In a sport sometimes short of provocative thoughts and opinions, Dottie Pepper stands out among her peers. Her insightful views are a welcome tonic and I will always go out of my way to listen to her.

In the US she is one of the most recognisable voices in the game as the lead walking reporter for CBS Sports’ coverage of the PGA Tour, Masters, and PGA Championship.

Those of us on this side of the Atlantic remember her impressive Solheim Cup record (winning 13 times, losing 5 and drawing 2) and her 17 wins on the tour, including two major championships.

I really enjoyed reading Dottie’s favourite course selections. She hasn’t simply picked the big name courses but has chosen courses which have personal resonance for her. A huge thanks to Dottie for taking the time to put this list together.

1. MUIRFIELD (HCEG), SCOTLAND
Hands down my favorite walk in all of golf. Routing, flow, format of regular play, history, conditioning and culture…all of the above.

2. SALEM CC, MASSACHUSETTS, USA
This Ross gem was the site of my first U.S. Women’s Open. If I had one round left to play, it would be here. And if I was ever to be involved in a “restorvation”, this would be my dream job.

3. CYPRESS POINT, CALIFORNIA, USA
Back to back par 5s and back to back par 3s, a completely underrated 17th hole and a quirky 18th add up to near perfection. Perhaps Marion Hollins’ greatest gift to golf.

4. SOMERSET HILLS CC, NEW JERSEY, USA
My initial experience with “what in the world now” architecture as I encountered a Redan for the first time. Remarkable terrain and the recent recapture appears stunning.

5. ROYAL MELBOURNE (COMPOSITE), AUSTRALIA
Both the best bunkering and bunker prep I have ever seen. Ground movement and subtle architectural features become accentuated as the weather changes.

6. NATIONAL GOLF LINKS OF AMERICA, NEW YORK, USA
A must for architecture geeks— template holes and the demand for a variety of shots (whether in the air or on the ground) make it a dizzying place to play. And don’t miss the lobster lunch.

7. GULF STREAM GC, FLORIDA, USA
Everyone brings up Seminole when Ross architecture in South Florida is considered. However, I think Gulfstream (prior to Pete Dye’s disappointing recent work) is even better because Ross did a better job here of using the dramatic dune that runs from this region into Central Florida. It is Seminole twisted about 45 degrees to the great.

8. RYE, ENGLAND
Fascinating blend of long and short holes. The turf is ridiculously good, birdies can be tough to come by but playable for anyone. Dog-friendly culture and history is big. Bernard Darwin’s chair is in the window of the great room and WWII Allied bunkers on the course. Both are must sees.

9. OLD DEL MONTE, MONTEREY, USA
One of the oldest courses in the America west, it is simple golf at its best. Public access. Grab your carry bag or trolley and your 3 best pals. Easy walk and the opposite of what a lot of golf in the Pebble Beach area has become.

10. MCGREGOR LINKS CC, SARATOGA SPRINGS, USA (prior to housing over-development) The most personal to me as my home course as a junior and amateur. A Devereux Emmett gem built on sand (think fescue rough, too) with varied terrain and requiring many different shots to get around in a good number. Still accessible to the public, the course is on the upswing again with a turf and restoration plan plus tree removal that is letting it shine again.