Under 6000 Yards

It’s possible, and most likely probable, that the Queen’s at Gleneagles is the best golf course under 6,000 yards. Not just in Scotland but anywhere.

With around 3,000 golf clubs in the UK it’s inevitable that courses will get bracketed by style and character.

I can’t imagine many reviews for Royal County Down – one of the world’s great golf courses – beginning with mention of the Annesley Links…. but that is exactly where I’m going to start.

Of all the links golf courses around the Fife Coast the Balcomie Links at Crail must be the most picturesque of them all.

I heard the squelch first. The gentle sinking sensation soon followed. However, it was a few seconds before I felt the warm, moist trickling sensation around my ankle. The smell arrived shortly afterwards.

There’s something quite remarkable about Kington. It has what I call the “Double Q” factor; Quirk and Quality.

The Dunskey course at Portpatrick is one of the most fun and enjoyable I have played in Scotland.

I’m easily pleased. All I ask for is good turf, natural movement in the land and engaging greens. Simply give me all of those on a golf course and I’m a happy bunny.

At just 5,700 yards Cavendish may be on the short side in terms of length but there is nothing lacking in the amount of fun that can be had at this Derbyshire delight.

No less than three courses, ranked by number reflecting their age, constitute Gullane Golf Club.

Strathlene was the final Scottish golf course I played that features in the True Links book by George Peper and Malcolm Campbell – a publication that details all the genuine links golf courses in the world.

Located in the very heart of the Lake District, Windermere Golf Club must be one of the most adventurous golf courses I know and I make no apology for loving bamboozling layouts like this.

Bamburgh Castle most definitely falls into the ‘odd sock drawer’ of golf courses… and that’s a good thing!

Playing at Clyne gives a real joy to be alive factor.

Formby Ladies is a uniquely special golf course where the 18 holes flow seamlessly over a varied landscape spawning an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Established in 1890 Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club is a picturesque and varied course situated in the heart of the beautiful Cairngorm National Park.

Firstly, a confession. We only added Inverallochy to our recent Scotland trip itinerary because of its close proximity to Fraserburgh, located just a few miles down the coast.

The 18 holes at Kilspindie are such an enjoyable place to play links golf.

Lahinch benefits from having two 18 hole links courses and whilst the Castle is a much inferior version of the Old course it is still worth playing... if you have the time.

Atop a large hill in Mid Wales, above the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells, lays a topsy-turvy, rough-and-tumble, bags-of-fun sort of golf course.

A minibus of American golfers is not the first thing I expected to see on arrival at Reay Golf Club; the most northerly 18 hole links on mainland Scotland!

The guy behind the bar who I handed my £12 twilight green-fee to simply laughed after he asked if I had played the course before and I replied, “No, Why?”.

Established in 1889 West Cornwall Golf Club at Lelant is the oldest in the peninsula county, it is also one of the finest.

Church Stretton Golf Club sits atop the stunning Shropshire Hills above the historic market town of the same name. Please believe me when I say the panoramic views from the summit of the course are as good as you’ll find anywhere in England.

Glencruitten is a fascinating golf course I whole-heartedly recommend anyone should play.

Hopeman is an enthralling clifftop links that just gets better and better as the round progresses, both in terms of the golf and the location.

Every now and again you stumble across a golf course that takes your breath away.

The Monifieth Golf Links Trust manage two wonderful golf courses that are the home to a trio of golf clubs.

The Silverburn course, home of Aberdeen Ladies Golf Club, and offers a great deal but sadly doesn’t quite live up to its excellent early billing.

It’s a real shame that Warren Golf Club, located at the seaside town of Dawlish Warren in South Devon, was omitted from the “True Links” book showcasing the 246 true links golf courses of the world.

I recently took advantage of the 3-round ticket that the Carnoustie Golf Links offers. For the sum of £200 this entitled me to one round on each of the three courses (Championship, Burnside & Buddon) that are looked after by the management committee of this iconic Open venue.

I’m not quite sure where to start when writing a review for Cullen. It’s probably the craziest course I’ve ever played. In truth I’m still a bit bamboozled by it all.

London Scottish Golf Club plays over the fast-running, gravel-based course on the busy Wimbledon Common where a blend of heath and woodland converge to provide a delightful and natural golfing experience.

On a recent drive from West Yorkshire to South Wales we decided to jump off the M5 and play a quick round at the highly unusual Painswick Golf Club. It proved to be one of the best decisions we’ve made.

The Riverside layout is located adjacent to the Strand (some of the holes and land used to be form part of the main course).

I wouldn't necessarily recommend you visit Colonsay specifically for the golf, however, that's not to suggest you shouldn't visit this beyond beautiful island, inhabited by less than 150 people, in the Hebrides and play their truly unique golf course.

Girvan is very much a tale of two halves although mathematically speaking it is actually a story of 8/18's (or should that be four-ninths?) and 10/18's.

The Old Course, often referred to as the ‘Town’ course is not actually located at the main Portstewart Golf Club.

The Fullarton links is one of three courses emanating from the starters office at the Troon Municipal golf complex which is owned, managed and run by South Ayrshire Council.

A family holiday brought me to Whitby Golf Club. After stuffing myself with fish & chips, losing most of my money on the penny slots and catching umpteen crabs in the harbour it was time for a round of golf!