Golfweek’s Best is a comprehensive ranking system that covers everything from the top public-access courses in each state to the best layouts worldwide. With nearly three decades of experience, Golfweek’s Best has expanded to include the input of over 800 raters from around the world. These raters play the courses and rate them based on 10 criteria, with each criterion having its own 10-point scale. The overall rating is not cumulative, but rather an average of the individual scores to create an annual ranking of courses.
The criteria used by raters are specifically focused on the course itself, including routing, integrity of design, quality of shaping for modern courses, overall land plan, greens and surrounds, variety and memorability of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s, tree and landscape management, conditioning and ecology, and the “walk in the park” test. These criteria help raters analyze and evaluate the courses they play, providing a comprehensive assessment of each layout.
One interesting note is that there are no perfect scores of 10, with only eight courses worldwide rated above a 9 in 2024. An average rating above 8 is considered exceptional, while anything above 7 is deemed worthy of traveling great distances to experience. Courses with ratings between 6 and 7 are often considered the best in their city or state, showcasing their quality and appeal to golfers.
The variety and memorability of the par 3s, 4s, and 5s are key factors in the ranking process, as well as the overall integration of the course with the surrounding land and the quality of the greens, surrounds, and tree and landscape management. Conditioning and ecology are also important considerations, ensuring that a course is well-maintained and environmentally sustainable.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club in Scotland is an example of a highly-rated course that adheres to the criteria used by Golfweek’s Best raters. The club’s routing, integrity of design, overall land plan, and variety of holes all contribute to its exceptional rating. The combination of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities make it a standout course for golfers around the world.
In conclusion, Golfweek’s Best provides a valuable resource for golfers looking to experience the top courses in the world. With a rigorous ranking system that considers a variety of criteria, golfers can trust that the courses listed are of the highest quality and offer a memorable experience. Whether you’re looking to play locally or travel to a top-ranked course, Golfweek’s Best has you covered with its comprehensive rankings and ratings.
