JayCoffinGC

Played North Berwick in the gloaming and it quickly moved to my top-three favorites in Scotland. I've played a lot of golf in the country too.

I can still recall every hole, especially the par-3 15th hole, which is the original Redan hole. it's one of the most important holes in the history of the game. I particularly love the first and 18th holes, as they remind you of the Old Course atmosphere, where you begin and end the round in the middle of town.

Seventy one year old North Berwick member Stewart Barnes joined us for the round. He’s been playing golf for 65 years, still carries a 5 handicap and smokes every drive on the screws about 260 yards. He shot 80.

Love Scotland. Love this great game.

Royal Troon isn't known as one of the best courses on the British Open rota, but, to me, it's wildly underrated. It's solid.

For starters, I love the layout - 9 holes straight out, 9 holes straight back. I've played there twice now with a member friend and really have come to appreciate the character of the course.

Watch out for the Coffin Bunker on the par-3 eighth hole, which is called the Postage Stamp. If you find it, you'll be lucky to make 4. And, yes, since my last name is Coffin, I have a photo of me planted firmly in the middle of it.

Played as a sixsome, each with a caddie so there were 12 people on the course all at once.

There was a lot of commotion, but that didn't distract from the stunning layout. Too bad I was slapping it all over the map that day.

I can remember every hole vividly, especially the par 3s. You don't hear about Western Gailes as much as, say, Royal Troon or Prestwick, but you should. It's a gem.

Make sure you have a beer off the back of the clubhouse porch at the end of the day as the sun sets. Heavenly as you look out at the Firth of Clyde the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig.

Played this as the second round of a 36-hole day.

The first three holes are tough, then Nos. 4-11 provide spectacular scenery and require demanding shots.

The ninth hole (the lighthouse hole) is worth whatever rate you pay to play. Beautiful.

Buddy of mine finished birdie-birdie-par to help us win our match and, while playing those holes, it's impossible not to think of Tom Watson in the 2009 British Open. Still can't believe he didn't win that thing!!!

Went 36 holes at Turnberry that day and this course was the first round. Stood on the first tee dreaming about the afternoon round, believe this was going to be a round that we need to finish quickly, just to get to the more historic track.

Man was I surprised. So much fun and extremely memorable for its own set of reasons. The views are great, the holes are memorable and the last hole ends facing toward the classy white clubhouse and resort.

Thrilled I went 36 holes that day.

Sure, I played Royal County Down and Royal Portrush on this trip, but Holywood was a great change of pace.

Traveled here on assignment in July 2011 to find the home of Rory McIlroy a month after he won the U.S. Open. This place is so charming, as are all of the members.

Funny story about teeing off on No. 1. I stood on the back tee (which only measures 6,000 yards in total) and 2 nice elderly men walked up and pointed to a forward tee. Took me awhile to realize what they meant, but eventually it was clear that they don't let anyone (especially Americans) just walk to the back tees. Apparently, you have to earn it. So I walked forward and had a lovely experience from about 5,800 yards.

This is a parkland course that provides plenty of elevation change and nice views of downtown Belfast. You'll rarely have a flat lie so be prepared.

I can understand why people would overlook Holywood - there's so much great golf in the area. But don't overlook it, take an afternoon and go see the place that produced a two-time major champion.

Played this the day after the final round of the 2013 U.S. Open and started on the 16th hole.

Goodness gracious that was a difficult start - having no chance to warm up before.

There's not much to say that hasn't already been said. I was lucky to play there and felt extremely fortunate to walk the same fairways as most of the greats of the game.

That last stretch is something special, and you get goosebumps looking at the Hogan plaque in the middle of the 18th fairway.

It's a golf geek's paradise.

I was lucky to get picked in the media lottery to play the hallowed grounds the day after Trevor Immelman won the Masters in 2008. To this day I remember every single shot I hit that chilly day. And, trust me, I hit many shots.

I didn't sleep much the night before (was nervous I'd miss the tee time), it was about 40 degrees, I was wearing 3 layers of clothing and about 20 people were standing near the 10th tee, which is where my round started. But I'm a lefty, and even though I was battling a nasty slice at the time, the tee shot at 10 set up nicely. So I aimed a little right, hoping the ball would somehow find the fairway, and hit a dreaded straight ball directly into the right trees. But I was off to the races...

From tee to green, the course is not as difficult as you'd think. The greens are what will decide whether you shoot a decent score. I played a usual mediocre round but my caddie Steve was an absolute joy. He saved me at least 10 shots that day, and we're still in contact now, 6 years later.

Not sure what more can be said about a place that's so well known. So glorious...

This place is Heaven on Earth and one every golfer's bucket list. Do what you have to do to play here at least once in your life.

I've played here twice and remember every shot I hit for both rounds. Other than Augusta National and Cypress Point, I don't recall another course where this is the case.

It's so fun because you know all the holes before you even play. Still, once you're there, it's better than you image. Enjoy it, take photos and, more importantly, get a good caddie. Sure, they're all good, but find one highly recommended and enjoy the walk.