The Sagamore Golf Club operates within a residential development situated close to Noblesville and the members’ course is a modern Jack Nicklaus design that debuted in 2003.
The Sagamore Golf Club operates within a residential development situated close to Noblesville and the members’ course is a modern Jack Nicklaus design that debuted in 2003.
Jack Nicklaus maintains the record for the most major championship victories in golf, and the Sagamore Club was the first to realize this corresponds nicely with the amount of holes typically found on a course. Thus every hole on this Nicklaus design corresponds, at least in name, with a major championship win for The Bear, beginning with the 1962 U.S. Open and continuing all the way until the 1986 Masters.
Nicklaus probably realized that attempting to create a tribute to the actual courses he played for these wins would be a bit hokey, and thus the design is entirely original...although astute golf course architecture buffs will spot similarities to his other courses. For example, the par three at No. 4 is a less punishing forced-carry short hole than the concept he executed at Muirfield Village.
It’s interesting to note that although Nicklaus never won The Players Championship (“the minor major”) at TPC Sawgrass, the last three holes at Sagamore offer at least as much chance for golfers to get wet along this heroic and penal stretch. No. 16 dares players to cross as much lake as they can manage, No. 17 features another par three snuggled up along the lake, and No. 18 is a par five with water all along its left side.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
New Jersey, United States
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
The Adirondacks region of northern New York State offers golfers something genuinely special—classic American golf course architecture set against some of the most spectacular mountain and lake scenery in the eastern United States. From Donald Ross masterpieces to resort courses with Olympic mountain views, this wilderness playground delivers both golfing excellence and outdoor adventure on a scale few destinations can match. This pristine region stretches from the historic racing town of Saratoga Springs north to the Olympic village of Lake Placid, where visitors can experience everything from championship golf to bobsledding runs. With accessible pricing, stunning autumn foliage, and endless outdoor activities beyond the 18th green, the Adirondacks present an irresistible combination for travelling golfers. Adirondacks - Your Next Golf Adventure? Why the Adirondacks deserve serious consideration for your next golf trip: Classic Architecture Heritage: Multiple Donald Ross designs from the golden age of American golf course architecture, including courses dating back to 1912 Spectacular Natural Setting: Mountain and lake views that provide unforgettable backdrops, particularly during peak autumn foliage season Exceptional Value: Premium golf experiences available for under £75 ($95), with resort courses offering mountain views for approximately £140 ($175). Adventure Capital: One of America's ultimate outdoor recreation destinations, with the 1980 Winter Olympics legacy still evident throughout Lake Placid Cultural Experiences: From Saratoga's legendary horse racing scene to Olympic history, rich cultural attractions complement the golf The region's unique geography—bordered by Vermont to the east and Canada to both the north and west—creates a distinctive mountain wilderness character that sets it apart from typical American golf destinations. Championship Golf in the Adirondacks Glens Falls Country Club - The crown jewel of Adirondacks golf stands as a testament to Donald Ross's genius. This 1912 masterpiece showcases the architect's evolution, with the original nine holes completed in 1914 and the second nine added eight years later. Golf Digest recognition as a top-100 American course confirms its championship calibre, whilst remaining surprisingly accessible to visiting golfers. The course demonstrates Ross's mastery of strategic design within the region's rolling terrain. Sagamore Golf Course - Set within the grounds of the historic Sagamore Resort on Green Island, this 1928 Donald Ross design offers an extraordinary combination of classic architecture and Adirondack mountain views. Non-resort guests can experience this lakeside gem for approximately £140 ($175) during peak season, including cart. The course may not rank among New York's elite layouts, but few can match its scenic splendour or the complete resort experience it provides. Lake Placid Club - This remarkable facility offers 45 holes across three distinct layouts: the Links Course, Mountain Course, and Pristine Nine. What makes this destination exceptional isn't just the golf—it's the pricing. Both 18-hole courses can be played for under £75 ($95) American, including cart. The mountain views, particularly during autumn foliage season, create an almost overwhelming sensory experience that visitors describe as face-melting in its intensity. Saratoga National Golf Club - A modern public facility that serves as the premium golf option in the famous racing town. Peak season green fees reach approximately £175 ($220), reflecting both the course quality and Saratoga's summer racing season demand. The clubhouse architecture and overall presentation match the town's sophisticated racing culture, making it the natural choice for golfers wanting to experience Saratoga at its finest. Hidden Gems Worth the Journey Ballston Spa Country Club - This 1925 layout with its distinctive Red Fox logo represents exceptional value at approximately £50 ($63) for walking play. Located conveniently on the route into Saratoga, the course stretches just over 6,300 yards from the back tees—perfect for golfers wanting an enjoyable round without excessive length. Local members use it as their base for the Saratoga racing season, which speaks volumes about its charm and character. Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course - Following the Bethpage State Park model, this New York State facility provides accessible golf within the state park system. Historically priced at bargain rates (approximately £12/$15), it offers golfers a pleasant experience whilst visiting Saratoga for the horse races. The course provides excellent value for groups wanting to combine golf with racing season festivities. Ausable Club - This private resort features a charming nine-hole layout exclusively for members and resort guests. Whilst access requires membership or guest privileges, the course represents the intimate, exclusive side of Adirondack golf. The pricing structure throughout the region favours visiting golfers, with even premium experiences remaining accessible compared to major metropolitan areas. Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Adirondack Golf Adventure Day 1 - Saratoga Springs Arrival Fly into Albany (90 minutes drive) and head straight to Saratoga Springs. Play Ballston Spa Country Club as your warm-up round, then check into accommodation in Saratoga proper. Evening exploration of the town's racing culture and dining scene, with dinner at Panella's Restaurant on Jefferson Street for authentic Italian cuisine. Day 2 - Saratoga Racing & Golf Morning round at Saratoga National Golf Club, experiencing the premium golf option in racing country. Afternoon at Saratoga Race Course (during season, July 3rd-September 1st), followed by drinks and dinner at one of the town's elevated establishments. The combination of morning golf and afternoon racing epitomises the Saratoga experience. Day 3 - Journey North to Lake Placid Morning departure for Lake Placid (2.5-hour drive). Stop at Glens Falls Country Club for the Donald Ross championship experience—this is your must-play round of the trip. Continue north to Lake Placid, check into mountain accommodation, and explore the Olympic village atmosphere. Day 4 - Lake Placid Mountain Golf Morning round at Lake Placid Club (choose Links or Mountain course based on weather and preference). Afternoon options include the Sagamore Golf Course if staying an extra day, or explore Lake Placid's outdoor activities—chairlift rides up Whiteface Mountain, Olympic bobsled experiences, or simply relaxing by pristine mountain lakes. Alternative routing works excellently from Montreal (3-hour drive south), making this ideal for Canadian golfers seeking American mountain golf experiences. Adirondacks Travel Logistics Transportation & Access Albany serves as the primary airport for international visitors, offering convenient access via Interstate 87, which continues directly to Montreal. Canadian golfers often prefer flying into Montreal and driving south down the scenic St. Lawrence River valley. Rental cars prove essential for golf course access and exploring the region's dispersed attractions. The main transportation artery, Route 87, provides excellent access from the south whilst offering scenic mountain vistas throughout the journey north. Weather & Seasonal Considerations The Adirondack region experiences four distinct seasons, each offering different golf experiences. Summer provides optimal golf conditions from June through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather. Autumn golf (September-October) delivers spectacular foliage views but requires weather flexibility. Spring golf begins in April but remains weather-dependent through May. Many courses close during the winter months due to snow cover, typically from December through March. Pack layers for morning rounds, as mountain temperatures can vary significantly from valley floors to elevated tees. Equipment & Practical Considerations Most courses offer rental clubs, though serious golfers prefer travelling with their own equipment. Cart usage is standard and often included in green fees. Golf attire follows traditional American standards, with most courses requiring collared shirts and golf shoes. Where to Stay for Adirondack Golf Resort Accommodations The Sagamore Resort provides the quintessential Adirondack experience, located on its own private island with direct golf course access. The historic property offers classic American resort amenities within spectacular natural settings. Rates reflect the premium positioning and lakeside location. Lake Placid offers numerous mountain resort options, many within walking distance of Olympic sites and village dining. Properties range from historic lodges to modern mountain resorts, with many offering golf packages including Lake Placid Club access. Historic Town Centres Saratoga Springs provides the most sophisticated accommodation options, from boutique hotels to chain properties. During racing season (July 3rd-September 1st), rates increase dramatically. Book well in advance for the racing season, or visit outside these dates for significantly reduced rates. Mountain Retreats & Vacation Rentals The region excels in cabin and lakeside house rentals, offering authentic Adirondack experiences. Private lake access, timber-frame construction, and mountain views create unforgettable settings for golf groups. Properties often feature outdoor amenities like fire pits, docks, and hiking access. Strategic location planning helps minimise driving between accommodations and golf courses, particularly important given the region's dispersed geography. Adirondacks' Culinary Scene Fine Dining Experiences Saratoga Springs offers the region's most sophisticated dining, with numerous establishments catering to the racing crowd's elevated expectations. Panella's Restaurant on Jefferson Street represents institutional Italian dining, whilst numerous other establishments offer everything from contemporary American cuisine to international options. Lake