Month: August 2025

Cruden Bay Golf Club stands as one of Scotland’s most polarizing golfing experiences, as we discovered during our latest adventure for the Top 110 Golf Podcast. Ranked 22nd in the world, this Old Tom Morris design instantly divided our opinions in ways no other course has managed to do thus far on our journey through the top 100 courses.

The experience begins with a warm welcome that epitomizes Scottish hospitality. Upon check-in, guests receive a bottle of “birdie juice” (Loch Lomond single malt whisky), setting the tone for a club that values tradition and community. Unlike the commercial atmosphere we encountered at Trump International the previous day, Cruden Bay exudes an authentic, homely feeling. The clubhouse staff, including the delightful Christine Middleton (a local golfing celebrity who once defeated Annika Sorenstam), make visitors feel like part of the family rather than tourists passing through.

Perhaps the most remarkable pre-round experience comes at the starter’s hut – formerly the original pro shop. Inside this unassuming building lies a treasure trove of golfing artifacts and memorabilia that would captivate any golf history enthusiast. Our starter, Joe, graciously shared stories about hickory golf and even allowed us to handle antique golf balls specially manufactured for play with traditional equipment. This connection to golf’s roots creates an ambiance that modern courses simply cannot replicate.

The course itself presents a study in contrasts. From the elevated clubhouse, panoramic windows reveal a dramatic landscape where golf holes weave through impressive dunes with the striking Slains Castle (purportedly Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula) standing sentinel in the distance. The pristine white beach of Cruden Bay provides a stunning backdrop that would rival any Mediterranean coastline.

The layout begins with relatively straightforward opening holes before revealing its true character at the drivable par-4 third, where a blind tee shot leads to an exhilarating approach. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions – breathtaking par-3s (including a completely blind one that demands faith and commitment), dramatic elevation changes, and intimate connections with the surrounding landscape. The course feels deliberately unmanicured in places, embracing a rugged aesthetic that connects golfers with the land rather than imposing upon it.

However, this is precisely where opinions diverge. Some golfers find these quirky features charming and representative of golf’s traditions; others see them as flaws in a highly-ranked course. Certain holes appear ordinary compared to the spectacular ones, creating an inconsistent experience that either captivates or frustrates depending on your perspective. The traditional elements extend to course management details – pin positions indicated by wooden boards with pegs rather than sophisticated graphics – reinforcing its old-world charm.

The misty, moody Scottish weather during our round added another dimension to the experience, either enhancing the romantic notion of links golf or dampening spirits depending on one’s outlook. At approximately £200 per round, the value proposition becomes another consideration in evaluating Cruden Bay’s merits.

Our contrasting viewpoints mirror what many visitors experience – one of us embraced the course’s unconventional nature and historic significance, while the other felt it failed to justify its lofty ranking among the world’s best. This divergence highlights a fundamental question about golf course rankings: should we value historical significance, uniqueness and character over consistent excellence and refined design?

Ultimately, Cruden Bay represents golf’s beautiful subjectivity. Like Marmite, you’ll likely either love it or struggle to appreciate it – but you certainly won’t forget the experience. Whether it deserves its place among the world’s elite courses remains a personal judgment, but its ability to provoke passionate debate confirms its significance in the golfing landscape.

Nestled in the beautiful Surrey countryside, Hindhead Golf Club represents one of the most criminally underrated courses in Britain. Currently sitting at 91st in the UK & Ireland rankings, this remarkable heathland masterpiece deserves significantly higher recognition based on our recent experience playing there.

The Top 100 in 10 Golf Podcast team recently visited Hindhead as part of their journey to play all top 100 courses, and were immediately struck by both the warm welcome from the club and the spectacular nature of the course itself. From the moment they arrived, staff recognized them and made them feel at home – a refreshing contrast to some of the more “corporate” experiences at higher-ranked establishments.

What makes Hindhead truly special is its unique topography. The front nine winds through dramatic valleys, creating an almost fairy-tale landscape that podcast host Chris described as “something you would paint in a children’s book.” These valley holes feature natural slopes that can help slightly wayward shots back toward fairways, though truly wild shots will still find the punishing heather rough. The back nine transitions to more strategic, thought-provoking golf on higher ground, requiring careful placement rather than just raw distance.

Club President Jack Buchanan, a member since 1976 and friend of the late Peter Alliss, provided fascinating insights into the club’s history and character. Established because wealthy residents on the hill wanted a more convenient place to play than trekking down to the original Hindhead and Hindley Common Golf Club in the valley, the course was designed to take advantage of the natural fissures in the landscape, creating 18 truly individual holes.

Perhaps most impressively, the podcast team and their playing partners (two Hindhead members also working through the top 100 challenge) agreed that there wasn’t a single weak hole on the course. The par threes were universally magnificent, with the sixth getting “signature” billing primarily because people enjoy downhill shots, though each offered unique challenges and stunning vistas. The greens were described as immaculate – fast, true, but with subtle breaks that could send poorly-judged putts rolling off the putting surface.

