Best golf course

Published on Wednesday 13 June 2007 00:06

ALISON Turnbull, a regular contributor to Recommends, is the first winner of our weekly case of wine, kindly donated by Herbie of Edinburgh. Despite a vociferous response to previous golfing top fives, Alison is brave enough to recommend her top five courses. Congratulations, Alison - the wine is on its way.

1 MACHRIHANISH

The first hole of lovely Machrihanish (Recommends, 6 June, Page VII) defines what is one of the most stunning golf courses in Scotland. Sending your opening drive high over the expansive sands of the beach is not for the faint-hearted. Machrihanish is dominated by the wind, playing havoc with golf shots but creating a truly wild and beautiful golf course. Well worth the long drive.

2 EDZELL

A true hidden jewel, Edzell Golf Course is tucked into the heathery foothills of the Angus glens and is always in pristine condition. One of the course's best holes is the 14th, "Majuba", where the green is guarded by punishingly steep slopes. The view back to the Hill of Wirren from the 9th fairway is one of the best in Scottish golf. The east coast is associated with great links courses but, while this is undoubtedly a valid association, some fine parkland and heathland courses also exist. Edzell is one of these.

3 CRUDEN BAY

Windswept Cruden Bay, between Aberdeen and Peterhead, is less known than many other fine links courses of the east, but no less spectacular. Another course shaped by the wind. The wild waves of the North Sea are somehow more prominent here than on other courses.

4 BRAEMAR

The highest 18-hole golf course in the British Isles, the front nine holes are undoubtedly the most entertaining. They rise and fall in a satisfyingly undulating fashion and the River Dee wends its way through, providing a continuous hazard. A hideaway that is fun to play and resplendent in attractive scenery.

5 ISLE OF COLONSAY

One of Scotland's most entertaining island golf courses, maintained principally by sheep. Colonsay is just under three hours by ferry from Oban, south of Mull and north of Jura. The golf course is at the south end of the island, accessible on foot or by bike from almost anywhere on Colonsay.