Placid village features mountain resort dining with spectacular views, though options remain more limited than in Saratoga. Resort restaurants often provide the best dinner experiences, combining cuisine with lakeside or mountain vistas. Post-Round Dining & Social Culture The region's post-round culture centres around relaxed mountain hospitality rather than formal club dining. Many golfers enjoy outdoor dining with mountain or lake views, particularly during summer months. Craft breweries and casual establishments provide excellent options for golf groups. Racing season in Saratoga creates a unique social atmosphere, with numerous establishments offering special menus and extended hours during the summer racing meet. The combination of golf and racing creates a festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in American golf. Local Specialities & Regional Cuisine Adirondack cuisine focuses on fresh mountain and lake ingredients, with numerous establishments featuring locally-sourced game, fish, and produce. Craft brewing has gained prominence throughout the region, offering golfers excellent options for post-round refreshment. Budget dining options exist throughout the region, though selection becomes more limited in remote mountain areas. Planning meal options around golf schedules helps ensure satisfactory dining experiences. Booking Golf in the Adirondacks Advance Planning Requirements Championship courses like Glens Falls Country Club benefit from booking, particularly during peak foliage season (late September-early October). Most courses accept bookings 30-90 days in advance, with premium tee times requiring earlier reservations. Racing season in Saratoga creates additional demand for local golf courses, with weekend tee times becoming particularly scarce during July and August. Book Saratoga-area courses well in advance for summer racing season visits. Seasonal Availability Patterns The golf season typically runs from April through October, with peak conditions from June through September. Autumn golf extends into October but requires weather flexibility. Many mountain courses close or reduce operations during the winter months due to snow conditions. Spring openings vary annually based on weather conditions, with courses typically opening between mid-April and early May. Contact courses directly for current seasonal schedules and weather-related closures. Package Opportunities & Group Bookings Resort properties often offer golf packages, including accommodations and multiple rounds. Lake Placid Club's 45-hole facility provides excellent multi-day package opportunities with significant savings over individual round pricing. Group bookings receive favourable treatment at most facilities, with many courses offering group discounts for 12+ players. Corporate groups and golf societies can often negotiate favourable package rates including golf, dining, and accommodations. Explore Beyond Golf Olympic Legacy & Winter Sports Lake Placid's 1980 Winter Olympics legacy creates unique visitor experiences year-round. The Olympic Museum, bobsled runs, and ice hockey facilities offer insight into one of America's greatest Olympic moments. Visitors can experience actual bobsled runs during the summer months or take chairlifts up Olympic skiing venues. Whiteface Mountain provides year-round adventure opportunities, from hiking and mountain biking during summer to skiing during winter months. The mountain's challenging terrain attracts serious skiers, with runs beginning at an intermediate level. Outdoor Adventure Activities The Adirondacks represent one of America's premier outdoor recreation destinations, with activities ranging from fly fishing to whitewater rafting. The region's 46 High Peaks attract serious hikers, whilst numerous lakes provide kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. Mountain biking trails throughout the region cater to all skill levels, with many offering spectacular mountain and lake views. The region's pristine wilderness provides endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts beyond golf. Cultural Attractions & Local Character Saratoga's horse racing culture creates a unique cultural experience during the summer months, with celebrity owners and high-stakes racing attracting international attention. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame provides year-round insight into thoroughbred racing history. Local artisan communities throughout the Adirondacks showcase regional crafts, from Adirondack furniture makers to local artists inspired by mountain landscapes. Small mountain towns offer authentic American cultural experiences away from major tourist centres. Insider Local Knowledge Common Visitor Mistakes Many golfers underestimate the region's size and driving distances between courses. Plan realistic daily schedules allowing adequate travel time, particularly between the Saratoga and Lake Placid areas. Mountain weather changes rapidly—pack layers even during summer months. Racing season accommodation rates in Saratoga shock unprepared visitors. Budget accordingly or visit outside July-August for dramatically reduced costs. Book racing season accommodations months in advance, as availability becomes extremely limited. Strategic Planning Wisdom Autumn foliage season (late September-early October) provides spectacular golf experiences but requires booking and weather flexibility. Canadian golfers benefit from relatively short driving distances from Montreal. The region provides excellent value compared to traditional eastern resort destinations, particularly outside peak racing season. Budget Planning & Travel Value Visit outside racing season for dramatically reduced Saratoga accommodation rates whilst maintaining excellent golf access. Spring and autumn golf provide optimal value with bonus scenic beauty during the autumn foliage season.
