Danny Willett’s Top Ten Courses

Danny Willett

Newly-crowned Masters champion Danny Willett not surprisingly has Georgia at the forefront of his mind when carefully selecting his 10 favourite courses on Planet Golf…

► Augusta National, Georgia, USA

I’ve now played in two Masters and even if you take the fact that it’s the Masters to one side. Without the crowds though it feels a bit strange and I think the tournament needs to be on to have that impact. It’s an amazing place, pretty cool…

Green fees: Dream on! Members only.

► Royal County Down, Co. Down, Northern Ireland

One of the most spectacular courses in the world never mind the UK! It’s just pure links at its best isn’t it? It’s a great all round test of golf and you get stunning coastal and Mourne mountains views on a good day.

Green fees: £50-£190.

► Golf Club of Georgia, Georgia, USA

I played here in some regionals when I was at college and it’s just a quality place with some proper, proper golf holes. They also have the Georgia Cup, which is the annual competition between the US and British amateur champions.

Green fees: Members & members guests only.

► McArthur GC, Florida, USA

I had the pleasure of playing here just before Doral last year. It’s a members course and it’s just full of brilliant holes while it’s in fantastic condition. You could just play it over and over again.

Green fees: Members & members guests only.

► Lake Nona, Florida, USA

Again, I played the course in regionals in my first year at college and it’s a great test when the wind is blowing in off the lake. It’s no surprise to me that a lot of top pros are linked with this course.

Green fees: Members & members guests only.

► Le Golf National, Paris, France

It’s one of the better courses you play in the year. It’s very strong and you have to hit good shot after good shot after good shot to score well. It’s a bit more linksy but very fair and if you’re having a bad day you’ll be seriously punished.

Green fees: From 96euros.

► TPC Sawgrass, Florida, USA

It’s a really tough design from Pete Dye. It gives you a couple of bail-outs but generally-speaking it’s very tight and you have to hit a lot of good shots if you’re going to compete and score well.

Green fees: From $250.

► Wentworth, Surrey, England

The greens aren’t flawless simply because they don’t have time to be in as good a condition as they might be, but I still enjoy the layout at the European Tour’s flagship event. I really enjoy going back there each year.

Green fees: Members & members guests only.

► Royal Melbourne, Australia

I played here in the World Cup of Golf with Chris Wood two years ago. It’s a great course but from 50 yards in it comes into its own. You have to really think about where you’re putting your ball and if you don’t you’ll be going home in an ambulance!

Green fees: Mon-Fri, A$400.

► Kingston Heath, Victoria, Australia

Another course in the Sand Belt area Down Under. I played it just before the Australian Amateur in a challenge match about eight years ago. It’s fast and firm and you have to miss in the right places. It’s a fantastic course.

Green fees: Visitors tee-times available on Mon 12.45-1.45, Thurs after 1.30 & Fri 7-11am.