England Golf has released statistics for the 2023 season, showing a record-breaking number of rounds were recorded across the country this year – and that Rockliffe Hall is home to the hardest course in England for men.
While many courses have been closed for a prolonged period, 2023 has seen 8.51 million rounds posted on the World Handicap System from January 1-October 31 – Talready a 460,000 increase on 2022. Of those rounds, 1.26 million of them have been affected by the Playing Conditions Calculator due to abnormal course conditions and weather.
Based on the difference between par and Course Rating, Rockliffe Hall’s 7,877-yard gold tee layout is ranked the toughest place to play for men in England (par 72, rating 79.3) – with Royal Lytham & St Anne’s (70/76.5) and Royal Birkdale (70/72.4) in second and third place respectively.
For women, the hardest course is Hollinwell (72/79.8), with Rowlands Castle (72/79.4) and Dewsbury District (60/67) in second and third place respectively.
