Brian Murphy’s Top 50 Course Rankings

This is the current list of my favorite golf courses I’ve played. This list will be updated as I play new courses or re-visit tracks after a long hiatus or significant course changes. Thoughts? Opinions? We’d love to hear them in the Comments section!

1. Erin Hills (Hartford, WI)

Architects: Dana Fry, Michael Hurdzan, and Ron Whitten (2006)

Some places are just destined to become golf courses.

Erin Hills is one of these magical spots, occupying a gifted property just west of the Kettle Moraine, loaded with glacially-sculpted hills and valleys ideally spaced for golf holes. The architects barely had to modify the land, as natural greens and fairway corridors already existed in the terrain. The course has a very interesting history, culminating with hosting the 2017 U.S. Open.

A commitment to excellence and investment in world-class service have pushed this track into the stratosphere of my favorite courses, and it’s a must-play for anyone living in or visiting Wisconsin. My course review explores how Erin Hills has pulled it all together to become a truly great golf course.

Every time I play Erin Hills, I love it even more than before, regardless of how I play. The property is special on another level, one where you have to see it to believe it. Case-in-point, in my 2023 round there I got beaten to a pulp on its demanding back nine, carded a season-worst 18-hole score of 91 and still walked away with a smile, knowing it was the best property I had visited all season. And you know what? I also realized it’s the greatest couse I’ve ever played, period.

A look back at the par 4 third at Erin Hills

2. Mammoth Dunes (Rome, WI)

Architect: David McLay-Kidd (2018)

The second course built at Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes is a clinic on how to build a course that is very playable yet visually intimidating. The track lives up to its moniker, meandering through a towering dunescape and around a giant V-shaped ridge. The result is a scenic roller-coaster round on an awesome property, and one heck of a fun course.

The jaw-dropping par-3 13th at Mammoth Dunes plays uphill over a vast expanse of sand to a green perched on the course’s flagship ridge.

3. Pacific Dunes (Bandon, OR)

Architect: Tom Doak (2001)

Following the smashing success of the original Bandon Dunes course, Tom Doak’s masterpiece was built on a more compelling property than Bandon’s OG, weaving through large dunes and shore pines and emerging upon the ocean several times in stunning fashion. Pacific Dunes’ greens and fairways are a bit less spacious than those of the other Bandon Dunes courses, demanding a higher degree of precision. The variety of the layout, the raw beauty of the property, and the strategic aspects of the hole design make this an unforgettable track and my favorite course at the world’s best golf resort.

The par-3 17th plays downhill to a green nestled against a giant hill covered in gorse.

4. Milwaukee Country Club (River Hills, WI)

Architects: Charles Alison and H.S. Colt (1929)

The top-ranked classic course in Wisconsin, Milwaukee Country Club is brilliantly laid out over a dramatic property encompassing an epic six-hole stretch over and along the Milwaukee River. All 18 holes are memorable, however, thanks to distinctive and punishing bunkers and sloping, a superb routing, and immaculate conditioning. Milwaukee Country Club is Wisconsin’s ultimate private golf experience, and those lucky enough to get a chance to play there are in for a special day.

The par 5 10th at Milwaukee Country Club is the start of a thrilling 6-hole stretch along the Milwaukee River.

5. Whistling Straits (Straits) (Haven, WI)

Architect: Pete Dye (1998)

Some courses, despite being exceptionally challenging, set up well to my eye and make me relax. I’m proud to say that the Straits Course is one of these properties, where I’ve had a few of my most memorable rounds in recent memory, beating my handicap on one of the most stunning settings in all of golf.

With miles of uninterrupted, pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, former PGA Championship and Ryder Cup host Whistling Straits is the masterwork of renowned maximalist architect Pete Dye. The crown jewel of the Kohler Club resort, Whistling Straits was once a flat military base. Dye moved mountains of dirt to create as convincing of a man-made dunescape as I’ve ever seen. Eight holes run along the shore of Lake Michigan, but nearly every hole feels right on the lake. The golf is dramatic, demanding, and stunningly memorable.

The 4th at Whistling Straits is a beastly par four hugging the lake

6. Crystal Downs (Frankfurt, MI)

Architects: Alister McKenzie & Perry Maxwell (1929)

In 2003, I lucked into an opportunity to play Crystal Downs through my friend’s grandparents, who lived near the course and were members. Widely regarded as Alister McKenzie’s Midwest masterpiece (with noteworthy assistance from his apprentice Perry Maxwell), this golden age classic is wedged between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, featuring dramatic elevation changes and incredible greens complexes. Many of the holes were memorable, but after 19 years since playing it, the par-4 6th to a horseshoe green still stands out in my memory as an extremely unique and innovative hole.

I hope to return to Crystal Downs someday to rekindle these fond memories from my youth, and also get some great photography to include here.

7. Bandon Dunes (Bandon, OR)

Architect: David McLay-Kidd (1999)

The OG of the best golf resort on the planet, this track blazed the trail for U.S. destination golf in remote locations. Unknown twentysomething David McLay-Kidd maximized every slope and feature on this stunning property perched high above the Pacific Ocean. Firm and fast, this true links course is pure fun, and the anticipation builds until the enthralling 16th, a reachable par-4 hugging the cliffs in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.

