Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, this is about as close as one can get today to building on linksland.

The course first winds its way through a pine forest, where many difficult holes of strategic interest are found. After the 8th hole it emerges into a spectacular dunescape, that abates a little after the 12th, bringing some of the pine trees back. But elements of linksland stay with the player until the end, when the obligatory lake comes into play.

The residential homes are all centered around this lake, so they don't come into view until the very end of the round. They even are, like the whole course, surprisingly attractive to look at.

Unusual playing angles and severe drop-offs around the fast greens provide the teeth, the rest is pure enjoyment. The inspired routing cleverly conceals that they hadn't actually gotten permission to build a lot in the dunes. If they had then Belle Dune would certainly be rated even higher - sea views might be another welcome addition.