There are numerous qualities that help to craft a fabulous golf course, but the importance of a memorable final hole shouldn't be underestimated as it can complete a tremendous experience with a less than spellbinding 18th potentially taking away some of the brilliance that you had enjoyed before.
First impressions are key, but so is the parting greeting that you can take away from a closing hole that provided something special.
But which courses have the very best finishing holes? That was a question we presented to the Golfshake Community on Facebook, and the responses were fantastically varied and intriguing.
Now, it's important to note that one person's definition of "best" will differ from another. Perhaps you are looking for a challenge, the tightrope finishing hole where everything is placed on the line, or maybe you instead favour those locations with a spectacular or iconic view to behold.
Each of those factors is valid and the results derived from social media have encapsulated a little bit of everything.
Here are the most frequently mentioned courses based on what golfers told us when we asked them to pick out the finest closing holes in the game.
Carnoustie (Championship)
Ticking both the challenging and iconic boxes, it's hard to argue with the fearsome finale to Carnoustie's legendary Championship Course, which was far and away the most common response we received.
Many will recall the likes of Jean van de Velde, Sergio Garcia and Johnny Miller falling victim to this majestic beast as they sought to get their hands on the Claret Jug, but when you see what was between them and victory, under the fiercest of pressure, it's no surprise that a few disasters have been produced on this fabled corner of Angus.
Out of bounds, the burn and deep bunkers serve as aggressors throughout each stage of this hole, from tee to green, with a watery grave catching out many who are just short with their approach to the putting surface.
If there is one finishing hole that perfectly captures everything about its entire course, it's this masterpiece.
Leven Links
Heading over to Fife, Leven Links overlooks the Firth of Forth and is one of the most historic layouts in the game, reputed to be the oldest course that possessed 18 tees and 18 greens.
Certainly one of Scotland's most underrated venues, its redoubtable closing hole boasts a well-earned reputation for the difficulty that it presents to golfers of all standards.
Not unlike what you have at Carnoustie, the green is protected by the treacherous Scoonie Burn, with only the bravest and most accomplished players willing to have a go at covering its length of 450 yards in two shots.
Seaford Head
Featuring one of the most spectacular locations in the game, Seaford Head in East Sussex is a true jewel of the south coast, laid out across cliffs that rest up to 300 feet above sea level, providing stunning views across the English Channel, with this being most clearly showcased by its 18th hole.
Presenting a hugely downhill tee shot, golfers can consume the vistas of Seaford Bay, with this being one hole where everyone is going to whip out the smartphone to capture a photo or two.
However, things may be about to change, as due to concerns regarding coastal erosion and the safety of playing this hole as it is currently, there are plans in motion that could see the 18th tee and 17th green moved, which would be a sad reality for a venue that has charmed golfers for generations.
Pebble Beach
You know this one, Pebble Beach, the par 5 where you hit from a tee that sticks out over the rocky edge of Carmel Bay, with the waves crashing all the way along the full length of a hole that has defined some of the greatest championship moments in the history of American golf.
Assuming you find the fairway and avoid being stuck behind the imposing cypress trees, you could have a shot to reach this famous green in two, which would be a fine way to complete one of the most unforgettable rounds that any golfer is likely to play.
Don't just take it from us, either. Jack Nicklaus famously once said: "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach."
The Belfry (Brabazon)
While it may divide opinion as a golf course, there is no question that the Brabazon delivers a truly iconic finishing hole, one that is rich in Ryder Cup history, which continues to challenge some of the world's best each year during the British Masters.
It's a long par 4, the hole sweeps from right to left with water in play all the way, making your tee shot a nervy one, with golfers then being left with the choice of whether they have the ability to successfully carry the hazard with their approach shot.
This is a hole that provides a true test wrapped up in heritage and memorability. It doesn't get much better than that.
Royal Birkdale
Some keen minds would argue that this is the best closing hole on the Open rotation - and you can see why that view has merit.
