Southampton, New York, United States of America
Lobster for lunch is an occasion at the best of times, but combine that with a round at one of the world’s most exclusive courses and it’s a red letter day. Besides an excellent lunch, the “National” provides an excellent location, variety, exceptional course architecture and a history steeped in tradition. The course is designed around some of the best hole designs from courses around the world – and often improves on the original. A good example of this is the best par 3 on the course, the 195 yard 4th hole, copied from the 15th at North Berwick and named “Redan” after it. C.B. Macdonald, the architect of the course, tilted the green from front right to the back left portion by a good five feet demanding a rolling approach to have any chance to stay on the putting surface. Because the surface remains visible from an approach, this layout has now become the most copied version of the Redan in course design.
The course’s iconic windmill was bought by Macdonald during a visit to Europe after a member suggested that a windmill would make a nice addition to the course. Macdonald reportedly sent the member the bill for it. With the famous landmark to the right and the Atlantic in front, the signature 17th provides the best view on the course. Large bunkers crossing the fairway must be carried for an approach shot or the left side of the fairway, dangerously close to the rough is the alternative. Whichever route you take, you have nearly completed one of the finest courses you will find on this planet.
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