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1st

Machrihanish

Par 4, 424 yards

We say: ‘Battery’ may well be the most dramatic opening hole in golf, requiring a tee shot that cuts the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean. It topped a 2017 VisitScotland poll to find the ‘Best Opening Hole in Scotland’.

2nd

Royal Dornoch

Par 3, 184 yards

We say: This hole includes what Tom Watson calls the ‘hardest shot in golf’. But it’s not the tee shot he’s talking about. Instead, it’s your second shot when you inevitably miss the narrow, elevated, well-guarded green.

3rd

Castle Stuart

Par 4, 305 yards

We say: An immense short par-4. Do you go for broke, bring all the trouble into play and try to drive the undulating, elevated and narrow green? Or do you play safe and lay up? The choice is yours!

4th

Scotscraig

Par 4, 366 yards

We say: The standout hole on a hugely underrated course, ‘Westward Ho’ requires a drive threaded between the bunkers to give you the best angle into a plateau green surrounded by rough and a kidney bean-shaped bunker.

5th

Anstruther

Par 3, 245 yards

We say: Quite possibly the toughest ‘short’ hole you will ever play. Not only is it long, you also have steep gorse, thick rough and the encroaching Firth of Forth to contend with. One of those holes where a bogey feels like a par.

6th

Carnoustie

Par 5, 520 yards

We say: Named ‘Hogan’s Alley’ in honour of Ben Hogan’s aggressive approach to this hole during his 1953 Open triumph. The sixth has it all: drama, danger, excitement, the works. Easily one of the greatest holes in the game.

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