A spectacular opening and a tough run to the finish

The layout of the par-4 fourth will make it one of the most spectacular and dramatic in golf, it is claimed. The hole is set out to stimulate and challenge the most seasoned player. Course architect Casper Grauballe said the biggest challenge carrying out work on the hole was to keep as much of the landscape as possible. He described it as more of a "preservation effort" than construction. "It's one of the most stunning tee shots in golf. You stand up at an elevated tee with the North Sea on the right-hand side and a view up the coastline. It's always been considered the signature hole but more and more holes are beginning to compete with it."

Said to be the toughest in the world. Entry to the tees on the 14th is through a narrow opening in the dunes with the fairway gently sweeping up the green. With only one bunker protecting the green, the challenge for the player is to position the tee shot correctly in relation to the pin position and the wind direction of the day. The fairway appears deceivingly narrow from the tees but the natural slope of the ground will help the players find the closely cut fairway.

Golf course architect Martin Hawtree said: "It's a hole where Mr Trump wanted a very wide fairway which has enabled us to devise a strategic hole with many options for play and, in a strange way, achieves the grandeur of a Western movie landscape."

Mr Hawtree said: "With its necklace bunkers, it will also be a delight to play and begins the homeward run of holes."

The final holes "Possessing great challenge and a fine crescendo of landscapes culminating in the 18th with its panoramic views of the Aberdeenshire coastline and the southern half of the course."