In the past 20 years, there has been a significant trend in golf-course architecture towards sand-based sites. This movement has been largely inspired by the success of destinations like Bandon Dunes, leading developers to search for sandy, dunes-like properties around the world to construct new courses. As a result, numerous new courses have been built on these sandy landscapes, many of which have made their debut on the Golf Digest 2024-2025 World’s 100 Greatest Courses ranking.
The origins of golf courses trace back to sandy landscapes, specifically the links of Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales. Early golfers navigated through gorsed and grassy dunes, developing holes that eventually evolved into fully realized courses. While advancements in construction methods have enabled courses to be built on various types of land, sand remains the medium that produces golf most closely resembling the game’s original conception.
The 2024-2025 World’s 100 Greatest Courses ranking reflects a renewed appreciation for sand and links golf. Compared to the previous ranking, there has been an increase in the number of links courses represented, with a total of 54 courses classified as links. Additionally, links courses have seen a significant rise in the rankings, with nine of the top 10 courses being links courses, showcasing a collective jump of 351 places in the poll.
Notable movements in the rankings include Trump International, Cruden Bay, Prestwick, Portmarnock (Championship), Royal Troon, and Kingsbarns showing significant improvements. Moreover, established links courses like Royal Hague, Royal St. David’s, Enniscrone, and Paraparaumu Beach have entered or reentered the ranking, further emphasizing the resurgence of appreciation for links golf. Secondary courses at renowned clubs have also received recognition, with Turnberry, Portrush, St. Andrews, and others placing two courses on the list for the first time.
For a more immersive experience, Golf Digest offers individual course pages featuring bonus photography, drone footage, and expanded reviews of top international courses, as well as all 17,000-plus courses in the United States. Golf enthusiasts also have the opportunity to post their own ratings for courses they have played and share their opinions on where each course should be ranked.
