The other day, The Major and I engaged in a little post-round banter in the clubhouse at Royal Dornoch. More specifically, I listened – as I’m now well accustomed to doing – while he went on pontificating on this subject or that. At some point, he startled me out of my half slumber and posed an interesting question.
“How delightful would it be if we could design a course comprised solely of the best individual holes from our travels around the world? What a dream that would be – The Major’s Perfect 36.”
“Why 36 and not 18?” I quizzed.
“Well, you see my good man, think of all the exceptional holes we’ve played around the world. Surely, selecting just 18 of them would be a disservice!”
He went on…
“And second, consider the most spectacular experiences in our beloved game – they almost always involve 36 holes. Whether its a day at Muirfield, Sunningdale Old and New, Royal Melbourne East and West, or that enchanting links right out there…” he said pointing out the clubhouse window. “You’ll surely be out for another loop this evening.”
“So what holes would you include on The Major’s Perfect 36?” I asked, settling in for what I assumed would be a lengthy response, at best.
Silence.
It was the strangest thing. I could almost see the gears turning inside his head, but alas, there were no words. Perhaps he was building the course right there, and was withholding comment until the list was complete. I soon dismissed this possibility, as surely he would prefer to discuss the merits of each hole…at length. Just then, he finally spoke.
“Ah, never mind that, old chap. There are too many spectacular holes. It simply can’t be done.”
For once, I actually disagreed with The Major, and was pretty sure I could prove it.
And that’s where you can help.
To help us build The Major’s Perfect 36, nominate your favorite hole(s) from across the pond or Down Under. The leading nominations will be paired with some of the holes I know to be among The Major’s favorites to form his dream course.
You can nominate your favorite hole(s) by commenting in the reply section below, on this Facebook post, or by sending us a Tweet.
What holes across the pond or Down Under would be on your dream course?
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