Pete Dye Course opens at French Lick Resort 24th April 2009 French Lick Resort in Indiana, complements their existing Donald Ross course with a new Pete Dye course French Lick Resort, located in southern Indiana, announces the new Pete Dye golf course will officially open for play this week on April 24. The new Dye course marks a significant move forward in the golf renaissance that has been taking place at one of the countries leading resort destinations. "We are very excited about the opening of the new Pete Dye course here at French Lick Resort. The course is arguably one of the most exciting inland designs that Pete Dye has ever created with panoramic views in all directions," said Dave Harner, Director of Golf at French Lick Resort. "Pete spent a great deal of time on site creating a visually stunning and challenging layout that will test the skills of not only the greatest golfers in the game, but also players of all levels. He did a wonderful job in laying out a variety of tee markers and angles that will make it playable for everyone." Many already believe that Dye has created one of the most breathtaking and exciting 18 holes of golf in the country. The course was carefully carved on a dramatic hilltop offering a variety of elevation changes, rugged and dramatic terrain, narrow fairways and ever changing bunkers, along with spectacular views from every hole that stretch for over 40 miles. Acknowledging the advances in modern equipment, golf balls and player fitness, Dye has designed a golf course that stretches over 8,100 yards from the professional tees. However, this new creation welcomes all levels of players. With five sets of tees, yardages begin at 5,100 yards from the forward tees. Most players will probably play from 6,100 to 6,600 yards. This new course is already gaining recognition. In 2010, the PGA of America will play its PGA Professional National Championship on the new Pete Dye course. This is expected to be the first of several high profile professional events to be hosted here. The new Dye course showcases many distinct design features, including the newly designed volcano bunkers, as well as stretches of holes on each nine that are vintage Dye. The front nine builds excitement from hole to hole and gets more visually dramatic as the outward nine finishes back up toward the clubhouse with one of the best views on the course. The back nine offers the most dramatic stretch of holes from Nos. 11-14. This culminates with one of the course's signature holes, No. 14. Stretching nearly 600 yards from the back tees, this par five, with a split fairway, escalates from tee to green over a massive grass hollow that will intimidate even the elite players. Complementing the new Pete Dye course at French Lick Resort is the historic Donald Ross course, which has just undergone a $4.6 million restoration project that has brought the course back to Ross's original plans. "We are very excited about showcasing not only this new modern Pete Dye masterpiece, but also our newly restored and historic Donald Ross course, making this truly one of America's must see golf destinations," said Harner. French Lick Resort is now the only resort in the world that combines the classic history of Donald Ross and the modern day design of the legendary Pete Dye. This combination is a spectacular opportunity for golfers to experience two of the best designers who ever shaped beautiful landscapes into golf courses.
US East North Central Division Best in State Rankings 2020 This is the sixth of nine Best in State revisions that we’re currently conducting for the United States so we’re now two thirds of the way through our biennial re-ranking process, having re-appraised thirty-three of the fifty states. In this reworking of the East North Central Division, we take a closer look at the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Part of the Great Lakes region, these five states cover an area of approximately 300,000 square miles, with a population of around 47 million people. Much of the best golf is concentrated around the cities of Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis and Milwaukee but travel away from these major centres and you’ll come across the likes of Crystal Downs and Sand Valley which are among the finest golfing grounds in the entire country. A total of nineteen courses in this review are listed at the moment in our US Top 100, with eight of these layouts also occupying a position within our World Top 100 chart so this is clearly a geographic area with an exceptional number of great golf courses. In recognition of this, we’ve increased the coverage in these five states by more than 25% so there are now a total of 295 courses listed below. Without further ado then, let’s take a look at how the new numbers stack up, starting in the Prairie State of Illinois, where we’ve added another ten courses to produce a Top 70 chart. Illinois The course at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, recognized as the first 18-hole layout in America, is still No. 1 in our Illinois listings. Originally designed by C.B. Macdonald then enhanced soon after by Seth Raynor in the 1920s, this layout is a timeless classic that played an important part in the evolution of championship golf in America, hosting early editions of the US Amateur, the US Open and the Ryder Cup. Chicago Golf Club Our correspondent Marc Bender recently commented as follows: “No matter how you analyze your round at Chicago Golf Club, you’d be hard pressed to find a single