Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i Golf Monthly

MONTH IN STATS 29 Keegan Bradley’s record-breaking front-nine score on Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational 4 SUCCESSES FOR CONTINENTAL EUROPEANS IN THE FIRST 13 PGA TOUR EVENTS THIS SEASON MINIMUM NUMBER OF EVENTS ON MAIN US AND EUROPEAN TOURS FOR 2025 SEASON 118 World ranking climb to a career-high 70th for Jacob Bridgeman this year up to the Valspar 12 Number of extra players to make the Valspar cut after Neal Shipley bogeyed 18 on Friday 60 Consecutive PGA Tour cuts made by Xander Schauffele up to late March, the longest current streak by 11 UK&I PLAYERS IN THE WORLD’S TOP 50 AFTER MARCH’S SINGAPORE CLASSIC 19 Englishman Joshua Berry’s age when he won his maiden HotelPlanner Tour event in Kolkata 5 Number of events it took Mimi Rhodes…

New Zealand GF: approx £125 Stats: par 72, 6,728 yards Dating back to 1895, Royal Wellington Golf Club relocated to its current site, a few miles to the north of the capital alongside the beautiful Hutt River, in 1908. It has hosted the New Zealand Open seven times and in 2004 became the first club in the country to be awarded Royal patronage. Despite being highly rated, it was generally felt that the course didn’t quite live up to its potential. As a result, there was a long-term upgrade project overseen by Turner Macpherson Golf Design, which officially debuted in 2014. There are now 27 holes – the 18-hole Heretaunga championship course and the Terrace nine. The lush main course offers a terrific mix of the old and the new…

Nestled on the picturesque Sandwich coastline in Kent, Prince’s Golf Club continues to solidify its reputation as one of the UK’s premier links destinations. Currently ranked 73rd in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 UK and Ireland course rankings, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation since 2017, benefiting from the work of acclaimed architects Mackenzie and Ebert. With 27 immaculately conditioned holes across the Shore, Dunes and Himalayas loops, Prince’s offers a consistently high standard of links golf. While the Shore and Dunes have seen significant refinements, it is the Himalayas that has undergone the most striking changes over the past ten years, blending classic pre-war aesthetics with modern championship-quality design. The course’s vast sandscrapes, dramatic green complexes and natural run-offs pay homage to the club’s storied past while providing an…

As a somewhat still competitive PGA pro in my local region, I watch a lot of golf on television in my spare time, and one man has dominated my screen in the past 12 months. Whether in the Majors, on Instagram or on his extremely popular YouTube channel, Bryson DeChambeau was everywhere in 2024. Furthermore, as an equipment writer, I have always been fascinated by his attitude towards his golf clubs and his willingness to push the boundaries and try something completely different. So much so that I even recently interviewed Tom Bailey, founder of Avoda Golf, the fledgling company that concocted the 3D-printed, curved-faced irons that Bryson rushed into play at The Masters and has stuck with ever since. For a while, I had just accepted Bryson’s unorthodox approach…

Shot on location at La Cala Resort 1 Impact factors To shape your shots effectively and hit the perfect draw or fade, you first need to understand certain impact factors. To hit a fade, you need a club path that is travelling out to in relative to target and a face that is open to that club path, but not pointing right of target. So at set-up, the face has to point between your target line and where you are swinging, which is the club path. If you then strike the ball out of the middle of the club, it will start left and fade back towards the target. To hit a draw, you instead need an in-to-out club path relative to target and a face that is closed to…

1 SWING WITHIN YOURSELF My favourite thing with amateurs is that they try and hit it way too hard. I always say to amateurs, swing at 80%. So when you drive the ball, swing at 80% and swing the arms past your body because it gets the arms going down and then it gets them releasing. Golf is about hitting it out of the middle of the club, it’s not about hitting it hard. That’s in driving especially, but generally too. The big clubs are made to make the ball go long so why are you hitting it hard? With old clubs you hit it hard because you had to to get the speed to move the ball but today’s clubs are made to make the ball go far so…

Hitting successful bunker shots can be a rather puzzling challenge for many golfers, especially high-handicap players, due to a different set of demands in the technique required compared to a normal chip or pitch shot. You have to gauge the density and amount of the sand in a bunker, the height of the lip, and the point at which the club should enter the sand, among many other variables that can cause confusion and frustration. I have personal experience of how much a poor short game can ruin a round of golf, so if you’re someone who struggles from bunkers, then you’ll be extremely pleased to hear Ping has come to the rescue. Ping has given its charmingly named BunkR all the best attributes of a forgiving wedge and then…

