Hurdy's Top Five - Favourite Courses

By Simon Hurd
Hurdy's Top Five - Favourite Courses
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5 - Bluejack National (Houston, Texas, USA)


Opened in 2016, Bluejack National is the first course designed in the USA by Tiger Woods, Hurdy’s verdict: “I love its open fairways and rolling greens. The halfway house is one of the best I’ve ever been into.”


Aside from the outstanding facilities (a recurring theme in this list) it’s clear Tiger’s design philosophy of “playable, fun and challenging” has led to a highly enjoyable experience. 


 

4 - Sage Valley (Graniteville, South Carolina, USA)


Sage Valley is located just outside Augusta and shares many of the same qualities as the most famous course in golf. Hurdy’s verdict: “Without doubt the best condition golf course I have played, it’s much like Augusta with the greens running at 12 on the stimpmeter. The story of the owner not being allowed to join Augusta and going off to ‘build his own, better course’ is also very funny.”


If you’re going to visit Augusta for the Masters (SGH Sporting Events have some incredible packages for the trip of a lifetime) then Sage Valley is a must visit whilst you’re there!

 

3 - Champions Retreat (Evans, Georgia, USA)


What more do you need to know other than that it is the only club in the world featuring three individually designed courses by The Big Three; Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer (you can shop The King’s classic Umbrella Buckle HERE).


Hurdy’s verdict: “All three nines are absolutely amazing and another fantastic course to visit whilst you’re at the Masters”.

 

2 - Royal Birkdale (Southport, England, UK)


Back across the pond, Royal Birkdale is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the world. Situated on the golden links of the North West coast, it’s an incredible location to walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest to ever play the game, and Simon Hurd too.


Hurdy’s verdict: “I love the old school clubhouse and the course is a beast. The last hole has to be one of the hardest finishing holes in golf.”

 

1 - Sunningdale Old Course (London, England, UK)


Regularly found in the Top 30 of world rankings, the old course at Sunningdale has to be one of the prettiest inland courses in the UK. Lined with pine, birch and oak trees, it offers a challenging round to even the biggest hitters.


Hurdy’s verdict: “From the first hole to the last, including the halfway house, just WOW.”