My Top 10 Courses: Graeme Storm

Graeme Storm’s list is populated generally by stellar, historic layouts. But one name stands out – modern Rockliffe Hall just outside Darlington in his native Durham. Storm represents the luxury resort, including the modern Marc Westenborg layout, on Tour and although he concedes he’s a little biased, insists it makes his top 10 with good reason. “It may lack the history and pedigree of many of the other courses, but it’s a top track in its own right. I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a serious test of golf too, especially if you take it on off the back tips – it’s nearly 7,900 yards. I’ve no doubt Rockliffe Hall can host a Ryder Cup in the future.”

● Royal County Down, Co Down
This has got to be at the top of my list as it’s such a fantastic course with great scenery and great views. There are quite a few blind holes but it still plays fantastic. I happened to win The Amateur here! Green fees: £50-£190.

● Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin), Lincs
Inland courses don’t come much better than this – a great course where I particularly love the way it’s bunkered. The sand traps are very deep and penal. Thankfully my bunker play is usually red hot. Green fees: £75.

● Turnberry (Ailsa), Ayrshire
Arguably the most attractive links on the mainland. A great Open venue and the 9th by lighthouse starts a memorable stretch. Green fees: £230.

● Rockliffe Hall, Durham
This English Senior Open venue is a fabulous layout, the longest course in Britain. Boasts a great variety of holes including a par-3 island green. Always in tip-top condition and is a joy to play whatever time of the year. Green fees: From £35.

● Muirfield, East Lothian
I love the feel of it here. Part of a stretch of East Lothian links known as Scotland’s Golf Coast, but the home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is the best. Green fees: £210.

● Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancs
Another top links. Although not right on the coast it’s a fabulous layout among the houses. The 1st to 3rd along the railway line are superb. Green fees: Until Mar 31 – £130 Mon-Fri & Sun, £195 Sat.

● Ganton, Yorkshire
It’s not long but it’s still an awesome course – it’s fraught with danger and you’ve got to be so straight… or else. If the wind is blowing it’s really tough. I love going back there. Green fees: £80-£85.

● Sunningdale, Surrey
Both the Old and New are awesome – although if I have a preference it would be the New. But they’re both class heathlands and if I had the chance to play anywhere every day this would be it simply because it has two fabulous courses. Green fees: £205.

● Moortown, Yorkshire
I’ve played in the Brabazon Trophy around here and I’ve good memories of the place. Plotted in a fabulous heathland setting, Moortown is an old-fashioned, treelined layout. Again you’ve got to hit it straight or you’ll be punished. Green fees: £45-£85.

● St Andrews (Old Course), Fife
How can I leave out the Home of Golf? For me, the Old Course has it all, including a world-famous finishing stretch of holes heading back towards the town itself. It’s the course in the world where the hairs on my neck stand on end. Green fees: £80-£170.

Graeme Storm’s Golfing CV

• Learnt game at Hartlepool, where he still holds the course record (62).

• Won The Amateur in 1999 and represented GB&I in the Walker Cup before turning pro in 2000 (+3).

• Recorded a first when his mother caddied for him at 2000 US Masters.

• Two Challenge Tour wins and one on European Tour, ’07 French Open.

• In 2007 he led the US PGA after shooting an opening 65 but eventually finished tied 62nd.