JKinney,
If my memory serves me right, I believe that Shinnecock Hills was # 1 for a while.
Typically, courses seem to rise toward # 1 as the hosting of an Open looms on the Horizon.
I believe that Pebble Beach experienced the same phenomenon.
There seems to be an ebb and flow in the rankings directly related to the Open.
One of the major advantages Shinnecock enjoys is .......................... the wind.
Pine Valley, Winged Foot, Merion and others don't enjoy the strong breezes that sweep Shinnecock, NGLA, Pebble Beach, CPC and others.