A-bbey to B-lankney

Abbey's 18th hole.

In the first of a new series, we take a trip through the alphabet to discover courses you might not have thought of for a day out.

For each letter we suggested what we recommend as six of the best.

We want to hear your views, too, so tell us on the forum if we've left out any under the appropriate letters.

Abbey Hotel, Redditch, W Midlands

01527 68006

Designed by the renowned Donald Steel, it's packed with quirky holes which ramble in and out of a housing estate. Demands are on accuracy, but there are occasional holes where you can let it rip with your driver. The short par-4 18th sits below the terrace where your errors are laid bare for the assembled throng supping a well-earned pint.

Abbotsley Golf and Squash Club

01480 474000

Close to the A1 south of St Neots, it has two courses with the Abbotsley more demanding than the Cromwell, with narrow fairways and doglegs which will encourage you to keep driver in the bag. The par-3 second, called Mousehole requires expert accuracy to find the green.

Aldeburgh

01728 452890

One of England's finest heathland courses, close to Saxmundham in Suffolk. Demands a handicap certificate for the main 18 holes but alternative 9-holer ideal for the holiday-golfer.

Aldwickbury Park

01582 760112

Commentator and former Ryder Cup player Ken Brown who lives at nearby Harpenden had much to do with the design of this parkland course. Some great, sweeping par-4s across the Lee Valley and a friendly clubhouse.

Anglesey

01407 811202

Close to the ferry port at Holyhead this links course was designed by the legendary Harold Hilton. It features include sand dunes and a tidal river and it's a great place to hone your game for windy conditions.

Ashdown Forest Golf Hotel

01342 824866

Not to be confused with its illustrious 'Royal' neighbour at Forest Row in East Sussex but it shares the features of being set in undulating heathland and woodland - and with no bunkers. Specialises in golf breaks.

Bamburgh Castle's 17th.

Bamburgh Castle

01668 214378

Rated one of the finest courses in the north-east of England - it has hard-running fairways and fast greens. Heather and whin bushes add to the spectacular views across to Lindisfarne and the Cheviot Hills.

Bedford and County

01234 352617

Friendly course that has hosted several top junior events. Undulating with mature greens and well-kept fairways and bunkers. However, danger lurks in a stream that meanders through the course to catch the unwary. Terrific downhill dogleg finishing hole.

Barnham Broom Hotel and Golf

01603 759393

Has nurtured some of the best young golfers to come from the Swindon area, including European Tour winner David Howell. Has two courses - the Valley alongside the River Yare and The Hill, with spectacular views and well-bunkered greens. Top class driving range.

Bramshaw

023 80871 3433

Among Britain's most unusual, the Forest course is populated with grazing cattle and wild New Forest ponies - but they have learned to never step on the greens and you get a free drop if your ball comes to rest beside an animal that refuses to budge. The Manor course is almost as delightful but less of a test.

Bude and North Cornwall

01288 352006 Celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, you're sure of a welcome to this seaside links with a road running though it. Greens are superb and the sea views can be a real distraction.

Blankney

01526 320263

One of Lincolnshire's best kept secrets, the open parkland course has some great driving holes and tricky par-3s and par-4s. Teaching pro Graham Bradley is regarded as one of the best in the business and has helped established good practice facilities as well as a first class course.