My Top 10 Courses: Maurice Bembridge

Veteran Maurice Bembridge, now 70, was back at Delamere Forest GC in Cheshire and was clearly revelling in his comeback. Now based in Switzerland, Bembridge qualified for the 1967 Open at Royal Liverpool by firing a sensational 9-under-par 63 at Delamere Forest. Bembridge returned to the club in March to celebrate the extensive refurbishment carried out by Mackenzie & Ebert and said: “It was great to be back and remember what I achieved. They’ve done a great job but I can still see some of the course that once stood there.” Seven years later Bembridge was course record breaking again, this time at Augusta National – his momentous 64 stood for 12 years. On his return to Delamere, Bembridge was presented with a silver scorecard plaque honouring his long-standing course record and made an honorary life member.

● Little Aston, West Midlands
I was attached and played out of this wonderful club for 10 years and enjoyed every minute of it. It’s a fantastic and beautiful place to play and has perfect turf for hitting shots. Green fees: £90 a round, £135 per day (includes course planner).

● Woodhall Spa, Lincs
I’ve selected a string of heathland courses and this has got to be top of my list: with its heather-lined fairways, it’s a serious test – even for the best players. The deep, steep bunkers are a golfers’ burial ground. Green fees: £75.

● Royal Birkdale, Merseyside
I also strongly favour links courses and this is one of the best in the UK. Every day is a different day at Birkdale, a wonderful course to play because you never know what conditions to expect and that’s what makes it a great challenge. Green fees: £195-£235.

● Delamere Forest, Cheshire
One of my favourite heathland courses, Delamere is a peaceful and quiet place to play, the turf is beautiful and the greens superb. I also happen to be the joint course record holder having shot a 63 nearly 50 years ago! Green fees: £55-£70.

● Walton Heath, Surrey
Steeped in history and tradition – it’s staged the Ryder Cup and James Braid was club pro here for many years and is home of two heatherlined courses (Old & New) and if you hit good shots you’re duly rewarded. Green fees: £145-£175.

● Sunningdale, Surrey
A similar story and theme to Walton, Sunningdale also boasts stunning Old and New courses: you don’t have to be a great golfer to enjoy Sunningdale, but to be a great golfer you do enjoy it… Green fees: £105-£205.

● St Andrews, Fife
It’s the Home of Golf so how can you not like the Old Course and why wouldn’t you want to play it? A magical and unique experience and will no doubt provide another memorable Open this summer. Green fees: £80-£170.

● Carnoustie, Angus
Arguably the toughest course of all. But I’ve got fond memories of it because in the late 1960s I had a good Open Championship, finishing 5th after hitting a barassie over the water at the last to make a four. Green fees: £160.

● The Lindrick, South Yorks
This is where I grew up playing, and again it’s a dry, fast-draining course and just gets the nod over Sherwood Forest and Hollinwell. Green fees: From £40.

● Muirfield, East Lothian
Legendary links which has hosted Opens, Ryder Cups and many other big events, and has to be included. With little room for error the key is to hit every shot good and well! Green fees: £210.

Maurice Bembridge’s Golfing CV

• Born in Worksop in 1945, he turned pro in 1960.

• Six European Tour wins, 12 worldwide victories plus two European Seniors Tour titles.

• Held Augusta National course record for 12 years after shooting 64 in 1974 Masters, finishing tied 9th behind Gary Player.

• Represented GB&I four times in Ryder Cup, winning five of his matches including a 3&1 fourballs victory (with Brian Huggett) over Nicklaus & Palmer in 1973!

• Came second to Peter Oosterhuis in the 1973 European Tour Order of Merit.

• European Seniors Tour chairman from 2007-2011.