ASK OUR EXPERTS How often should I update my golf equipment? Brian Sansom, via email There’s a difficult balancing act between moving with technology and finding gear that you love and trust. Nothing is set in stone, but there’s a handful of things to consider. As we all inevitably get older, we might find we’re losing distance and need to upgrade our equipment to something that helps us out a little more. Perhaps five years ago you were still getting the most from those stiff-shafted blades and that low-spin driver, but now distance is dropping and you’re finding shots leaking to the right. It’s probably time to upgrade ASAP if this describes you. If you’re a regular player, you’re likely to upgrade more frequently as your equipment will make more…

A couple of months ago, a colleague asked if I wanted to follow up a feature idea with Sam Cooper who, some of you may remember from his social media channels, spent well over a year playing every links in Great Britain around the time of Covid. I’m not going to lie, I had ever so slightly mixed feelings. Why? Well, 20 or so years ago, inspired by various golf travelogue books I’d read, I had the bright idea for a trip to play every links in the UK&I, then to write a book with the godsend of a title: No missing links. Of course, it never happened – wrong time of life what with kids and a mortgage, insufficient funds, and then all the other practical reasons that prevent…

neil.tappin@futurenet.com Welcome Top 100 Course Rankings 2025/26 A very warm welcome to the 2025/26 Golf Monthly UK&I Top 100 and Next 100 course rankings. Although I’ve been with the magazine since they were introduced, this is my first time as editor. It has been an eye-opener for me to see just how much work goes into the process, a great deal conducted by you, our readers. This is now the 11th of our biennial lists, which we strongly believe have evolved to be an honest, representative and trustworthy ranking of the best 200 courses that are open to all. Initially featuring 120 courses, we made the decision in 2009/10 to switch to a more logical Top 100 at the same time as adding a second tier, the Next 100. Since…

For a list seeking to be as objective as possible, the criteria for Golf Monthly’s Top 100 are spot on. But when it comes to favourites, we’re all different. There is a marked difference between favourite and best. My favourite football team is certainly not the best, and most people won’t have heard of my favourite band. But I’m a sucker for the two Vs; views and variety. My ten favourites here comprise five from the top 30, two from 31-50, two from 51-100 and one from our Next 100. Let’s start at the top. I made my first pilgrimage to Royal County Down a lifetime before I worked in golf and way before the internet. The attraction was based on grainy photographs and silky prose written by those in…

Let’s start by acknowledging the presence of two great courses that are in my top ten because I have a close personal connection to them. Back in 1999, I managed to snag a place at the University of St Andrews to play golf. Strictly speaking, I was there to study English but, of course, I spent more than my fair share of time on the links. As such, I’ve played the Old Course in every type of weather, in every season and can honestly say that it never gets old. The unique amphitheatre created as the course bleeds into the town makes the start and finish of every Old Course round a truly special experience. Likewise, I have more than a soft spot for Littlestone on the Kent coast. Throughout…

Preparing the Next 100 is a more subjective process and we make no apology for the fact that this list is more volatile. There are courses here that are constantly knocking on the Top 100 door, a further vast majority whose worthiness of a place in the Next 100 is obvious, and a small minority whose presence is perhaps more open to debate. Generally speaking, comparing courses from 150 round to perhaps 250 is even more marginal, and we do not have the resources to assess courses outside of our contender list every two years. This is also the reason why we do not actually rank the Next 100; suffice to say, though, they are all excellent. Updating the Next 100 involves listening to recommendations and feedback from staff and…

Not for me, I’m afraid Now the silly euphoria from the opening round of TGL has died down and the winning team has been crowned, it’s about time a balanced, honest opinion was laid out. Is it really any good? If you enjoy loud, brash, beer-swilling fans, then yes. If you enjoy looking at golf stars patently doing ‘their thing’, but so obviously only for the dollar, then yes. Is it golf? Ah, that’s the question. For me, no it’s not. It’s just a glorified practice net and is more emperor’s new clothes than Savile Row bespoke. Is it engaging? No. Is it entertaining? Highly subjective, but it’s a no from me. Does it make me want to rush out onto the links? No. Will it get people into golf?…

“GIVE THE LAD A BREAK. HE’S A VERY GOOD CADDIE. HARRY, DON’T READ THE S***E”Billy Foster defends Rory McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, after suggestions he should replace him “I WAS JUST TRYING TO FOCUS ON MAKING THE CUT”Mimi Rhodes told the BBC she was still in shock after winning in Australia on just her fifth LET start “FOR ME, IT WAS GREAT JUST TO GET THOSE JUICES FLOWING AGAIN”Gary Woodland reacts to his T2 finish in Houston, his best since undergoing brain surgery in September 2023 “IT’S THE CRAZIEST THING IN THE HISTORY OF SPORT”Brandel Chamblee claims Tiger Woods would have broken Jack Nicklaus’ Major record if he hadn’t changed coaches to Hank Haney in 2004…

