One subject that’s guaranteed to spark a good old debate amongst club golfers, other than the answer to slow play and the handicap system, is courses – more specifically, the Top 100 UK and Ireland Courses.
Our list has seen a lot of changes over the last two decades, and it’s always a fascinating project to put together. Recently, we ventured to Tandridge in Oxted, Surrey, a Harry Colt gem, which currently sits at number 97 on our list, to talk with three experts, GM Top 100 panellists Jamie Hudson and Matt Weavers, plus the head pro at Tandridge, Chris Evans.
In this fascinating Q&A, we discuss a range of topics, including what makes a Top 100 course so special. Our experts also name a few courses that you should add to your ‘must play’ list and share a few of their favourite experiences. It’s sure to make you start planning another trip…
Watch the video of our panelists discussion below:
GM: We have a lot of very good courses in the UK and Ireland. What separates the very best?
Jamie: I think about the three Vs: versatility, variety and views. How do the holes play for a scratch golfer, a professional and an 18-handicapper? How do they play off the whites and the yellows? I consider the mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s – so the shape of the holes, how they are routed, and the wind direction. Finally, the views. You spend a lot of time on the golf course looking around whilst not hitting the ball. What does it look like? How does it set up scenically?
Matt: I’m a sucker for a visual golf course. I’d far rather play a less strategic course in a beautiful setting than vice versa. When it comes to strategy, though, I like to think where you need to be off the tee, so it’s not just straight shot, straight shot. Tandridge is a great example. There is a little bit of width off the tee but you’ve got to be in the right place in the fairway to be able to attack a pin.
Tandridge head pro, Chris Evans, strikes a drive away with (from left to right) Matt Weavers, Neil Tappin (GM Editor) and Jamie Hudson watching on.
(Image credit: Kevin Murray)
GM: Courses are making constant improvements. Are there any common themes among the changes you are witnessing?
Matt: Lots of courses are doing bunkering work. Some of this is down to technology, so it’s a case of…
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