Wales Open future in question

The R&A Announces Venues For 2012 Championships 2nd June 2009 The host venues for 2012's R&A Championships and International matches have been announced The 2012 Amateur Championship will be contested at Royal Troon and Glasgow - Gailes Links with the initial stroke play stage shared between the two venues. The final match play stage will be contested solely at Royal Troon. Troon has hosted The Amateur on five previous occasions in 2003, 1978, 1968, 1956 and 1938. The 2012 Boys Championship will be held at England's Notts Golf Club. Notts has hosted Regional Qualifying for The Open Championship on a number of occasions and was the venue for the 2007 Jacques Leglise Trophy. The 2012 Boys Home Internationals will be staged at Ireland's County Louth Golf Club. Another past Open Championship Regional Qualifying venue, Baltray, as it is known, recently hosted the Irish Open won by the then amateur golfer, Shane Lowry. The 2012 Seniors Open Amateur will be hosted by Wales' Machynys Peninsula Golf Club. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course is only four years old but it has already hosted the Boys Home Internationals in 2007, becoming the youngest course ever to have held an R&A event. The 2012 St Andrews and Jacques Leglise Trophies will be contested at Ireland's Portmarnock Golf Club. Portmarnock also hosted the Boys Home Internationals in 2004, and was the venue for the 1991 Walker Cup in which former Open champion, David Duval, and current world number two, Phil Mickleson, both competed. The 2012 Junior Open will be held at England's Fairhaven Golf Club. The course has been used as a Local Final Qualifying venue for The Open Championship. The course record is held by 1997 Open champion, Justin Leonard. From: R&A

When Europe and the United States collide on the pristine fairways of Adare Manor in 2027, golf fans will witness one of sport's most electrifying spectacles in one of the world's most luxurious settings. The Ryder Cup represents the pinnacle of team golf competition, where individual champions transform into teammates fighting for continental pride. This comprehensive guide reveals everything visitors need to know about experiencing the Ryder Cup at Ireland's magnificent Adare Manor, from securing tickets and exploring the championship course to discovering County Limerick's rich heritage and exceptional dining scene. Tournament Overview: Why the Ryder Cup Matters The Ryder Cup stands apart from every other golf tournament on the planet. Unlike major championships where players compete for personal glory and substantial prize money, this biennial showdown offers no prize fund—only pride, pressure, and the weight of representing an entire continent. The format transforms the world's best golfers into teammates, creating an atmosphere of raw emotion rarely seen in golf's typically composed environment. The tournament unfolds over three days of intense competition featuring foursomes, four-balls, and singles matches. Twelve players per team battle for 28 points, with 14.5 points needed to claim victory. The defending champion retains the trophy in the event of a tie, adding extra stakes to every crucial putt on Sunday afternoon. What makes the Ryder Cup truly special is the atmosphere. Galleries roar with partisan support, players feed off the energy, and previously unflappable champions have been known to buckle under the unique pressure. The event has produced some of golf's most dramatic moments, from miracle putts to controversial concessions, cementing its place as the sport's most compelling team competition. The Ryder Cup: History & Heritage The Ryder Cup's origins trace back to 1927 when English seed merchant and golf enthusiast Samuel Ryder donated the iconic gold trophy that bears his name. The inaugural official match took place at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts, with the United States defeating Great Britain 9.5 to 2.5. Ryder had witnessed an unofficial match between British and American professionals the previous year at Wentworth Club, which inspired him to establish a formal biennial competition. For the first half-century, the matches pitted Great Britain against the United States, with the Americans dominating proceedings. Recognising the competitive imbalance, the format evolved in 1973 to include Ireland alongside Great Britain, and by 1979, the European continent joined to create the Team Europe format we know today. This expansion transformed the competition, ushering in an era of European dominance through the 1980s and 1990s. The modern Ryder Cup has delivered countless unforgettable moments. Europe's dramatic comeback at Brookline in 1999 saw the Americans celebrate prematurely before winning 14.5-13.5. The 2012 "Miracle at Medinah" witnessed Europe overturn a 10-6 deficit on the final day to claim a stunning 14.5-13.5 victory. Europe's dominance continued through much of the 2000s and 2010s, winning nine of twelve matches between 2002 and 2023. The trophy itself, standing just 43 centimetres (17 inches) tall and weighing under 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds), has become one of sport's most coveted prizes despite offering no monetary value. The gold-plated figure of Abe Mitchell—Samuel Ryder's personal golf instructor—tops the chalice, forever commemorating the man Ryder hoped would lead Great Britain to victory. Recent editions have cemented the Ryder Cup's status as golf's most watched team event. The 2018 matches at Le Golf National in Paris attracted over 270,000 spectators across the week, while television audiences reached hundreds of millions worldwide. The 2021 postponed matches at Whistling Straits saw the United States reclaim the trophy with a dominant 19-9 victory, their largest margin since 1967. The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor Ireland will host the Ryder Cup for the second time in 2027, following the memorable 2006 matches at The K Club where Europe triumphed 18.5 to 9.5. The selection of Adare Manor represents a significant moment for Irish golf, bringing the sport's greatest team event to County Limerick's spectacular parkland estate. The announcement in 2015 set in motion an ambitious transformation of the course under the guidance of renowned architect Tom Fazio. Adare Manor underwent a complete redesign and reconstruction between 2016 and 2017 specifically to meet Ryder Cup standards and create a championship test worthy of hosting golf's most prestigious team event. The Tom Fazio redesign extended the course to over 6,800 metres (7,500 yards) from the championship tees whilst preserving the property's natural beauty and historical character. Strategic bunkering, expansive water features, and pristine conditioning now challenge the world's elite players whilst providing spectacular viewing opportunities for galleries. The venue's luxury credentials extend beyond the golf course. Adare Manor's five-star hotel and resort provides championship-calibre facilities, including a world-class practice range, short game areas, and putting greens that will serve as the stage for team preparations. The estate's 340 hectares (840 acres) of manicured parkland along the River Maigue create a stunning backdrop for what promises to be one of the most visually spectacular Ryder Cups in history. County Limerick's location in Ireland's southwest positions Adare Manor perfectly for international visitors. Shannon Airport sits just 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the estate, offering direct connections to major European and North American cities. The proximity to vibrant Limerick city, the scenic villages of County Clare, and Ireland's famous Wild Atlantic Way ensures spectators can combine world-class golf with authentic Irish experiences. Championship Course: Adare Manor Adare Manor represents the pinnacle of parkland golf in Ireland, combining natural beauty with championship design. Tom Fazio's 2017 redesign transformed the estate's original course into a formidable test that earned immediate recognition, with the venue hosting the Irish Open in 2007, 2008, and 2017. The course winds through mature woodlands and alongside the River Maigue, creating a stunning visual experience that complements the strategic challenge. The championship layout stretches to 6,839 metres (7,509 yards) from the tournament tees, playing as a par 72 with four par threes, ten par fours, and four par fives. Fazio's design philosophy emphasises strategic options whilst rewarding precise shotmaking, with generous fairways that tighten considerably at landing zones. Multiple tee positions ensure the course can challenge professionals whilst remaining enjoyable for resort guests of varying abilities. Water features prominently throughout the routing, affecting play on fourteen holes. The par-three 3rd requires a precise mid-iron over water to a well-protected green, setting the tone early. The signature 5th hole, a par five of 514 metres (563 yards), demands three precise shots along the River Maigue with danger lurking left throughout. The closing stretch from the 16th provides a dramatic finish, with water in play and championship pressure mounting. Adare Manor's conditioning sets standards rarely matched anywhere in Europe. The bentgrass fairways provide perfect lies, whilst the creeping bentgrass greens roll pure and true at championship speeds. The course's drainage systems ensure playability even in Ireland's occasionally wet conditions, a crucial consideration for September tournament dates. Fazio's attention to spectator flow and viewing areas ensures galleries can follow matches comfortably whilst maintaining the integrity of play. The parkland setting distinguishes Adare Manor from Ireland's famous links courses. Mature trees frame fairways, creating defined playing corridors and spectacular autumn colours during tournament week. The estate's historical features, including 19th-century stone bridges and the manor house itself, provide architectural interest throughout the round. This combination of championship golf and