Golf Architecture Update: Top Courses and New Trends

News Summary

This week, Golf Digest revealed its latest rankings of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, with familiar names maintaining their top positions. Alongside long-standing favorites, new entrants are making waves, such as The Lido and CapRock Ranch. The article also discusses ongoing trends in golf design, the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open, and significant course renovations aimed at sustainability. With exciting changes on the horizon, golf architecture continues to thrive.

Golf’s Architecture Scene: What’s Hot and What’s Not!

Golf fans, grab your clubs and sit back because there’s plenty happening in the world of golf architecture this week! The latest rankings and exciting course changes will have you itching to hit the fairways. So, let’s tee off with the latest from Golf Digest.

Top Courses Remain Steady

Golf Digest has unveiled its latest edition of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,” and for another year, we see some familiar faces at the top. The big eight remain unchanged from last year, showcasing courses that have stood the test of time:

  • Pine Valley
  • Augusta National
  • Cypress Point
  • Shinnecock Hills
  • Oakmont
  • Merion
  • National Golf Links of America
  • Sand Hills

Isn’t it interesting that the top six have held their ground since 2013? Only Oakmont and Merion have swapped places once, back in 2015. These rankings really emphasize the consistency of excellence in these locations!

New Kids on the Block

While many remain unchanged, Golf Digest did bring in some newcomers to the exciting world of top 100 golf courses. Say hello to:

  • The Lido, stepping in at No. 69
  • CapRock Ranch, proudly taking No. 72
  • Ladera Golf Club, entering at a solid No. 83

Conversely, courses like Old Barnwell and Pinehurst No. 10, which made their debut on Golf Magazine’s list this year, didn’t quite catch the same wave with Golf Digest, landing at No. 131 and No. 173, respectively. It seems that the two magazines have different ways of evaluating courses, as Golf Digest’s larger panel takes more time to reach a consensus.

Trends in the Golf World

Golf Magazine’s list is deemed a better reflection of current architectural trends because it comprises more golf insiders. Therefore, it’s interesting to note the ongoing decline in popularity for Tom Fazio’s designs, with courses like the Alotian Club slipping a bit in rankings over the years. On the other hand, the Old Town Club has experienced a rise in status, showing a remarkable comeback with its classic design being appreciated more than ever.

Major Events on the Horizon

Now let’s shift gears to some exciting events brewing this week! The U.S. Women’s Open is gearing up to tee off at Erin Hills! Get ready to witness changes that include a conversion of fescue fairways to bentgrass, plus a complete overhaul of the bunkers. It’s all about improvement and adapting!

The Country Club is looking towards the future too. In an effort to become more sustainable and adapt to climate change, they’ve enlisted the help of OCM Golf to craft a master plan aimed at better land use and reduced water dependency. Change is upon us!

Exciting Course Updates

Speaking of fresh looks, The Pines at The International is set to reopen on June 6 after a stunning redesign by Coore & Crenshaw. We can’t wait to see what these talented designers have cooked up!

New Partnerships and Events

On the design front, a new partnership known as Smyers Craig Coyne (SCC) has emerged, blending the creative forces of several designers to focus on weaving storytelling into golf course architecture. Their mission? To create exceptional designs that respect golf’s rich history while integrating with the natural beauty of the land. How inspiring!

As if that weren’t enough, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is hosting the Truist Championship this week! This is the first modern PGA Tour event to grace this historic course that boasts roots dating back to the early 20th century. With the legendary A.W. Tillinghast’s legacy shining, it’s bound to be a fantastic blend of modern play against a backdrop of historic architecture.

So, whether you’re hitting the links at one of these iconic spots or tuning in to catch the excitement from home, there’s no denying that golf architecture is alive and well in America. Keep your eyes peeled on these changes and developments, and get ready for a thrilling golfing season!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Golf Digest Reveals 2025-2026 Rankings of America’s Top 200 Courses
Beverly Wise Appointed New Executive Editor of eSouthernGOLF
Anchorage Golf Course Shines in 2022 Rankings
Colton Craig’s Inspirational Journey Through Scotland’s Golf Courses

Additional Resources