San Francisco Golf Club gives Bethpage Black a run for being A. W. Tillinghast’s best course. The golfer gets a sense of its greatness standing on the practice putting green or first tee perched above the wide fairway with massive bunkers strategically placed throughout. The golf course is actually hemmed in by the city so doesn't have necessarily dramatic views. What it does have is ample room to drive the golf ball. Unlike some Tillinghast designs that are tightly tree lined, San Francisco is not hemmed in by trees. The terrain is used imaginatively, not straight up and down and there are many subtle, challenging dogleg holes. You can see the fairway and thus, you can view the real majesty of Tillinghast's skills, his ability to use bunkers strategically and with a sense of beauty. San Francisco is an old school club with a small membership. The club and clubhouse are understated and stands out as one of the best in the world.

John Sabino is the author of How to Play the World’s Most Exclusive Golf Clubs