In Praise of Clifftop Golf

North Americans love their true links golf experiences if they have the opportunity to play them in the Old Country. I love this form of old style, traditional golf. However, clifftop golf courses are beautiful experiences if you can fit them into your golf itinerary. Here is an impressive line-up of clifftop courses I have played: Old Head, Ardglass, Nefyn and Pebble Beach. Interestingly, Old Head and Pebble Beach both have Links in their names. Not true. But then we can go down the rabbit hole of what is a “links course”? Old Head is spectacular and must be played in Kinsale, Ireland. The scenic drive in, No. 2, and 12 and the precipitous drops along the cliffs are awe-inspiring. Look out to the sea and envision the sunk Lusitania. Ardglass in Northern Ireland has a great flurry of opening holes with ocean lurking and an old castle/clubhouse and cannon at your back on the opening drive. Coney Island is there with Van Morrison’s voice in your thoughts. Nefyn is spectacular with views of the sea on every hole in Northern Wales and inexpensive https://nefyn-golf-club.co.uk/. The additional Point 9 will give you a thriller and walk down to the Ty Coch Inn and have a pint of Guinness. The American iconic course of Pebble Beach has you at hello as you drive in with a glistening Pacific Ocean backdrop in Monterey. The first few holes are ordinary then you make the turn around 5 to 10 then 17 and 18 and you can hear Bing Crosby singing, It Went Straight Down the Middle and thinking of all those characters like Bill Murray and Andy Garcia playing in the old Clambake. Clifftop golf smacks you in the nose with incredible views. Yes, people may start making snippy comments about course design errors. Dismiss them. These courses remain etched in your skull for many years. What is your favourite clifftop course and your experience?