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Why the Old Course is No. 1 on our first Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland ranking

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 21:20:09 +0000

The magic of St. Andrews goes far beyond its legendary design and Open Championship history. As we count down to the 150th Open at the Home of Golf, Josh Sens and Ran Morrissett celebrate the Old Course at St. Andrews for all that makes golf great.

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Why English golf courses deserve the same respect as tracks in Ireland and Scotland

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 20:53:11 +0000

Every American dreams of a golf adventure to the coasts of the British Isles. But our inaugural list of the Top 100 Courses in the UK & Ireland proves that inland England should captivate us also. Ran Morrissett and Josh Sens look at England’s best.

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The biggest surprises on our inaugural list of the Top 100 Courses in the UK & Ireland

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 20:15:58 +0000

It’s rare to see anything shorter than a par 70 get praise for its great design here in the U.S. But our course raters favored a par 68 and par 69 so much, they cracked our top 25 in the British Isles. Architecture editor Ran Morrissett explains.

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These obstacles make their Top 100 Courses in the UK & Ireland even more special

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 19:53:38 +0000

Timeless designs, beautiful views, and… brick walls? Scotland is known for many things to American golfers, but perhaps some of the best stories involve these two holes. GOLF architecture editor Ran Morrissett and senior writer Josh Sens discuss.

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My 10 favorite drivable par-4s, according to GOLF's architecture editor

Ran Morrissett — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 21:15:20 +0000

The term “drivable par-4” is relatively new. Back when hickory shaft clubs defined play, a 300-yarder was considered a “drive and pitch.” Now, gym-fit players with explosive tech take dead aim off the tee — and designers build sub-350 par-4s accordingly.

Below are GOLF’s architecture editor Ran Morrissett’s 10 favorite drivable par-4s from either era (limited to one per architect).

GOLF’s architecture editor ranks his 10 favorite drivable par-4s

1. No. 12 at the Old Course at St. Andrews

Ran’s comments: “Getting a ball to stop on this dreaded plateau green is as exasperating from 50 yards as it is from 330.”

2. No. 4 at Barnbougle Dunes

Ran’s comments: “Dare you carry the 20-foot deep blowout bunker to reach the hole’s punchbowl green?“

3. No. 10 at Riviera Country Club

The par-4 10th at Riv. Getty Images

4. No. 2 at Gamble Sands

Ran’s comments: “The stunning Pacific Northwest backdrop only adds to the drama on this downhiller.”

5. No. 10 at Royal Melbourne (West Course)

6. No. 14 at Trinity Forest

7. No. 4 at St. Enodoc

Ran’s comments: “Stick to your line off the tee or the playing angles and out of bounds will undo you.”

8. No. 12 at Gozzer Ranch

9. No. 15 at Fenway

Ran’s comments: “A game of ping-pong readily breaks out if you go left or right of this long, narrow target.”

10. No. 14 at Ohoopee

Ran Morrissett’s top 10 drivable par-4s. Golf Magazine

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InsideGOLF: What makes St. Andrews' par-4 12th the best short 4 in the world

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 21:03:47 +0000

The world is full of amazing short par-4s, but here’s why one of them in particular (the 12th at St. Andrews) is the best of the best.

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InsideGOLF Exclusive: Behind the Top 100 Courses curtain with our expert course raters

GOLF's Course Raters and Ran Morrissett, Architecture Editor — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:05:35 +0000

Curious about how GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World list comes together? This behind-the-scenes conversation with our expert course raters shines a light on the process. The group discusses the most important trends and surprises from this year’s list. Which course just missed the cut? How did the pandemic impact the rating process? Will another course ever challenge Pine Valley for the top spot? GOLF Architecture Editor Ran Morrissett, course raters Thomas Brown and Simon Holt, and GOLF Senior Editor Sean Zak share their insights.

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What public-access courses made the top 100?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 12:13:22 +0000

Which Top 100 courses in the U.S. are open to the public — and which should you put on your ‘bucket list’? GOLF.com’s Architecture Editor Ran Morrissett sits down with Senior Writer Dylan Dethier to discuss.

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What is the panel looking for in the future?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 12:12:53 +0000

GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the U.S. rankings are out but what can we look forward to in the future? GOLF.com’s Architecture Editor Ran Morrissett sits down with Senior Writer Dylan Dethier to discuss.

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What reactions to the top 100 list stand out?

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 12:59:39 +0000

What have people noticed most from the recent rankings? GOLF.com’s Architecture Editor Ran Morrissett sits down with Senior Writer Dylan Dethier to discuss the best courses in the U.S.

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