Birdie Quest by Ian Hanson

• Famous For: Hosting The Masters Tournament every April.
• Highlights: Known for its immaculate conditions, lush azaleas, and historic moments. Iconic holes include Amen Corner (holes 11, 12, and 13) and the dramatic 18th finish.
• Founders: Augusta National was co-founded in 1931 by legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones and investment banker Clifford Roberts.
• Design: The course was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, who wanted a course that was both beautiful and challenging.
• Azaleas and Dogwoods: The course is renowned for its landscaping, especially its colorful azaleas, dogwoods, and magnolia trees. Each hole is named after a flowering tree or shrub.
• Iconic Landmarks: Famous spots on the course include the Hogan Bridge (hole 12), the Sarazen Bridge (hole 15), and the Eisenhower Tree (formerly on hole 17).
• Augusta is known for its pristine conditions, including its famously fast greens, which are managed at an exacting standard year-round.

St. Andrews Links

• Famous For: Known as the "Home of Golf."
• Highlights: St. Andrews, especially the Old Course, is one of the oldest golf courses in the world, dating back to the 15th century. The Swilcan Bridge and the 17th "Road Hole" are among the most famous in golf.
• Royal Patronage: In 1754, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers (now the Royal and Ancient Golf Club) was founded, and it became one of the most influential governing bodies in golf. Golf was endorsed by King William IV, giving it “Royal” status.
• Famous Layout: The Old Course is the most iconic of the seven courses at St. Andrews Links, with its double greens, wide fairways, and iconic bunkers like Hell Bunker (14th hole) and the Road Hole Bunker (17th hole).
• Historic Venue: St. Andrews has hosted The Open Championship, golf’s oldest major tournament, a record 30 times since 1873, with the Old Course as the primary venue. Notable champions here include Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Seve Ballesteros.
• The Courses: St. Andrews Links includes seven courses: the Old Course, New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Strathtyrum Course, Balgove Course, and the Castle Course.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

• Highlights: Known for holes right on the Pacific Ocean, especially the 7th and 18th. Pebble Beach hosts the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has been a U.S. Open venue multiple times.
• Famous For: Stunning ocean views along California's Monterey Peninsula.
• Opened: Pebble Beach Golf Links was opened in 1919, originally designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant.
• Famous Venue: It has been the host to numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open, which has been held here six times (with the next set for 2027), and is one of only a few public courses to host this major championship.
• Prestigious Host: Pebble Beach has been the site of many memorable U.S. Open Championships, including Tiger Woods’ record-breaking 15-stroke win in 2000 and Jack Nicklaus’ famous 1-iron shot in 1972.

Pinehurst No.2

• Designer: The course was originally designed by Donald Ross in 1907 and is considered one of his masterpieces. Ross spent nearly 50 years refining the course.
• Legendary Status: Pinehurst No. 2 is often referred to as the "home of American golf."
• Greens: Known for its crowned, turtleback greens, which are some of the most challenging in golf, requiring precision in approach shots.
• No Rough: Unlike many traditional courses, No. 2 features sandy waste areas instead of rough, emphasizing strategic play and creativity.
• U.S. Opens:
• 1999: Payne Stewart famously won, cementing his legacy with an emotional victory.
• 2005: Michael Campbell triumphed in a dramatic finish.
• 2014: Hosted back-to-back U.S. Opens for men (won by Martin Kaymer) and women (won by Michelle Wie), a first in golf history.
• Other Events: Pinehurst No. 2 has also hosted the Ryder Cup (1951), PGA Tour events, and the U.S. Amateur.

TPC Sawgrass

• Designer: It was designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, with input from his wife, Alice Dye.
• Purpose: Built specifically to host The Players Championship, TPC Sawgrass was the first course designed with spectators in mind, offering excellent viewing opportunities.
• Signature Features:
• The course is known for its stadium-style design, where mounds and slopes provide natural seating for fans.
• It is considered one of the most challenging courses due to tight fairways, strategically placed hazards, and small greens.
• Prestige: The Players Championship is often called the “fifth major” due to its strong field and significant prize money.
• Winners: Notable champions include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, and Justin Thomas.
• First TPC Course: TPC Sawgrass was the first Tournament Players Club (TPC) course, establishing the model for other TPC venues.