GOLF magazine recently released their list of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S., ranking the best golf courses in the country from 1 to 100. While the list may seem straightforward, the rankings are based on the opinions of experienced course raters who have traveled extensively to play and review these courses. This raises the question: what makes one course better than another that sits lower in the rankings?
To provide some insight into the criteria behind the rankings, GOLF magazine asked their raters to weigh in on a debate about which course is better between two prominent public-access courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, and Pacific Dunes in Oregon. Pebble Beach is ranked 9th and Pacific Dunes is ranked 19th on the Top 100 U.S. list. Each rater presented their arguments for why they believe one course is superior to the other.
One rater, Tom Brown, argued that Pebble Beach is the better course due to its natural beauty and proximity to the sea. He praised the course’s design, particularly the 7th and 18th holes where the land meets the sea. Brown highlighted the seaside golf aesthetic and the overall experience of playing at Pebble Beach, noting that even top golf architects have proposed plans to improve the routing of the course.
On the other hand, rater Jeff Lewis made the case for Pacific Dunes as the superior course. He emphasized the variety of shot options and green complex variety, pointing out that links courses like Pacific Dunes tend to have more interesting and challenging conditions due to the ever-changing wind. Lewis argued that while Pebble Beach is a great parkland course by the sea, Pacific Dunes offers a truer representation of UK/Ireland links conditions, thanks to its turf conditions that closely resemble classic links courses.
Both raters acknowledged the stunning beauty of both courses, with Brown praising Pebble Beach for its finishing hole and seaside golf aesthetic, while Lewis highlighted Pacific Dunes’ breathtaking views and authenticity as a links course. Ultimately, the debate between Pebble Beach and Pacific Dunes comes down to personal preference for parkland versus links-style golf, and the various elements that make each course unique and challenging for players.
In conclusion, the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. ranking by GOLF magazine offers golf enthusiasts a comprehensive list of the best courses in the country, based on the opinions and experiences of knowledgeable course raters. The debate between Pebble Beach and Pacific Dunes highlights the different factors that players consider when ranking and comparing courses, from natural beauty and proximity to the sea to shot options and green complex variety. Whether you prefer the parkland charm of Pebble Beach or the authentic links experience of Pacific Dunes, both courses offer a memorable and challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels.
