Doonbeg really has come on a ton

Survey Top 100 courses: The respected magazine Golf World recently published their biennial compilation of the Top 100 Courses in the British Isles.

Without casting any aspirations on 'the panel' and 'the testers', the twin bodies which decide who makes the much sought-after and celebrated list, it is undoubtedly a hugely-subjective subject.

Among those offering their advice are such diverse golfing personalities as former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallagher, John Jacobs, Peter McEvoy, Pat Ruddy and Golfing Union of Ireland President Albert Lee.

Designers, greenkeepers, top officials, former professionals and top amateurs have been canvassed for their views.

The ratings criteria fall under four headings: Quality of Test and Design (40 marks); Visual Appeal and Enjoyment (30 points); Fairness and Presentation (20 points); and Ambience and History (10 points). The highest and lowest score for each course is discarded to try and eliminate any oddball marks, while golf course architects cannot rate their own courses.

Muirfield retains its position at the top of the list but there has been a shuffling around inside the Top 10. The leading Irish course is once again Royal County Down, while another course in Ulster, Royal Portrush, where Darren Clarke is an honorary member, has moved up three places to number five.

The old course at Ballybunion moves up one place but Portmarnock has lost its place in the Top 10 - the only course from two years ago to do so - as it slides four places to number 11.

Incidentally, the superb north Dublin links remains the favourite course of former English cricket legend Ian Botham, who enthused: "Portmarnock is the best course of its kind in the world. Every day you play the course brings with it a different set of challenges."

A selection of Ireland's greatest links courses make the roaring 20s - Waterville, Lahinch, The European Club and County Louth - but arguably the biggest impact is made by Doonbeg, a new entry in the listing, coming in at number 58. The Greg Norman-designed links in Clare is the highest new entry.

Another course to make a significant impact is the Old Head of Kinsale, moving up 38 places in the rankings to 61.

As it happens, Ireland boasts the three longest courses in the listings, Portmarnock Old (7,365 yards), Waterville (7,309) and Donegal (7,277).

There is also a section entitled Future Stars and courses included are The Montgomerie at Carton House, Palmerstown, Druids Heath and The Heritage.

Top Courses: As rated by experts

The Top 15

Figures in brackets are ratings from two years ago

1 Muirfield (1)

2 Royal County Down (2)

3 Royal Birkdale (5)

4 Turnberry (Ailsa) (3)

5 Royal Portrush (Dunluce) (8)

6 St Andrews (Old) (4)

7 Carnoustie Links (12)

8 Loch Lomond (6)

9 Ballybunion (Old) (10)

10 Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin) (9)

11 Portmarnock (Old) (7)

12 Royal St Georges (16)

13 Royal Dornoch (15)

14 Royal Lytham & St Annes (22)

15 Kingsbarns (13)

Other Irish Placings

21 Waterville (23)

22 Lahinch (30)

27 The European Club (21)

28 County Louth (27)

52 Mount Juliet (51)

55 Donegal (66)

57 County Sligo (44)

58 Doonbeg (New)

61 Old Head of Kinsale (99)

70 The Island (70)

74 The K Club (Palmer) (79)

78 Ballyliffin (Glashedy) (56)

80 Killarney (Mahony's Point) (71)

83 Adare (New)

87 Tralee (96)

95 Druids Glen (Old) (77)

99 Killarney (Killeen) (60)