Should Turnberry be World’s best course?
I’ve been keeping a good track on The British Open this year and I’ve spent a lot of time listening to what the players have to say. You know the one thing you keep hearing from them all this year is ‘I just love this place, Turnberry is a fantastic course.’
You often hear players banging on about how well the green keepers have done and what not but I don’t think I’ve ever heard so many players saying how much they just love Turnberry. You just don’t hear it said as often as it has been this week. There must be something in that surely?
Currently ranked No 1 in the world is Pine Valley in Philadelphia. The George Crump owned course has everything including Harry Colt’s layout approval. It’s always been known as the ultimate test of golf but you know what…it’s still not Turnberry in my eyes. It’s so exclusive you can get a round there so how can it possibly be the best course in the world? If you can’t play it, it’s off the list in my opinion.
At No 2 is Royal Country Down in Northen Ireland. No-one can deny the brilliance of this place, it’s truly stunning and you can’t really fault it. It’s a bit of a mystery why this course has never hosted the British Open as it has all the attributes needed to do so. The 4th hole is one of the most scenic golf holes in the world along with the 9th but again, it’s just not Turnberry. If Royal County Down wasn’t set in such stunning scenery, it wouldn’t be as good a Turnberry in the same scenario I don’t think.
The No 3 spot goes to Cypress Point in California. The club only has 250 members and it’s easier to get in Jenifer Aniston’s knickers that in it is to get a round here. Supposedly JFK was refused from the restaurant once here. Now come on, how can that make you third in the Top 100? Again, if you can’t play it, it’s off the list. Add to that the fact that the 18th and 16th holes aren’t exactly revered and I don’t see why it’s in there – just because it’s exclusive? Rubbish in my opinion.
That leads me neatly on to Turnberry’s Ailsa Course at No 4. You’ve just got to look at the reviews on any of the golf websites to see that Turnberry should be at No 1. One chap wrote ‘the single best day in my golfing life!’… another wrote ‘without doubt the best course in world’. You don’t get reviews like that for other courses as those reviews say ‘we were just pleased they were even allowed on’
How is that a decent review?
Exclusivity is nothing in my opinion and that’s what I love about Turnberry. OK, it’s hellishly expensive at £750 for a four ball but not inaccessible. You can save up with your pals and go and play it as many times as you like if you’ve got the cash.
You too can putt where Tiger putted, walk where Westwood walked and take in the epic scenery and golf course. That’s what makes a golf course No 1 in my opinion. It’s the history, knowing who’s walked here before you and playing on a truly amazing, stunning, epic masterpiece. You don’t forget that kind of trip and it’s for that reason Turnberry should be No 1 in my opinion.
Just go there, save-up and do it even if you have to sell you car/house/wife to do it.
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