When it comes to ranking the best golf courses in the U.S., GOLF’s Course Raters and Architecture Editor, Ran Morrissett, lead the way in identifying the top courses in every state. As part of their rigorous ratings process, their fleet of expert panelists selected the best golf courses across the country. To assist golf enthusiasts in planning their own trips to explore these top courses, GOLF has introduced a new Course Finder tool that allows users to customize their itineraries based on their preferences.
In Arizona, some of the best golf courses include Scottsdale National – The Other Course, Forest Highlands – Canyon, The Estancia Club, Desert Forest, Whisper Rock – Upper, and We-Ko-Pa-Saguaro. These courses offer unique topographic features, challenging hazards, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to these courses, Whisper Rock – Lower, Desert Highlands, Desert Mountain – Chiricahua, Talking Stick – O’odham, Desert Mountain – Renegade, Troon Country Club, Stone Canyon, Pine Canyon, and Desert Mountain – Geronimo are also among the top golf courses in Arizona.
The ranking process for the Top 100 U.S. and Top 100 You Can Play lists involved each panelist being provided with a ballot of 609 courses, divided into 11 groupings or “buckets.” Panelists then assigned points to each bucket based on their opinion of the course’s ranking. The aggregate scores were divided by the number of votes to determine the average score for each course, ultimately leading to their ranking. With panelists from 15 nations and a wide range of golfing experiences, the rankings take into account a diverse range of expertise in golf course architecture.
The key to the course ranking process lies in the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the panelists, who have played courses all over the world and have a keen eye for architectural details. Their collective input ensures that the rankings represent a meaningful consensus based on a variety of perspectives. GOLF’s rankings have been widely praised for their simplicity and accuracy, focusing on the quality of the courses and the experiences of the players rather than overcomplicating the process. This approach has resulted in rankings that are respected within the golfing community.
For golfers looking to improve their game at their local course, GOLF’s affiliate GolfLogix offers custom Green Books that provide detailed information on course layouts and greens to help players navigate the challenges of each hole. Whether you’re planning a golfing trip to explore the best courses in Arizona or looking to enhance your skills at your home course, the rankings and resources provided by GOLF’s Course Raters and Ran Morrissett offer valuable insights and recommendations for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
