2015 Golf Top 100

[jim_lewis]

I have played exactly half of the 100 courses listed.
Once again, I regret that they have omitted Wannamoisett.

In order to make room, I would drop Inverness.

[Jason Topp]

Forgot about Old Town.  That belongs on the list.  I guess I would remove Erin Hills from my additions although I could pick any of them.

I have played 27 listed below and think the list is pretty good for those courses.  I came up with four I would take out and four I would replace them with. 

Off – Royal Troon (too linear and boring), Waterville  (nature of soil and less original), Harbour Town (too one dimensional), Barnbougle (Dunes) (I believe it gets bonus for exotic location but I am not sure the course itself is superior to other Doak courses not on the list)

On – Kingsley, Kinloch, Erin Hills, Prestwick.  (struggled with whether or not to go with Pasatiempo or Bandon Trails instead of one of these).  The merits of these courses have been discussed extensively so I will not delve into them.

Courses Played:

3              St. Andrews (Old Course)
7              Pebble Beach
12           Royal Melbourne (West)
13           Sand Hills
14           Royal Dornoch (Championship)
16           Pinehurst (No. 2)
17           Ballybunion (Old)
21           Pacific Dunes
22           Crystal Downs
23           Trump Turnberry (Ailsa)
25           Carnoustie (Championship)
28           Kingston Heath
36           Barnbougle (Dunes)
37           New South Wales
38           Diamante (Dunes)
39           Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog)
41           Lahinch Golf Club (Old)
49           Royal Troon (Old)
50           Kiawah Island (Ocean
54           TPC Sawgrass (Stadium)
63           North Berwick (West)
64           Bandon Dunes
67           Kawana (Fuji)
83           Waterville
88           Royal Porthcawl
91           Harbour Town
100         Cabo del Sol (Ocean)

[John Kavanaugh]

With all these local yokel courses being bandied around as "Top 100 World" I can't help but wonder what happened to the love St. Louis C.C. was afforded not so many years ago.  It was on everyones comment list and now doesn't get a sniff.  What happened?

[Nigel Islam]

With all these local yokel courses being bandied around as "Top 100 World" I can't help but wonder what happened to the love St. Louis C.C. was afforded not so many years ago.  It was on everyones comment list and now doesn't get a sniff.  What happened?

Not sure SLCC cares, but I agree it certainly should at least be considered for these lists. It is as cool a course as you will find.

[MCirba]

I'm hardly a world traveler but I've played 34, as follows;

1              Pine Valley
2              Cypress Point
3              St. Andrews (Old Course)
6              Shinnecock Hills
9              Muirfield
10           National Golf Links of America
11           Merion (East)
13           Sand Hills
16           Pinehurst (No. 2)
18           Fishers Island
20           Winged Foot (West)
21           Pacific Dunes
22           Crystal Downs
24           San Francisco
27           Prairie Dunes
29           Riviera
30           Los Angeles (North)
31           Friar's Head
34           The Country Club
46           Bethpage (Black)
50           Kiawah Island (Ocean)
51           Garden City Golf Club
52           Whistling Straits (Straits)
59           Baltusrol (Lower)
60           Olympic Club (Lake)
61           Royal Lytham and St. Annes
63           North Berwick (West)
64           Bandon Dunes
66           Maidstone
68           Oak Hill (East)
71           Somerset Hills
74           Quaker Ridge
84           Winged Foot (East)
91           Harbour Town

It wouldn't pain me to see Baltusrol Lower, Whistling Straits, Olympic Lake, Oak Hill East, and Harbour Town replaced with Eastward Ho!, Yale, Creek Club, Boston Golf, and Sebonack of those I've played.  Heck, I'd throw Kingsley Club and Myopia in for good measure, replacing Maidstone and Quaker Ridge.

[Robert Thompson]

I've seen 63 of the Top 100. For what it is worth, I'd add Jasper, Cabot Cliffs, Highlands Links, Enniscrone, and St. Enodoc to the list.
Of what I've seen, I'd say Bandon Dunes, Troon, Quaker Ridge and Walton Heath would struggle to make my Top 100.
I find it interesting that there seems to be a natural prejudice against new links (European Club, Trump Aberdeen, Waterville, Kingsbarns). Waterville might struggle to make the list, and there are faults with EC, but I think the knock against Trump is simply a difficulty that most people have in looking past the man and seeing what is built. It is like disliking a musician personally, but enjoying the music. I loathe Trump and all he stands for, and I think his course has its faults, but it is still a remarkable achievement.
Similarly, I see faults with Kingsbarns, but it is a thrilling, enjoyable course that captures what a modern links should be, in my estimation.
And can someone explain the concern over Cruden Bay? I haven't been in a few years, but it is one I'd return to time and again.

