Debating lists of the Top Golf Courses in the World has become common in the last 40-odd years. Ever since US publication, Golf Magazine, published its first regular list in 1983 (Muirfield came in at the top spot) new incarnations of the rankings have been eagerly awaited.
However, for 99.999% of the readership, these lists were nothing more than an excuse for some idle day-dreaming and wishful thinking. Many of the top courses in the USA, and a handful beyond, are just impossible to play unless a member invites you. Pine Valley, Cypress Point, Augusta and Shinnecock Hills have all been staples of the top 10 lists, but playing them is impossible for most.
Well, the UK’s Golf World has come up with what I think is the first ever list of the ‘Top 100 golf courses you can play’.
Before getting into the list, I have a couple of caveats. Firstly, when it says these are ‘golf courses anyone can play’ it means anyone can contact the course and arrange a round. However, some of the courses are very expensive. Two immediately come to mind, Tara Iti in New Zealand and Ardfin in Scotland. Both can be played if you stay on the property, but the cost for both is very high.
Secondly, declaring an interest, the course Editor at Golf World, Chris Bertram, asked me to contribute to the list. The panel is made up of experts far more qualified than me but it was fun to be part of the process.
BRITAIN AND IRELAND DOMINATE
An amazing 46 courses come from Britain and Ireland, with England (20) just pipping Scotland (19). A Northern Ireland course, Royal Country Down, takes the top spot, but if anything I was a little surprised that there were only 4 in the Republic.
The sheer number of courses in England and Scotland shouldn’t be a shock. The only private course on these shores which could be considered in this class is Loch Lomond. This underlines that if you are looking for a destination to play the very best golf in the world, then you need look no further than Britain.
RESORT GOLF DOMINATES IN THE USA
Accessing great golf really is such a different story in the US and this list underlines that fact. While the US has 23 entries, only 2 are in the top 30. You are unlikely to find a top 100 course you can access if you are in one of the big cities. Almost all of the courses listed here are more rural, resort courses.
Bandon is the obvious place to head to. It’s quite clearly now the number 1 resort you’ll find anywhere in the world, with four courses on the list. The new Sheep Ranch has debuted at an impressive 40th position alongside Pacific Dunes (11th), Bandon Dunes (32) and Bandon Trails (62). Maybe the only surprise is that the fifth course on the property, Old MacDonald, didn’t make the list too.
Elsewhere, all three courses at Streamsond in Florida make an appearance, as well as the Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes resort in Wisconsin.
AUSTRALIA HAS IT ALL
Australia really packs a punch in this list. It has taken on the British philosophy to making courses accessible and has 10 entries. It’s no surprise to see the West Course at Royal Melbourne in third place, but some may be surprised at how high Cape wickham comes (10th). Those who have made the pilgrimage to the isolated King Island course will have no such surprise, such is the quality of this cliffside course.
If you are thinking about a trip to Australia when travel reopens then have a look at my intinerary from a couple of years ago, it should be enough to tip you over the edge!
EUROPE JUST DOESN’T HAVE THE DEPTH
This is a list dominated by the English-speaking world and the European influence is sparse. Utrecht de Pan (53) and Royal haringue (74) are in there from The Netherlands, Fontainebleu (91) is the sole French representative and the spectacular Lofoten Links (96) in Norway, completes the European contingent.
To be honest, I find it hard to make a case for too many any other entries. Falkenstein, the Colt, Simpson and Alison course outside of Hamburg, is being renovated and could be a contender next time; and Morfontaine would be a shoe-in for a high position were tee-times available. However the resort courses of Spain and Portugal just aren’t of the standard needed to make it.
AND A FEW THINGS I COULD QUIBBLE WITH…
I was only one voice on the panel of 12 so needless to say there are a few things I may slightly question, but not many. As regular readers will know, I fell in love with Ardfin when I played it this year. I think it’s a better course than several ahead of it on the list and deserving of a higher position. Maybe as more people play it over the next few years it will rise up?
Conversely, I think Pebble beach is ranked too highly. It’s just not as good a course as a bunch below it on the list. It trades off its setting more than the quality of the course. Other courses do both better.
But these are minor quibbles. It’s nice that there’s now a list available that ‘anyone can play’. You may just need very deep pockets and a lot of air miles to do it!