ROYAL DORNOCH IN THE MIX WITH THE WORLD’S FINEST

 

ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the world’s finest links courses.

That has been enhanced further by the latest rankings compiled by an international panel assembled by Today’s Golfer.

The latest publication includes a run down on the “2023 Top 100 Best Golf Courses in the World.”

Many other lists have featured Royal Dornoch in their top 10. But Today’s Golfer has looked beyond Great Britain and Ireland, and Europe, to cast their net far and wide for the “the best layouts on the planet.”

The only stipulation was that contenders had to be accessible to the public.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Old Course at St Andrews leads the way, although Golf World top 100 editor Chris Bertram admits it will divide opinion.

The unique combination offered by the backdrop, the history, enduring memories of dramatic Open Championships and the golf course itself ensures it tops most bucket lists.

“We believe it is the most special experience in the world, public or private. It feels a very worthy No1,” Chris maintained.

Coming in at number two is Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, which has previously topped the charts. Third is Royal Melbourne, an Alistair MacKenzie gem hailed as the top public access course outside GB&I.

At five, Royal Dornoch is sandwiched between the Turnberry (Ailsa) course and the classic links at Muirfield, another venue which has hosted many memorable Opens down the decades.

The impressive top 10 is made up by Cape Wickham in Tasmania, Bandon Dunes (Pacific Dunes) and Royal Portrush (Dunluce).

Commenting on the lure of Royal Dornoch, Chris said: “Dornoch is a beguiling, spiritual experience that is good for the soul.

“It has a wonderful setting, cleverness in its design that few can match, and a tangible mystique.”

Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch, welcomed the accolades from the Today’s Golfer panel.

“It’s always nice to be recognised in such polls, especially by an international panel which includes respected golf course architects, a seasoned greenkeeper and a number of specialist golf writers,” he said.

“Whether you have been a member here for years or are one of our many first-time or repeat visitors from around the world, we like to think golfing on the Championship Course or the sister Struie Course provides an experience which will live long in the memory.

“We are seeing more and more golfers making the journey to the Highlands, with the array of quality courses in the area ensuring you can build a fabulous golfing break around a booking at Royal Dornoch.”

*Check out the full top 100 Best Golf Courses in the World at todays-golfer.com.