memorability 13.5 Playability 7.5 Consistency 6.8 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.4
30 Royal Porthcawl
Rest Bay, Mid Glamorgan, Wales
Design 33.2 Setting 12.5 Memorability 12.7 Playability 7.7 Consistency 7.7 Presentation: 8.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 82.5
29 Royal West Norfolk
Brancaster, Norfolk, England
Design 34.7 Setting 12.1 Memorability 13.9 Playability 8.0 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 7.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 83.5
28 Burnham and Berrow
Burnham, Somerset, England
Design 34.1 Setting 11.5 Memorability 13.8 Playability 7.8 Consistency 8.8 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 83.8
27 Formby
Southport, Lancashire, England
Design 34.9 Setting 12.3 Memorability 12.9 Playability 7.8 Consistency 8.6 Presentation 7.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 84.2
26 Royal Aberdeen
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Design 34.8 Setting 12.6 Memorability 13.6 Playability 7.9 Consistency 7.2 Presentation 8.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 84.6
Golf World Top 100: The Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain and Ireland 25-11
To read Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram's review of each course, simply click on its name
25 Castle Stuart
Inverness, Highlands, Scotland
Design 34.2 Setting 14.3 Memorability 12.9 Playability 8.3 Consistency 7.2 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 84.8
24 Royal Cinque Ports
Deal, Kent, England
Design 35.9 Setting 11.5 Memorability 13.3 Playability 7.2 Consistency 8.9 Presentation 8.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 84.9
23 Prestwick
Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland
Design 35.9 Setting 11.7 Memorability 13.8 Playability 8.6 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.3
22 Lahinch
Liscannor Bay, Co. Clare, Ireland
Design 36.0 Setting 13.0 Memorability 13.9 Playability 8.0 Consistency 7.0 Presentation 7.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.3
21 St Enodoc (Church)
Wadebridge, Cornwall, England
Design 35.5 Setting 13.7 Memorability 14.0 Playability 7.5 Consistency 6.8 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.3
20 Royal Liverpool
Hoylake, Merseyside, England
Design 36.1 Setting 11.2 Memorability 12.9 Playability 7.9 Consistency 8.9 Presentation 8.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.4
19 Waterville
Waterville, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Design 35.0 Setting 13.6 Memorability 13.4 Playability 8.0 Consistency 7.5 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.4
18 Royal Troon (Championship)
Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland
Design 35.4 Setting 12.4 Memorability 13.8 Playability 7.5 Consistency 8.1 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.4
17 Ballybunion (Old)
Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Design 35.6 Setting 13.8 Memorability 13.9 Playability 7.6 Consistency 6.5 Presentation 8.2
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.6
16 Skibo Castle
Dornoch, Highlands, Scotland
Design 34.5 Setting 14.0 Memorability 13.1 Playability 6.9 Consistency 8.0 Presentation 9.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.6
15 Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen
Balmedie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Design 33.8 Setting 13.9 Memorability 14.4 Playability 6.7 Consistency 8.9 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.6
14 Royal Lytham & St Annes
Lytham, Lancashire, England
Design 37.3 Setting 8.5 Memorability 13.4 Playability 7.6 Consistency 9.6 Presentation 9.3
Golf World Top 100 total: 85.7
13 Cruden Bay
Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Design 35.9 Setting 12.7 Memorability 14.4 Playability 7.5 Consistency 7.9 Presentation 7.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 86.0
12 Kingsbarns Golf Links
Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland
Design 34.3 Setting 13.9 Memorability 13.4 Playability 8.5 Consistency 8.1 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 86.0
11 Portmarnock (Old)
Malahide, Dublin, Ireland
Design 36.2 Setting 11.8 Memorability 13.4 Playability 7.0 Consistency 9.2 Presentation 8.4
Golf World Top 100 total: 86.0
Golf World Top 100: The Best Links Golf Courses in Great Britain and Ireland 10-1
To read Top 100 Editor Chris Bertram's review of each course, simply click on its name
10 Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship)
Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland
Design 35.8 Setting 10.9 Memorability 13.5 Playability 6. 9 Consistency 9.2 Presentation 9.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 86.0
9 North Berwick
North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 37.1 Setting 12.5 Memorability 14.4 Playability 7.9 Consistency 7.7 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 87.4
8 Royal Dornoch
Dornoch, Highlands, Scotland
Design 36.5 Setting 13.4 Memorability 13.5 Playability 7.8 Consistency 8.3 Presentation 7.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 87.4
7 Royal Birkdale
Southport, Merseyside, England
Design 35.3 Setting 12.2 Memorability 13.9 Playability 8.1 Consistency 9.0 Presentation 8.9
Golf World Top 100 total: 87.4
6 Royal St George’s
Sandwich, Kent, England
Design 36.3 Setting 12.6 Memorability 13.9 Playability 8.3 Consistency 8.6 Presentation 7.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 87.5
5 Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
Portrush, Co.Antrim, Northern Ireland
Design 35.6 Setting 13.2 Memorability 13.9 Playability 7.6 Consistency 8.4 Presentation 8.8
Golf World Top 100 total: 87.5
4 Muirfield
Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland
Design 37.5 Setting 12.1 Memorability 13.2 Playability 7.4 Consistency 9.5 Presentation 9.6
Golf World Top 100 total: 89.3
3 Turnberry (Ailsa)
Turnberry, Ayrshire, Scotland
Design 36.0 Setting 14.4 Memorability 14.4 Playability 8.7 Consistency 8.3 Presentation 8.5
Golf World Top 100 total: 90.3
2 St Andrews (Old)
St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Design 36.8 Setting 13.2 Memorability 14.0 Playability 8.7 Consistency 8.5 Presentation 9.1
Golf World Top 100 total: 90.3
1 Royal County Down (Championship)
Newcastle, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Design 36.9 Setting 13.7 Memorability 14.1 Playability 7.2 Consistency 8.9 Presentation 9.7
Golf World Top 100 total: 90.5
Why Rory McIlroy loves Royal County Down
I believe this par 3 is also one of the most photographed golf holes anywhere. Essentially, it’s a straightforward hole on a calm day, but gorse and bunkers protect the green and really come into play in breezy conditions.
It’s a very challenging test for any level of player.
Just like every links course, the elements are its best defence. But you also have a number of blind tee and approach shots to contend with. Then there’s the rough and the gorse, so there can be no let-up in concentration when you play here.
It’s definitely in the top few golf courses in Britain and Ireland.
There just seem to be too many top links in Britain and Ireland for me to point to just one as the best. Each has its own qualities, quirks and character traits that make it unique. When I’m home, I still play the odd round at Royal County Down with my mates.
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