Five of James Braid’s Best Courses
James Braid was an immense figure in the game, belonging to a very short and distinguished list of greats who not only won at least five major championships, but also became productive (if not always brilliant) course designers—a list that includes J.H. Taylor, Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thomson, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Nick Faldo. Add […]
James Braid: A Monumental Career
His achievements as a player—including five open championship titles—are exceeded only by his legacy as a golf course designer
Blairgowrie Golf Club, Rosemount Course
The original course at Scotland’s Blairgowrie Golf Club is very much an original, having been created by three of the game’s greatest architects
Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club (Deal), England
An early Open Championship venue, the club known as Deal is looking to be dealt back into the shuffle of major courses
Nefyn & District Golf Club
This spectacular layout atop a cliff draws comparisons with Pebble Beach for its unique setting and unmatched views
Ganton Golf Club, England
Part inland course and part links, this little-known but highly praised design rates as one of the most subtle yet challenging layouts in Britain
Aberdovey Golf Club, Wales
Prime location, splendid golf holes and a certain Darwinian outlook place this blustery links high atop the Welsh must-play list
The Golf House Club, Elie
Short on the card but long on charm, Elie is a delight to play and even more fun to talk about
Wallasey Golf Club, England
Known primarily as the birthplace of the Stableford scoring system, this club outside Liverpool deserves notice for its layout along the Merseyside coast
Brora Golf Club, Scotland
In 1995 Peter Thomson and his wife, Mary, made a four-and-a-half-hour drive from their home in St. Andrews to the Scottish Highlands. Intrigued by a glowing recommendation from a former caddie, the five-time British Open winner traveled to the seaside town of Brora to play the eponymous course. Without informing the club in advance […]
