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Forget the gimmickry and the 'grand slam' stuff, this is an outstanding course in it's own right. Even when struggling with persistent rain, baking heat and slow golfers, the architecture shines through. Sure it is all other people's holes, but they are very well selected and run together perfectly.

The course starts with an easy-looking but pretty tough par four, then a solid par three, then a strategic but gettable par four, then onto the links. (Perhaps these could be shaved back a little to allow more Americans to experience playing links bump-and-run golf, even if it would look burnt out.)

After Birkdale, Amen corner -- very well proportioned and really well done -- and then the most difficult stretch of the course: Oakland, Medinah, then Oak Hill.

At the 12th, Carnoustie, a real test - go down Hogan's Ally or not? Then TPC Sawgrass's island green, which at times plays longer and trickier than the original.

The 14th (11th at Merion) is a gem, get greedy on the the first shot you're dead, a good second shot you'll get par, an excellent second shot you are in for birdie -- as it should be.

The 15th Is a dialed back version of Oakmont's 3rd. It's striking but you decide whether it's a good hole. The 16th, Shinnecock, is a great in every way. 17 a par three tester and then the last hole Chery Hills, another testing approach.

All together a fantastic course.

My only recommendations would be that patrons select tees in keeping with their ability. Perhaps another tee placement that plays between 6,000 and 6,500 yards, would dispose of the womens/seniors/mens/tips idea. And shave back the rough, after a few wet and warm summer days it becomes borderline unplayable.

This is challenging, well designed course that unfortunately is looking a bit scruffy around the edges. The fairways sodden and hacked up in places, the creeks and rough are unkempt. All that would be forgiveable if the pace of play wasn't so excruciating: five hours-plus for a round teeing off Friday before midday. A course that is still worth playing, but well off its peak.