In 1971, Apollo 14 astronaut Alan Shepard used his 6-iron to tap a few golf balls on the Moon. This famous event did a lot for the image of a sport that had a reputation for being dull and conservative.

Location, location, location. There are many golf courses around the world -- 35,000 or more. And there are tens of millions of golfers, but a select group of golf courses that are outstanding examples of beautiful design, challenging layouts, and unforgettable settings.

Here are many of the world's best, 83 in all. There are courses in

• the British Isles, where golf was invented (St Andrews and Castle Stuart in Scotland, Lahinch in Ireland, Royal St George in England)
• Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Holland and Norway)
• the US (Brandon Dunes, Pebble Beach, PGA West and Augusta National)
• Canada (Banff Springs, Cabot Cliffs)
• Mexico
• and outstanding courses in Africa, the UAR, Japan, Thailand, China, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.

Each course description is a beautiful, double-page spread (some are 4 pages), with a history of its design, construction and great rounds played; the highlights of playing there now, a locator map, length and par play, and green fees for the course -- because these are courses we dream of playing, not just looking at!

This is a very beautiful book, featuring photography that will thrill any golfer, and have them planning for more trips -- with clubs.

Christophe Thoreau is a freelance journalist and writes about sports, works for Radio Canada, Europe 1, and Tennis Magazine, and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, a golfer's paradise.

Christophe Thoreau's profile page

The National Golf Foundation estimates there are over 38,000 golf courses worldwide, and Canadian golfer and sports writer Thoreau (L'Equipe sports newspaper) highlights 83, arranged geographically and chosen for qualities including outstanding location, history, originality of design, and overall prestige and cachet. Gorgeous full-spread photographs showcase breathtaking views, with infographics for date established, par, length, green fees, and location. Notable holes, players, and design notes help golfers envision the thrill of play ... The millions of Americans who play golf and the many millions more who watch the game make up an ample audience for this beautifully produced book.

Library Journal