The second hole is a beautiful par 3. Almost hidden from view by the close and imposing valley walls and cork oaks at the rear, it is a gem that one would least expect to find here.

This is probably the most natural yet most hidden hole on the course. A mid iron tee shot across water leads to a bunker-less green that could host numerous pin positions, and there is a curved wall dividing the water and green, which produced its own problems: It is a nightmare trying to get engineers to build with sexy shapes. They don’t like curves, they want to build everything with straight lines.

So it was a battle with them to get this serpentine shaped wall that mimics the facia of the rock behind and the shapes in the green. The contouring of the green is mesmerising in its detail and planning, and sets the tone for almost every hole that is to follow. On a links course these greens might look less significant, but seeing them in such different surroundings seems to accentuate the subtle beauty that their shapes create. Steve is most proud of his greens, and the detailing in various areas of the fairways which reflect the surrounding scenery. If you asked me about what I consider to be a strength in my design work, I’d say the attention to getting the shaping right throughout but in particular the greens. kept saying to the green shapers that if it’s not sexy, if it’s not like a woman, then it’s not right! Also if the shapes are angular the course cannot be maintained properly, as the blades on the mowers can’t cut smoothly. You have to have a softness and blending.

So where does his inspiration come from when designing a green? For me its the location and the individual character of that hole - and each one is designed individually. I don’t have a ‘library’ of greens that I refer to and think ‘that will do’ and drop it in. Every one is unique to its own setting, and is designed to work with that particular hole and will never be seen again or replicated.