GOLF’s 2017-18 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the World

Kobe, Japan C.H. Alison, 1932

The Japanese had never seen the kind of deep, strategically placed bunkers that architect C.H. Alison introduced to Hirono in the early 1930s, so that similar traps built on any course since are known as 'Alisons.' Originally, the course bore a heathland look, but heavy tree planting changed Hirono's character over the years.

Bo'ao, Hainan Island, China Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw, 2012

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw's first effort in Asia is a bluff-top stunner overlooking the South China Sea on Hainan's Southeast coast. Ever-present wind, firm, fast-running turf, craggy bunkers and semi-blind shots -- as well as jaw-dropping aesthetics combine to provide a links-like experience that is unique to China.

Bridport, Australia Tom Doak/Mike Clayton, 2004

Australia's greatest links achieves Top 40 status due in large part to the sophisticated Tom Doak/Mike Clayton design and partly due to the stirring seaside setting in Tasmania, with holes nestled down in the large dunes that run parallel to the ocean.

Brookline, Mass. Willie Campbell/Rees Jones, 1895/1985

A Boston Brahmin society haunt for more than 100 years, this tree-lined track has played host to three U.S. Opens and the 1999 Ryder Cup. Its tournament course is a composite layout, comprised of 18 of the club's 27 holes. The Clyde/Squirrel combo was used for the 1913 Open when local lad Francis Ouimet stunned the Brits.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Davis Love III/Mark Love/Paul Cowley, 2010

Not quite a links, but built on sand and next to the sea, Diamante is like golf in Ireland, only 30 degrees warmer. Gigantic sand dunes, Pacific Ocean panoramas and superb risk/reward variety are highlights. In 2017, a new par-3 10th was installed to replace the old 18th hole, with the back nine holes renumbered to reflect their new sequencing.

Lahinch, Ireland Old Tom Morris/Alister MacKenzie, 1893/1927

Lahinch charms with titanic sandhills and stunning views of both the Atlantic Ocean and of the Cliffs of Moher. Old Tom Morris' 1893 design, coupled with Alister MacKenzie's 1927 renovation and Martin Hawtree's 2003 restoration form a seamless fit on ideal terrain.

Southport, England George Lowe Jr./Fred Hawtree, 1889/1932

Many of the game's elite consider this course to be the finest of all Open rota layouts. Birkdale boasts towering sandhills and no blind shots, as most of the holes roll through valleys. It has played host to ten Opens, most recently Jordan Spieth's remarkable win in 2017.

Baiting Hollow, N.Y. Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw, 2003

Tree-dotted dunes, open meadows and bluff-top views of Long Island Sound highlight play at this understated 2003 Bill Coore-Ben Crenshaw design. The fact that it's Phil Mickelson's favorite modern course is further enticement. Holes such as the par-5 14th call to mind an east coast version of Cypress Point.

Pacific Palisades, Calif. George Thomas/Billy Bell Sr., 1926

Architect George C. Thomas Jr. took strategy and bunker configuration to new heights in the 1920s, notably at eucalyptus-lined Riviera in suburban L.A. As proof of his magical skills, look no further than the 311-yard, par-4 10th. Thanks to the inspired positioning of the bunkers and the green, the options on how to play this hole are limitless.

Sunningdale, England Willie Park Jr./H.S. Colt, 1901/1922

Perhaps the noblest of the London-area heathland courses, this charming, tree-lined track is dotted with heather patches and ingeniously placed bunkers. Architecture buffs will appreciate the par-4 fifth hole where the first man-made water hazard in golf design appears in the form of a pond on the right side of the fairway.