Here’s The Shark’s List

Most die-hard travel golfers remember Jack Nicklaus’ famous quote: “If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach. I’ve loved this course from the first time I saw it. It’s possibly the best in the world.” So, how about Greg Norman, where would you play if you were just an average guy who liked to play golf on his vacations? "You mean the world is my oyster," Norman asked, “where would I travel to?”

1. Melbourne, Australia: “Because there are great semi-public golf courses in a five-mile radius – best conditioned and best golf courses in the world.” He named Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Huntingdale, Yarra Yarra, Commonwealth.

2. Southwest Ireland: Ballybunion, Lahinch, Old Head, Doonberg. Some say Ballybunion has always been great, but when they relocated the clubhouse in 1971 to the southern end it became an even better finish.

3. Northeast, Midwest Scotland: Norman bounced around on this answer – just too many to pick from. “I think Machrihanish is one of best links courses ever,” Norman said. The list continued to Turnberry, Prestwick, Royal Dornoch, The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle. “Andrew Carnegie was smart enough to know there’s a warmer gulfstream air flow where you can play in winter at The Carnegie Club,” Norman said. Machrihanish is a journey. It was said that Old Tom Morris needed a train, a steamboat and a long carriage ride to get there. It’s easier today.