Courses 81-90

81. Alwoodley (position in 2004 - new entry)

6666 yards; Par 72; SSS 72

Green fees £35-£85

Tel: 0113 268 9603

www.alwoodley.co.uk

A real pleasure seeker?s course. I feel there is wonderful balance here with the holes fitting seamlessly together. It?s hard to identify any one hole over any other ? this usually means that a course is either very average or very good. Alwoodley is definitely the latter. The whole course oozes class and the expansive feel is amazing considering its proximity to Leeds. For me it has a special atmosphere that?s difficult to pin down.

82. West Lancashire (76)

6772 yards; Par 72; SSS 73

Green fees £40-£85

Tel: 0151 924 1076

www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk

This is a lovely, pure golf course that combines most of the essential elements for a links gem. The turf is tight and sandy, the bunkers are well placed and menacing, and the holes go back and forth in the dunes. The course has good par 3s, very well bunkered par 5s that allow birdie chances for straight shooting and in the 14th and 15th a pair of excellent par 4s at the far end of the course. There is nowhere to hide from the wind and good or bad shots get their just rewards.

83. Aldeburgh (new entry)

6349 yards; Par 68; SSS 71

Green fees £40-£60

Tel: 01728 453309

www.aldeburghgolfclub.co.uk

Although you only glimpse the sea from one hole at Aldeburgh the course plays like a true links with firm fairways and blustery winds to contend with. The real test here is negotiating the long par 4s, especially as many of them are lined by thick gorse. Lovers of a swift pace of play will love it at Aldeburgh as only two ball golf is allowed here, meaning even in winter you?ve a chance of getting in 36 holes.

84. Walton Heath New Course (new entry)

6613 yards; Par 72; SSS 73

Green fees £85-£105

Tel: 01737 812060

www.whgc.co.uk

The New course is 7,026 yards off the back tees, with the back nine a massive 3,845 yards. This is a beautiful but fierce test, with large clumps of heather lining the course from tee to green to penalise wayward drives and approach play. It is a fine example of a traditional heathland style course in the English tradition and the clubhouse and facilities make for a great all-round golfing experience.

85. Carton House Montgomerie Course (new entry)

6821 yards; Par 72; SSS 73

Green fees E65-E135

Tel: 00353 1505 2000

www.carton.ie

The relatively new Montgomerie course?s fairway bunkers are as cleverly placed as Carnoustie?s, placing a premium on accuracy ? particularly off the tee. The facilities are top class and the greens are of an exceptional standard, which is no easy task for a new course. Length off the tee is also important here. Shorter hitters or those not quite on song could struggle, especially in the wind.

86. The Berkshire Blue Course (74)

6343 yards; Par 71; SSS 71

Green fees £85

Tel: 01344 622351

No official website

The Blue course has three reachable par 5s for good scoring chances and respite, as tight par 4s and tough par 3s throw in the odd high score. Hailing from the same stable of heathland courses as Sunningdale and Swinley Forest, the Berkshire Blue Course stands up well to the competition from these tracks and the others that lie in close proximity. As with its sister course the Red, the Blue is in exceptional conditional.

87. Castletown (79)

6544 yards; Par 72; SSS 72

Green fees £20-£55

Tel: 01624 822211

www.golfiom.com

The crowning glory at this idyllic course set on the Isle of Man might well be standing on the 17th tee. Certainly, for me, it raised the hairs on the back of my neck. The 5th is probably the most difficult on the course and wouldn?t look out of place on a list of the world?s greatest golf holes. Its remote location in the Irish Sea may go some way to explaining why Castletown could be the most forgotten top course in the Britain.

88. The Grove (93)

6766 yards; Par 72; SSS 72

Green fees £100-£155

Tel: 01923 294266

www.thegrove.co.uk

As a layout, it?s relatively open, relying on the density of tall, wispy rough for protection. The Grove is beautifully maintained, which is hardly surprising considering it was selected to host one of the prestigious WGC events at the end of September. The condition really did take the breath away and the tees and fairways evoked memories of the lush and manicured outfield at Lords.

89. Ballybunion Cashen Course (72)

6306 yards; Par 72; SSS 73

Green fees E110 (no golf here in the winter)

Tel: 00353 68 27146

The Cashen course?s enjoyable back nine is a mix of holes that weave through deep valleys in the dunes, and others that hug the shore. It is a natural links course set in some wild dunes with some very undulating holes carved into the landscape. The holes along the shoreline are particularly memorable and the whole experience is a heady mixture of lovely scenery and a real examination of golf.

90. Gullane Number 1 (99)

6466 yards; Par 71; SSS 72

Green fees £85-£100

Tel: 01620 842255

www.gullanegolfclub.com

Few links courses can boast the natural changes in elevation that make Gullane such a fierce and memorable test. From its highest points you?ll enjoy views down towards the surrounding countryside that includes Muirfield and the Firth of Forth. I found that controlling yardages is the hardest challenge and I think it?s fair to say that to return a good score it helps to know the intricacies of the challenge. The good news is that if you are playing Gullane for the first time, it?s kept in immaculate condition and the stunning views will sustain your attention whatever your score.