Mayakoba in Cancun was by far the best course I have ever played, fairways were nicer than my living room carpet, greens were glass, scenery was amazing, wildlife was incredible and service and food were beyond expectations. A must see and play if your in the area.

Rokoki in Dominican has some potential also, very demanding and mixed style ocean/parkland links feel. The last 3 holes are along the ocean, Par into the teeth, Par 3 over a 150 foot drop, and Par 5 along the coastline to finish, with the amazing resort in the backround!

I have excellent memories, although extremely humbling and haunting at this time of year, of St Andrew's and Carnoustie.  Thankfully, my brother in law has family still there and accomodations were extended through him.  Toughest place in the world to play IMHO, is Great Britain and the links courses.  It takes several trips and a lot of digging balls out of the ground to appreciate a par round round on this style of golf.

ALWAYS go with a caddie and pay him well, they are worth every penny.  I remember having the same ones on the same course tour for each course for several trips and if it wasn't for them, it would have been more than embarrassing now that I think of it.  He watches you practice and trust me, hopefully you didn't lie about your handicap, because he can tell immediately.  In my younger days and on my third trip, I hit 6 practice shots at one venue and he kicked the rest of the balls away and said, "You're ready gov!  I've gotcha", he steered me to in an even par round at the Old Course, he was paid very well that day and the next.