luxurious surroundings makes Adare Manor uniquely positioned to deliver both sporting excellence and memorable spectator experiences. Championship Experience: Tournament Week at Adare Manor Attending the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor offers an unparalleled sporting experience combining world-class golf with Irish hospitality. Tournament week typically begins on Tuesday with practice rounds, where spectators can watch both teams prepare without the intense pressure of competition. The atmosphere during practice days remains relaxed, offering excellent opportunities to see players interact with teammates and test various strategies on Adare Manor's championship layout. Competition commences Friday morning with the opening foursomes session, where two-player teams alternate shots on each hole. The four-ball format follows in the afternoon, allowing each player to complete holes with their own ball, taking the better score. These team formats create fascinating strategic decisions and often produce dramatic swings in momentum. Saturday repeats the foursomes and four-balls format, building tension as teams jockey for position heading into Sunday's decisive singles matches. Sunday's twelve singles matches deliver the Ryder Cup's most dramatic moments. Each player from both teams competes head-to-head, with matches starting in rapid succession down the first tee. The roars from across the course create an electric atmosphere as momentum shifts, crucial putts drop, and the trophy's destination becomes clear. Spectators can follow individual matches or position themselves at strategic holes where multiple matches converge, experiencing the unique tension of championship golf. Tournament organisers typically release ticket information approximately 18 months before the event through official channels at rydercup.com. Various ticket packages cater to different preferences, from single-day grounds passes to premium hospitality experiences with reserved seating and catering. Given the event's popularity and limited capacity, early registration for ticket opportunities proves essential. Corporate hospitality packages offer enhanced experiences with exclusive viewing areas, whilst grounds tickets provide freedom to explore the course and follow matches closely. Transportation planning deserves careful attention, as tens of thousands of spectators converge on Adare Manor during tournament week. Official shuttle services typically operate from designated car parks and nearby towns, streamlining access whilst managing traffic flow. Many visitors combine their Ryder Cup experience with accommodation in Limerick city or surrounding villages, making day trips to the venue via organised transport. The relatively compact nature of County Limerick ensures reasonable travel times from most accommodation options to Adare Manor. Golf Nearby During Tournament Week County Limerick and neighbouring regions offer exceptional golf opportunities for visitors, extending their trip beyond tournament days. Lahinch Golf Club in County Clare, located 64 kilometres (40 miles) northwest of Adare Manor, ranks among Ireland's finest links courses. The Old Course at Lahinch presents a genuine championship test with dramatic dune formations, blind shots, and the famous Klondyke hole. Advance booking remains essential, particularly during summer and early autumn when Irish golf reaches peak season. Green fees typically range from £240-280 (€280-330/$310-360) depending on season. Ballybunion Golf Club, situated 80 kilometres (50 miles) west in County Kerry, features two outstanding links courses with the Old Course ranking among the world's greatest. The routing through towering sandhills and along dramatic clifftops creates an unforgettable links experience. Tom Watson famously declared Ballybunion one of his favourite courses globally, and the Old Course regularly appears in worldwide rankings. The Cashen Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., offers a contrasting but equally challenging links test. Expect green fees around £270-300 (€315-350/$350-385) for the Old Course. Doonbeg Golf Club, now known as Trump International Golf Links Ireland, sits 72 kilometres (45 miles) northwest along Clare's stunning coastline. The Greg Norman design showcases spectacular ocean views and demanding links golf across massive dunes. Recent modifications by Martin Hawtree enhanced the routing whilst preserving the property's natural drama. The course offers a more modern interpretation of links golf compared to traditional Irish venues, with generous fairways offset by severe rough and strategic bunkering. Green fees typically range from £280-320 (€330-375/$365-415). Closer to Adare Manor, several excellent parkland and links options provide quality golf without extensive travel. Dromoland Castle, located 35 kilometres (22 miles) north near Shannon Airport, delivers championship parkland golf in a castle estate setting. The course winds through mature woodlands with water features and strategic bunkering testing