[Sean_A]

Yes, it is difficult to overcome a general out n' back routing in terms of competing with the very best courses because no matter how PC anyone wants to be, out n' backers tend to be two dimensional where wind is concerned meaning that on a significant percentage of days one side will play tougher than most would enjoy....especially if one plays the course a lot.  Still, an exceptional piece of land ala TOC or Deal and most can be forgiven. 

I figure it probably takes 3-4 lists over 6-8 years to get the rankings close to right...assuming I keep playing a decent amount of golf on good courses.  I was looking at a 2017 ranking and 15 new courses would make the list.  Of course, no matter how objective one tries to be there will always be personal bias in play and for me big issues are

1. Playability in terms of rough control and fairway width. 
2. Green access...a good balance of green sites...not too many raised greens
3. Feature balance...not relying too heavily on one type feature...most often the case is bunkering

Ciao

[Niall C]

Ah yes, the curse of golf course raters……...wind !
 
I recall in my Silloth days that the pro used to say that the prevailing wind used to switch direction from summer to winter. He was speaking in a general sense as the wind used to fluctuate in direction during a round and it wasn’t uncommon for it to switch round 180 degrees during a round.
 
It never used to bother me playing into the wind, still doesn’t, as both playing with the wind and against the wind have their own challenges. To me that’s golf, especially links golf. Play it as it lies and accept what you’ve been given.
 
Niall
 
Ps. Apart from a one hole switchback on both the first nine and the second nine, Silloth is more or less an out and back course.     

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