I grew up playing golf at Royal Troon, Scotland, one of the classic links courses on the rota of the British Open Championship. Not far from the Montgomerie home there were many other great links courses, such as Prestwick, Turnberry, St Andrews, Muirfield, and Carnoustie.

Here are some of the characteristics that I beleive make a great golf course:

- Bunkering at Royal Melbourne: the use of bunkering as a genuine hazard.
- Fairway design from Pine Valley: fairways that are “fair”, rough that is “rough”.
- Undiluted beauty of Augusta: the importance of maintenance.
- Character and toughness of Turnberry and Troon: playability in variable weather.
- Unspoiled tradition of St. Andrews: the value of unique green shaping.

What are your favorite golf courses and what makes them great?

Colin.

I would like to hear from anybody who has played my golf course at Carton House, Dubai or Celtic Manor. How did you find the experience, from the course to hospitality ?