negative take away from your experience and the course. You’ve undoubtedly just played one of the best courses in the world that has everything to offer and checks every single box for a pure gem; regardless of what boxes you may have on your list of criteria for a great course.” At #21, soaring seventeen places up the chart, the course at Glen View Club is another early tournament venue, hosting the very first Western Open in 1899 before staging both the US Amateur and US Open inside the following five years. Those championships took place on the course that Herbert Tweedie set out for the members, but William Flynn then revised and extended that layout in 1922 to fashion the fairways that are still in play today. Glen View Club The course at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale is the highest of our new entries, arriving ahead of the others at #35. Founded almost a century ago in 1923, the club engaged William Langford to carve eighteen holes through 160 acres of woodland adjacent to Ruth Lake and its sparkling waters emerge on the back nine. Several architects have modified the layout down the years, with Arthur Hills numbered among them. One of his former design partners, J. Drew Rodgers, completed a bunker renovation program last year, in addition to redesigning the home green of the par three closing hole. Ruth Lake Country Club Rank/ Click the link to see full details of our latest Illinois Best in State rankings Indiana The top three positions in our Indiana standings are unaltered, so the course at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh retains the No. 1 spot. Designed by Tom Fazio for founder Terry Friedman on the site of an old coal mine, this 18-hole layout first opened for play in the late 1990s, hosting the US Senior Amateur championship in 2006. Victoria National Golf Club Three 5-ball rated reviews in the last twelve months have provided comments such as: “what I admire the most about the course is the uniqueness of each hole. I never got the sense I was playing the same hole… Victoria National is clearly a course one can never forget and clearly belongs in the upper echelons of layouts that Tom Fazio has created… this is a super track, if you can get on you gotta go.” A couple of collegiate courses make a big impact on our revised Indianan rankings, which might surprise a few people who’re unaware of the quality to be found in educational establishments around the country. The highest newcomer at #6 in the updated chart is the Pfau Course at Indiana University in Bloomington, where architect Steve Smyers collaborated with Fuzzy Zoeller, a Hoosier State native and two-time Major winner, to manufacture a new course on a 265-acre tract that previously housed the 18-hole Championship course, a par three layout and a cross country circuit. The $12 million project, which took 2½ years to complete, has resulted in a new course which is far better suited to modern requirements and is capable of hosting top-flight competitions. And, what’s even better, it’s available for public play at reasonable rates. Pfau Course at Indiana University Rising five places to #11, the Pete Dye-designed Kampen course at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette regains all the ground it lost last time around when it fell five spots during our 2018 re-ranking exercise. Described by a reviewer last year as “a fantastic challenge with plenty of width for the high handicapper, yet an extremely difficult test for tournaments” the Kampen course, along with the recently refurbished Ackerman-Allen course, can definitely lay claim to the title “best 36-hole university golf complex” in the whole country. As does Indiana University, the Birck Boilermaker facility also welcomes pay-and-play golfers. Birck Boilermaker Kampen course Click the link to see full details of our latest Indiana Best in State rankings Michigan The top four rungs of the Michigan ladder have been occupied by the same four courses since 2016, so the celebrated Alister MacKenzie/Perry Maxwell layout at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort maintains its No.1 status in the Wolverine State. Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design firm has made numerous little improvements in recent years, ensuring this Golden Age layout stays as relevant now in the modern era as it was nearly a hundred years ago. Crystal Downs Country Club Regular contributor Peter Wood posted these comments a couple of months back: “Crystal Downs CC is a classic MacKenzie course in a beautiful remote setting. The club will rarely host tournaments or be televised. It will likely remain relatively unknown by the masses – but the true believers will know all about it and seek it out. They won’t be disappointed!” The most significant upward move in the new chart is made by the course at Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville, rising seven places to #5. Andy Staples carried out a renovation of this layout to mark the club’s centenary just a couple of years ago, preserving the original Willie Park Junior holes that were first laid out back in 1916 and removing hundreds of trees to improve vistas and assist with on-site agronomy. The results of this work are spectacular, paving the way for a well-deserved leg up in the state listings. Meadowbrook Country Club We included the Black circuit of The Loop at Forest Dunes Golf Club when we re-ranked Michigan two years ago. Now it’s time to introduce the reversible Red course of The Loop as our