Editor’s diary: Cruit Island, Painswick and Fitzpatrick
Editor’s diary: December (Cruit Island, Painswick and Fitzpatrick)
Hard as I try to judge courses in their entirety, it’s almost impossible not to be seduced by individual holes. In my opinion, the best courses are those that are consistently excellent – a bit like the idea of a chain only being as strong as its weakest link.
But I would agree that the most memorable are those with the outstanding individual holes. Generally when discussing courses in NCG we talk about the total package.
However, compiling our recent 100 Great British Holes feature required a slightly different mindset. The best courses do not necessarily have the most memorable holes; and nor do the best holes necessarily belong to the greatest courses.
That was really what most appealed to me about the concept. We make no apology for writing lots about famous courses but it’s nice to talk about some courses that aren’t as used to being in the spotlight. Stumbling across unexpected treasures has to be the thing I love most about golf.
Over the past 12 months I’ve discovered a couple of new favourites and they are both a long way from being Open venues. In fact, they could easily have been dismissed after a cursory glance at their scorecards.
One was the Donegal 9-holer, Cruit Island. This is one of the most charming places I’m ever likely to visit.
The other was Painswick, which is not far from Gloucester. After a horrific opening hole that involves dragging yourself up something close to a cliff face, you find yourself amid an extraordinary lunar landscape.
Several holes are inside the remains of an old grass fort that dates back a thousand years.
To say it has character is an understatement. Painswick is not, I suspect, for everyone. But if you enjoy playing unique holes then I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed.
And I hope the same can be said of our list.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Matt Fitzpatrick’s win in Dubai was the perfect way to remind us of his talent. Like several of our team, he did not enjoy a happy Ryder Cup and there was a suggestion that the match had come too soon for him.
I disagree – I just think he was a little out of form. I predict he’ll have several more Ryder Cup appearances to prove that he belongs at this level.
