Links Magazine World Top 100

[Ryan Book]

You're correct, of course. Apologies.

Numerous have noted the emphasis on Dye, and a few have pointed out that the panel for this exercise was comprised entirely of member of various architect organizations. I'm curious if courses that involved more "oomph" gathered more praise BECAUSE of the emphasized role of the architect. I'm thinking of examples like Whistling Straits and PDGC, where a heavy hand was necessary for such a project. Granted, any self-respecting ranking of courses could not cast out "minimalist" efforts entirely, but they may shade toward land-movers nonetheless.


Another theory, at least on the American side of things, is that few architects have had more direct involvement in the creation of other standalone architects than Dye, and there's a deference there as well. I know the Coores and Doaks aren't members of the ASGCA but I'm sure at least a few of his former employees took part in this exercise.   

Bill Coore is a member of ASGCA, and Ben is an honorary member by virtue of winning the Ross Award (with Bill).

They asked architects from all parts of the world and they came out like they came out.

[David Jones]

Listings like this are imo purely indicative.
They can however, be a useful tool for those wishing to explore different venues.

Of course they change if and when new courses of appropriate merit are built or yee oldies upgraded.
Regrettably I suspect some are influenced by commercial or business arrangements.


A couple of years ago someone took several different rankings and averaged them. This seemed to produce a somewhat more equitable overall ranking than the usual approach.
Atb

Hi Dai,


I used to do an average of 4 rankings on my website, that dwindled to 3, then 2 so I pulled it down.


I really liked Adam's Golf Course Architecture one which I included but it got a bit outdated with new openings. Golf Digest became a disaster and hasn't recovered - a World Top 100 which excludes courses in the USA is no good for anyone apart from the publishers and advertisers.


So I was left with GOLF and Top100. Averaging 2 lists isn't that interesting and frankly I have lost a little heart in the whole thing. I'm getting more cynical about the whole industry of rankings I'm afraid. Maybe I was ridiculously naive before.


However, I am looking forward to discussing the relativities on Te Arai North versus South with you over a cold beer in November!