John & Scott:
Yes, I am a GD panelist -- been one since 1984 and at age 44 today I was one of the younger ones that came on board 17 years ago.
As far as the Golf Mag listing I have solid sources in the golf industry. I cannot in fairness mention where or who this info came from. I passed on the info through this chat site because of the heavy interest in matters of this kind. Suffice to say -- my info was correct nearly three weeks before the related mag issue came out.
Tom:
When I made a course rating visit to the Michigan / Illinois / Indiana / Ohio area a few weeks back I was invited to play Sand Ridge, but because of heavy thunderstorms things didn't work out. However, I did get to walk the course I was shocked (even though the course has level tees!!!) that GD rated it among the 100 Greatest and that it would be among the top 60!
The Country Club in Pepper Pike is a dynamic old-style course that has an array of interesting holes and is on a good piece of parkland property. Years ago many people were talking about TCC but I guess the noise wasn't strong enough.
The Digest has TCC as the 17th best in Ohio and I think that's way too low. The course has previously been rated in the top 10 in 1983 and from 1993-1997. In my mind it belongs in such an elite grouping.
Please do not think that I am saying that Sand Ridge is not a good course. I liked it but to say 100 Greatest -- I can't buy it.
To me Sand Ridge offers a number of good holes, but until you get to the final couple of holes (I really liked 16 and 17) the pulse meter never jumps up. At least it didn't for me and I've played 90 of the existing 100 Greatest for what it's worth.
I completely agree with you regarding Victoria National -- a TF course that is not the usual cookie-cutter deal you usually get from his firm. Clearly, the site is a gem and I know from good sources the amount of visits TF personally made time and time again.
When people talk about great "new" courses in the last ten years I would urge them to give heavy consideration to Victoria National to be grouped in a top ten listing.
After Victoria National the other TF courses that make a clear impression on me include:
Wade Hampton
Estancia
Shadow Creek
World Woods (Pine Barrens)
(Sleepers but not 100 Greatest)
The Quarry at LaQuinta
Black Diamond
The Preserve (Carmel, CA)
The Club at Cordillera (Valley Course)
The other courses you mentioned cannot compare to the intrinsic qualities put forward by TCC. This William Flynn design is not in the league with Shinnecock Hills (what else would be?) but it has plenty of character and is no less in quality than his other notable designs (i.e. Lancaster, Cherry Hills). In using the Doak scale I would give it an 8. Sand Ridge is no better than 7 and I'm being very generous with that number. TCC is in many ways like Camargo before that club was "discovered." Not to take anything away from Camargo / Raynor but TCC / Flynn is a course that oozes quality. I recommend you play and / or see it ASAP.