David McLay-Kidd’s designs resonate as some of the most memorable in the American golf lexicon today, and they should, he was quite literally bred into it. Born in Scotland as the son of a golf course superintendent, McLay-Kidd cultivated a sharp eye for fun, engageable golf from a young age. Eventually, that eye would craft a pair of modern North American gems, Bandon and Mammoth Dunes.
Whether it be his eye for design or wickedly creative mind, McLay-Kidd’s feel for courses comes from a lifetime’s worth of learning. A knowledge reflected in his list of top 10 no-name courses in the world below.
10. Gearhart — Gearhart, Ore. — https://www.gearhartgolflinks.com/
9. Dunaverty — Southend, Campbeltown, Scotland — http://www.dunavertygolfclub.com/
8. Aldeburgh — Aldeburgh, UK — https://www.aldeburghgolfclub.co.uk/
7. Blairgowrie — Blairgowrie, UK — https://www.theblairgowriegolfclub.co.uk/
6. Tributary — Driggs, Idaho — https://tributaryidaho.com/
5. Princes — Sandwich, UK — https://www.princesgolfclub.co.uk/
4. Crosswater — Bend, Ore. — http://www.crosswater.com/
3. Durban Country Club — Durban, South Africa — https://www.facebook.com/DurbanCountryClub/
2. Monterey Peninsula Country Club ‘Shores’ Course — Pebble Beach, Calif. — https://www.mpccpb.org/
1. Victoria — Cheltenham, Australia — https://www.victoriagolf.com.au/cms/
