Which UK County Has the Best Courses?

It's always a pleasure doing my business mail shots to UK golf clubs as it provides me with justified time to look at clubs' web sites and see their beautiful pics.

It always leaves me with the strong impression that golf clubs are one of the few remaining bastions of - actually I'm not quite sure what - the essence of being British; country life; a gentle way of living; sophistication; the chance to be a gentleman? Whatever it is such is a great feeling.

I can't help but notice the increasing trend to incorporate golf clubs into country clubs, spas, hotels and the like. I personally like it. Arguably it provides clubs with cross funding and better ensures their long term survival, as well as better providing for the entire family - golf players and non-players. Do you agree?

This morning I got to thinking: I wonder which U.K. county offers the very best of golf and ancillary recreation?

Ignoring London and Surrey, I am personally extremely impressed with Bedfordshire:

Beadlow Manor Golf & C.C., Aylesbury Vale, Chalgrave Manor, Luton Hoo, Pavenham Park and more.

As a former resident of Northants. I was largely ignorant of those gems not so far away. Sometimes it's only when one hits the internet that one discovers so many unknown treasures.

Which are your hidden gems vis a vis counties bristling with quality?

I am bias, as a Yorkshire lad. We have everything except an Open Championship venue, but then three are within a couple of hours drive.

East Lothian would have a good case with courses such as Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullaine etc Then of course Fife with all the St Andrews courses, Crail, Kingbarns, Scottscraig, Leven.... list goes on.

I am unable to have a real opinion other than saying that Dorset has very few great courses. My home club is great as are 2 or 3 others but the rest are fairly pants.

Norfolk would be a good shout. Hunstanton, Sheringham, Royal Cromer, Royal West Norfolk, Dunston Hall to name a few. A good mix of styles to choose from. Forget about my home county of Essex, very few quality tracks.

THe Metroploitan County of Merseyside has a good shout, Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Wallasey, Bootle, West Lancs, Formby Hall, Hillside, Royal Birkdale. And a mile north of the merseyside border you have Lythem St Annes and St Annes old links.

Obvioulsy depends if you like Links golf and scousers but for what is about 25 miles of English coast line there is a plethora of courses to play.

Why is my home county of Surrey excluded? Because it is the clear winner? Because we are southern softies who dont deserve it?

i demand an explanantion!