Check out Brian’s review of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort at https://wiscogolfaddict.com/2022/06/30/bandon-dunes-golf-resort-a-golfers-dream-come-true/

The jaw-dropping par-4 16th at Bandon Dunes, as shown from the left of the hole.

8. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (Kiawah Island, SC)

Architect: Pete Dye (1991)

The Ocean Course was famously tabbed to host the 1991 Ryder Cup before it even opened. Pete Dye delivered a world-class track, weaving through marshes and dunes with the whole course playing on or near the ocean. The course is both brutally difficult and stunningly beautiful, and despite playing it 20 years ago I still have vivid memories of this fantastic layout.

9. Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs) (Arcadia, MI)

Architects: Rick Smith and Warren Henderson (2003)

Located off the beaten path in northern Michigan, this gem is the Whistling Straits of Michigan, and is arguably more scenic than the course we know and love on the Wisconsin side. The property slopes heavily toward a massive bluff, with sweeping views of Lake Michigan on nearly every hole and three holes directly on the waterfront. The view from the clubhouse may be the best in all of golf, with a panoramic vista that stuns the senses. The course itself is a thrill ride that plays over dramatic elevation changes, around heaving manmade dunes, and onto very undulating greens.

The par-5 fifth at Arcadia Bluffs plays past a vast waste bunker to an undulating green set on a cliff above Lake Michigan.

10. Bandon Trails (Bandon, OR)

Architects: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (2005)

The only inland course at Bandon Dunes, this track had the seemingly impossible task of living up to the first two amazing courses at the resort, without having oceanfront. Coore and Crenshaw delivered a brilliant routing, blending holes into three distinct environments and weaving the experience together with hiking trails guiding golfers between the holes. It’s a surreal experience in nature, with 18 very compelling holes to stir the golf senses as well.

Check out Brian’s review of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort at https://wiscogolfaddict.com/2022/06/30/bandon-dunes-golf-resort-a-golfers-dream-come-true/

The natural-looking par-4 15th at Bandon Trails darts between bunkers to an undulating green.

11. Pinehurst No. 4 (Pinehurst, NC)

Architects: Donald Ross (Original, 1919), Gil Hanse (Redesign, 2018)

Widely regarded as the second-best track at Pinehurst, No. 4 has been tinkered with for decades by many big-name architects, and its character has evolved as architectural eras have come and gone. The most recent take on the property by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner seems like the most genuine interpretation of Donald Ross’ original golden age intentions for the layout, with a routing sculpted out of a restored sandscape that maximizes strategy, options and challenge. The redesigned greens complexes are impressively varied, with an array of slopes and angles that will keep all golfers on their toes.

The par 3 sixth at Pinehurst No. 4 plays past a series of rugged, deep traps to the right.

12. Lawsonia (Links) (Green Lake, WI)

Architects: William Langford and Theodore Moreau (1930)

On the sprawling Lawson estate located along Green Lake, an ambitious golden age project took form in the 20’s with Langford and Moreau, masters of the steam shovel, moving mountains of dirt to create their masterpiece. The greens complexes are massively elevated and sloped, placing a huge premium on short game prowess. Highlights include the “boxcar” par-3 7th and the entire back nine which plays cohesively in a dramatic, open plot of land. Over the past couple of years, Lawsonia Links has found a place on my annual must-play list, as it is always a delight to return and experience its wonderful architecture time and time again.

The famous par three 7th at Lawsonia Links

13. Mid Pines (Southern Pines, NC)

Architect: Donald Ross (1921)

Mid Pines is one of Ross’ original creations only a few miles away from his other iconic golden age project, Pinehurst. The venue oozes with history and tradition, starting with its massive, old-school clubhouse. The routing has been left untouched, winding trough a pristine wooded property. The attention to detail on maintenance of the property rivals most botanical gardens, and creates some tremendous visuals throughout the round. The track is short, but its narrow width and strategic placement of hazards more than make up for it, demanding precision and a thoughtful approach.

The reachable par 5 15th at Mid Pines tumbles down a hill to a tough, perched green site.

14. Torrey Pines (South) (La Jolla, CA)

Set atop towering cliffs overlooking the Pacific, Torrey Pines may be the most spectacular setting in all of municipal golf. The South Course, host to the annual PGA Tour’s prestigious Farmers Insurance Open and two-time U.S. Open host, is a brutally difficult yet gorgeous track traversing canyons and featuring multiple encounters with the ocean.

The signature par 3 third at Torrey Pines South is one of many stunning panoramic ocean views on the property

15. Sheep Ranch (Bandon, OR)

The sixth and newest layout at the best golf resort on the planet, Sheep Ranch is a Coore/Crenshaw masterwork of routing on a flat, exposed plot of land perched atop rugged cliffs. Sheep Ranch offers the best views at Bandon, and its playable setup offers the best chance to score well at the resort, provided the wind doesn’t blow hard.