The course perfectly balances visual splendor with strategic challenge. Unlike some beautiful courses that lack teeth, or difficult courses that feel like a slog, Hindhead strikes the ideal balance. It remains playable for higher handicappers while still requiring thoughtful golf from better players. Wildlife abounds, with the group spotting at least half a dozen deer during their round, adding to the magical atmosphere.

What becomes clear from their experience is how subjective course rankings can be. Their playing partners, who have completed 61 of the top 100 courses, noted that some of their favorite experiences have been at courses ranked in the 90s, while some highly-ranked “sausage factory” operations can feel corporate and rushed. The podcast hosts finished their Hindhead experience convinced it should rank among the top 20 courses in the country.

For anyone planning their own top 100 journey, or simply looking for an exceptional golfing experience, Hindhead Golf Club deserves immediate consideration. With reasonable green fees compared to some higher-ranked establishments, it represents tremendous value and an unforgettable day of golf in one of Britain’s most beautiful settings.

Gullane Number 1: The Ultimate Links Experience in Scotland’s “Village of Golf”

When we arrived at Gullane Golf Club, we knew we were in for something special. Driving down a B-road with golf courses stretching out on either side, we were immediately immersed in what they rightfully call “The Village of Golf.” The entire setting feels as though it was created specifically for the game, with the golf club serving as the centerpiece for this remarkable golfing community.

Our introduction to Gullane began with a warm welcome from Dylan, the Sales Manager, who showed us around the impressive facilities. The club features two distinct clubhouses – the original Members’ Clubhouse that serves Gullane No. 1, and the newer Links Clubhouse, built approximately ten years ago as part of a five-year upgrade program, serving Gullane No. 2 and No. 3. This investment demonstrates how Gullane isn’t resting on its laurels despite its prestigious history; they’re continuously improving to better serve both members and visitors.

What sets Gullane apart is their approach to hospitality. Dylan explained that visitors are treated as “members for the day,” and this wasn’t just a marketing slogan – we experienced it firsthand. From the starters to the bar staff, everyone we encountered was friendly, welcoming, and proud of their club. This exceptional service has earned them the prestigious Gold Flag award from the 59 Club for five consecutive years, making Gullane one of only 70 venues worldwide to receive this recognition.

The course itself is a masterpiece of natural design. As Dylan explained, Gullane No. 1 is laid upon natural land that predates golf, with the course seeming to emerge organically from the landscape rather than being artificially constructed. This becomes immediately apparent as you play the opening holes and reach the summit at the third tee, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire course, the North Sea, and Edinburgh in the distance.

The layout of Gullane No. 1 is simple yet brilliant. Essentially, the course wraps around a single hill, with holes strategically positioned to maximize the natural contours and views. The opening holes guide you up the hill, while the middle section weaves along the coastline, offering spectacular vistas at every turn. The 17th brings you back to the hilltop, where you’re treated to a magnificent view of the village below as you play the closing holes – as Dylan poetically put it, “the village welcomes you back home.”

What makes Gullane so enjoyable is its playability. Unlike some championship courses that can feel punishing, Gullane strikes the perfect balance between challenge and fairness. The course encourages you to hit good shots without severely penalizing the occasional miss. The fairways were immaculate, providing crisp contact, while the greens were true and consistent. This approachability doesn’t mean it’s easy – strategic thinking is still required, especially when the Scottish wind picks up (though we were fortunate to play on a calm day).

Beyond the championship course, Gullane offers two additional courses – No. 2 (the “Champions Course,” designed by Willie Park Jr. when he was the reigning Open champion) and No. 3 (affectionately known as the “gem of the club”). There’s even a children’s course in the village where young golfers can play for free and receive a certificate – a wonderful initiative to introduce the next generation to the game.

Our experience at Gullane left us completely enamored with the place. The combination of the historic course, modern facilities, exceptional service, and the overall ambiance of the “Village of Golf” creates a truly magical experience that every golf enthusiast should have on their bucket list. It’s not just about playing a Top 100 course; it’s about connecting with the very essence of the game in one of its most natural and beautiful settings.

Nestled in the heart of Surrey lies one of England’s most captivating heathland golf courses: Hankley Common Golf Club. Recently ranked 58th in the UK and Ireland’s top 100 golf courses, this magnificent venue delivers an experience that arguably deserves an even higher position.

Approaching Hankley Common, you might be forgiven for feeling a touch of trepidation. The course’s website emphasizes pace of play repeatedly, and warnings about heather and narrow fairways could make any golfer nervous. However, these concerns quickly dissipate upon arrival. Rather than the expected tight, punishing layout, what greets you is a spacious, breathtaking golfing landscape that feels both challenging and eminently playable.

The visual spectacle at Hankley Common is simply extraordinary. Visiting in August provides the added bonus of seeing the heather in full bloom, creating stunning purple channels along immaculately maintained fairways. The contrast between the pristine white sand bunkers, lush green fairways, and the purple heather creates an almost surreal beauty that many have compared to playing golf in Portugal or Spain rather than the UK. The Scottish Pines that frame many holes add further character, standing tall and proud throughout the course.

