Our panel have played the best English courses ahead of compiling the NCG Top 100s: England list – but which finishing hole made them want more?
You always want to finish a round of golf on a high, and making birdie on an incredible hole is just about the best way to do so, right?
What makes a great finishing hole, though? Is it the risk-reward nature of a short par 4, or the possibility of going for it in two on a par 5? Or is it the notoriety of the hole thanks to its history?
What do our panellists think? A number of venues received several nominations, but which finishing hole in England do our panellists believe is the best?
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What is the best finishing hole in England according to our panel?
For its iconic status, and as a hole you see every year, the finale on the West Course at Wentworth was the most popular selection!
Daniel Meredith: Wentworth West (With grandstands up!)
Neil Gray: Best and worst is Wentworth West, best when the grandstands are up – worst when they aren’t!
Dan Gould: Wentworth West 18th.
Jason Ling: Wentworth’s 18th
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The last at Royal Lytham was also a firm favourite…
Craig Redston: 18th at Royal Lytham for the view of the clubhouse and all those bunkers
Greg Webber: 18th at Royal Lytham – a fabulously bunkered hole where the iconic clubhouse provides the backdrop to the narrow green
Craig Morrison: The 18th at Lytham. The clubhouse, the bunkering, the long green, the long history too.
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Two more venues received multiple nominations for their closing holes – Alwoodley and Wallasey.
Steve Carroll: Alwoodley – It’s a stunning view from the back tees, a frequent photograph for a reason. I have to thread the bunkers before hitting hybrid. A par off the blues remains the best I’ve ever had.
Chris Healey: Alwoodley – iconic tough par 4 framed perfectly
Joss Powick: Wallasey. It’s a tough rollercoaster finish but I love every part of it.
Dove Jones: Wallasey – Love how it finishes right under the terrace for a spectator welcome
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Plenty of other finishing holes were given a mention, for a number of different reasons as well…
Neil White: Camberley Heath – that mountain of heather is crazy
David Walker: Hankley Common a good drive and a medium iron reaches – poor drive and you have a decision to make
Dan Murphy: The 18th at Hillside is the real deal. I love the way this hole unfurls from the tee. The bunkering is sublime and the challenge is very much there in front of you.
Neil White: Kington 279-yard Par 4 – Anything is possible on this reachable home hole.
David Elliott: The Belfry, Brabazon. Possibly the perfect finishing hole. A test of nerve. Bailing-out on the drive only delays the terror.
Michael Verity: Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell). Exciting downhill tee shot. Hazards at varying distances/angles to navigate. Small green perched under the house. One final, thorough exam of one’s golfing faculties
Georgie Gould: RAC Club – down the hill with the clubhouse in view
Andi White: Royal Cinque Ports – classic finale over huge bunker on the right, towards the great club house
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Mike Robertson: 18th at Royal Birkdale is very fun. A good opportunity for birdie if you thread your second shot.
Steve Watton: The 18th at St Enodoc deserves special mention. Played from a high tee to a tumultuous humpy bumpy fairway below. Links Heaven.
Jim Banting: Sunningdale Old – need a steady nerve to avoid the bunkers from the tee and great spin control into the green
Chris Myatt: West Hill Golf Club – A long uphill par 4 with trouble everywhere requires 2 strong shots to find a green set feet in front of the clubhouse patio
Ed Battye: 18th at Saunton East. Nothing less than 2 fine shots.
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NOW READ: What is the best opening hole in England?
NOW READ: What is the best hole in England?
Now have your say
Would you agree with our panellists? What do you think is the best finishing hole in England? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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