highest new entry at #15 in an expanded Top 70 state chart. Our US correspondent Fergal O’Leary was here last year and he endorsed our stance of treating the Black and Red as distinct courses by stating: “we have two totally separate, unique courses and they should be treated and rated separately.” He also ended his review by writing: “there’s no doubt visitors will come back here multiple times as the golf and hospitality is as good as you can ever ask for. With time and maturity, the golf course will be a superstar.” Forest Dunes The Loop Red Click the link to see full details of our latest Michigan Best in State rankings Ohio There’s very little movement at the top of our state listings for Ohio. In fact, for the top eight positions, there’s absolutely no chart activity whatsoever. These eight courses stay exactly where they ended up when re-ranked two years ago, meaning Seth Raynor’s mid-1920s design at The Camargo Club in Cincinnati holds onto its No. 1 billing. The Camargo Club Only the other day, another of our frequent contributors, Colin Braithwaite, posted the following: “Camargo is a throwback and a real treat to play. A Raynor design that he never got to see the final product as he passed away before completion. Huge greens and fairways, with no water hazards, not long by today’s standards, but keep in mind it is a par 70… This is a fantastic course. Hard to beat the par 3s.” We’ve added another 25 courses to what used to be a Top 50 for the Buckeye State and the highest of these new entries is the Kendale course at Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati, making an impressive first appearance at #28. Dating back to the early 1930s when Bill Diddel designed two 18-hole layouts on 500 acres for the club, the Kendale course has just undergone a substantial renovation by Jason Straka, with irrigation lines replaced, bunkers refurbished, fairways widened, trees removed and greens reconstructed. Kenwood Country Club - Kendale course Another course to benefit from an extensive renovation involving the removal of many trees and the replacement of all the bunkers is the Championship layout at Columbus Country Club, climbing nine places to #37. The original 9-hole course at the club was created by Tom Bendelow, with Donald Ross adding another nine in 1914. A number of leading architects then carried out modifications down the years and the latest in that long line to make his mark is Kentucky-based Kevin Hargrave, who’s a long-time close associate of Keith Foster. Columbus Country Club Championship course Click the link to see full details of our latest Ohio Best in State rankings Wisconsin The Straits course at Whistling Straits in Kohler is Wisconsin’s No.1, a position it’s held since we started our Best in State standings. Set out on the western edge of Lake Michigan by Pete Dye in the late 1990s, this track has already hosted three PGA Championships and a US Senior Open. It was also due to stage the latest edition of the Ryder Cup matches a couple of months ago before the current COVID-19 pandemic caused a postponement until next year. Whistling Straits - Straits course Peter Wood sent us another review for this course the week the Ryder Cup was meant to be played here: “Pete Dye took a pancake flat piece of land and imported enough sand and soil to fill an ocean. His aim was to create a championship links course reminiscent of the famous courses on the west coast of Ireland. The finished product is a topsy turvy journey through an endless dunescape littered with bunkers, from deep pot bunkers to wider waste bunkers, some are groomed, some are left to the vagaries of the ever-present wind.” Advancing four spots to #16, the Brute course at the Grand Geneva Resort on Lake Geneva is our biggest climber, returning to where it was positioned after our 2016 chart reappraisals. The other 18-hole layout at the resort – originally called The Briar Patch and now known as The Highlands – is a Pete Dye/Jack Nicklaus co-design that has been much-altered over the last fifty years but the Brute remains largely as it was first laid out by Robert Bruce Harris back in 1968, featuring elevation changes on nearly every hole. Grand Geneva Resort - Brute course The highest of our ten new entries for Wisconsin is The Club at Lac La Belle at #28. Founded in 1896, the club’s first three professionals – Alex Smith, Robert Simpson and Willie Anderson – won a combined total of eight US Open and Western Open titles between 1901 and 1911, so the club is steeped in the early history of the game in the United States. Thirty acres were recently acquired, allowing Craig Haltom to design four new holes and revamp the rest of the course, constructing new greens and clearing thousands of trees during a significant course upgrade. The Club at Lac La Belle We’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the tentatively titled “Sedge Valley,” Tom Doak’s sub-par 70, 6,000-yard 18-hole course at the Sand Valley Golf Resort in Nekoosa. Both Gil Hanse and Mike DeVries submitted proposals for a new course but it was the Doak design that found approval with owner Mike Keiser, with fairways to be routed close to the existing Sand Valley and Mammoth Dunes layouts. Some are hoping this new course will drive another nail into the coffin of the “distance+difficulty=good” golfing era. Let’s hope so. Click the link to see full details of our latest Wisconsin Best in State rankings Next up: the South Atlantic Division states of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
