Our panel have played plenty of courses ahead of compiling the NCG Top 100s: England list – but what do they think is the best hole?
When talking about the best holes that the country has to offer, what gets taken into account? What do our panellists look for?
Is it sand dunes, or heather, or even the appearance of water, that make a great hole? Or is it the topography of the land and the subtle undulations you will face as you play it?
But what do our panellists think? A number of venues received several nominations, but which opening hole in England do our panellists believe is the best?
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What is the best hole in England according to our panel?
Steve Carroll: 4th, Swinley Forest – It’s the hole I hope I can play every day in the next world.
Georgie Gould: RAC Club – 6th – just such a beautiful hole and love the steep drop!
Neil White: 5th Royal Worlington & Newmarket – looks can be deceptive…
Pat O’Connor: Royal Cinque Ports – 3rd hole, Par 5, 566 yards – Unique!
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Greg Webber: The 18th at Royal Lytham – an iconic hole at an iconic venue
Dan Murphy: There are any number of holes on the front nine at Swinley Forest that take the breath away. But how about the 4th at Royal West Norfolk with its sleepered bunker?
David Walker: Royal Birkdale 12th hole – please don’t make changes to a classic
Ed Battye: Impossible to say but the 17th at Seaton Carew is the first that came into my head.
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The course ranked No.1 on the NCG Top 100s: England list also has its fans…
Mike Robertson: Put me on the 4th at Royal St. George’s, any day.
Michael Verity: The amazing 4th at Sandwich always comes to mind. Beast of a hole with a massive, wildly undulating and sectioned green.
Jim Banting: 14th at Royal St George’s
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One of Surrey’s finest venues – blessed with two glorious courses – was also a popular choice, with a number of different holes being selected.
Craig Morrison: The fifth on the New Course at Sunningdale – a test and a thrill.
Steve Watton: Sunningdale New 6th hole. The scenic beauty with everything laid out in front of you when stood on the back tee is simply awe inspiring.
Neil White: 5th hole at Sunningdale Old. Could play it every day and be very happy
Daniel Meredith: 7th on Sunningdale’s Old Course
Dove Jones: The 10th at Sunningdale Old – just perfect – inspiring off the elevated tee and fits the landscape perfectly
Craig Redston: Sunningdale Old’s 10th hole – that view looking down takes some beating.
There was one hole in particular that had several of our panellists raving, and that honour goes to the 11th hole at Hillside.
Joss Powick: Hillside’s 11th, my favorite par 5 and the longer I’m on the course the better!
David Elliott: Hillside, 11th.
Chris Myatt: Hillside – 11th Hole. A sweeping fairway framed by towering dunes played to from an elevated tee and to an undulating green guarded by a tall pine woodland
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NOW READ: What is the best finishing hole in England?
NOW READ: What is the best opening hole in England?
Now have your say
Would you agree with our panellists? What do you think is the best hole in England? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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