Top James Braid golf courses

Located on the beautiful Gower Peninsula, some 200ft above sea level, the ‘links in the sky’ is one of the best courses in Wales.

It is also one of the most spectacular. Overlooked by a twelfth-century Norman castle, the holes are routed through tumbling links terrain, and golfers must navigate humps and hollows, blind shots, and treacherous bunkers, as well as the odd cow, if they hope to play well.

At just over 6,300 yards from the back tees, it is certainly not the longest of courses, but with a strong wind the norm, rather than the exception, most are grateful for the extra yards. Pennard’s brilliance lies in eighteen unique and memorable holes, each emanating their own individual charm.

Royal Cinque Ports is one of four epic links courses lining the Kent coastline, all of which can be reached within an hour of the capital.

James Braid, who would redesign the layout after it was almost totally destroyed during the First World War, considered Royal Cinque Ports to be the finest course in England. A century later and that claim is still not too far off the mark.

Host to two Open Championships, in 1909 and 1920, the links has hosted a number of prestigious championships over the years, most recently the Amateur Championship in 2013.

The course is an absolute brute, with the final seven holes playing directly into the prevailing wind. Awkward stances, pot bunkers and narrow fairways lined with wild dune grass only exacerbate the challenge. Regardless of how well you navigate the challenge, Royal Cinque Ports is a course that will have you coming back for more time and time again.

It may have been the Jack Nicklaus signature course at Gleneagles that captured the world’s attention during the 2014 Ryder Cup, but that takes nothing away from the quality of the two fabulous James Braid designed layouts at the resort. Both of which rank among the finest courses in Scotland.

The Kings is widely considered to be the best moorland course in Britain. Dating back to 1919, the course is the jewel in Braid's glittering crown. A masterpiece in golf course design, the course offers exceptional panoramic views from almost every tee.

Meanwhile, the beautiful natural setting of the Queens Course has captivated the imagination of some of the biggest names in golf, including Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson.

Nairn may not be the best known of Scotland’s links courses, but it is certainly one of the finest. James Braid has twice had a hand in the design of this spectacular seaside course, which was originally laid out by Old Tom Morris, and his trademarks are evident throughout.

Located at the tip of the Highlands, close to Inverness, the course boasts sea views from every hole. The beach isn’t only for scenic value, however, particularly over the opening holes and anyone struggling with a slice should be sure to pack plenty of golf balls.

Anyone travelling north to tackle the golfing gladiator that is Royal Dornoch should sure to stop for a round at Brora Golf Club. One of Braid's lesser-known designs, Brora is links golf at its very best. The traditional out and back layout offers outstanding views across the North Sea coastline.

Nonetheless, with little in the way of protection from the Highlands elements, the course provides even the most accomplished golfer with a stern test, particularly when the wind picks up. Meanwhile, the greens, protected by a series of electric fences to ward off grazing cattle, are both slick and hard to hold. Rugged and charming in equal measure, Brora may be quite some distance off the beaten track but is more than worthy of the extra miles.

Old Tom Morris may have fashioned the original design for the Championship course at Carnoustie, but it is James Braid who would transform the formidable layout into the world-class links that can be found today. Regarded as one of the toughest courses on the Open Championship roster, the Scottish links may have aptly acquired the nickname ‘Car-Nasty’, but in truth, visitors will find a course that is likely to astound and inspire in equal measure.

Few golf fans will forget Jean van de Velde’s barefoot paddle and eventual downfall in Barry’s Burn at the 1999 Open Championship. The greatest testament to Carnoustie’s standing as one of Britain’s finest courses however is the long list of champions who have lifted the Claret Jug at the Angus venue over the years, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson just to name a few.