all aspects of the game. Green fees approximate £100-130 (€115-150/$130-165), representing excellent value for visitors seeking quality golf near their accommodation. Limerick County Golf Club, known locally as Ballyclough, offers a challenging parkland test just 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Adare Manor. The mature layout features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and well-protected greens that demand accurate approach play. As a members' club with visitor access, Ballyclough provides an authentic Irish golf experience at green fees around £65-85 (€75-100/$85-110). Advance booking through the club ensures starting times, particularly valuable during busy tournament week when many visitors seek additional rounds. County Limerick's Culinary Scene Adare village, immediately adjacent to the tournament venue, showcases County Limerick's exceptional dining scene with establishments ranging from traditional Irish pubs to contemporary fine dining. The Oak Room at Adare Manor represents the pinnacle of fine dining in the region, holding a Michelin star for its exceptional cuisine and impeccable service. The restaurant's classical French-inspired menu showcases the finest Irish produce with creative presentations and sophisticated flavour combinations. The elegant dining room with ornate carved oak panelling provides a suitably grand setting, whilst the extensive wine cellar offers exceptional selections from both old and new world producers. Reservations prove essential, particularly during tournament week when demand significantly increases. For more casual dining, 1826 Adare in the village centre delivers reliable modern Irish fare in a relaxed bistro atmosphere. The menu features crowd-pleasing favourites like fish and chips using fresh Atlantic cod, grass-fed Irish beef burgers, and hearty traditional stews. The restaurant's central location and outdoor seating make it ideal for lunch or an early dinner before evening matches. Prices remain reasonable with main courses typically ranging from £18-28 (€21-33/$23-36). Limerick city, just 19 kilometres (12 miles) from Adare Manor, broadens culinary options considerably. The Curragower Seafood Bar occupies a prime riverside location with views of King John's Castle and serves exceptional seafood, including Dingle Bay prawns, Galway Bay oysters, and daily fish specials. The casual atmosphere and outdoor terrace prove popular with locals and visitors alike, particularly on pleasant evenings. The extensive whiskey selection showcases Irish distillers from across the island. Canteen brings contemporary dining to Limerick's Georgian quarter with seasonal menus celebrating Irish ingredients and modern cooking techniques. Chef-proprietor Paul Foley trained in some of Ireland's finest kitchens before opening this intimate neighbourhood restaurant. The constantly evolving menu might feature Castletownbere crab, Clonakilty black pudding, or Kilkenny beef prepared with creative flair. The welcoming service and carefully selected wine list enhance the dining experience without formality. Traditional Irish pubs remain essential to any County Limerick visit, offering hearty food alongside local beers and whiskeys. Sean Collins in Adare village exemplifies authentic Irish pub culture with traditional music sessions, locally brewed ales, and classic pub favourites including Irish stew, seafood chowder, and tender braised beef. The warm atmosphere and friendly locals provide genuine Irish hospitality after watching championship golf. Explore Beyond Golf: County Limerick and Beyond Adare village itself deserves thorough exploration, consistently ranked among Ireland's most picturesque settlements. The main street features carefully preserved thatched cottages housing boutique shops, artisan cafes, and craft galleries. Adare Heritage Centre provides historical context about the village's development and the medieval religious foundations that shaped the area. The ruins of Desmond Castle, visible from Adare Manor's grounds, date to the 13th century and offer glimpses into Ireland's Norman past. King John's Castle in Limerick city stands as one of Ireland's best-preserved Norman fortifications. The impressive riverside location overlooking the Shannon, interactive exhibitions exploring 800 years of history, and recently excavated medieval structures create an engaging experience for history enthusiasts. The castle's battlements provide panoramic views across Limerick and the surrounding countryside. Allow 90 minutes to two hours to explore the exhibitions and grounds thoroughly. The Hunt Museum houses an exceptional private collection spanning 5,000 years of art and antiquities. The diverse holdings include works by Picasso, Renoir, and Jack B. Yeats alongside medieval religious art, ancient Egyptian artefacts, and Irish decorative arts. The museum occupies the elegant 18th-century Custom House building in Limerick's historic district, with a cafe overlooking the River Shannon providing pleasant breaks between galleries. County Clare's dramatic coastline beckons just 45 minutes northwest of Adare Manor. The Cliffs of Moher remain Ireland's most visited natural attraction, with 214-metre (702-foot) sea cliffs stretching 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast. The visitor centre, walking paths, and viewing platforms showcase the cliffs' geological significance and abundant seabird populations. Clear days reveal the Aran Islands offshore and Connemara's mountains to the north. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and experience the best light for photography. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park offers immersive insights into medieval and 19th-century Irish life. The restored 15th-century castle features original furnishings and tapestries, whilst the folk park recreates a 19th-century Irish village with thatched cottages, working farms, and period demonstrations. The site's medieval banquets provide entertaining evenings with traditional music, though they lean towards tourist experiences rather than authentic dining. Allow three hours to explore both castle and folk park comprehensively. The Burren region in north Clare presents one of Ireland's most unique landscapes. This vast limestone plateau created by ancient glaciation supports rare flora and contains numerous archaeological sites, including megalithic tombs, ring forts, and medieval ruins. The otherworldly karst landscape rewards exploration, with walking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes. The Burren Perfumery, Aillwee Cave, and various craft workshops provide cultural alternatives between outdoor activities. Shannon Airport's proximity enables day trips further afield. The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry offers spectacular coastal scenery, charming villages, and authentic Irish-speaking communities within 90 minutes' drive. Alternatively, the Ring of Kerry provides a classic Irish scenic drive through mountains, lakes, and coastal vistas, requiring a full day to appreciate properly. Both destinations showcase Ireland's wild beauty and cultural heritage beyond the tournament venue. Frequently Asked Questions When is the 2027 Ryder Cup taking place at Adare Manor? The 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled for late September 2027, with practice rounds typically beginning on Tuesday and competition running Friday through Sunday. Specific dates will be confirmed by the European Tour and the PGA of America approximately 18 months before the event. Tournament week at Adare Manor will showcase autumn colours across County Limerick's parkland landscapes, with September typically offering mild temperatures averaging 14-18°C (57-64°F) and moderate rainfall. Spectators should prepare for variable Irish weather conditions by packing waterproof outerwear and layered clothing suitable for spending entire days outdoors. How do I get tickets for the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor? Official ticket sales are managed through rydercup.com, with registration typically opening approximately 18-24 months before the event. The ticketing process usually involves an initial registration period where interested spectators provide contact details and preferences, followed by a ballot or first-come allocation when tickets become available. Various ticket categories include single-day grounds passes, multi-day packages, practice round access, and premium hospitality experiences with reserved seating and catering. Given overwhelming demand and limited capacity, registering early significantly improves chances of securing tickets. Avoid purchasing from unofficial secondary market sources, as these tickets may be invalid and non-transferable under tournament policies. What airport should I fly into for the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor? Shannon Airport serves as the primary gateway for the 2027 Ryder Cup, located just 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of Adare Manor with approximately 25 minutes' driving time. The airport offers direct flights from major European cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, plus transatlantic services from New York, Boston, and other North American destinations. Cork Airport, 88 kilometres (55 miles) south, and Dublin Airport, 210 kilometres (130 miles) northeast, provide alternative entry points with broader international connections but significantly longer ground transfers. Most visitors rent cars at their arrival airport for flexibility exploring County Limerick and the surrounding regions, though organised tournament shuttles and private transfer services will operate during event week from all major airports and accommodation centres. What other attractions should I visit while in County Limerick for the Ryder Cup? County Limerick and neighbouring regions offer diverse attractions beyond championship golf. Adare village itself rewards exploration with thatched cottages, medieval ruins, and charming shops along the main street. Limerick city features King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum's impressive art collection, and the vibrant Georgian Quarter with excellent restaurants and traditional music venues. The Cliffs of Moher, one hour northwest, showcase Ireland's dramatic Atlantic coastline with 214-metre (702-foot) sea cliffs stretching 8 kilometres. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park recreate medieval and 19th-century Irish life through restored buildings and costumed interpreters. The unique limestone landscape of The Burren supports rare flora and contains numerous archaeological sites, including megalithic tombs. Day trips to the Dingle Peninsula or Ring of Kerry provide stunning scenery and authentic Irish culture within 90 90-minute' drive, making County Limerick an ideal base for experiencing Ireland's southwest regions. Plan Your Ryder Cup Experience at Adare Manor The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor promises to deliver one of the most spectacular settings in the event's storied history, combining championship golf with Irish hospitality and County Limerick's rich heritage. Whether planning to attend tournament days, explore Ireland's exceptional golf courses, or discover the region's cultural treasures, advance preparation ensures optimal experiences during this historic sporting occasion. Start your planning by exploring Adare Manor's championship course and other world-class Irish layouts featured on Top100GolfCourses.com. Our comprehensive course profiles, ratings, and reviews help golfers identify must-play venues and understand what makes each Irish course special. From legendary links like Ballybunion and Lahinch to parkland gems across the region, our detailed guides ensure you maximise every round during your Irish golf adventure. Register early for Ryder Cup ticket opportunities through official channels, book accommodation well in advance of the event, and consider extending your stay to experience County Limerick and Ireland's southwest beyond tournament days. The 2027 Ryder Cup represents more than just a golf tournament—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, and witness sporting history at one of the world's most luxurious golf destinations.

Alex Frolish has been a pilot for approaching 20 years and now travels to all corners of the globe in his role as a commercial airline pilot. His passion for flight is only equalled by his passion for golf and golf travel. Having picked up a golf club over 35 years ago when aged just 3 years old, Alex has played over 600 courses across every continent on planet earth furnished with a fairway. Over the next few months you’ll be able to follow Alex’s golfing travels as he brings you anecdotes of his life both in the air and on the course. There are times on the course when you just have to smile and make the best of a bad piece of luck. A plugged ball in the face of a pot bunker after the best strike of the day. That impossible horseshoe when the ball loops around the cup, seemingly defying gravity. Or walking out into the fairway to find your ball nestled in a wedge created crater the size and shape of a Viking long boat. My DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) diagnosis seemed like one such point of misfortune, a random act of bad luck that could not be dwelled upon. The prognosis was positive, we’d caught it nice and early and most importantly, the Doctor had prescribed plenty of walking in my enforced time off. It was time to get over the bad break and birdie the next hole. My life as a commercial pilot has meant I have spent an average of 150 days away a year during the last 15 years, meaning a lot of my golf is played while on my travels. This unplanned break presented an opportunity that was too good to miss; to look closer to home and make it to some of those gems in the UK that I had been meaning to visit for some time. My first inclination was to look west from my home in Gloucestershire. I have an affinity for the rugged variety that Welsh golf has to offer. From cragged links courses that hug the Welsh coastlines, to the heavily contoured courses on the mountain tops and valley bottoms further inland, I have found much pleasure exploring Wales’s many less heralded tracks. I decided I would make two forays into Wales in September, playing 36 holes on each day. Photo credit: Ashburnham Golf Club The first such trip encompassed one of the finest links double salvos in Wales. Tenby has long been regarded as one of the rawest and most naturally beautiful links courses in the UK. The land here (for the main part) is wild, offering many of the usual links conundrums such as blind shots, crumpled and irregular fairway lies and heavily defended green sites, where if you miss the target, there may be severe repercussions. I wanted to go back out again as soon as I had finished, and I could remember every hole easily with little reference to the scorecard; two surefire signs that the course boasts plenty of engaging qualities. Their extensive clubhouse and lodging renovations are going to make