What separates Hankley Common from many other prestigious venues is the remarkable attention to detail in its maintenance. The tee boxes are so perfectly manicured that one could almost putt across them. The greens, despite being recently aerated during our visit, remained true and receptive. Even with this maintenance work, the overall quality of the putting surfaces suggests they would be exceptionally fast and smooth in prime condition.

While the course is undoubtedly beautiful, it’s the thoughtful design that truly elevates Hankley Common. The layout features considerably more elevation changes than photos might suggest, adding both challenge and interest throughout the round. The routing feels natural and perfectly paced – par 3s appear exactly when you’re ready for them, and each hole flows seamlessly into the next. There’s a remarkable variety of holes that demand different strategies and shot shapes, without ever resorting to gimmicks or manufactured difficulty.

The par 3 7th deserves special mention as potentially one of the finest short holes in British golf. Playing around 170-185 yards (depending on tees), it demands both accuracy and distance control, with stunning visuals that make it a true highlight of the round. Even experienced golfers find themselves captivated by this hole’s perfect blend of challenge and beauty.

Beyond the course itself, Hankley Common offers excellent facilities. The clubhouse exudes class without pretension – it’s welcoming rather than intimidating. The locker rooms are spacious and well-appointed, complete with shoe cleaning brushes and complimentary toiletries. The bar and restaurant areas feature innovative display tables showcasing club trophies under glass, and the terrace offers spectacular views across the course, particularly of the 4th green.

For film enthusiasts, there’s an additional point of interest – Hankley Common borders the Skyfall estate from the James Bond film. From certain points on the course, particularly near the 12th or 13th tee, you can glimpse this famous location through the trees.

In conclusion, Hankley Common represents heathland golf at its finest. It offers a perfect balance of challenge, playability, beauty, and tranquility. When comparing it to other highly-ranked courses, many visitors place it among their top three golfing experiences – high praise indeed. For anyone seeking to experience the magic of Surrey’s heathland courses, Hankley Common should be near the top of their list. This is golf as it should be: natural, challenging, beautiful, and utterly captivating.

Nestled in the beautiful Surrey countryside, Hindhead Golf Club represents one of the most criminally underrated courses in Britain. Currently sitting at 91st in the UK & Ireland rankings, this remarkable heathland masterpiece deserves significantly higher recognition based on our recent experience playing there.

The Top 100 in 10 Golf Podcast team recently visited Hindhead as part of their journey to play all top 100 courses, and were immediately struck by both the warm welcome from the club and the spectacular nature of the course itself. From the moment they arrived, staff recognized them and made them feel at home – a refreshing contrast to some of the more “corporate” experiences at higher-ranked establishments.

What makes Hindhead truly special is its unique topography. The front nine winds through dramatic valleys, creating an almost fairy-tale landscape that podcast host Chris described as “something you would paint in a children’s book.” These valley holes feature natural slopes that can help slightly wayward shots back toward fairways, though truly wild shots will still find the punishing heather rough. The back nine transitions to more strategic, thought-provoking golf on higher ground, requiring careful placement rather than just raw distance.

Club President Jack Buchanan, a member since 1976 and friend of the late Peter Alliss, provided fascinating insights into the club’s history and character. Established because wealthy residents on the hill wanted a more convenient place to play than trekking down to the original Hindhead and Hindley Common Golf Club in the valley, the course was designed to take advantage of the natural fissures in the landscape, creating 18 truly individual holes.

Perhaps most impressively, the podcast team and their playing partners (two Hindhead members also working through the top 100 challenge) agreed that there wasn’t a single weak hole on the course. The par threes were universally magnificent, with the sixth getting “signature” billing primarily because people enjoy downhill shots, though each offered unique challenges and stunning vistas. The greens were described as immaculate – fast, true, but with subtle breaks that could send poorly-judged putts rolling off the putting surface.

The course perfectly balances visual splendor with strategic challenge. Unlike some beautiful courses that lack teeth, or difficult courses that feel like a slog, Hindhead strikes the ideal balance. It remains playable for higher handicappers while still requiring thoughtful golf from better players. Wildlife abounds, with the group spotting at least half a dozen deer during their round, adding to the magical atmosphere.

What becomes clear from their experience is how subjective course rankings can be. Their playing partners, who have completed 61 of the top 100 courses, noted that some of their favorite experiences have been at courses ranked in the 90s, while some highly-ranked “sausage factory” operations can feel corporate and rushed. The podcast hosts finished their Hindhead experience convinced it should rank among the top 20 courses in the country.

For anyone planning their own top 100 journey, or simply looking for an exceptional golfing experience, Hindhead Golf Club deserves immediate consideration. With reasonable green fees compared to some higher-ranked establishments, it represents tremendous value and an unforgettable day of golf in one of Britain’s most beautiful settings.