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1. Castle Stuart Golf Links
Inverness, Scotland
7,009 yards, par 72
$177-$244
01144-1463-795440
castlestuartgolf.com
Ten years ago, designer Mark Parsinen and architect Kyle Phillips took a St. Andrews backdrop and created the greatest new course in years, Kingsbarns.
A decade later, Parsinen and another American, Gil Hanse, have moved north and opened Castle Stuart, the emphatic winner as the best new course — anywhere — in 2009.
Genuine linksland and spectacular views of Moray Firth complement a remarkably varied set of holes. Says one panelist, "In 10 years, a round here will be as coveted as a round on the Old Course. This place is unbelievable."
One glimpse and you'll be hard-pressed to argue.
2. The Faldo Legacy Course (at Roco Ki)
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
7,075 yards, par 72
$225-$400
888-476-2654
rocoki.com
Designer: Nick Faldo
3. Lough Erne Golf Resort (Faldo Course)
Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
7,167 yards, par 72
$106-$131
0114428-66323230
loughernegolfresort.com
Designer: Nick Faldo
4. Paraiso del Mar
La Paz, Mexico
7,157 yards, par 72
$66-$154V
01152-612-1651818
paradiseofthesea.com
Designers: Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest
5. Punta Mita (Bahia Course)
Punta Mita, Nayarit, Mexico
7,035 yards, par 72
$210
01152-3292916000
fourseasons.com/puntamita
Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Honorable Mentions
Westin Bear Mountain Resort (Valley course)
Victoria, B.C., Canada
6,807 yards, par 71
$66-$144
250-744-2327
bearmountain.ca
Designer: Nicklaus Design
Fuego Maya at La Reunion Resort
Antigua, Guatemala
7,302 yards, par 72
$150
502-7873-1440
lareunion.com.gt
Designers: Pete and Perry Dye
