It’s a long and arduous process to get to the point where we publish a new NCG Top 100s list, and this time, it’s England – but what were our panellists’ highlights?
There are some stunning golf courses in England, with beautiful seaside links venues, along with inland heathland layouts.
There is so much diversity when it comes to golf in England. In the space of 48 hours, you could find yourself at the best heathlands in Surrey, before then finding yourself at an Open Championship-hosting links venue.
But what did our panellists think? They all will have played different courses, so all of their high points will be different, or will they…?
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What were our panellists highlights from their trips to England?
Philip Bedford: Playing Bamburgh Castle and Dunstanburgh Castle back to back days in windy, but sunny conditions
Dan Murphy: I spent a morning at Huntercombe and the afternoon at Blackwell. I doubt such a 36-hole day has ever been attempted but it highlighted so much of what is special about English inland golf
Joss Powick: Hillside on a calm summer’s afternoon with only a slight breeze and a stunning sunset. Capturing my favorite photos of the year was the cherry on top
Chris Myatt: An August evening round at Hillside with two good friends and fellow panellists. Playing the renowned back nine as the light began to frame the dunes skirting the fairways was phenomenal
Daniel Meredith: Playing Wentworth West with great friends the week after the BMW PGA Championship
Mike Robertson: My first visit to Royal Worlington. Such a quaint, pleasant place for golf. The greens are unbelievable
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Greg Webber: Playing courses for the first time – places such as Brokenhurst Manor and East Berkshire were delightful ‘finds’ for me
Neil Gray: Playing 36 holes in a day at Sunningdale (both Old and New) in beautiful weather. Both courses were in pristine condition
Steve Watton: I love moorland/hilltop golf and Halifax might just be the best course of its type. A fantastic discovery and the highlight of my golfing year!
Chris Griffiths: I’ve enjoyed courses like St George’s Hill, Alwoodley, JCB and Royal Cinque Ports, but my biggest buzz was finding hidden gems like Cavendish and East Devon. They have such character, and are memorable
Steve Carroll: The amazing greens complexes at Huntercombe will live long in the memory, but the improvements at Seaton Carew – a course only a couple of miles away from where I grew up – is fantastic to see
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David Walker: Trip to North East to play Hartlepool, Cleveland and Seaton Carew – three very unheralded courses that not many take the time to visit
Michael Verity: Getting out to see quirky, authentic, natural courses like Yelverton & Minchinhampton (Old) but also having some brilliant days out at top tier links courses such as Royal West Norfolk & Royal Lytham
Neil White: Playing East Devon with the Director of Green, increasing my understanding of why change or even going back in time can enhance a course considerably
Chris Healey: St George’s Hill – a great course design sweeping elevation changes and great variety of holes
Craig Morrison: Undoubtedly, making it to Silloth for the first time: it was everything I look for in a golf experience.
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And for some… It isn’t just one particular course that springs to mind – or even a day in particular…
Dan Gould: Flushing my tee shot in front of Gary Player as he let my group play through
Lewis Marr: Appreciating the depth of good quality golf clubs / courses
Listen to the NCG Golf Podcast
NOW READ: The methodology behind the NCG Top 100s: England list
NOW READ: Meet the NCG Top 100s: England Panel
Now have your say
What are your memories of playing golf in England? Do you have any highlights from playing courses on the NCG Top 100s: England list? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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