TOP 100

79
Royal North Devon (▼ 8)
Bideford, Devon. Par 72, 6,653 yards. Designer: Old Tom Morris.
BS: originally laid out by old Tom Morris, Westward Ho! is
a hoot. Yes there are half a dozen ‘weaker holes’, but the
overriding feeling after playing Rnd is one of fun,
satisfaction and the desire to go back out and play it again!
SV: Quirky and fun with some really good holes. golf in its
purest form? possibly not everyone’s idea of great golf.
SE: True old-fashioned golf as it was meant to be.
MB: Historic and atmospheric course with some unique
features. a must play.
GW VERDICT: The ‘St andrews of the South’ is golf for the
traditionalist and the historian. You could wander through
the clubhouse for ages taking in all the memorabilia on
show but that only serves to keep you from the course –
which divides opinion. For some it is the epitome of how
golf used to be played... and still should be played. For
others it is in need of some loving care. a very flat links, it
boasts vast sleepered bunkers and a fearsome hazard on
the back nine of sea rushes which are a definite lost ball.
EXClUSIVE
“I prefer Royal North Devon to St Andrews...”
Jimmy Mullen, amateur star in the 2013 open, on his love for Rnd – plus lytham and Formby.
I get the chance to play the top
links on the amateur circuit, but
I wouldn’t want to be a member
anywhere else but Royal north
devon. The 4th’s huge bunker
will intimidate the club golfer –
even though it is actually quite
easy to clear. I always think
people knock it in there just so
they can have the challenge and
experience of trying to get it out!
The 4th starts a great linksy
stretch along the beach, where
you can see Saunton Sands . a
great experience. I honestly
prefer it to St andrews! The 7th
is my favourite, it has a great
view of the tee and you have
the option of going left or right.
lots of south-west links have
blind holes, but the only Rnd
holes like that are 10 and 11. even
then, it is just rushes and you
have an idea of where you are
going. There isn’t much rough,
due to the sheep, and fairways
are wide, so it’s good for visitors.
I’m a member at Saunton too
and love it there; the east is a
proper tough track, especially in
the dunes of the 3rd and 4th. It
is tough so ideal to warm up for
a tournament whereas the West
is ideal for the members. St
enodoc, with a brilliant start and
finish, and Trevose – probably
my favourite in Cornwall – are
other fine courses in the area.
elsewhere, I love Formby.
I like the linksy-heathland feel to
it; the view from the clubhouse
is sensational and you can’t wait
to get out there. The stretch
from the 8th to 10th is amazing.
I have never played well at
lytham but still love it. The
bunkering is amazing; even top
amateurs have to come out
sideways. I actually like the fact
it is in a housing estate! You can
just see the golf course, and I am
just into looking at the course.
• Jimmy Mullen plays England’s
finest courses on the elite
amateur circuit and was T73 in
the 2013 open.
Top 100 england 2015 golf World 15