1. Old Course at St. Andrews
St. Andrews, Scotland
âKnees knocking, everyone watching.â
âSo wide yet so scary.â
âThe hair stands up on any normal neck.â
âItâs so wide…and yet the OB stakes on the right are so white.â
â100+ yards wide never looked so narrow. Did I mention the burn?â
2. Merion GC (East)
Ardmore, Pa.
âFrom lunch to the first tee in less than 10 seconds!â
âQuiet please, on table four.â
âWhy did the glassware and silverware suddenly stop clinking when I took my stance?â
âYou do not want to hook one here.â
âWould everyone please stop looking at me?â
âAt lunch time, it is the scariest opening tee shot.â
âGreat anticipation versus fear and exposure!”
3. Machrihanish GC
Argyll, Scotland
âAll of Scotland to the right.â
âThat drive over the Atlantic!â
âHow much do I take off the first shot of the day?â
âEntire rounds have been mentally surrendered here.â
âBetter hope the wind is not directly into your face.â
âItâs the ultimate in risk/reward in a dramatic setting.â
âScary and unique…think of the permissions needed to build this today.â
4. Portstewart (Strand)
Portstewart, Northern Ireland
âHow steep is that drop?â
âNothing prepares you for the stunning view down the 1st.â
5. Old Prestwick GC
Prestwick, Scotland
âHope my tee ball doesnât start heading south in the adjacent coal train.â
âA trip back in time with the railroad!â