Hole 1 - MEILMORE
Is an uphill par-4 of 355 metres to a green set into a steep hollow in the fairway. The approach is blind and daunting, just the top of the flag is visible and the walk to the green is tantalising as one waits to discover one's fate.

Hole 2 - STRAND
457 metre par 4. The drive off an elevated tee leaves a choice, take on the river which runs across the fairway thirty yards short of the green or not?

Hole 3 - STOCKER
Traditional links hole 337 metres. Relatively flat between small dunes. The double green, rarely seen outside St. Andrews, comes as a real surprise. This green is shared with the ninth hole.

Hole 4 - VALLEY
Is the first par 5 and a beauty at 507 metres down a deep valley to another double green. This is a great driving hole and the second is one of the most inviting shots one could hope to play along the valley with that backdrop of blue mountains towering majestically behind the green.

Hole 5 - KERR'S
Measures 185 metres, an evil green which sheds all but the most purely struck balls into deep bunkers or grassy swales.

Hole 6 - KILLAVEE
Really introduces the player to the "new Portsalon". This is a tiger of a par 4 at 435 metres. The tee commands awesome views of ocean, mountains and the tiny ribbon of fairway running through a valley int he dunes and up to a platform green surrounded by swales and hollows.

Hole 7 - WARDEN
Is a 352 metre par 4 that features a rolling fairway to a well bunkered green fronted by a deep grassy valley. The mountain backdrop foreshortens the hole and will cost the unwary some strokes.

Hole 8 - CASTLE
Par 5 of 474 metres with the biggest hitters asked to take on the carry over a hump on the left of the fairway concealing the remnants of an old castle. Once past these fortifications the player has to strike pure and long to the double green, which has a St. Andrews-like approach of "umps and ollows" designed to defeat all but the most imaginative shot makers.

Hole 9 - RUNAWAY
Challenges for the accolade "best hole". it is a par 4 of 435 metres from an elevated tee to a valley fairway and along to a double green, partially hidden behind a small dune. This is traditional links at its best.

Hole 10 - BINN
A par 3 of 147 metres to a valley green which was part of the old layout and is now approached over a deep drop from the opposite direction.

Hole 11 - KNOCKALLA
Plays much longer than its 499 metres, normally into the wind, the fairway tilts upwards to a heavily guarded and quite small green. In an age when it is difficult to make a par 5 as a 5 for the top champions, this is a hole that does the business without recourse to savage defenses.

Hole 12 - DRUMANY
A Muirfield-type par 3 across a relatively flat plain from a slightly elevated tee to a green perched in the foothills of high dunes. At 170 metres the green looks generous, however three distinct levels make for three putting.

Hole 13 - GREENFORT
A classical short par 4 at 328 metres. A high tee shows the fairway, tree-lined on the lft, dunes and ocean views to the right. From the fairway, one has to approach across a rugged valley in the dunes to a natural platform green, an interesting hole full of character.

Hole 14 - MATTERHORN
Is a Portsalon original at 395 metres. The tee is high up in rocks and trees, the drive exhilarating as any in golf to a fairway which twists and turns and falls down hill towards the green. A classic if ever there was one.

Hole 15 - CROSS
Tantalising par 3 of 140 metres to a partially hidden green. if you miss the green on the wrong side a 4 will be a good score.

Hole 16 - ALDERS
A par 4 of 376 metres features a blind drive over a crest to a wide fairway. A stream winds its way across in front of the green and those protecting a good score will need to exercise sound course management.

Hole 17 - RIVER IN
At 503 metres it plays it's full length, the approach up an incline to a plateau green, is fast and treacherous. Strong players can get home in two just as safely as the player seeking to play a finesse third to this puzzling green.

Hole 18 - HOME
Par 4, 377 metres, the grand finale to a round in full view of the clubhouse windows. The approach over a fast running stream is to a green surrounded by bunkers and swales. Take 4 for a satisfying end to a round on what is set to gain recognition as one of the world's classic golf links.