Golf magazines, websites and associations publish lists of the "best" courses in the world, in countries and in regions. These rankings generate debate and inspire golf trips. But how are they compiled, and what do they really tell you? Here's how golf course rankings work.
How rankings are compiled
- Panels of raters, often experienced golfers, course architects or industry experts.
- Scores against criteria for each course.
- Averaging across raters, sometimes with weightings.
- Periodic updates, often every year or two.
Common criteria
| Criterion | What raters consider |
|---|---|
| Design and strategy | Variety, strategic choices and shot values |
| Conditioning | Quality of turf, greens and bunkers |
| Setting and aesthetics | Natural beauty and sense of place |
| Memorability | How well holes stick in the mind |
| Playability | Enjoyment for different abilities |
| Walkability and character | Routing and atmosphere |
Read what makes a great golf course and golf course architecture history.
Why lists differ
- Different criteria and weightings.
- Different panels and tastes.
- Different scopes: world, national, public, resort.
Public vs private
Many top-ranked courses are private. Look for lists of public and resort courses if you want to play them. Read playing as a guest at a private club.
Using rankings
- For inspiration when planning trips. Read how to plan a golf trip.
- Consider your game: a difficult top-ranked course may not be fun for every golfer.
- Consider access and cost.
- Discover hidden gems that don't appear on lists.
Typical ranking criteria in more detail
| Criterion | What panellists look for |
|---|---|
| Design and strategy | Variety of holes, use of the land, strategic choices |
| Shot values | How well holes test different clubs and shots |
| Conditioning | Quality and consistency of turf and greens |
| Aesthetics | Scenery, natural setting and visual appeal |
| Memorability | How distinct each hole is |
| Walkability | How easy and natural the walk is |
| Character and history | Tradition, atmosphere and story |
| Experience | Practice facilities, service and overall visit |
Read what makes a great golf course.
Who the panellists are
Panellists are usually experienced golfers, often low handicappers, architects, writers or industry professionals. Many lists use a large panel, with each member playing and scoring courses over time. Results are combined and averaged.
Limitations to be aware of
- Access: private courses can be hard for panellists and readers to play.
- Taste: some lists favour classic links; others favour modern, dramatic courses.
- Fame bias: famous courses can benefit from reputation.
- Changing conditions: renovations and maintenance changes affect rankings.
How to use rankings for trip planning
- Combine rankings with access: focus on courses that welcome visitors.
- Read reviews for green fees, booking rules and pace of play.
- Mix ranked and local courses: some of the best experiences are at unranked courses.
- Check value: a highly ranked course may cost several times more than an excellent local one.
Read how to plan a golf trip and golf course architecture history.
Rankings vs ratings
Course rankings are subjective lists of the "best" courses. Course and slope ratings are objective measures of difficulty used for handicaps. A highly ranked course isn't necessarily hard, and a hard course isn't necessarily highly ranked. Read course rating and slope explained.
Building your own list
Many golfers keep a personal ranking of courses they've played. It's a fun way to remember trips and compare courses on your own criteria. Read golf journal.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides golf course rankings?
Usually panels of experienced raters working for magazines, websites or associations.
Why do rankings disagree?
Different criteria, panels and scopes.
Can I play top-ranked courses?
Some are public; many are private and need an invitation.
Should I choose courses based on rankings?
Use them as inspiration, but consider your game, budget and access.
Why do different lists rank courses differently?
They use different panels, criteria and weightings.
Are top-ranked courses always difficult?
No. Rankings measure quality and experience, not difficulty.
The bottom line
Course rankings are informed opinions based on criteria like design, conditioning and setting. Use them for inspiration, but remember that the best course is one you enjoy. For more, read best golf destinations by month.