Despite living in US, I have more "famous course" experience in the UK.
Agree with your "not boring design" as #1, then: 2. Able to strap on my own bag and walk comfortably 3. Design with tee boxes aligned with my 230 yard tee shots. 4. Variety of par 3 lengths 5. Limited fairway bunkering. 6. Limited water hazards Bonus points if there is a love-of-the-game feel in the clubhouse/bar/pro shop
Not in any order...that would be tough
-- Mid Pines-- Brora-- Myopia-- Essex County
-- Cruden Bay-- Old Town-- County Louth-- Ekwanok
-- Lakeside-- Royal Cinque Ports
-- Newport-- Whitinsville
#2, Royal County Down, Winged Foot, & Royal Dornoch -- I loved playing, but everyday would be too much for my game (4-6 handicap)
Examples of courses where I did play everyday, and loved, but not famous -- Orchards (MA) and Metacomet (sigh!).
Others, not so famous, that fall into this category -- Worcester, Aiken, Wanumetonomy (much improved), Lake Sunapee, Fort Myers, and Pocasset