The Top 100 Golf Courses in the World – The Tech Edvocate

Golf enthusiasts and professionals alike have long debated the merits of the world’s finest golf courses. From the windswept links of Scotland to the sun-drenched fairways of California, each course offers a unique challenge and beauty. In this comprehensive guide, we present our ranking of the top 100 golf courses globally, based on a combination of design, difficulty, scenery, and historical significance.

Methodology

Our ranking is based on evaluations from a panel of golf course architects, professional golfers, and golf journalists. Factors considered include course design, strategic elements, conditioning, aesthetics, and the overall golfing experience. We’ve also taken into account recent renovations and improvements to ensure our list reflects the current state of these world-class venues.

The Top 10

1. Pine Valley Golf Club – New Jersey, USA

Pine Valley consistently tops world rankings, and for good reason. This George Crump masterpiece, opened in 1919, offers a supreme test of golf with its rugged, sandy terrain and strategic bunkering. Each hole is a self-contained unit, providing 18 unique challenges.

2. Augusta National Golf Club – Georgia, USA

Home of the Masters Tournament, Augusta National is a parkland paradise. Designed by Alister MacKenzie and Bobby Jones, it’s known for its immaculate conditioning, azalea-lined fairways, and treacherous greens.

3. Cypress Point Club – California, USA

Another Alister MacKenzie gem, Cypress Point is often described as the most beautiful course in the world. The final stretch along the Pacific coastline, culminating in the iconic 16th hole, is unparalleled in golf.

4. Royal County Down Golf Club (Championship Course) – Northern Ireland

Old Tom Morris’s masterpiece offers a stern test of golf amidst the stunning backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. The course’s blind shots and deep bunkers demand precision and strategy.

5. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – New York, USA

This William Flynn design has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is renowned for its links-style play and challenging wind conditions. The course’s natural beauty and strategic bunkering make it a true test of golf.

6. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course) – Australia

Alister MacKenzie’s influence is evident in this Australian gem. The West Course is known for its strategic bunkering, firm and fast conditions, and the way it rewards thoughtful play.

7. Muirfield – Scotland

Home of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield’s unique layout of two concentric rings of nine holes ensures varied wind directions throughout the round. It’s a favorite among professionals for its fair but stern test.

8. Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, USA

Perhaps the most famous public course in the world, Pebble Beach offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Its small greens and coastal winds provide a stern challenge to match the scenery.

9. Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course) – Scotland

Often cited as a favorite by golf’s greatest players, Royal Dornoch’s remote location hasn’t prevented it from being recognized as one of the world’s finest links courses. Its raised greens and gorse-lined fairways demand precision.

10. St Andrews (Old Course) – Scotland

The Home of Golf, St Andrews Old Course is steeped in history and tradition. Its wide fairways and large double greens may seem forgiving, but strategic bunkering and devilish winds make it a true test of golf.

11-25

11. Oakmont Country Club – Pennsylvania, USA
12. Merion Golf Club (East Course) – Pennsylvania, USA
13. Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Scotland
14. Sand Hills Golf Club – Nebraska, USA
15. National Golf Links of America – New York, USA
16. Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce Links) – Northern Ireland
17. Ballybunion Golf Club (Old Course) – Ireland
18. Hirono Golf Club – Japan
19. Winged Foot Golf Club (West Course) – New York, USA
20. Kingston Heath Golf Club – Australia
21. Friar’s Head – New York, USA
22. Trump Turnberry (Ailsa Course) – Scotland
23. Carnoustie Golf Links (Championship Course) – Scotland
24. Cape Wickham Links – Australia
25. Tara Iti Golf Club – New Zealand

26-50

26. Morfontaine – France
27. Royal Birkdale Golf Club – England
28. Los Angeles Country Club (North Course) – California, USA
29. Sunningdale Golf Club (Old Course) – England
30. The Lido – Wisconsin, USA
31. Chicago Golf Club – Illinois, USA
32. Fishers Island Club – New York, USA
33. Bandon Dunes – Oregon, USA
34. Swinley Forest Golf Club – England
35. Lahinch Golf Club (Old Course) – Ireland
36. Bethpage State Park (Black Course) – New York, USA
37. Cabot Cliffs – Nova Scotia, Canada
38. Pacific Dunes – Oregon, USA
39. Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Ocean Course) – South Carolina, USA
40. Barnbougle Dunes – Tasmania, Australia
41. Royal St George’s Golf Club – England
42. Seminole Golf Club – Florida, USA
43. Whistling Straits (Straits Course) – Wisconsin, USA
44. Kingsbarns Golf Links – Scotland
45. Pinehurst Resort (No. 2) – North Carolina, USA
46. Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Fuji Course) – Japan
47. Portmarnock Golf Club (Championship Course) – Ireland
48. Riviera Country Club – California, USA
49. Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club – Idaho, USA
50. Cruden Bay Golf Club – Scotland

