World's Best Golfing!

Compiled by the golf experts at Top 100 Golf Courses (2010), this comprehensive list has been very carefully compiled through a unique rating system. According to the site, the rankings are determined by 1)the number of times a course appears on a ranking table, 2)weighted in favor of courses appearing in the world rankings, 3) weighting courses appearing most recently in any ranking tables, and 4)check and balance by their own team of passionate players. There are 6 levels of rankings, from the best, Albatross to the least, Double Bogey garnering between 1 and 6 golf balls. This list differs very little from Golf Magazine's Top 100 Courses in the World (2009). While our list only highlights the top 25 of the world's best courses, you can click the title or this link to view the complete list. After checking out this list, you'll definitely want to grab your wedges, irons, woods, and putters and cruise on over to these fabulous greens!

1. Pine Valley- This super private golf club is located in Pine Valley, NJ. It is considered one of the hardest yet breathtaking courses to play and has arguably the best holes. They do not host major tournaments. For non-members, the best way on the course is in late September when they let the public in to watch the Crump Cup.
   
2. Cypress Point- World renowned for the three holes along the Pacific Ocean (15, 16, & 17) this private course is located in Monterey, California. This course was the scene of "The Match" in 1956, one of the greatest golf games ever played.


3. Royal County Down- Located in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland, it is one of the oldest in the country (opened 1889). The course has been highlighted in various books and magazines, such as The 500 World's Greatest Golf Holes and Golf Digest. It is considered to be most scenic, most fun, and best maintained in the world.


4. Shinnecock Hills- Laying claim to titles such as the oldest formal organized golf club in the US (1891), oldest clubhouse in the US (1892), one of five founding members of the USGA, and first club to admit women, this wonderful course is located in Southampton, Long Island (NY). It owes its design to Willie Dunn and 150 Native Americans from the neighboring Shinnecock Reservation. It has hosted the US Open 4 times in 3 separate centuries.


5. Augusta National- One of the easiest names to recognize, this private course is located in Augusta, Georgia and home to the Masters. Each hole is named after the tree or shrub with which is has been associated. It lists among its members, who receive a green sports coat, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and Jack Welch.


6. Turnberry (Ailsa)- Used as an airbase in WWI & WWII, this course is located in South Ayrshire, Scotland. The Ailsa course has hosted a myriad of important tournaments including The Open Championship, the Women's British Open, the Walker Cup, and Senior Open Championship.


7. Oakmont- "The oldest top-ranked golf course in the US", this private club of Oakmont, Pennsylvania opened in 1903. It has hosted the most major championships, second to Augusta National and is considered to be one of the toughest courses in the world.


8. Muirfield- This is the world's oldest golf club (1744) and "The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers" (HCEG) located in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland. This links course is on rotation for the Open Championship and was among the first to divert from the typical links arrangement.


9. Pebble Beach- While you can't play Cypress Point, you can play Pebble Beach Golf Links as long as you're willing to pony up the green fee. It was the first public course to rank number 1 by Golf Digest and holes 7 to 10 present the greatest sequence of holes on the planet.


10. Ballybunion (Old)- Considered one of the "finest seaside courses", it is located in the remote town of Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland. This course is a supreme test of talents yet exhilarating. Tom Watson, in particular, has fallen in love & extols the course's virtues.


11. Merion (East)-Located in Ardmore, Pennsylvania and designed by an amateur architect, Hugh Wilson managed to produce one of the States' greatest courses. This will be the host of the 2013 US Open. While it's tricky to get on this private green, there are two courses (East & West) with the East Course more highly regarded. It plays a prominent role in the novel "Back Spin" by Harlan Coben.


12. Royal Portrush (Dunluce)- Boasting a scenic setting, a challenging course, and the only club outside of Great Britain to host the Open Championship, this course is located in Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Dunlace links owes its name to the Dunlace castle ruins, which overlook the course.


13. Sand Hills- This private course located in Mullen, Nebraska is only open 4 months out of the year! It follows the design credos set forth by Dr. Alister MacKenszie, emphasizing the minimalistic and strategic course layout. It was created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw & opened for business in 1995.


14. Royal Melbourne (West)- Designed by Dr. MacKenzie, this is Australia's most celebrated, prestigious, exclusive, and oldest club (1891), it is located in Black Rock, Victoria, Australia. It has had the honor of hosting many national and international tournaments, such as the Presidents Cup (1998, 2011). It was the first club in Melbourne's Sandbelt area.


15. Royal Birkdale- a hard to read and tough to master course, it is located in Southport, England. Not only is this an exceptional course to play, it's naturally equipped with excellent spectator conditions. It has hosted many tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, & Open Championship.


16. Royal Dornoch- Long before this majestic course existed (estb. 1877), the locals were playing the great game of golf as far back as 1616. Its location is a bit out of the way in Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland and has prevented it from hosting major championships. Nevertheless, it is a must for golf lovers and a favorite of many golf pros.


17. Bandon Dunes (Pacific Dunes)- Of the 3 courses, Pacific Dunes is considered the best. While not a championship layout, it still provides the perfect challenge. It is located just north of Bandon, Oregon.


18. Kingsbarns- Prior to the establishment of the Kingsbarns Golf Club (1922) & Kingsbarns Golf Links (2000), villagers established the Kingsbarns Golfing Society (1793). The course is exquisite- always immaculately maintained, perfect natural conditions for a great game, has its own burn, and a fabulous view of the North Sea from every hole.


19. National Golf Links of America- Known simply as 'National', this private course is located in Southampton, Long Island, NY and is a "Bear's Best" or "Blair's Best" of the 20th century. Each hole has its own name and has been called 'America's snootiest golf course' due to exclusivity.


20. St. Andrews (Old)- Regarded as the "home of golf" (among many other things) & a popular hub for golf tourism, the 7 public courses can be found in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland just north of Kingsbarns. Perhaps one of the best holes to play on the old course is #17, the Road hole. This is the oldest surviving "Royal" golf club.


21. Crystal Downs- Offering views of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake while you play, this private course is the work of golf mastermind Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell. It has not hosted many tournaments of any note and is secluded without sufficient facilities necessary to accommodate crowds.


22. Seminole- Located in Juno Beach, Florida this was the first phenomenal course in the area. It is consistently ranked as a top green and is an elegant example of course routing- don't attack this course.


23. Winged Foot (West)- Hailing from Mamoroneck, New York, this private course was established in 1921. The West course is a par 72 with a rating of 76.1 & slope of 145. This is the finest creation of one of America's greatest golf course designers, A.W. Tilinghast.


24. Sunningdale (Old)- Founded in 1900 by Willie Park Jr, it is located in Berkshire, England. This private course was one of the first in the area and most aesthetic. Memorable holes include the 5th, 10th, and 15th.


25. Kingston Heath- One of Australia's major Sandbelt courses, this one is located in Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia. It was opened in 1925, is the longest in the country, & is highly exclusive. This course present one of the best strategic courses available for play.

Here's a few other great articles for avid golfers:

*America's 100 Greatest Courses. This article breaks it down by a few different categories. The 'State' and '100 Greatest Public' features are particularly helpful.

*75 Best Golf Resorts in North America. A wonderful resource for those looking to relax on a wonderful green.

*Top 50 Courses for Women. What does it take to rank as a top course for women? Read on to find out!

*America's 50 Toughest Golf Courses. For those of us who love the thrill and beating of a challenging course.

*America's Best 100 Public Courses. You want to play the best but you don't have a membership or buddy who does? No problem!

*Best New Public Courses. Complete with a description, contact information, and a link to their site.