Royal Birkdale's unparalleled status within English golf has become less a matter of opinion than a statement of fact in the eyes of many good judges.
When it comes to inland golf in the British Isles only a handful of courses can possibly stand in comparison to Sunningdale.
It cannot be denied that the host of the 2012 Open has a certain aura. It is unrelenting, demanding and at times barbarically difficult.
A fascinating Open links, whose fairways often dissolve into rough hillocks while severely sloped gullies tend to gather imprecise approaches.
The New is more open than the Old, but only slightly less charming. The New is an incredible layout of inland golf that stands toe to toe with the historic Old.
If a truly great golf course needs to be relentless in the quality of its 18 holes, then Woodhall Spa would likely be the recipient of the best inland course in England.
Royal Cinque Ports has the raw materials to host The Open soon again, with stunning views of the channel and a recently extended testing links set up.
A wonderful links with an exceptional closing stretch, the holes vary wildly in terms of difficulty in length but are never anything less than compelling.
Saunton East offers something courses with clifftop thrills rarely can – namely the maintaining of an excellent standard from first to last.
A special inland links with tees like greens. Immediately after playing, abiding memories of Ganton will already be seeping into your subconscious.