[Jud_T]

I've played 25 of the list and I'd echo many of the same sentiments as those already stated.  I will say that I'd rather play Old Mac than all but a handful of those courses.

[JBovay]

Robert,


I thoroughly enjoyed Cruden Bay, and in fact a photo I took from the ninth tee there serves as my desktop background at the office. I just happened to like several courses not on Golf's Top 100 list even better (also including Jasper).


A couple of things I would have changed about Cruden Bay when I played it last year: the old ninth hole, now gone, was quite bland after you turned around and started playing the hole. Also, I felt the course was unnecessarily tight with lots of penal, long fescue and gorse--too many lost balls, for a course that was supposed to be all about the fun. Tom Doak mentions the latter point in the new CG, and either Geoff Shackelford or Mike Clayton mentioned this on their podcast, too.


Even with the new ninth hole and wider fairways, I'm still not sure Cruden Bay would get past Royal Aberdeen on my list.

[Mac Plumart]

I"m not going to mention which one should come out, but I've got my thoughts...


However, I really do think Pasatiempo warrants serious consideration for the list.

[Nigel Islam]

I"m not going to mention which one should come out, but I've got my thoughts...


However, I really do think Pasatiempo warrants serious consideration for the list.

Mac, I completely agree with you. Pasatiempo is really an excellent course. I understand why it just falls short of GOLF's world list, but for me I think it is better than several that made the list that I have also played.

[Mark_Fine]

I was as high as 85 on this list now am down to 71 as the courses constantly change (which is an indication of variablity in these lists).  Frankly, I am not knowledgable enough nor precise enough to know which course is ranked 100 in the world vs. 101 or 102!  What I do know is I have played a lot of good ones (over 350 that have been on someone's Top 100 list) and that I would give at least a Doak scale rating of 7 or more.  Many of these could be argued (and are argued) by some to be in the top 100 in the world. 

[Mac Plumart]

Many of these could be argued (and are argued) by some to be in the top 100 in the world.

Mark, exactly!  That is the fun of this site...discussing courses, features, and holes.  One may like it, another hate it.  But good discussion can come from it

Nigel, I've played Pasa twice now.  Once a few weeks ago and the other time a few years ago.  I walked away the first time thinking, "Wow!  This is great.  But, I know why it isn't rated higher."  And I  thought those reasons were: routing across streets, houses on the course, and a tight spot on the front nine.

But as I've continued to see more and more courses, I'm of the belief now that some courses get a "pass" on these issues...while other don't.  I think it is the sacred cow/status quo maintenance mentality that happens in regard to which courses get ranked highly and which don't get the respect they deserve.  I've seen many highly regarded courses have the exact same issues I highlighted concerning Pasa...but many of them maintain their lofty rankings.

So, I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you...but I am saying that even with the issues Pasa has, it still deserves very serious consideration for all applicable Top 100 lists.

To highlight its flaws...some will say 6 is too tight and the net is bad.  Ok.  Agreed.  That is the one bad aspect of that hole.  I do think the hole is solid, but the net is bad and the fairway too tight.  But Cypress Point (which totally blew me away and deserves all the accolades it gets), has it final hole and all the issues it comes with.  And, I could name a bunch of courses with one bad to so-so hole.

Routing over a street and in a neighborhood...Pebble has the same issues.  And, again, many courses on these lists deal with that same thing, or similar issues.

So, again, I simply think Pasatiempo deserves serious kudos for how good it is and it also deserves consideration for all these Top 100 lists.

Furthermore, since it is accessible by the public...I think it makes the lists of MUST PLAYS for all golf architecture enthusiasts...for many reasons, Mackenzie pedigree, amazing greens, great example of how to tie in the fairway contours and green surrounds with the green, amazing bunkering schemes, great use of natural landforms....I'm sure I could go on and on.

[Tom_Doak]

Routing over a street and in a neighborhood...Pebble has the same issues.  And, again, many courses on these lists deal with that same thing, or similar issues.

I once started making a list of great courses that actually play across a public road.  It started with The Old Course at St. Andrews, then Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, Shinnecock Hills, and The National Golf Links of America.  Mid Ocean, too; and Pine Valley hits across the driveway into the club on the 18th.  I stopped there, so I forgot about Pasatiempo!

[Tommy Williamsen]

Routing over a street and in a neighborhood...Pebble has the same issues.  And, again, many courses on these lists deal with that same thing, or similar issues.

