Frank,
The idea of opening rankings to the masses might be a "fun" (relatively speaking here) endeavour to see what it produces but it would produce awful results.
Exhibit A: [size=78%]https://golftalkcanada.com/bushnell-top-50-golf-courses-in-canada/[/size]
+1
With apologies to Tim Gavrich, the list linked below is Exhibit B of what you get when you open up rankings to the masses. I've played 15 courses that are on this top 50 list and maybe 1 or 2 would possibly even sniff a top 100 list, let alone a top 50.
https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/best-of/best-public-golf-courses-golfers-choice-2024 "Top 50 U.S. Public Golf Courses - Golfers' Choice 2024"
While I wouldn't say our lists (or any others) are definitive, I would say that assuming a ranking that uses the thoughts of a lot of golfers would produce "awful" results is a bit disrespectful, and doesn't do much to disabuse people of the perception of architecture enthusiasts as snobs.
Well said Tim.
Thanks for fighting for us.
Sincerely, "the masses."
There is a thread about best courses throughout your life, provides some insight. Some people will only ever play 5 courses in their life. Doesn't mean their favorite course isn't their number 1, but doubt I give much weight to their ranking of courses.
It was kind of nice when I was blissfully ignorant (I still am in some respects).