Ardfin

Australian architect Bob Harrison didn’t need to rely on bunkers to make this one of the world’s most photogenic courses. In fact, “only” 29 bunkers are spread across the 18 holes. But golfers are put on notice early, with the tee shot at the 205-yard 2nd needing to carry a 100-foot (!) chasm. The 6th tee is both the farthest point inland and the highest, providing sweeping views across the water to the Isle of Islay three miles away. The thrill ride continues, with holes 8 through 11 hugging the cliff line. Eventually, golfers finds themselves teeing off along the pebbled shoreline for holes 12-14, some 250 feet below the aforementioned 6th tee. Harrison mixes up the asks with a variety of fine green complexes. Most are open in front to accommodate for the wind, some greens (e.g., the 3rd and 7th) fall away from the player, a couple (e.g., the 6th and 11th) are knobs that are particularly vexing to hold, and the long narrow green at the 9th necks down to 12 paces at one spot and amply defends par at this all-world, drivable 295-yard par-4. Set on the Isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides, Ardfin is a course unlike any other. (Photo: Konrad Borkowski)