Created in the days when course design was governed by the natural lie of the land and not the mechanical earth mover, Balcomie has the unusual combination of three par 5s, six par 3s and nine par 4s, producing a tough par of 69. Extraordinary holes abound, along with those which seriously challenge, and those which are more comfortable. The sum total is a layout which both enchants and delights, but which also demands and punishes, testing all the skills in a golfer’s armory – as well as his or her nerve. Those length-seekers who believe Balcomie will be a soft touch, do so at their own peril.