Cabot Cliffs

Canada’s top-ranked course is a six-year-old Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw that alternates between big dunes at the southern end and cliffs at the northern end that rise more than 100 feet above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, inspiring Pebble Beach-like awe. The 2nd hole, arguably the course’s finest, starts from a tee high on a bluff and requires a rousing tee shot over wetlands, followed by an equally dramatic approach to an elevated green with punchbowl qualities. The opportunity to use side slopes to kick balls onto the putting surfaces is a recurring design theme and the fescue fairways encourage lively interaction with the ground. Two of the best examples occur late in the round. One is at the downhill 560-yard 15th, which is reachable under certain wind conditions. The other comes at the 320-yard 17th, where a courageous well-executed power fade over the cliffs and down the sloping fairway could result in an eagle putt. A great design lends itself to lasting memories, and Cabot Cliffs is aces in that department. (Photo: Brian Oar)