There may be no man more qualified to share his opinion on the worth of the world’s greatest tracks than Ben Crenshaw. The former major champion has aged into one of golf’s elder statesmen—a prolific player turned even-more-prolific designer.
Gentler Ben: 25 years after emotional Masters win, Crenshaw reflects on the game that’s given him everything
Crenshaw’s design tastes (in lockstep with his partner, Bill Coore) have birthed some of golf’s greatest modern gems, from Sand Hills to Friar’s Head. But, personal preference aside, Crenshaw’s top 10 courses in the world share a unique perspective into his history, his creative inspiration and of course, his love for the game.
Ben Crenshaw’s Top 10 Courses in the World
1. The Old Course at St. Andrews — St. Andrews, Scotland
2. Royal Melbourne — Melbourne, Australia
3. Augusta National Golf Club — Augusta, Ga.
4. Pine Valley — Pine Valley, N.J.
5. National Golf Links of America — Southampton, N.Y.
6. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club — Southampton, N.Y.
7. Kingston Heath — Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia
8. Cypress Point — Pebble Beach, Calif.
9. Chicago Golf Club — Wheaton, Ill.
10. Pinehurst No. 2 — Pinehurst, N.C.
To see how GOLF rated all of these courses, check out our definitive 2020-21 ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the World.