To Lower Cholesterol and Lose Weight, Go Macadamia Nuts
By Lavana James

Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world with an estimated 50 million people around the globe enslaved by the little white ball.

International golf course designers are arguably more sought after today than ever before and virtually any land not developed is being turned into a golf course with startling alacrity.

The People's Republic of China is an effective microcosm of the unprecedented growth of the game. The first golf course was opened in China in the mid 1980's and by 2005 there were already 200 operating courses in the land!

With well over 32, 000 golf courses on the planet and many more in the early stages of development, choosing the top ten in the world is no easy matter. That said, here's our top ten pick of the year:

Augusta

Augusta is not only one of the most exclusive clubs in the world but also one of the most attractive, with each hole named after the abundant flora that grows around the course. Home to the first grand slam of the year, the Masters, Augusta has been tweaked here and there to make the course more challenging for the true champions of the game. Known to favour the long hitters, Augusta National may be the ideal place to improve your golf swing - if you can afford the green fees.

Ballybunion

Regularly referred to as the finest sea-side course in the world, the old course at Ballybunion is a tempestuous blend of wild, angry seascapes and gigantic Irish dunes. A formidable challenge to even the best of golfers, Ballybunion is tipped as the 'supreme' test of golf.

Leopard Creek

The Gary Player-designed Leopard Creek golf course is one of the leading courses in South Africa and is arguably one of the most exciting courses to play simply because of its proximity to the Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest wildlife conservation area. Hazards take on a whole new dimension as the water is home to hippos and crocs and it is not unusual to be closely watched by elephant and giraffe when teeing off.

Kingston Heath

Located in the famous sand belt of Melbourne, Kingston Heath is considered the jewel in the crown of Australian golf. A perfect example of strategic golf, Kingston Heath boasts a classic design with a great variation in length.

St. Andrews Old Course

It would be remiss to exclude the oldest golf course in the world and the spiritual home of golf. This old course is recognised as the most famous of links on the planet and boasts some of the biggest greens in the world. According to golf legend, the course was played as early as the 12th Century and the bridge over Swilcan Burn is believed to have been built by the Romans. Anybody who is passionate about golf will be entranced by this old, familiar course.

Valderrama

Dubbed 'the old continent's finest coarse', Valderrama in Spain is the venue of the European Tour's grand finale, the Volvo Masters. A powerful course, Valderrama is the epitome of all things Spanish.

Nine Bridges

Located on a volcanic island off South Korea, Nine Bridges was designed by a team led by a horticulturalist and consequently the aesthetic appeal of the course is quite overwhelming. Built as a championship golf course, the location, excellent design, bent grass fairways and pristine greens make it one of the most attractive golfing options in the Far East.

Ailsa at Turnberry

A regular Open Championship golf course, the Ailsa at Turnberry has one of the most scenic settings in the United Kingdom, with fabulous views across the Mull of Kintyre and the Isle of Arran. Ball tracking may have to take on a whole new dimension at the Ailsa though, as the notoriously 'fresh' winds have claimed their fair share of booty.

Cabo del Sol

Located in Los Cabos, Mexico, the Cabo del Sol is a Jack Nicklaus signature course, boasting 1.5 miles of beachfront along the Sea of Cortez. Apart from its spectacular design, it is quite challenging to play with plenty of hazards waiting to trap the unwary.

Pebble Beach

A Jack Nicklaus favourite, Pebble Beach Links is the Mecca of world golf and is located within earshot of the thunderous Pacific Ocean. A classical out-and-back, Pebble Beach was ranked the number one public course in America by the Gold Digest magazine in 2007. It has hosted the prestigious US Open several times since 1972 and will be the venue of the 2010 edition.