There are hundreds of thousands of golf courses dotted round most countries of the globe. The sport encloses all races and economic groups. The courses can be built almost anywhere often the more erratic and difficult the ground the better it is. This week’s championship at royal Berkdale showed the best in the world fighting through wind and rain to win the coveted title on offer. The difference with golf over many sports is that virtually anyone can tomorrow play the same game on the same course with the same equipment, although the same ability is debateable.

The courses in many cases are scenic and by nature include numerous examples of flora and fauna, trees, bushes and hedgerow being an integral part of the experience. The added hazards of water and sand make the opportunities for beauty increase. One other thing that happens due to the varied locations of the courses is that it’s nearly impossible to have two courses the same, even those that employ professional designers. The varied scenery and different topography are selling points for prospective players who want a challenge and a change from the usual.

While many regulars will become members of one club many will go to other clubs as well, especially non regular players. The courses vary not only in quality but in difficulty as well. There are basic courses for beginners, known as pitch and putt courses, through to the full size versions seen on television. The main differences between basic and more difficult courses are the actual holes played. The holes vary in length from 30 or 40 yards on a pitch and putt course up to around 600 yards on a top quality course. The variances in holes doesn’t end there, the use of water, sand traps and foliage then comes in to play and make the experience more interesting for the player. The challenge to direct the ball over or around obstacles is the major challenge, along with of course getting the ball in to the hole in the fewest possible shots.

Pine valley in Philadelphia is often called the best course, it’s also an example of a course built up from waste land in to a sporting institution. Royal County down is seen as another world renowned course along with courses like ST Andrews in Scotland. This course differs from some top courses due to the fact that it is a naturally built course in terms of topography, the winds and rains of the coastal location have shaped it and little has been done to change this.

Wherever you go and whatever your skill levels there are courses for everyone to try, the challenges will vary but the draw is there to try and beat the courses builders as well as Mother Nature’s designs and her weather. Also it goes without saying the walking and the fresh air won’t do you any harm as well no matter the location of your course.

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