Heavily bunkered throughout (there are 11 bunkers on this formidable hole), an accurate tee shot is demanded if the golfer is to have any chance of reaching the green in two, just as Ryan Fox produced with his incredible birdie to become the Champion Golfer of the Year.
With the unique setting of the Art Deco clubhouse at Royal Birkdale in the background, this is a wonderful hole that offers both an examination and a special environment.
Celtic Manor (Twenty Ten)
Much like The Belfry, Ryder Cup scenes instantly come to mind when you're at Celtic Manor in Wales, with the design finishing in memorable style with its 18th hole, a par 5 that conjures up an approach shot to remember as you must carry a large body of water to reach the green.
With the striking clubhouse looking down from the hill, this is a closing hole that has much to offer in terms of scenery and a sense of place.
You know exactly where you are when playing this hole.
Moray (Old)
We love the north of Scotland, but Moray is one of those places that some golfers may carelessly avoid. However, they shouldn't, as both of its courses deliver a satisfying taste of links golf.
Originally crafted by the great Old Tom Morris, the 18th of the Old at Moray has long been regarded as being among the best finishing holes in Britain, and for very good reason.
With undulations dotted throughout the fairway and deep bunkers to catch you out, this is no pushover, but it's the surroundings that elevate things further as you play back into town with the clubhouse itself perched on a hill behind the green.
Incredible spot.
St Andrews (Old)
If you are judging this ranking purely on the history and iconography alone, this is clearly number one, the hole that has been named after Old Tom Morris himself, the unforgettable last walk of the Old Course.
Hopefully you manage to hit one of the widest fairways in golf, but you wouldn't be the first person to slice or hook it out of bounds here. Some great names have done it - including Jack Nicklaus during the Champions Challenge exhibition in 2000.
Standing on the 18th tee, where so many legends have stood before, is a magical experience, it's timeless, you can't beat the setting as you look towards the unmistakable buildings before you cross the Swilcan Bridge and stride up this most hallowed of golfing turf.
But please don't think that this hole is completely straightforward. It's far from it. The placement of your tee shot is key for the best angle to approach a green that is considerably more challenging than you may have considered just by watching on TV.
Just think how special it would be to hole a lengthy putt (especially for a birdie or better) in front of the ever-present gallery of spectators who hang around the grandest stage in golf.
Wallasey
Perhaps somewhat overshadowed by the Open venues and most famous links in the North West of England, you mustn't overlook the brilliant Wallasey, which is growing in stature all the time as its reputation spreads further.
If you desired to preview to someone what they can expect when playing here - just show them the 18th.
This is a tough hole, which has the clubhouse and church in the background to provide a distinctive setting, with an undulating fairway often resulting in a blind approach played as the members on the Terrace (which the hole takes its name from) watch on.
Southerndown
Finally, we return to Wales, and specifically Southerndown Golf Club near Bridgend, where the course saves what is considered to be its "signature" hole to the last.
Hitting towards a fairway that is split across two levels, an accurate tee shot is required to avoid all the trouble on either side, before you play towards an expansive green that is protected by deep bunkers, where you again (as is a theme with these standout closing holes) have the clubhouse serving as a scenic backdrop.
If you have played any of these revered 18th holes, then you are likely to have a worthy story to tell.
Naturally, as we received hundreds of comments, these weren't the only recommendations, with other courses mentioned including the likes of Pyle & Kenfig, Pinnacle Point, Torrequebrada, Hollinwell, Castle Stuart, Royal Adelaide, Portumna, Durness, Trump International Scotland, St Enodoc, Gourock, Pitlochry, West Monmouthshire, Silverknowes, Dungarvan, Leyland, Bull Bay, San Lorenzo, Sinfin, West Cliffs, St Pierre and Royal Dublin.
Having taken (hopefully) inspiration from these suggestions, what do you believe is the best finishing hole in golf?
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