I'll admit I know next to nothing about how these lists are compiled, but it strikes me as odd that courses can move 24, 31, and 48 spots on a biennial list. I guess that when you get to see that high quality of golf course, it is all splitting hairs.
It's also interesting to see Bandon Trails do some renovation work--like on the 18th--and get bumped, while other courses are "rewarded" for their improvements. I know it was at the bottom of the previous list, but that stuck out to me.