Motocaddy is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of the tenth generation of its S1 trolley, the model that was the cornerstone of the brand’s range when it first arrived in 2006. Ease of use has always been the S1’s mantra and this remains the case moving into the tenth-generation model. Its one-step folding mechanism makes set-up effortless and quick. It also benefits from the Click ‘n’ Connect cable-free battery system that automatically switches the S1 off when folded up. It then reveals an integrated pop-up charging port that theoretically means you never have to take the battery out of the chassis to charge it. Even though this is considered an entry-level model, it comes with some of the bells and whistles you’d expect to see more in mid-range…

This is a shot I would only play if the lie is good. Open the face to the maximum that the lie will allow, but do this before you take your grip. I’ve laid it almost flat here. As a result, the face ends up aiming right, so aim your feet, hips and shoulders to the left. To help send the ball straight up, get it forward in your stance, shift your weight slightly onto your lead side and keep it there throughout the shot. Take the club back along the line of your feet, which is outside the target line. Think of this shot as a deliberate slice. You need to let the wrists uncock early in the downswing to create loft, otherwise you’ll just generate unnecessary power. What’s…

Under the Rules of Golf you must use a conforming golf ball which meets the requirements in the Equipment Rules for each stroke you make. But you are able to use any brand and model of golf ball you wish to, and you are allowed to change between brands and models after completing a hole or when the Rules allow you to substitute a ball. However, a Model Local Rule is normally in place at the top level of the professional game, which restricts players to using the exact same brand and model of golf ball throughout their round. The purpose of this is to prevent players using balls with different playing characteristics depending on the nature of the hole or shot being played. This Model Local Rule is also…

The Titleist GT1 is one of three models in the new GT hybrid line-up and has been designed to offer the highest launch, thanks to a very lightweight design. The first thing that stood out to me when taking it to the course was the size of the head. The footprint is significantly larger than on both of its siblings – the GT2 and GT3 – offering what can only really be described as a crossover between a hybrid and a high-lofted fairway wood. The GT1’s sole appears marginally different to the soles on the other two models due to front and back weight ports, as opposed to the ones situated towards the heel and toe on the GT2 and GT3. This design helps the club to provide even higher…

The driver is one of the most frequently used clubs in the bag and the tone-setter for the majority of holes many golfers will play, so selecting the right one is among the most important tasks for any player. This year, I’ve tested more than 25 different driver models – mostly new, some carrying over from 2024 - to help you make the right decision. Looks One of the most subjective considerations, the visuals, can greatly impact how you feel about your driver. Within 2025’s crop, there’s a vast array of aesthetics, which, while great for choice, can make picking one even trickier. In my opinion, Srixon has delivered a significant upgrade in looks with its classy and understated ZXi range, featuring an attractive new textured crown and a minimalist…

Essentials Ballybunion Golf Club, Sandhill Road, Ballybunion, County Kerry Stats: par 71, 6,383 yards GF: €400 Does it need to be said that Ballybunion is a ‘must play’? Whisper its name in good company and those around you will prick up their ears. This is Ireland’s talismanic links, one of big dunes, remarkable green sites and almost too perfect conditioning. Set on the west coast, above the Atlantic, these high dunes are home to 36 holes, but it is the Old course that garners the accolades. And with good reason. There is mystery in its history, with the course designers unknown. Then there are the stories of journeys to discover it by both golf writer Herbert Warren Wind in the 1970s and, a decade later, Tom Watson. It all creates an…

The Carrick – 14th hole GF: 18 holes: £120 (£80 resort resident, £70 Scottish rate) This beautiful course that forms part of the Cameron House resort is a combination of classic Scottish heathland, on which the more elevated holes offer panoramic views over Loch Lomond and the mountains, with other holes that have more of an American-style look and feel. The course sits astride the Highland Boundary Fault line, meaning nine holes are in the Lowlands and nine in the Highlands. It is named after its Canadian designer, Doug Carrick, and opened in 2007. The par-3 14th, Tappet Doon, stretches to 199 yards from the back tee and is a gorgeous downhiller to a green surrounded by a necklace of bunkers. It offers up lovely views over the loch and…

