My Top 10 Courses: Paul McGinley

Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley told us “I’ve been lucky enough to have played some of the most beautiful courses in the world” and that picking his personal favourite courses was no easy task. In his relatively new role as a golf course designer, having recently been instrumental in the re-working of Quinta do Lago’s North Course on the Algarve, McGinley is eager to make the game more popular… and easier. He told us: “Many courses over the past 15 years have been designed for players of my quality and that’s not what it should be. Enticing – not intimidating – should be the way forward and that’s what we’ve tried to do with our recent renovation at Quinta do Lago.” After plenty of deliberation, the Dubliner eventually came up with his 10 favourites…

● Muirfield, East Lothian
In my view the best of the Open Championship rota courses, mainly owing to the fact that the holes work in several different directions which is always a challenge, especially on a windy links course. Green fees: From £110-£210.

● St Andrews, Fife
Pin positions make or break the difficulty of the wonderfully historic Old Course. But how can you not have St Andrews, the spiritual home of golf, in your top 10 courses? Green fees: From £77-£170.

● Royal Portrush, County Antrim
I’ve always been a huge fan of Harry Colt designs, and none more so than the stunning Dunluce layout at Portrush. I’m delighted to see the Open going there in 2018. Green fees: From £60-£175.

● County Louth, County Louth
My favourite course to play in Ireland and a course I hold up a lot as a golf challenge: not the most difficult, but that’s what makes it great as you have opportunities as well as challenges Green fees: €55-€120.

● Sunningdale (New), Surrey
The neighbouring Old course tends to get most plaudits, but in my opinion the New is better. It’s a great driving course and another Harry Colt gem. Green fees: £105-£180.

● Castle Stuart, Highlands
A worthy Scottish Open venue a few years back and in my view is along the lines of Co Louth – a fun place to play and one of the great modern designs. Green fees: £130-£180.

● County Sligo, County Sligo
Stunning links at Rosses Point and set in the foothills of Benbullen, Co Sligo is another Colt classic and just happens to be the scene of my first significant amateur event success. Green fees: €125 round, €200 day.

● Rosapenna, County Donegal
Yet another breathtaking Irish links, the 10 holes by the sea would grace any Open Championship course. Without doubt, it’s one of my favourite places in the world to visit and play. Green fees: €80.

● Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork
Though I don’t believe it’s one of the great course designs, Old Head is nevertheless a must-play. Plotted high up on the cliffs of a slender peninsula, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and provides sensational views from most holes. Green fees: From €160.

● Turnberry (Ailsa), Ayrshire
Right up there with Muirfield as the best, in my opinion, of Open venues. I’m extremely excited to hear of new owner Donald Trump’s ideas of creating some new holes around the lighthouse. Green fees: £85-£250.

Paul McGinley’s Golfing CV

• A promising Gaelic footballer, McGinley switched to golf after breaking his kneecap aged 19.

• His best year came in 2005 when he finished runner-up three times before signing off with a memorable victory in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

• Achieved his place in golfing folklore by holing the winning putt on his Ryder Cup debut in 2002. He also went on to represent Europe in 2004 and 2006.