2025/26 Golf Monthly UK and Ireland’s Top 100 Courses Ranked

News Summary

Golf Monthly has unveiled its highly anticipated rankings for the Top 100 golf courses in the UK and Ireland for 2025/26. Compiled with a dedicated panel of experienced golfers, the list showcases the best golfing destinations while encouraging discussions among enthusiasts. Notable courses include Royal County Down, St Andrews’ Old Course, and Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, reaffirming the high standards maintained across these prestigious golfing venues. Golfers are invited to engage with the rankings and explore these remarkable courses.

The Excitement Unfolds: 2025/26 Golf Monthly UK and Ireland’s Top 100 Courses Ranked

Golf enthusiasts, gather around! The latest rankings for the Top 100 golf courses in the UK and Ireland have just hit the press, courtesy of the ever-reliable Golf Monthly, in partnership with the premium apparel brand, Peter Millar. This edition marks the 11th biennial list compiled since the rankings began, and they have certainly lived up to their promise of honesty and trustworthiness.

A Well-Thought-Out Process

Okay, here’s how these rankings came to life. It all started with a whopping 120 courses being considered. However, to focus on the cream of the crop, they trimmed it down to the finest 100 courses back in the 2009/10 rankings. Following that, they introduced the Next 100 list to highlight even more fantastic golfing destinations. These Top 100 rankings are compiled by a dedicated panel consisting of regular golfers who know their clubs inside and out, along with a solid staff panel who make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

What’s also noteworthy is the consistency of the panel members. These are seasoned golfers and contributors who have been involved in the historical rankings, ensuring they stick to the high standards that golf lovers expect.

Not Much Movement, But Quality Prevails

This year, don’t expect drastic changes in the rankings. With the standards continually rising, only two courses made a return to the Top 100. That alone is a testament to the exceptional condition all these ranked courses maintain. Golfers can confidently tee off knowing they’ll encounter great playing conditions no matter where they choose to play!

The Good Old Debate

As you might expect with rankings, there’s always a bit of friendly rivalry among golfers. Some may debate why certain courses are ranked higher than others, and that’s all part of the fun. Whether you agree or disagree, there’s one essential takeaway from these rankings: the beauty of exploring and discovering new courses while enjoying the game.

Standout Names on the List

Let’s dive into some of the stars in the lineup. Royal County Down has turned heads with its breathtaking backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and Irish Sea, earning the title of the best links course in the UK. Meanwhile, the classic St Andrews’ Old Course continues to shine with its historical significance, offering golfers a unique experience with its distinctive features.

Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course joins the rankings thanks to its rich history and the recent improvements that have captured many golfers’ hearts. On the design front, Muirfield is appreciated for its challenging yet fair layout, delivering an exceptional variety for players of all skills.

Let’s not forget Royal Dornoch, boasting a legacy that dates back to 1616 with its iconic plateau greens. In England, Royal Birkdale ruled the roost as the best course, renowned for its tough layout and gorgeous scenery.

The Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush leaves a lasting impression due to its natural beauty and strong commitment to environmental sustainability. If you think you have what it takes, put your skills to the test at Carnoustie’s Championship Course, often seen as the hardest course in the Top 100.

Among the inland courses, Sunningdale’s New Course grabs the spotlight as the top choice, while Sunningdale’s Old Course is cherished for its traditional design and the captivating challenge of its greens.

Engage in the Fun!

Golf Monthly encourages players to share their own opinions on the rankings and engage in spirited discussions about different courses. At the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the journey of discovering new golfing experiences while also having friendly debates about where each course truly belongs in the rankings.

So grab your clubs, hit the greens, and explore the fantastic courses featured in the latest Top 100. Happy golfing!

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