We are often asked why we don’t branch out into national rankings, such as a Scottish Top 100, or prepare overseas lists. The reason is that we feel by concentrating on just one set of biennial rankings, and by doing so in a comprehensive and diligent manner, we can prepare the most trustworthy list. The assessors We couldn’t do this alone so are very grateful to our dedicated, experienced reader panel, which assists our staff and senior panels. You can find out what they get up to on page 32. It is their reports and insight that enable us to prepare a thorough and balanced listing. The process At the start of each two-year cycle, the senior panel agrees the contender list, which comprises the existing Top 100 plus 40…

Let’s not beat about the bush – the price of rack-rate green fees at the top courses in the UK and Ireland has risen significantly in recent years. If you want to experience one of the tracks towards the pinnacle of our Top 100 at a peak time, you’re going to face a hefty bill. But there are ways to get a tee time at many venues on the list for a more reasonable price. Clubs and courses sometimes offer deals to locals, deals out of season or reduced fees towards the end of the day. There are deals for multiple rounds, while some courses in the Top 100 simply remain relatively affordable. Here are five money-saving strategies to consider with examples… Twilight deals One of the very best deals…

When I was commissioned to write this feature, I asked editor Neil Tappin how many holes to include. “Seven sounds about right to me,” came the reply. It sounded about right to me too until I sat down to try and whittle it down to just that number! My colleague, Rob Smith, wrote the equivalent feature two years ago and, after an early brainstorming session, I looked back on his article to find he’d written about four of the five holes I’d jotted down so far – the 1st at Doonbeg, 14th at Trump International Scotland, 13th at Hollinwell and 11th at Turnberry. Subliminal vague recollection or testament to them, indeed, being four of our most spectacular holes? I’ll leave you to decide but in the interests of variety I’m…

Every course on our list has excellent clubhouse facilities but some are just that bit special. Here, we’ve selected those venues where you’ll particularly enjoy a post-round tipple, or a coffee if you’re driving, of course! With tremendous views up the Moray Firth and across to the Black Isle, the art deco-inspired clubhouse at Cabot Highlands may just offer the best views of any in the Top 100. With panoramic windows, comfortable seating and upstairs balconies, it’s a beautiful spot in which to unwind after your game. Another club in a wonderful setting is Aberdovey. Sitting on the terrace there in the late afternoon sun is hard to beat. One of the great things there is that the clubhouse is basically at the train station, just a minute away. Ideal…

Min Woo, congratulations on winning your first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open. That must be very satisfying? It was very mentally grinding, but I’m super proud to win. It was just a very tough week. I mean, I had a lot of eyes on me, obviously. I had a four-shot lead going into the last round and I was very tired, which helped me go to sleep on Saturday, but I woke up and I couldn’t go back to sleep on Sunday. It was one of those where I just think everything aligned. I’m so proud to have won. What did you learn about what it takes to win on the PGA Tour? They always say it’s the six inches between your ears, I think that was a…

Golf’s Mr Angry is mighty relieved that no-one seems to be too upset with him these days. There is still the odd chorus of disapproval when Tyrrell Hatton’s apparent knack for self-loathing boils over into screams of frustration, punctuated by the odd F-bomb. And there are still plenty of people who cannot stomach the fact that he continues to be so successful, despite being no-one’s idea of the perfect role model. But the hostility and resentment he feared might result from his decision to join LIV in the wake of a triumphant Ryder Cup outing in Italy mostly failed to materialise. Hatton, 33, admits this was his main concern when he decided to join Ryder Cup partner Jon Rahm and take the plunge into the LIV ranks just over a…

Shot on location at La Cala Resort, Spain 1 Downhill lies With a downhill lie, the ideal set-up position requires a wide base and a considerable amount of knee flex. Aim fractionally to the left, with your weight on your lead side. A central ball position with the sternum sitting directly above will help you to deliver the club at the required low point. Gripping down the handle closer to the shaft will steepen the angle of the backswing, allowing the wrist hinge to occur more easily. It’s worth turning the top hand more towards the target (weakening it) to maintain a square clubface. Keep your weight on your lead leg (‘hinge and hold’) throughout the shot. The ball will roll out more so take this into consideration. 2 The…

Golfers of varying abilities will enjoy the all-round performance on offer here TaylorMade invented a whole new category of iron in 2017 with the introduction of the very first P790. A hollow-bodied rocket ship wrapped up in a somewhat ‘better player’ aesthetic, it was the beginning of the players’ distance iron era. Some eight years on, we are still seeing new iterations of this modern-day classic. With regard to the new model’s looks, your opinion on the changes to the playing profile may well depend on your ability and ball-striking competence. As a fairly capable PGA professional, the slightly thinned-out topline and overall cleaner, neater look is a real plus point, moving this iron visually just a tad more into the typical ‘better player’ realm. Not only has the topline…

