Month: June 2025

The recent adventure at Ganton Golf Club stands as a testament to why this course holds its place at number 25 on the top 100 golf courses list. From the moment you approach the property, with its long, narrow country road bordered by white picket fences, you’re transported into the quintessential old-school English golf experience that defines what makes Ganton special.

The clubhouse at Ganton immediately sets the tone with its traditional atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of historic British golf. Walking through the wood-paneled rooms, complete with Ryder Cup memorabilia and pictures of golfing legends who have graced these hallways, gives you a genuine sense of the club’s rich heritage. The Varden Room, named after the legendary Harry Vardon, houses priceless golfing artifacts including Vardon’s own golf ball press and clubs – items that the steward described as “absolutely priceless in the golf world.” This connection to golf history is seamlessly woven throughout the entire Ganton experience.

What truly distinguishes Ganton as a course is its strategic brilliance. With approximately 120 bunkers across the layout, what stands out is not merely their quantity but their thoughtful placement. These hazards are positioned with remarkable precision – every single bunker serves a purpose, influencing play and demanding careful consideration from golfers of all skill levels. Unlike some courses where bunkers seem placed for aesthetic reasons alone, at Ganton, they form an integral part of the strategic challenge that makes each hole a unique test of golf.

The course conditions during our visit were nothing short of immaculate, particularly remarkable given the hot, dry weather conditions that had prevailed. The greens were running at speeds of around 13-14 on the stimpmeter, fast but true, without a single ball bobbling throughout the entire round. This level of course maintenance speaks to the dedication of the greenkeeping staff and establishes Ganton as having “by far and away the best greens we’ve played” according to our experience.

The layout at Ganton has been thoughtfully designed to reward strategic thinking rather than brute strength. Many players will find themselves hitting irons off numerous tees, as positioning takes precedence over distance. The short par-4s are particularly memorable, offering risk-reward scenarios that require precision and careful course management. The closing stretch of holes 16, 17 and 18 stands out as especially impressive, with the 17th – a brutally challenging uphill par-3 stretching to around 240 yards – serving as perhaps the toughest par-3 encountered thus far in our journey through the top 100 courses.

What makes Ganton particularly special is how it maintains its character as what might be described as an “inland links” – combining the strategic elements of links golf with its inland setting. The course manages to be challenging without being overly penal, striking the perfect balance that leaves players looking forward to their next shot rather than dreading it. It’s a purist’s golf course – one that tests every aspect of your game without feeling unfair or contrived.

For those seeking to experience Ganton, participating in one of their open events, such as the Mizuno Pairs competition we joined, provides an excellent opportunity to access this historically significant venue. The formal match play format complements the strategic nature of the course perfectly, adding another layer to the overall experience. The surprising accessibility and friendly welcome we received defied expectations of stuffiness that sometimes accompany historic clubs of this caliber.

In comparing Ganton to other top-ranked courses, its authentic character and strategic design elements place it firmly among the elite venues in British golf. What it may lack in sea views or dramatic landscapes, it more than compensates for with its immaculate conditioning, thoughtful design, and rich heritage. For the serious golf enthusiast seeking to experience one of the game’s great strategic tests, Ganton deserves a prominent place on the must-play list.