I once started making a list of great courses that actually play across a public road.  It started with The Old Course at St. Andrews, then Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, Shinnecock Hills, and The National Golf Links of America.  Mid Ocean, too; and Pine Valley hits across the driveway into the club on the 18th.  I stopped there, so I forgot about Pasatiempo!

There a number of courses, like Merion East and The Cascades that require players to cross a public road.

[Nigel Islam]

Many of these could be argued (and are argued) by some to be in the top 100 in the world.

Mark, exactly!  That is the fun of this site...discussing courses, features, and holes.  One may like it, another hate it.  But good discussion can come from it

Nigel, I've played Pasa twice now.  Once a few weeks ago and the other time a few years ago.  I walked away the first time thinking, "Wow!  This is great.  But, I know why it isn't rated higher."  And I  thought those reasons were: routing across streets, houses on the course, and a tight spot on the front nine.

But as I've continued to see more and more courses, I'm of the belief now that some courses get a "pass" on these issues...while other don't.  I think it is the sacred cow/status quo maintenance mentality that happens in regard to which courses get ranked highly and which don't get the respect they deserve.  I've seen many highly regarded courses have the exact same issues I highlighted concerning Pasa...but many of them maintain their lofty rankings.

So, I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you...but I am saying that even with the issues Pasa has, it still deserves very serious consideration for all applicable Top 100 lists.

To highlight its flaws...some will say 6 is too tight and the net is bad.  Ok.  Agreed.  That is the one bad aspect of that hole.  I do think the hole is solid, but the net is bad and the fairway too tight.  But Cypress Point (which totally blew me away and deserves all the accolades it gets), has it final hole and all the issues it comes with.  And, I could name a bunch of courses with one bad to so-so hole.

Routing over a street and in a neighborhood...Pebble has the same issues.  And, again, many courses on these lists deal with that same thing, or similar issues.

So, again, I simply think Pasatiempo deserves serious kudos for how good it is and it also deserves consideration for all these Top 100 lists.

Furthermore, since it is accessible by the public...I think it makes the lists of MUST PLAYS for all golf architecture enthusiasts...for many reasons, Mackenzie pedigree, amazing greens, great example of how to tie in the fairway contours and green surrounds with the green, amazing bunkering schemes, great use of natural landforms....I'm sure I could go on and on.

Mac, I love the place, and it would make MY world list. I have it in my own top ten. I was so excited when I first drove up to the property and I left feeling the same way.

[Jon Wiggett]

So the Golf Magazine's Top 100 list is out.

I always thought a fun discussion was:

What five should be included?
Which five would you remove?

1              Pine Valley
2              Cypress Point
3              St. Andrews (Old Course)
4              Augusta National
5              Royal County Down
6              Shinnecock Hills
7              Pebble Beach
8              Oakmont
9              Muirfield
10           National Golf Links of America
11           Merion (East)
12           Royal Melbourne (West)
13           Sand Hills
14           Royal Dornoch (Championship)
15           Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
16           Pinehurst (No. 2)
17           Ballybunion (Old)
18           Fishers Island
19           Seminole
20           Winged Foot (West)
21           Pacific Dunes
22           Crystal Downs
23           Trump Turnberry (Ailsa)
24           San Francisco
25           Carnoustie (Championship)
26           Chicago Golf Club
27           Prairie Dunes
28           Kingston Heath
29           Riviera
30           Los Angeles (North)
31           Friar's Head
32           Royal Birkdale
33           Royal St. George's
34           The Country Club
35           Sunningdale (Old)
36           Barnbougle (Dunes)
37           New South Wales
38           Diamante (Dunes)
39           Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog)
40           Cape Kidnappers
41           Lahinch Golf Club (Old)
42           Hirono Golf Club
43           Nine Bridges
44           Oakland Hills (South)
45           Morfontaine
46           Bethpage (Black)
47           Shanqin Bay
48           Trump International Golf Links
49           Royal Troon (Old)
50           Kiawah Island (Ocean)
51           Garden City Golf Club
52           Whistling Straits (Straits)
53           Muirfield Village
54           TPC Sawgrass (Stadium)
55           Portmarnock (Old)
56           Shoreacres
57           Camargo
58           Oitavos Dunes
59           Baltusrol (Lower)
60           Olympic Club (Lake)
61           Royal Lytham and St. Annes
62           Southern Hills Country Club
63           North Berwick (West)
64           Bandon Dunes
65           Kingsbarns
66           Maidstone
67           Kawana (Fuji)
68           Oak Hill (East)
69           Castle Stuart
70           Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)
71           Somerset Hills
72           The Golf Club
73           Ellerston
74           Quaker Ridge
75           Cabot Links
76           Ayodhya Links
77           Cruden Bay
78           Ballyneal
79           Inverness
80           Ganton
81           California Golf Club of San Francisco
82           Royal Liverpool
83           Waterville
84           Winged Foot (East)
85           Barnbougle Lost Farm
86           Walton Heath (Old)
87           St. George’s
88           Royal Porthcawl
89           Swinley Forest
90           European Club
91           Harbour Town
92           Koninklijke Haagsche
93           Machrihanish
94           Kauri Cliffs
95           Sunningdale (New)
96           Tokyo Golf Club
97           Durban Country Club
98           Rye Golf Club
99           Valderrama
100         Cabo del Sol (Ocean)

