I actually like that some of these destinations are not regularly visited and don't mind looking forward to occasional visits; it makes the experience more enjoyable in my mind. So I'll keep the California courses, Ireland, Scotland in that category along with England/Wales, New England, the Great Plains and Australia.
So that leaves me the American Classics or the Long Islanders. Shinnecock is my favorite course of all. So that gives that group a fast start. I have an exceptionally high regard for NGLA, but not enough to sway the decision much. I have only walked Maidstone, albeit with Tom Paul. It fascinates me, in some ways more so than NGLA. The 9th hole is a wonder, even more so knowing how it came to be.
Then there is the mostly local selection of Merion, Pine Valley and Augusta. Merion is my second favorite course and Pine Valley my third favorite. Two out of the top 3 in one group. That would be hard to top. Throw Augusta National in there and that is the end of story. Honestly though, you could change Augusta to TCC, Kittansett, Indian Creek, Crystal Downs, Prairie Dunes and several others and I would still choose the American Classics. I wouldn't even mind that much if it was only Merion and Pine Valley
But then again, Shinnecock does beckon strongly.....