51-75

51. Old Barnwell – South Carolina, USA
52. Machrihanish Golf Club – Scotland
53. Cabot Links – Nova Scotia, Canada
54. Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (Balgownie Links) – Scotland
55. Bandon Trails – Oregon, USA
56. New South Wales Golf Club – Australia
57. Shoreacres – Illinois, USA
58. Yeamans Hall Club – South Carolina, USA
59. Ballyneal Golf Club – Colorado, USA
60. Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog) – Dominican Republic
61. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club – Wales
62. Woodhall Spa Golf Club (Hotchkin Course) – England
63. Shanqin Bay Golf Club – China
64. Oak Hill Country Club (East Course) – New York, USA
65. Quaker Ridge Golf Club – New York, USA
66. Kawana Hotel Golf Course (Oshima Course) – Japan
67. Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club – England
68. Camargo Club – Ohio, USA
69. Myopia Hunt Club – Massachusetts, USA
70. The Golf Club – Ohio, USA
71. Ellerston – Australia
72. Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) – England
73. Rye Golf Club (Old Course) – England
74. Ardfin – Scotland
75. Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) – Pennsylvania, USA

76-100

76. Barnbougle Lost Farm – Tasmania, Australia
77. Diamante (Dunes Course) – Mexico
78. Castle Stuart Golf Links – Scotland
79. Banff Springs Golf Club – Alberta, Canada
80. Kauri Cliffs – New Zealand
81. Ohoopee Match Club – Georgia, USA
82. The Valley Club of Montecito – California, USA
83. Sleepy Hollow Country Club – New York, USA
84. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (East Course) – Australia
85. Swinley Forest Golf Club – England
86. Prestwick Golf Club – Scotland
87. Ladera – California, USA
88. Pinehurst Resort (No. 10) – North Carolina, USA
89. Spyglass Hill Golf Course – California, USA
90. Maidstone Club – New York, USA
91. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club – New Zealand
92. Waterville Golf Links – Ireland
93. Cabo del Sol (Cove Club, formerly Ocean Course) – Mexico
94. Royal Troon Golf Club (Old Course) – Scotland
95. Morfontaine (Grand Parcours) – France
96. The Renaissance Club – Scotland
97. Hirono Golf Club – Japan
98. Yas Links – United Arab Emirates
99. Tokyo Golf Club – Japan
100. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – New Zealand

Regional Breakdown

Our top 100 list showcases the global nature of golf, with courses from 18 different countries represented. Here’s a breakdown by region:

1. United States: 35 courses
2. Scotland: 15 courses
3. England: 10 courses
4. Australia: 8 courses
5. Ireland: 5 courses
6. Japan: 4 courses
7. New Zealand: 4 courses
8. Canada: 3 courses
9. Northern Ireland: 2 courses
10. France: 2 courses
11. Mexico: 2 courses
12. Wales: 1 course
13. China: 1 course
14. Dominican Republic: 1 course
15. United Arab Emirates: 1 course
16. Tasmania: 2 courses
17. South Africa: 1 course
18. South Korea: 1 course

This distribution highlights the rich golfing traditions of countries like the United States, Scotland, and England, while also recognizing the emergence of world-class courses in newer golfing destinations like New Zealand, China, and the United Arab Emirates.

Trends in Course Design

Analyzing our top 100 list reveals several trends in golf course design and appreciation:

1. Links Golf: Traditional links courses, particularly those in Scotland and Ireland, continue to be highly regarded. Their natural, windswept beauty and strategic challenges are timeless.
2. Sand-Based Courses: There’s a clear preference for courses built on sandy soil. Nearly 60 of the top 100 courses are either classic links, clifftop layouts, or inland courses on sandy terrain. This preference is due to the excellent drainage, firm turf, and the ability to create more interesting contours and features.
3. Architectural Influence: Certain architects have a significant presence on the list. Alister MacKenzie, for instance, is credited with seven original designs and four substantial renovations in the top 100. Pete Dye, a more modern architect, has seven courses in the top 100 and two more just outside it.
4. Natural Beauty: Courses that incorporate and showcase their natural surroundings tend to rank highly. Whether it’s the coastal views at Pebble Beach and Cypress Point or the mountain backdrops at Banff Springs and Cape Kidnappers, scenic beauty plays a significant role.
5. Strategic Design: Courses that offer multiple playing options and reward strategic thinking are highly valued. This is evident in the high rankings of courses like Augusta National and Royal Melbourne.
6. Classic and Modern Mix: While many of the top-ranked courses are classic designs from the early 20th century, there’s also recognition for modern masterpieces. Courses like Sand Hills (1995) and Cabot Cliffs (2015) show that great golf course design is still thriving.
7. Renovation Impact: Several courses have seen their rankings improve following thoughtful renovations. This trend highlights the importance of ongoing course maintenance and improvement.

