Golf course rankings are important for various reasons, including sparking debates, creating bucket lists, tracking trends in the sport, and identifying popular architects in the industry. GOLF magazine relies on a panel of 127 design aficionados with handicaps ranging from +5 to 15 to create their rankings. The diversity of perspectives and experiences among the panelists ensures a meaningful consensus in determining the top 100 golf courses in the U.S.
The 2024-25 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. features 11 new entries, including the return of notable courses like Interlachen, Medinah #3, Fox Chapel, and Philadelphia Cricket. The biggest mover in the ranking is Medinah #3, which saw a significant leap due to a restoration project led by the Australian design firm Ogilvy, Cocking, and Mead. The restoration efforts focused on returning the course to its Golden Age roots, resulting in a more visually appealing, strategic, and challenging layout.
Four new builds made their debut on the list, including The Lido, Old Barnwell, Ladera, and Pinehurst No. 10. These courses impressed the panelists with their blend of challenge, strategy, and fun, showcasing the Holy Grail of course design. Each course offers unique features, such as Old Barnwell’s dogleg-left par-4 10th and Pinehurst No. 10’s hilly terrain. Ladera, an ultra-exclusive private course, stands out for its natural and visually appealing design.
Courses with spectacular natural features received recognition in the rankings, with notable mentions including CapRock Ranch, Eastward Ho!, Pikewood National, Nanea, and Sankaty Head. These courses leverage their natural surroundings to create outstanding golf experiences that blend seamlessly with the environment. Renewals of classic courses like Hollywood and Old Elm demonstrate how thoughtful restoration projects can enhance the playability and appeal of older layouts.
The rankings also highlight the views of different groups of panelists, such as those based outside the U.S., course architects, and plus-handicappers. Foreign panelists showed a preference for historic courses like Chicago GC and unique designs like Tobacco Road. Architects appreciated the work of Donald Ross and praised courses like Winged Foot and the Cascades for their routing and design. Plus-handicappers favored challenging layouts like Bandon Trails and Colorado Golf Club for their strategic playability.
Overall, the rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the top golf courses in the U.S., incorporating the opinions of a diverse panel of experts and enthusiasts. The inclusion of new builds, restoration projects, and classic courses showcases the evolution of course design and the enduring appeal of the sport. Golf enthusiasts can use these rankings as a guide to exploring and experiencing some of the finest golf courses in the country.
