A Look Back in Time: The Inaugural Golf Rankings from 1985
News Summary
This article explores the evolution of golf course rankings since 1985, highlighting the changes in popularity and position among iconic courses. It discusses how Pine Valley maintained its top rank, while Royal Dar es Salam fell off the list. The piece also emphasizes the impact of modern designs, changes in evaluation methods, and the global representation of golf courses. Furthermore, it touches on current events, including renovations at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam and highlights from recent tournaments.
A Look Back in Time: The Inaugural Golf Rankings from 1985
Golf is continually evolving, and one of the fascinating elements of its journey has been how courses have ranked over the years. In 1985, the inception of GOLF Magazine’s World Top 100 list offered a glimpse into the golfing landscape of that era. It’s intriguing to see how drastically things have changed, yet how some stand the test of time.
The Rulers of the Golfing World
When GOLF Magazine first published its list, it was no surprise that Pine Valley took the top honor. This iconic course has held the number one position in every ranking since its debut. Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, Royal Dar es Salam ranked 57th, placing just ahead of National Golf Links, which found itself in the 58th spot. Fast forward to today, and National Golf Links has soared to an impressive sixth place. Royal Dar es Salam, on the other hand, has vanished from the current Top 200. A magnificent fall from grace!
A Shift in Rankings
In 1985, the ranking system was markedly different from what it is now. The raters back then employed a school-style grading system, doling out letter grades rather than the numbered buckets we see today. Those letter grades did paint a picture of the golf world as it existed then, but how much has truly changed?
Take a look at Pebble Beach Golf Links, which claimed the second spot in 1985 but has now slipped down to 15th place. Several modern designs have emerged and shifted the rankings; notably, Sand Hills now holds the highest rank among modern designs at number 10, while Tara Iti follows close behind at number 19.
The Golden Age and Its Remnant Courses
Back in the mid-80s, the courses designed during the Golden Age of golf dominated the rankings. The highest modern design back then was Muirfield Village, lurking at number 20, but it has fallen just outside the Top 100 in the latest evaluations. This transformation reflects not just a change in preferences but also the global expansion of the sport.
Golf’s Global Landscape
The 1985 ranking featured courses from 17 countries, illustrating a diverse international representation. Today, we see a slight decrease to 16 countries, but intriguingly, eight of those countries represented in the past no longer boast any courses in the current rankings. The evolution of the sport and where it flourishes speaks volumes about cultural shifts and growing interests.
PGA Tour Venues: A Declining Presence
Additionally, it’s fascinating to observe the significant decline in PGA Tour venues. Famous names like Pebble Beach and the storied Riviera remain among the few still holding their own. In 1985, these venues were at the forefront of the golfing conversation, yet time has shifted the spotlight elsewhere.
A Modern Victory in Morocco
Fast forward to recent events and golf continues to shine. A recent highlight came when a talented golfer clinched victory at the International Series Morocco, shooting an impressive 14-under 278 at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. This performance not only marked a second win on the Asian Tour but also catapulted him to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
Renovations and Upgrades
Speaking of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, the club has seen significant investment as renovations gripped its facilities. Spearheaded by Prince Moulay Rachid, these upgrades focus on enhancing the irrigation systems and improving course design. With two 18-hole setups exquisitely crafted by Robert Trent Jones Sr., it’s no wonder that the club has hosted prestigious events like the Hassan II Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup.
Future Outlook
The Red Course, established in 1971, is undergoing major renovations to improve its playability and aesthetic appeal. Changes to the routing and expanded green sizes are all part of a bigger picture aimed at establishing the club as a truly premier golfing destination.
This journey back to 1985 gives us not just nostalgia, but a deeper appreciation of how far golf has come and where it’s headed. From the changing landscape of top-ranking courses to the revitalization of established clubs, the game of golf remains as dynamic as ever.
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