Ecco is the brand responsible for some of the most comfortable golf shoes of the last decade or so. A few years ago, you could have argued that they were solely aimed at the ‘older’ golfer who preferred comfort over style. However, with the likes of influencers Rick Shiels and Erik Anders Lang wearing its newest, most stylish shoes, Ecco has taken on a whole new vibe. I’ll start with the looks. The H5 has “drawn inspiration from the flowing Nordic fjords and rugged Scottish Highlands” according to Ecco. I love the unique way the outsole bleeds onto the shoe, and it’s not hard to see where the Nordic fjord inspiration lies. The neat details across the upper part continue this nature frenzy and, overall, I think it looks excellent.…

The 2025 Skechers Go Golf shoe collection delivers innovative performance technology, exciting new designs and the ultimate in comfort for men and women. Integrating comfort technologies from Skechers’ award-winning performance and lifestyle divisions, as well as key insights from Skechers Performance tour pros, this is the brand’s most advanced collection of golf footwear to date. Key innovations for 2025 include: the continued use of Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins technology across select styles for men and women; lightweight and resilient Eco Flight cushioning made with at least 10%-recycled materials; Goodyear rubber outsole technology for enhanced stability; and the Skechers Arch Fit removable system, providing podiatrist-certified arch support and all-day comfort on the greens. With an emphasis on superior comfort, fit and style, the 2025 range combines high-performing technologies with modern silhouettes…

I’m writing this on the eve of my first round of golf in 2025. I’m apprehensive. I shouldn’t be. The facts are these… I’m playing social golf with my younger son. We follow the rules, of course, but we also add one: if either of us makes a mess of a shot, any type of shot, we try to laugh at our ineptitude. Indeed, we must laugh at ourselves, otherwise we automatically lose that hole. Okay, it’s a daft wee addition to the maze known as the rules of golf, but it amuses us. Or it did. I should be eagerly anticipating this season opener. It’s a chance to chat and share time with a son and enjoy a drink together afterwards, before driving back home through some of Sussex’s…

91 Murcar Links This very attractive and interesting old-school links really takes off from the par-4 3rd all the way round to the tricky, short 15th. Not quite so testing as immediate neighbour Royal Aberdeen, there are elevated tees, thrilling carries and panoramic views. GM verdict: Plenty to admire and enjoy at this engaging Aberdeenshire links. 90 Blairgowrie (Rosemount) Kept in excellent condition, the Rosemount is James Braid’s reworking of an earlier Alister MacKenzie design. Finding the fairways favours a right-to-left shot on this easy-walking course, where accuracy and subtlety are more important than strength. GM verdict: A stately golfing journey through avenues of majestic pine. 89 Sherwood Forest This Harry Colt/James Braid course near Mansfield is a natural heathland layout, well protected by strong bunkering. Played over springy turf across fairways lined…

Let’s start in the upper echelons. I first played Turnberry’s Ailsa course long before the Martin Ebert changes of 2016 and loved it. I then played it after its rebirth and absolutely loved it. Further work promises yet more front-nine visual drama on the most striking links to have hosted The Open – a statement of intent that shows how even top-ranked courses are unwilling to rest on their laurels. Some 412 miles south, Sunningdale’s New just edges if for me over the Old. Once you’re off and away into the back of beyond from the 3rd, there really isn’t a poor hole, and you do feel away from it all for prolonged spells, a big plus for me. Deep-down I’m a links lover and Royal Aberdeen’s Balgownie Links cleverly…

One vital ingredient for preparing the Top 100 is our panel of keen and committed assessors. Including a couple of newcomers to replace some retirees, this time they numbered 34, with panellists from all five home nations. All of these keen golfers take part because of their love for the game and, more importantly, their passion for golf courses. Liaising with the clubs and funding their own way to travel and stay the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, they receive no payment or expenses. We are extremely grateful for their efforts. Happily, most clubs are very welcoming and cooperative, while a great many ‘secret shopper’ visits also take place – games with friends, society visits, club matches, golfing holidays and so on. A rewarding role Playing any…

With its commitment to excellence and service, an offering that delivers classic and contemporary design and a drive to innovate and evolve, clothing brand Peter Millar is the perfect partner for Golf Monthly’s Top 100 courses. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Peter Millar has grown through the years to become a complete golf and lifestyle clothing brand, producing luxury performance sportswear, active and golf apparel, plus casual and formal tailored garments. Like all the courses in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 list, Peter Millar delivers superb variety plus high-quality design and presentation, using the very best in materials and craftsmanship. Put simply, both have an overarching objective of delivering the best products possible. This commitment to excellence could be the reason Peter Millar is stocked in 94 of the Top 100…