In judging the "best and worst" courses by Coore & Crenshaw (or by any architect), like most, I consider the final product, but I always try to assess (to the best of my limited ability) how difficult it was to arrive at that final product. This obviously comes down to the quality of the land (and soil) to begin with, and then what was (or was not) done by the hand of man. I realize this is far from a new concept on this site, but it is important to call out amid this discussion. As has been discussed on other threads over time, Talking Stick North is an impressive feat, as the site was completely flat. The use of strategically placed hazards, well-designed greens, and even select use of out of bounds makes for a really interesting golf course. Doak 6 course on a Doak 1 piece of property. The rest of the C&C portfolio is so strong, that TS North is almost certainly in the bottom quartile, but it remains a very good golf course.
I've only played a dozen of their courses, but here is my view on their best (that I have seen)...
Sand Hills - as close to flawless as I have personally seen. Ideal land and soil, massaged in all the right ways. Several of the best holes in their category (best short 4, short 5, long 5, etc) in the world. I think about this course more than any other I have played (except maybe Prairie Dunes
), and am constantly amazed at the incredible strength and variety of each hole, and the course in total.
Bandon Trails - interesting land, wonderful rhythm and pacing from hole to hole, each of which tests different aspects of your game, including course management, decision making, and of course, execution. Brilliant variety in all aspects, making the best of the difficult parts of the property (and how they fit into the chosen routing) to design good golf holes. A handful of holes I don't love individually, but the course as a whole is fun and just challenging enough.
Dormie Club, Streamsong Red, & Sand Valley - these 3 are pretty tightly bunched in my mind. I have quite a few more plays at Dormie vs. SS Red (only 4) and SV (only 2), so I definitely know the course better, and would give it a slight edge over the other two, recognizing the (in this case, positive) bias of familiarity. The criticisms I have heard of Dormie over the years have never held much weight in swinging my opinion. I simply love the course and believe it has a collection of extremely strong golf holes. SS Red and SV are both big ballparks that move over the property in a sometimes unpredictable, but always exciting way. I love them both, and hope to get back to each place soon.
I also absolutely love Chechessee Creek, but don't feel it is quite in the same level as those mentioned already. Tier 2 of their portfolio is still pretty solid. I'd put We Ko Pa Saguaro in a similar class.
On the low end, Talking Stick South is the clearest member, in my view. Several good holes, but suffers from proximity to casino and other buildings on the property. There are plenty of spots where you can see the C&C skill at work, but it's probably the only course of theirs that i have played that I do not wish to play again.
Any others in the bottom quartile (ND Warren, TS North) feel "wrong" to mention among the worst of anything, but due to land limitations and other factors, that's where they land in this conversation.
I have to say - both Bandon Preserve and the Sandbox have some really well-designed and fun holes. I can't compare them to the full, big courses, but I have gone around each several times, in some cases with just one club, and I love what they are. Preserve's natural beauty and views make it an almost too good to be true place for the evening, barefoot, beer loop with your buddies.