The six premier links courses in south west England, known as England’s Atlantic Links have maintained their strong presence in the latest course rankings compiled by the UK magazine, Golf Monthly.
In the publication’s ‘UK & Ireland’s Top 100 Golf Courses 2015/16’ just released, Somerset’s Burnham & Berrow ranks most highly amongst the Atlantic Links championship courses at number 33, up four places from 37th spot two years ago.
Burnham is closely followed by Saunton’s East Course at 35 (up from 39) and St Enodoc’s Church Course in Cornwall which has continued its rise up the rankings to 36th from 41st position.
The other three Atlantic Links courses also feature well inside the top 100 with Saunton West in at number 61, Royal North Devon – known also as Westward Ho! – placed in 72nd position and Cornwall’s Trevose in 77th spot.
Given the impressive positioning of the six Atlantic Links courses in the Golf Monthly rankings, it is hardly surprising that this terrific trail along the north Atlantic Coast is recognized as one of England’s premier golfing destinations.
“All the clubs in the Atlantic Links are of course delighted to feature so prominently in the new Golf Monthly rankings which are after all produced ‘by golfers, for golfers’. Indeed these rankings prove that the Atlantic Links is a genuine and credible alternative to the links golf available in both Scotland and Ireland,” commented Karen Drake, Secretary at Burnham & Berrow.
“Moreover the Atlantic Links compare very favourably in terms of value for money with similar golf tours in the UK that offer courses of the tremendous quality that we have to offer.”
Now in its sixth edition, Golf Monthly asked its ranking assessors to give various marks for Quality of Test & Design, Condition & Presentation, Visual Appeal, Facilities and Experience.
Whilst all the scores were taken into account, each report was also read carefully to look at supporting evidence and then a combination used to ensure that variations between assessors were ironed out. This moderation process, and regular contact with assessors, makes a subjective process as objective as it can be.
Adding to the appeal of the Atlantic Links tour are the numerous off-course activities that exist in the south west. These include some of the best beaches in the UK, stunning cliff walks, surfing, sailing, charming fishing villages and bustling market towns such as Barnstaple and Truro, as well as visitor attractions such as The Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the world famous Trebah Gardens.
England’s Atlantic Links www.atlantic-links.co.uk