5 Of The Best Golf Courses In The World
Posted on Monday, 9th August 2010 in Golf Courses5 Of The Best Golf Courses In The World
Some of the golf courses’ architecture is flattering on the handicap and others make you think hard, struggle some more and eventually abandon all thoughts of posting a decent medal card. Nevertheless, if the course can beat you up and still entice you back for more, it must be good. Here’s my top 5 golf courses that provide a difficult challenge.
Le Touessrok
For a so-called holiday golf course, this one is tough! Mauritius is now one of (if not the) best exotic golf destinations in the world with no less than six first-class courses. Le Touessrok, though, takes the biscuit with tight fairways and tiny greens. I’ve played this course several times, each with a different game plan…every time I’ve failed, but I’ve come back for more as the course does offer a birdie or two and a wonderful lunch. This golf course’s architecture is unique as it is the only course in the world to take over an entire island, and to get there you take the private launch from the hotel. In fact, maybe that’s why I never play well there as I’m too relaxed by the time I arrive!
Barbaroux
Designed by Pete Dye and located in the heart of Provence, this is a beast of a golf course with a charming three-star hotel and two restaurants. Even by today’s standards it’s long off the back but I remember it being one of the very first courses that I had to hit a driver and a three-wood just to hit a par four in regulation…today’s balls make it shorter but it’s still one of the rare courses where you can play every shot, and every club, in your bag. Plus, some of the greens are 80 yards long so clubbing is so important (unless you like four-putting). Terrific target golf with scenery to take your breath away ensures this memorable golf course’s design was always going to sneak into my top 10!
Canouan Island
Having just come back from here and lost about five balls per round, I want to go back again better prepared. Part of the Grenadine Islands, this is a corner of paradise and the Jim Fazio golf course fits in perfectly. The front nine is demanding off the tee as the landing zones are quite narrow and the wind off the beach (just yards away) can really punish the ball. The back nine is treacherous and wonderful at the same time…every shot has to be spot on. The greens and fairways are immaculate but the rough is fluffy and the thick stuff is a no-go zone! The best golf course architecture in the Caribbean by a long way.
Pebble Beach
I haven’t played that much in the States but I have played some of their best. For me, Pebble Beach is the tops. There’s the usual US-style slick service that sets you up nicely and the condition of the course is typical of the California climate. Rated No.1 public USA golf course, it isn’t the most difficult challenge you’ll ever face but you know the green-keeper is being kind on you. However, get a little bit of wind and let the history of the course affect you and there’s a very nasty bite behind the beautiful façade of the golf course’s design…
The European
They say that tour pro’s have walked off this course – but they only play for money and the rest of us can play for fun! A simple clubhouse belies the genius of the design. Quite long and with plenty of cunningly-placed bunkers, you have to be Gary Player and John Daly if you are going to beat this golf course’s design and score well here. Again, the views are as distracting as a beautiful girl in a church and you need plenty of balls or a caddy with a long stick. South of Dublin and better than the big-name courses of the area.
Tags: Best Golf Courses In The World, Birdie, Biscuit, Canouan Island, Different Game, Game Plan, Golf Courses, Golf Destinations, Greens, Grenadine, Holiday Golf Course, Launch, Memorable Golf, Pete Dye, Provence, Rare Courses, Scenery, Star Hotel, Target Golf, Tight Fairways
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