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What is the number 1 ranked golf course in the world I always thought it was between PebbleBeach and Augusta but or the one in scotland but everyone I have asked has given me an equal share of answers on each course??

Many publications rank Pine Valley in NJ as the top course in the world, in fact Golf Digest had it as so for many a year. From what I've seen, Pine Valley, Pebble Beach, Augusta, and Muirfield are usually amongst the top 5 or so, and courses like St Andrew's, Shinnecock Hills, Pinehurst No 2, Royal Melbourne, and Cypress Point are often listed amongst the best as well.

Both major golf publications GOLF MAGAZINE & GOLF DIGEST come out with "Course Ranking" issue each year. I'd have to dig out last year's issues to be certain but I know Pinehurst #2 was ranked #1 in the world for awhile. I can't believe it would've fallen too far down that list.

Totaradale has to be the best course! -with its rough, holey greens. 1 bunker, dry, brittle, brown rough...... and long fairways, it has to be the best!

Pine Valley was #1 on Golf Magazine's list for forever seemingly, and I believe it was #1 on Golf Digest's list, but they only do US courses, while Golf does a US list and worldwide list.

Pine valley is correct im form Northern Irleand and 2 in the top 10 courses in the world are here "Royal county down" World rank No.2 and "Royal portrush world rank No.7.

Yea i dont really know much about courses in general but i always heard that augusta was the #1 ranked course

If thinking only about America's best courses, the ranking I like is Golfweek's. Here's a link:
http://www.golfweek.com/americasbest/

I like it that they have two categories: classic and modern. Helps to reduce the "apples and oranges" problem. Also, their rating criteria help me think about the humble courses I play. The criteria I especially like are:

1. Ease and intimacy of routing
The extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner.

2A. Integrity of original design (Classic)
The extent to which subsequent changes are compatible with the original design and enhance the course rather than undermine or weaken it.

2B. Quality of feature shaping (Modern)
The extent to which the land’s features have been enhanced though earthmoving and shaping to form a landscape that suits the game and has aesthetic/thematic coherence.

3. Natural setting and overall land plan
Quality and aesthetic relationship of golf course, clubhouse, cart paths and other facility features to surrounding structures and native scenery.

9. Landscape and tree management
The extent to which trees and any floral features complement or enhance rather than impose and intrude upon the ground features, and the playing options of the course.

10. “Walk in the park” test
The degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on as a compelling outdoor experience.

Their current top courses:

Classic category
1. Pine Valley
2. Cypress Point
3. Shinnecock Hills
4. Augusta National
5. Pebble Beach

Modern category
1. Sand Hills Golf Club
2. Pacific Dunes
3. Bandon Dunes
4. Whistling Straits
5. Pete Dye Club

I'll see if I can find something similar regarding "best in the world."

Well, there's this, from Golf Digest:
http://www.golfdigest.com/features/i...drankings.html

But it doesn't throw all the world's courses into one list; it ranks courses within countries. So Americans could say "Our No. 1 course (Pine Valley) is best in the world!" And Brits could say, "No, ours is (Royal Birkdale)!" and the Scots could say, "No, ours is (St Andrews - Old Course), and furthermore, our 2nd and 3rd courses are right behind (Muirfield, Carnoustie)!" While the Irish would say, No, ours is (Royal Portrush)!" and then start singing "You'll never beat the Irish!" (For which I would admire them deeply, while nevertheless agreeing with the Scots.) "Hey, don't forget Royal Porthcawl!" the Welsh can be heard to yell.

Meanwhile, our Aussie friends pipe up with "Royal Melbourne! Royal Melbourne!" trying to outshout the New Zealanders with their cries of "Kauri Cliffs!"

I know these rankings are significantly subjective (even if ranked strictly according to criteria, the criteria and weights assigned to them can be argued), but there must be a place where all the world's best courses are tossed onto one list.

thanks man...cypress point is in monterey and i never even heard of it and i live here.

No problem. Here's something you might like. It's the Cypress Point page at golfclubatlas.com, which is a great website about golf courses.

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/cypresspoint000161.html

I'd love to play Cypress Point sometime, but that 16th hole (see photo on above page) would scare the heck out of me!

Superior posts, JimSomebody, filled with worthwhile meaning and the result of excellent, time-consuming research.

You're The Sage of Golf Rewind, my friend.

Thanks, v-man.
But I lack your mental toughness. Plus which you write better than me (OK, "better than I").
You dog. (JK!)

To add a little controversy to this - I think there should be a weighting of the categories so that clubs where you CANNOT get a game without some ridiculous good luck should be penalised. For example, St Andrews Old Course is in fact a public course. Anyone can get a game there. That to me makes it worth a few extra points or whatever compared to, say, Pine Valley or Augusta, where only members can play. Even Muirfield make a selection of tee times available to the general public.

Walton Heath is close to me and is a world class course - I can get a day ticket there for less than £100. I'd have to sell my soul to the Devil to get on at Augusta.

You could always become the head football coach at South Carolina!