TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 367 105CONWY, CAERNARVONSHIRE
Top links laid out at the mouth of the estuary
of the river Conwy, and a good score can be
ruined over the ultra-demanding stretch - the
last three holes feature gorse bushes and
deep pot bunkers aplenty and anything
slightly wayward will find them. The deal: Till
Mar 18 - £30 midweek, £35 weekends.
Contact: 01492 592423.
SOUTHERNDOWN, BRIDGEND
A true, natural test of golf with a bit of
everything – part sandy links, part acid-
heathland and all this with breathtaking
panoramic views. But the major plus is that
it’s based on limestone it drains rapidly so is
in good nick all-year round. The deal: Tu es &
Thurs (after 10.30am in winter), 18 holes,
bacon roll & tea/coffee or sandwiches & chips
for £35pp. Contact: 01656 880476.
LADYBANK, FIFE
An exceptional heathland course in the heart
of the Kingdom of Fife with views to the
Lomond Hills, the course is long and
challenging yet flat and easy-walking so not
too demanding on the legs. Ideal and worthy
Open qualifying venue. The deal: Nov-Mar –
£25.Contact:01337 830814.
MURCAR, ABERDEENSHIRE
Former Open champ Paul Lawrie rates Murcar
as one of his favourite courses – it’s that good.
Originally designed by Archie Simpson and
revised by James Braid, it sits on a classic
stretch of linksland with massive sand dunes
and rolling fairways, providing magnificent
North Sea views. The deal: Half-price in winter
(Nov 1-Mar 31) £52.50 midweek, £65
weekends. Contact: 01224 704354.ST ANDREWS (NEW COURSE), FIFE
Laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1895, the New
is in many ways a much better and fairer test
than its world-famous Old neighbour. It’s
certainly more picturesque, with the stretch
from the fourth to the seventh, three of the
prettiest holes at St Andrews. The deal:
Nov 1-Dec 31 £37. Contact: 01334 466718.SOUTHERNESS, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
McKenzie Ross designed the course in 1947
and being plotted on a low-lying curve of
linksland fringing the Mersehead Sands and
Solway Firth, heather and bracken abound.
With at least eight par-4s over 400 yards it’ll
test you every inch of the way. The deal: To
Mar 26 £35 midweek, £40 weekends.
Contact: 01387 880677.THE CARRICK, DUNBARTONSHIRE
The ‘other’ course at Loch Lomond is a
modern classic in its own right and
guarantees a round to remember with ‘TappitDoon’ – a gem of a par 3 – swiftly followed by
an equally spectacular par 5 which runs
alongside the loch. The deal: Nov-Feb £50.
Contact: 01389 727679.DRUIDS HEATH, CO WICKLOW
Fine foil and alternative to famous neighbour
Druids Glen which is classic parkland while
the Heath – also designed by Pat Ruddy - is
played out on stunning rolling terrain with
marvellous mountain and coastal views.
The deal:Early Nov €40, meal included
(booking online). Contact: 003531 2873600.ROYAL COUNTY DOWN, CO DOWN
An Old Tom Morris links that many
consider to be the finest course in the UK –
some even saythe world. We guarantee
that Royal County Down, plotted on the
undulating terrain dominated by the
Mountains of Mourne, will take your breath
away (whether it’s windy or not). The deal:
Nov-Feb £70. Contact: 028 4372 3314.ROYAL PORTRUSH, CO ANTRIM
The home of major champions Darren Clarke
and Graeme McDowell and the Dunluce
course, a stunning but fair and rewarding links- play well here and you’ll score well as the
2019 Open competitors will no doubt find out.
The deal: £70 Nov-Mar, excl Sat.
Contact: 028 7082 2311.
Courses
Royal Co Down
Top 10 on many a
world ranking.