PINEHURST NO.2 North Carolina, USA

Having had the great fortune of living in Pinehurst when I first came to the US to start my professional career, it was always a treat to play this Donald Ross classic (pictured below). The great variety of lengths of holes, the green complexes and demands he placed on the player made a round on No.2 enjoyable and challenging. The restoration by Coore Crenshaw was superbly showcased at the dual men’s and women’s US Opens in 2014, and I loved being a part of the commentary teams in both.

PHOTO: Brendan James

ROYAL ADELAIDE GC, Adelaide, SA

Another course I love, touched brilliantly by Alister MacKenzie with an exceptional routing and variation of holes, with wonderful bunkering as well. One I’ve played many times as both an amateur and as a professional, the last tournament being the ’94 Women’s Australian Open where I finished third behind a young Swede named Annika Sorenstam. It was her first win as a professional and what a great place to begin her Hall of Fame career.

YARRA YARRA GC Melbourne, Victoria

I won the 1997 Women’s Australian Open at Yarra Yarra, so it holds a special place in my heart and it’s a course that is often unjustly overlooked in the Sandbelt. I just love the layout, the par-3s in particular. I had just recently put a 7- and 9-wood in my bag and they came in very handy on the back-nine par-3s that week.

Melbourne’s Yarra Yarra holds a special place in Crafter’s heart after her Women’s Australian Open victory. PHOTO: Supplied.

KINGSTON HEATH GC Melbourne, Victoria

Australia’s best 18-hole course in my and many others’ opinion. Dr Alister MacKenzie’s superb bunkering makes this gorgeous course extra special and one I always love to play on the wonderful Sandbelt.

KOOYONGA GC, Adelaide, SA

My home club in Adelaide (pictured below) as an amateur and one that is near and dear to my heart. A great challenging layout with much variety and always a joy to play. I have so many fond memories there! My brother Neil’s golf architecture firm, Crafter + Mogford Golf Strategies, has been doing some redesign and vegetation restoration there, too, and I’m very proud of his work. I can’t wait to see it host the 2018 Women’s Australian Open.

PHOTO: Brendan James

ROYAL MELBOURNE GC (Composite) Melbourne, Victoria

I have played this remarkable MacKenzie/Alex Russell gem a few times, as well as being on the commentary team for Women’s Australian Opens there and it never ceases to thrill. The green complexes and bunkers are just brilliant.

CYPRESS POINT California, USA

Just the thought of this golf course brings a smile to my face, and if I could play only one course ever again, this would be it. I have played it three times, but my most treasured memory is the game with my dad, Brian, and my stepmother, Judy, after the Dinah Shore tournament in the late 1980s.

MISSION HILLS CC (Tourn.) California, USA

The home of the old ‘Dinah Shore’ tournament and the LPGA’s first major of the year. When I joined the Tour, one had to finish in the top-three to gain entry into this major, so when I finally achieved this it was a huge thrill. This desert course has so many eucalyptus trees it almost reminds me of home.

PINE NEEDLES L&GC North Carolina, USA

As mentioned, I lived in nearby Pinehurst for 12 years and had the honour and privilege of representing Pine Needles on Tour. A wonderful Donald Ross gem of a course, challenging but enjoyable for all handicaps. I was treated as family by Peggy Kirk Bell and her late husband ‘Bullet’, and was privy to some amazing stories of Babe Zaharias from her best friend on the LPGA. It was amazing place to play and practise during my formative years on Tour, and I shall be forever grateful to the Bell family.

Cruden Bay is a seaside marvel on the east coast of Scotland. PHOTO: Getty Images.

CRUDEN BAY GC Aberdeen, Scotland

Here is an adorable ‘road less travelled’ course. Talk about a fun track, one with some stunning North Sea views and one that does not take itself too seriously! There are some funky holes for sure, but it’s totally entertaining golf in the home of golf. Go play it when you’re there, you will nay regret it! 

THE CRAFTER RÉSUMÉ

  • Captured one title in her long LPGA Tour career, by beating Nancy Lopez by a shot.
  • Won the Women’s Australian Open in 1997 and twice took out the Australian Ladies Masters.
  • Best finish at a major was a tie for third at the 1996 LPGA Championship.
  • Embarked upon a successful television broadcasting career after her time on the LPGA Tour.