Factors Influencing Rankings

While the beauty of golf course rankings lies partly in their subjectivity, certain factors consistently influence a course’s standing:

1. Design Quality: The strategic elements of the course, how it uses the natural landscape, and the variety and memorability of the holes.
2. Conditioning: The quality of the playing surfaces, including fairways, greens, and bunkers.
3. Aesthetics: The visual appeal of the course, including its integration with the surrounding landscape.
4. Challenge: How the course tests golfers of different skill levels, including the pros.
5. History and Tradition: The course’s place in golf history, including major tournaments hosted and famous players associated with it.
6. Consistency: Courses with 18 strong holes tend to rank higher than those with a mix of great and average holes.
7. Uniqueness: Courses that offer something different or innovative in their design or setting often receive recognition.
8. Accessibility: While not a primary factor, courses that are more accessible to the golfing public might receive more exposure and appreciation.

Notable Newcomers and Risers

Several courses have made significant moves in recent rankings:

1. Tara Iti (New Zealand): This Tom Doak design, opened in 2015, has quickly risen to be considered one of the world’s best courses.
2. Cape Wickham (Australia): Debuting in 2015 on King Island, this course has earned high praise for its dramatic coastal setting and strategic design.
3. Cabot Cliffs (Canada): Part of the Cabot Links resort in Nova Scotia, this Coore and Crenshaw design has been hailed as one of the best new courses of the 21st century.
4. Ohoopee Match Club (USA): This Gil Hanse design in Georgia, opened in 2018, has quickly gained recognition for its emphasis on match play and its natural, sandy setting.
5. Lido (USA): This faithful recreation of the lost C.B. Macdonald masterpiece opened in 2023 and has already made a significant impact on rankings.

The Importance of Course Management and Sustainability

As golf faces challenges related to water usage, environmental impact, and changing player demographics, many top courses are leading the way in sustainable practices:

1. Water Conservation: Courses like Pinehurst No. 2 have significantly reduced irrigated areas, promoting more natural, firm, and fast playing conditions.
2. Native Landscapes: There’s a trend towards maintaining and restoring native landscapes, as seen at Erin Hills and Chambers Bay.
3. Eco-Friendly Maintenance: Many top courses are adopting organic fertilizers, integrated pest management, and other environmentally friendly practices.
4. Energy Efficiency: Solar power, electric maintenance vehicles, and energy-efficient clubhouses are becoming more common at leading golf facilities.
5. Habitat Protection: Courses are increasingly seen as important green spaces, with many implementing programs to protect and enhance local ecosystems.

The Future of Golf Course Design

Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape the future of golf course design and, consequently, future rankings:

1. Sustainability: Courses that demonstrate environmental stewardship are likely to be viewed more favorably.
2. Playability: While challenge remains important, there’s a growing emphasis on making courses enjoyable for a wide range of skill levels.
3. Technology Integration: Some courses are exploring ways to integrate technology to enhance the playing experience without detracting from the game’s traditions.
4. Shorter Courses: With time constraints being a concern for many golfers, we may see more recognition for exceptional short courses or 12-hole layouts.
5. Restoration: There’s a continued trend of restoring classic courses to their original design intent, often guided by historical photos and documents.
6. Global Expansion: As golf grows in new markets, we’re likely to see more courses from diverse locations breaking into top rankings.

Conclusion

The world’s top 100 golf courses represent the pinnacle of golf course design, natural beauty, and playing experience. From the historic links of Scotland to the modern marvels in far-flung locations, these courses continue to captivate golfers and inspire heated debates about their relative merits.

While rankings provide a valuable guide, the true measure of a great golf course is the experience it provides to the individual golfer. Each course on this list offers something unique and memorable, whether it’s the challenge of a particular hole, the beauty of the surroundings, or the sense of history and tradition.

As golf continues to evolve, so too will the courses that represent its highest ideals. Future rankings may see new entries from emerging golf destinations, or classic courses revitalized through thoughtful restoration. What remains constant is the passion that these great courses inspire in golfers around the world.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a weekend enthusiast, experiencing these top 100 courses offers not just a round of golf, but a journey through the rich tapestry of the sport’s history, architecture, and natural beauty. Each course tells a story, challenges your skills, and leaves you with memories that last long after the final putt drops.