I would add Alwoodley, King Course Gleneagles, Royal Aberdeen though I am sure there are other candidates which I have forgotten about or am unaware of.

Jon

[John Sabino]

My list is similar to Ian's:


In
1. Yale
2. Highlands Links
3. Prestwick
4. Jack's Point
5. The Valley Club


Out
1. TPC Sawgrass
2. Baltusrol (Lower)
3. Waterville
4. The European Club
5. Machrihanish


I have been fortunate to play them all. Recently played Yale and was absolutely blown away by the experience. It should frankly rank in the top fifty courses in the world: [size=78%]http://top100golf.blogspot.com/2015/11/golf-at-yale.html[/size]


It seems to me that both Canada and Japan get short-shrift in the rankings, I suppose due to the makeup of the raters. For the record, I love Machrihanish but the last 3-4 holes are underwhelming and it does not have the best opening hole in the world. In terms of historic Scottish courses Prestwick gets the nod.

[Tim Gallant]

My list is similar to Ian's:


In
1. Yale
2. Highlands Links
3. Prestwick
4. Jack's Point
5. The Valley Club


Out
1. TPC Sawgrass
2. Baltusrol (Lower)
3. Waterville
4. The European Club
5. Machrihanish


I have been fortunate to play them all. Recently played Yale and was absolutely blown away by the experience. It should frankly rank in the top fifty courses in the world: [size=78%]http://top100golf.blogspot.com/2015/11/golf-at-yale.html[/size]


It seems to me that both Canada and Japan get short-shrift in the rankings, I suppose due to the makeup of the raters. For the record, I love Machrihanish but the last 3-4 holes are underwhelming and it does not have the best opening hole in the world. In terms of historic Scottish courses Prestwick gets the nod.

John, it was great to read your most recent review of Yale. Having only played a few of the courses you have listed, I would say that Prestwick is certainly deserving of consideration within the Top 100.


When is your book coming out?

[Niall C]

Out

TOC
Dornoch
Winged Foot
Castle Stuart
Durban Country Club


In

Silloth
Forfar
Whinhill
Wentworth
Castle Course, St Andrews[/size]


Niall

[Jud_T]

Out

TOC

In

Wentworth
St Andrews


Niall

Thanks for providing some much needed humor in these difficult days....

[John Sabino]

Tim - Thanks, book is coming out in April. John

[Niall C]

Jud

There was a wee bit more intended humour than you gave me credit for. Clearly my post was tongue in cheek, but there is one course in my Out list and another course on my In list that are for real. I'll leave you to guess which ones 

Niall

[Jim Nugent]

Jud, in those unofficial GCA rankings from 2009, Pine Valley got at least one "7".  That would typically put it outside the top 100, wouldn't it? 

[Ian Mackenzie]

Routing over a street and in a neighborhood...Pebble has the same issues.  And, again, many courses on these lists deal with that same thing, or similar issues.

I once started making a list of great courses that actually play across a public road.  It started with The Old Course at St. Andrews, then Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, Shinnecock Hills, and The National Golf Links of America.  Mid Ocean, too; and Pine Valley hits across the driveway into the club on the 18th.  I stopped there, so I forgot about Pasatiempo!

You can add Dornoch and Shoreacres to that list.

[Mark Steffey]

Mac, I love the place, and it would make MY world list. I have it in my own top ten. I was so excited when I first drove up to the property and I left feeling the same way.

the parking lot was all i got to (twice).  i flew into SFO for a wedding and told mrs steffey that i wanted to play this course that was a bit of a drive south.  we got there and i looked at her and my young son (under 1) and asked that they come back and get me in 4 hrs.  she asked "where do i go".  me being the thoughtful husband turned over the car and we found a seaside park with a ferris wheel.  perfect.  i suggested they come back here after dropping me off.  she said she wasn't sure of the directions.  so i drove back to pasa from there and again in the parking lot suggested 4 hrs.   they time i only got a stare.


next thing i know we are all in chinatown in SF eating a late lunch....