Same question, but bring it across the pond. This may be a bit easier as there have only been 14 Open venues. So, which three do you pick to play bi-annually to the exclusion of all other Open venues for the remainder of your days?
The first for me is an absolute no brainer - SANDWICH. It is without any doubt in my mind the best combination of charm, class and challenge of all the Open venues.
The next two are more difficult to pick, but at least my short list for them is only three courses: Prestwick, TOC and Portrush.
I tend to lean toward Prestwick and Portrush, but I keep hearing horror stories about the narrow fairways and brutal rough at Portrush. If this is true, I can't abide by it. Like Pebble, the fact that TOC is public is a drawback. Plus, if one wants to escape this madness properly, they put out mats in the winter. This in and of itself seems a crime against the game.
Ciao