George Peper’s Top 10 Links Courses

I know this is somewhat inappropriate, having attended so many Open Championship in England, but I’m afraid the links courses of England don’t do much for me.

I have great respect for Hoylake, a no-nonsense test, but truth be told, it lacks memorable holes, and the same must be said for both Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham. As for the other English venue, Royal St George’s, it has too many blind shots and uneven lies for my taste. Admittedly, I’ve played only a dozen or so links courses in England, but I don’t think I’ve missed any of the consensus must-sees, and I’m afraid not one of them makes my juices flow. I think one reason for this is that, despite the fact that—like all true links—these English courses are set beside the sea, the fact is, the sea rarely comes into view. On the other hand, I’ll admit it could have something to do with the fact that they’re not in Scotland, and that’s where my heart will always be.

In any case, of the 100-plus links courses I’ve played, here are my favorites. How did I rank them? I asked myself, if I could schedule a tee time for tomorrow morning, where would I want it to be. (Editor’s note: Peper literally wrote the book on links courses, True Links.)

10. Pennard

Swansea, Wales
Porthcawl’s a better test, but I can’t resist the cliff-top site, the ancient castle ruins, and the grazing ponies.

 

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9. Kingsbarns

St. Andrews, Scotland
As at Turnberry, the course and the setting are equally captivating. Fun on a mild day, ferocious in a big wind.

8. Cruden Bay

Aberdeen, Scotland
Generally I don’t like links courses with steep hills to climb, but at this quirky little beauty it’s a pleasure.

7. Royal Portrush

County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Many prefer its neighbor County Down, but to me there’s no contest. This is a pure links test.

6. Noordwijkse

Noordwijk, Netherlands
This brawny beauty, with a wee jaunt through a forest, is the best links in continental Europe.

netherlands golf

5. Turnberry

Ayrshire, Scotland
Links golf’s finest combination of challenge and charm—and a renovation made it even better.

4. Lahinch

Co. Clare, Ireland
A great walk through dunes by the sea, and the 18th flows straight into the St. Andrews of Ireland.

3. Castle Stuart

Inverness, Scotland
It rivets your attention from start to finish, the views are spectacular, and on a good day it’s gettable.

2. Carnoustie

Angus, Scotland
There is no more varied or demanding test, and to post three closing pars is to finish like a champion.

links courses
(photo by Kevin Murray)

1. The Old Course

St. Andrews, Scotland
Not the most difficult, not the most scenic, but unquestionably the most unrelentingly fascinating.

holes scotland
(photo by Kevin Murray)
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f. boyer
7 years ago

Played Pennard a few years ago a couple of times. Staff was great, even giving me a book about the club. Interestingly, the pro said they only got a couple of foursomes a month during the summer from the U.S.

I’ve played several on your list. Personally I preferred both Sandy Hills and Waterville versus both Turnberry and Lahinch.

Ken Stevenson
7 years ago

I get you like Portrush more but No County Down in the top 10? Seriously

7 years ago

George you miss the boat on royal county down, big miss. I have played in Ireland and Scotland for 38 years and over about 60 wonderful and fine links golf. Links are a passion of mine and to leave county down off is just wrong. My favorite is carnoustie and St. Andrews 2nd. I panned a few friends and the feel the same.

DOUGLAS FRASER
7 years ago

GP,has age leaked into your great golf brain?? Portrush ( wonderful) but had an overhaul to be able to host the Open champ.RCD played the Irish open, cut the greens and played.Ps I want the brain that used to use a typewriter!!

Steve M
7 years ago

I might replace Carnoustie with North Berwick, but otherwise the list looks good.

What would you think of a course with the following characteristics?
8 blind shots.
6 approaches where there are no options, only an aerial shot will do.
Most tee shots do not provide risk/reward options.
Only one green with any exciting contours.

Not so hot you say.
That would be Royal County Down. It’s certainly a beautiful spot, but as a wise man once said: “Don’t confuse

Ken Furth
7 years ago

I like how the author who used to claim not to like Carnoustie (I’ve read “True Links”), now has it listed at #2. The best do not reveal themselves immediately, or so easily. Wouldn’t you agree, George?

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