Tee time

SCOTLAND - Castle Stuart Golf Links 

The brainchild of Mark Parsinen, the American who gifted the world Kingsbarns, this superb championship course with links characteristics, overlooks the Moray Firth and well known landmarks that are synonymous with the town of Inverness. The Kessock Bridge, Chanonry Lighthouse, Fort George and Castle Stuart are all visible from the course which also enjoys similar topography to Royal Dornoch further north, with an old sea cliff creating two tiered plateaus with six holes running alongside the inner Moray Firth. 

Castle Stuart is a delight to play, offering beautiful views and endless photo opportunities. The great thing about Castle Stuart is that you get a real sense of seclusion and most of the time you are not aware of other golfers out on the course. The views are fabulous, and from some tees and greens, the 1930s style white ’Art Deco’ clubhouse can be seen sitting prominently atop its viewing perch. Look out for the par-3 4th, played towards beautiful Castle Stuart and the inspiration for the course name. www.castlestuartgolf.com

SCOTLAND – Carnoustie Golf Links

There is nothing to match the experience of playing one of the most famous and challenging courses in world golf. Originally laid out in 1840 by Allan Robertson, with major changes being introduced later by Old Tom Morris and James Braid, the finishing hole of Carnoustie's championship course with the clubhouse and hotel in the background is a golfing highlight. A scene of major drama in the 1999 and 2007 British Opens, this 510-yard par-4 will play as a par-5 for the majority of golfers even from the front markers. Faced with a tee shot most likely into the wind, you must negotiate the notorious Barry Burn that winds across the fairway like an agitated snake. A five is good here and a six would have won Jean Van de Velde the claret jug in 1999. The British Open will make a welcome return to Carnoustie in 2018 .  www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

ENGLAND – Ganton Golf Club

Gary Player once said that Ganton in the county of Yorkshire, is the only inland course worthy of holding the Open Championship. It hasn’t managed that, but this World Top 80 course has hosted an illustrious roll call of team events including the Ryder (1949), Curtis (2000) and Walker Cups (2003). Golf was first played at Ganton in 1891 and Harry Vardon, six times winner of the Open Championship was the club professional between 1896 and 1903. Impenetrable gorse lines the fairways of this testing heathland track and provides a strong defence, in addition to the 111 bunkers positioned aggressively around the 18 holes. 

Ganton's strong finish picks up steam on the challenging par-4 16th with a daunting tee shot played over a massive bunker running across the fairway about 150 yards out, then continues through an avenue of trees to a large green guarded by more sand traps. www.gantongolfclub.com

ENGLAND – St. Enodoc Golf Club

Many golfers will have heard of St. Enodoc Golf Club on Cornwall's north Atlantic coast, but not all will have made the pilgrimage. Designed by James Braid in 1907, St. Enodoc is by no means a long course, it measures just 6,557 yards from the back tees - but its skilful design dictates that it will not surrender to just a brash, powerful game. The par-4 6th will literally stop you in your tracks as you gaze in wonder at the ‘Himalayas Bunker, which is believed to be the largest sand-hill on any British course. It rises 80 feet above the fairway, totally eclipsing your view of the green which lies 100 yards beyond. The par-4 10th finishes beside a cemetery and namesake church that dates from the 13th century. www.st-enodoc.co.uk