SCOTLAND:

Loch Lomond Golf Club:
Course Description: Framed by towering hills and bounded by the loch, the course winds through an abundance of trees and wild life without seemingly disturbing a blade of grass. ‘This is the finest golf course in Europe,’ was Nick Faldo’s verdict. ‘It simply cannot be faulted. This is the standard all other European courses have to strive to attain.’ Lush fairways, large beautifully manicured greens, the restored Rossdhu House as a clubhouse, it reeks of exclusivity.Exclusive, it is. The closest many can come to appreciating its style is watching on TV the European Tour compete here before the Open Championship. Only a member can invite you to play and even the members are not encouraged to over golf, being reminded that it is ‘intended as an international club for the occasional use of members and their guests and not meant as their primary club.’It starts gently enough to put you at your ease and soon you are marvelling at the difference of each hole. To pick out a favourite is difficult but there’s the sixth, the longest hole in Scottish golf -- 625-yards, but as it runs alongside the loch it’s not a step too long. Then the 10th (see below). The 14th sorts out the men from the boys. Go for the green, more than 250 yards carry over the bog that almost claimed Weiskopf or bale out to the fairway on the left. The 205-yard 17th , which is a classic par-3, or the 18th finishing in front of the old castle.From the championship tees, it is a severe test for the very best of players but from forward tees, and Weiskopf has offered a varied selection, the course is eminently playable for the less skilled. 18 holes, 7,060 yards. Par 71 (medal par 72, SSS 74).

Address: Rossdhu House, Luss, Dunbartonshire G83 8NT Telephone: +44 (0)1436 860223. Fax: +44 (0)1436 655500.

Visitors: May only play as guests of members

Royal Troon Golf Club:
Course Description: Dramatic would perhaps be the best way to describe Royal Troon, which hosted the 1997 Open Championship. When the wind blows on the Old Course strange things can happen on this classic undulating links, which is full of bumps and hollows and rated amongst the world’s best. Founded in 1878 by 24 local enthusiasts, the course consisted of only five holes but it rapidly grew in stature and hosted the Open Championship five times between 1923 and 1989 – and every time there was high drama. OLD COURSE – 18 holes, 7,079 yards. Par 71 (SSS 73). Course record: Greg Norman 64. PORTLAND COURSE – Resembles moorland course but has the challenges of a links.18 holes, 6,274 yards. Par 71 (SSS 71).

Signature hole: EIGHTH (126 yards, par-3) -- Called the Postage Stamp because when you look down on it from the tee, the green, only 25 feet across at its widest point, looks no bigger than a postage stamp. It is the shortest hole in Open Championship golf but also one of the deadliest.

Address: Craigend Road, Troon, South Ayrshire KA10 6EP Telephone: +44 (0)1292 311555.
Green Fees: £135 per day (includes a round on both courses, morning coffee and lunch).