Driven a few. As already said, sound great with awesome engine, but thirsty (22-26mpg).
Handling sharper, but not as refined. Great seats (only 4 in the ST3), but feels ordinary compared to the Golf (it is only a Ford). The lower models (ST1 & ST2) miss out on some useful kit, like ESP, auto wipers/lights etc that come std on the Golf.
I'd say it was faster, though (does have 222bhp as standard). A great car, but not as good an all-rounder as the Golf.