The National Golf Club of Canada

The National Golf Club of Canada: This prestigious and private golf club is home to a championship course that's often accorded the status of No.1 layout in the country. Underpinning The National's elevated ranking is its picturesque out-of-town setting, George and Tom Fazio's excellent design, and usually immaculate presentation. And there's one other thing. It's as tough as they come, especially on the back-nine.

As with many great courses, there's an understated simplicity about The National, which initially conceals its many challenges. The generally good-width fairways meander through a mix of tree-lined and open environments. A wonderful variety of straight and doglegging holes take full advantage of the attractively undulating terrain. Lining the holes is a delightful variety of mature trees and an abundance of stylish bunkering. On the back-nine water hazards also get into the act (big time!).

Everything seems to fit perfectly into place, but just ensure your A-game also features strongly during the round. Assuming everything went to plan on the relatively "dry" front-nine loop, you'll get a rude awakening at the start of the back-nine. Understated simplicity turns into downright visual intimidation.

If you scorecard is still "intact" after nine-holes, the tough and intimidating back-nine might change all that. The plunging downhill par-3 10th requires a well-judged tee-shot over a pond that threatens the front and rightside of the green. Water ditches are in play in front of the 11th and 12th greens, while ponds again loom large on the 13th, downhill par-3 15th and from the tee on the tough closing duo. The back-nine demands several tighter and tougher drives from the tee, not least at holes like the snaking par-5 12th (a beast!) and saddle-back, blind par-4 14th.

An excellent George and Tom Fazio design, but one where the golfing challenges are ramped-up the further into the round you go.