Augusta, Georgia, Exclusively by Alastair Mackenzie with Bobby Jones

Augusta is the most exclusive and revered golf courses in the world and therefore does not need the design skills of Greg Norman to promote it. Membership is by invitation only and the only pro golfers in the list of 300 members are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and John Harris. This fact is mentioned in the history of the club, along with other illustrious members such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Dwight D Eisenhower, though there are plenty you need never have heard of. With joining fees and annual fees set realatively low, it is the TV rights to the clubs own tournament which allows such exclusivity; there are no plans to invite female members, though they do allow female caddies. Thats OK then.

The course was designed by one of the owners (Bobby Jones) and the Scottish architect Alistair Mackenzie, along the lines of St Andrews; there were few nasty obstacles and wide fairways originally, but over time, rough, bunkers and trees have been added.It was opened in 1931 and is the home to the Masters, every year.

The Masters course is known as the most beautiful golf course in the world, and its beauty is best seen in April, just as the Masters kicks off. They think of everything;the color of the drink napkins for patrons perfectly matches the grass - so if you drop your napkin it will not show on TV. The green theme continues with the Green Jacket worn by members and masters winners, a nice touch, as conceived by the other original owner, Clifford Roberts. Who needs celebrity pro designers?

Valhalla by Jack Niklaus

Valhalla is the Ryder Cup Course this year and as I read through the news on the US versus Europe battle I was struck by the great and universal abilities of most top players over the years. It is well known that footballers are good at golf and snooker(hand eye co-ordination and all that) but little has been discussed on the Golfers ability to design a golf course. Is this the same sort of designing as Kate Moss and a Top Shop designer line. Of course they will know what they like or dislike about a course in the same way as Kate knows whether she doing Purple or stretch denim. Admittedly its easier to use a digger and some feed than sew a gypsy top from scratch, but how much did Jack really contribute to Valhalla? Well his website boasts Jack Nicklaus design has over 300 golf courses 'open for play' Hard to imagine how he found the time.But he's a golfing legend and thats all we really need to know.

Valhalla is in Louisville, Kentucky, USA and was opened in 1986 fulfilling the dream and vision of Louisville businessman and golf enthusiast Dwight Gahm. Jack Nicklaus was commissioned to build a course fit to attract the PGA Championship to Kentucky. Nice to be able to fulfil such dreams. This was acheived in 1992.

The Ryder Cup, every non golfers favourite tournament, begins on Thursday 18 September, with the opening ceremony, all covered by Sky of course. With Europe having won it on the last 3 occasion(with great sportsmanship and with the dignity of their wives in tact)it would be best for the tournament if the US won it this year.Thats what I shall be telling myself if we lose.