Tenby an interesting stay and play option for lovers of links golf in the coming years. Anyway, leave I must as the still and sun soaked afternoon promised a round along the coast at the highly acclaimed links with championship pedigree at Ashburnham. This is a classy club, benefiting from a clubhouse boasting beautiful views and equally appealing atmospheric vibes and more importantly, a stretch of links golf that is up there with some of the best stuff I’ve seen in Wales. Buoyed by the success of my first trip over the Severn Bridge, I returned some two weeks later to repeat the mission, this time taking on the characterful moorland course (boasting wonderful sea views) at Clyne, and the self proclaimed ‘Pebble Beach of Wales’ at Langland Bay. Those of you that know me or have followed my travels for some time, will know I love a natural course that is played in the way golf was first imagined; on the ground and battling the elements. The welcome from the wild horses and sheep grazing the fairways of Clyne only adds to the intrigue. Go with that image in your mind's eye and embrace the challenge and you will surely enjoy this charmer. The wind started to bristle for our afternoon visit to Langland Bay, where the clifftop section of the course in particular boasts some of the most spectacular golf I have seen in the UK, with plentiful views of the sea and some quite jaw dropping precipitous holes. Four golf courses, four very different characters and plenty to admire. Photo credit: Stoneham Golf Club The depth in the middle tiers of the English Top 100 is one of the most staggering facets of U.K. golf course architecture. There is so much to admire, both in Golden Age architecture from historically significant architects, to newer designs crafted with big budgets and bold plans. My English September travels contained a plentiful mix of all of those qualities, with trips to Stoneham, Isle of Purbeck, Knole Park, Piltdown, Remedy Oak, JCB and Tandridge. In that itinerary, there lay some classic work from the likes of Willie Park Jr, Harry Colt, John Abercromby (assisted by Herbert Fowler) and JH Taylor. In more recent times, John Jacobs and Robin Hiseman had worked on the more modern layouts. I’ll let you mentally test yourself as to which courses were designed by who…I could easily write a page or two on each of my visits, such was the quality and variety to behold. However, it was my experiences at Stoneham, Tandridge and JCB that deserve special mention. Stoneham is just splendid, and its splendour comes from its abundance of variety and the iconic routing. Whether you define it heathland or parkland, it doesn’t matter. It is a fine inland golf course, made finer still by the recent renovation work that has taken place to the course (and practice facilities). This piece of land is quite frankly magnificent, an undulating old deer park that has taken on a heathland demeanour, and the blend of the best bits of both types of golf course makes Stoneham a special place indeed. Photo credit: Tandridge Golf Club Tandridge, crafted by my favourite architect (not declared so as not to ruin the quiz above) is a course that boasts two nines distinct in character from each other, the front a subtle yet exacting test around the greens and in terms of strategy, and the back nine a wild rollercoaster of picture postcard views and wow moments played across tumbling terrain. Not relevant to the golf course but it has to be mentioned; this clubhouse might be one of my favourites in the land. The bar is named after the architect, and a drop of your favourite tipple in those surroundings tastes all the sweeter. As for the lunch, well it is the stuff of legend! Make sure to sample the infamous Tandridge Pudding! JCB is a rarity in UK golf circles as it one of the few golf courses that you can’t access by paying a guest green fee, much more in line with a US country club model, as it was initially built by Lord Bamford for the benefit and enjoyment of JCB staff and clients. That lack of accessibility means that the quality of the course has been seen by fewer eyes, so it flies slightly under the radar. However, this is a fine golf course, possibly the finest golf course built on parkland ground in England. It is the boldness of the design features and the quality of the playing surfaces that elevates it above its peers. I have played a significant portion of my golf in the USA, and in both conditioning and architectural boldness, this course is more reminiscent of sights I have seen stateside than anything I have seen on British soil. This may not have been a month to rack up the air miles due to my enforced layoff from work, but it has been incredibly memorable in terms of the fine British courses I have visited. Next month, there is much more of the same planned, with a little jaunt over to Ireland thrown into the mix. In the meantime, wherever you are reading this and whatever your October has in store, I wish you many well struck drives, a minimum of lost balls and most importantly, plentiful happy rounds.