GOLFWEEK NAMES BEST COURSES OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

Posted on March 3, 2010

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Troon Golf,® the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce four of its managed properties named to Golfweek magazine’s most recent accolade honoring the “Best Courses of Great Britain & Ireland.” The inaugural list recognized “the home of golf” separated in two categories – “Classic” courses built before 1960 and “Modern” courses built in 1960 or later.

Representing Troon Golf at No. 6 on the “Classic” list is Turnberry’s Ailsa course, located in Ayrshire, Scotland. The Mackenzie Ross-design, which first opened in 1949, has hosted The Open championship four times – most recently in 2009. Long regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, the historic Ailsa is links golf at its most challenging.

The Grove, located in London, England is ranked No. 16 on Golfweek’s “Modern” list. Designed by Kyle Philips, the course layout combines contemporary characteristics with the great traditions of British golf course architecture. Always kept in immaculate condition, the course follows a majestic route through the Hertfordshire landscape and is suitable for various playing abilities with four sets of tees.

Following close behind The Grove at No. 17 is the Martin Hawtree-designed Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Berkshire, England. Bearwood Lakes is an oasis of calm and beauty set in the midst of one of the most vibrant areas of Europe. Its undulating terrain rolls along the banks of Bearwood Lake, with dramatic views of the entire estate.

Finally, Turnberry’s Kintyre course made the Modern list positioned at No. 23. The Kintyre, designed by Donald Steel, is links golf at its exhilarating best. Undulating greens, glorious fairways and magnificent ocean holes, make up the unique character of the course, which also features views of the famous Turnberry Lighthouse.

The panel of Golfweek course raters used their standard methodology to identify the “Best Courses of Great Britain & Ireland.” The criteria used includes: “Ease and intimacy of routing” – The extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner. “Variety and memorability of par 3s, 4s and 5s” – Different clubs hit; extent to which the angles of play create interesting and varied playing options; and extent to which holes offer variety of options from the tee and on the second shot. “Basic quality of conditioning” – Variety of playing textures; extent of turf coverage; consistency and quality of bunker sand. “Walk in the park test” – Degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on.

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at properties located in 31 states and 26 countries. Additionally, 39 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf & Country Club , Green Bay, Wis.; Troon North Golf Club , Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Golf Club at Equinox, Manchester Village, Vt.; Classic Club , Palm Desert, Calif.; One&Only Ocean Club , Paradise Island, Bahamas; and The Grove, London, England.

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