Cabot Saint Lucia (Point Hardy Golf Club)

Minimalist architects on a maximalist site. The backdrop for this eye-popping property almost needs to be seen to be believed. Along the craggy northern edge of St. Lucia, Coore and Crenshaw capitalize on the coastal splendor with thrilling crescendos to close each nine. The final four greens on the front side dangle by the cliffs, as do the final five greens on the second nine. Dazzling moments include diagonal tee-shot carries over the ocean at holes 8 and 15, and testy par 3s like the 7th and 17th. The former features a long but narrow green set on a point, while the latter plays to a clifftop target with waves churning 80 feet below. When the course turns inland, it climbs some 200 feet, giving rise to arresting vistas. From the 4th tee, the Atlantic roils behind you and the Caribbean spreads in front. On those interior holes, the architects created several stout par 4s that call for inventive ground-game approaches, an elegant balance to the aerial demands found along the water. Throw in lumpy fairways and shifting breezes, and this design poses questions as compelling as the panoramic it provides.