Sheep Ranch features large, undulating greens, with nine of them hugging the cliffs, including the par 3 7th shown here

16. Old Macdonald (Bandon, OR)

The fourth course built at Bandon Dunes features less spectacular views than its counterparts, but Tom Doak and Jim Urbina created massive, undulating template greens to make up for it. This true links course pays homage to the great classic architect C.B. Macdonald, and requires sound strategic thinking and an excellent short game. Signature spots such as the Ghost Tree on #3 and the clifftop green on #7 add drama to an otherwise less striking property, at least by Bandon’s standards.

The 7th at Old Macdonald concludes on a stunning oceanfront green

17. Tobacco Road (Samford, NC)

Architect: Mike Strantz (1998)

Known as “Pine Valley on Steroids,” this roller coaster ride cut out of the North Carolina sandhills features some of the boldest (mostly) manmade features and slopes I’ve ever seen. While Strantz’ funhouse layout is visually intimidating, plenty of room exists with bailout options available, allowing for an aggressive approach that could pay off in big way on a good ball-striking day. However, be sure to avoid the array of diabolical spots on the track, or you could find yourself “Strantzed” with a large number on the scorecard.

The 18th at Tobacco Road features one of the more subdued greens on site – and it is three-tiered!

18. The Links at Spanish Bay (Del Monte Forest, CA)

Architects: Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Tom Watson and Frank Tatum (1987)

This track may be the red-headed stepchild of the Pebble Beach resort, but it sure occupies a compelling property. Over half of the layout meanders over dramatic dunes set alongside the ocean and 17-Mile Drive, while the rest of the routing takes golfers through a majestic maritime forest. This RTJ2/Tatum design is often cited as one of the country’s best potential redesign projects given the quality of the land, but the bones of a great course are already there.

The first at Spanish Bay is one of the most spectacular opening holes I’ve played, a reachable downhill par 5 diving straight down to the ocean and an infinity green

19. Oneida Golf & Country Club (Green Bay, WI)

Architects: Dorr Packard and Stanley Pelcher (1929)

Oneida is a classic gem, with old-school greens complexes that just got fabulous restorations by Roger Packard and Hills & Forrest. This scenic track alternates between forest and parkland settings, with Duck Creek winding its way throughout he layout, adding tremendous character and challenge. In many ways this property reminds me of Milwaukee Country Club, and it’s one of the state’s top classic courses and top private clubs in in its own right.

The approach to the par 4 15th hole must skirt past a steep-faced bunker on the front left side, a staple at Oneida

20. Blackwolf Run (Meadow Valleys)

Architect: Pete Dye (1988)

In my 2023 Kohler trip, I finally played the Meadow Valleys course for the first time. I was so impressed that it’s debuting as the second best Destination Kohler course in these rankings. What makes it stand out compared to the other installments at the resort? Well, it’s home to arguably the best nine holes in the region, and one of the best nines in the whole state. Part of the Blackwolf Run original championship 18, the back nine at Meadow Valleys is a thrill ride over wild topography, playing through prairie, forest, and straddling steep slopes perched next to the Sheboygan River. The front side at Meadow Valleys is no slouch either, but it’s the most subdued stretch at Destination Kohler in a flatter prairie setting.

The 18th at Meadow Valleys provides one final jolt of drama to conclude a back nine for the ages

21. Conway Farms (Lake Forest, IL)

Architect: Tom Fazio (1991)

This former BMW Championship host is one of the top modern properties in the greater Chicago area, playing over a mostly meadow-based but varied setting. Its immaculate conditioning and firm, challenging greens set Conway Farms apart from its peers.

22. SentryWorld (Stevens Point, WI)

Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (1982)

Wisconsin’s OG destination course is the product of a spare-no-expense early 1980’s project undertaken by Sentry Insurance, with the resulting Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design immediately vaulting itself into the top tier of Wisconsin properties. Over the years, Sentry has continually invested in the property, including multiple renovation/redesign efforts to maintain its status as one of the most compelling, well-manicured parkland layouts in the state. In the summer of 2023, SentryWorld showed off its chops as a tournament host, with the U.S. Senior Open coming to town. The event was an unequivocal success, and I expect SentryWorld to continue bringing in prestigious tournaments in the years to come.

The 9th at SentryWorld, normally playing as a par five in regular play, was converted into a *brutal* par four for the U.S. Senior Open in 2023

23. The Bull at Pinehurst Farms (Sheboygan Falls, WI)

Architect: Jack Nicklaus (2003)

Just down the road from world-famous Blackwolf Run, The Bull was built in a similar setting showcasing dramatic ravines and forests with the scenic Onion River running its way throughout the property. Known for being extremely challenging, I actually found this Nicklaus layout reasonably playable, with options from tee-to-green that even shorter hitters can take on. The Bull may not get as much press as other A-list Wisconsin properties, but it’s every bit as memorable and well-run as any other public facility I’ve visited in the state.

The 16th at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms features an intimidating approach through a narrow chute of trees and over a gaping ravine

24. Washington County Golf Course (Hartford, WI)

Architect: Arthur Hills (1997)

Washington County is an all-world municipal facility laid out over dramatic rolling prairie just west of the Kettle Moraine. It’s a very similar setting to Erin Hills, to the point where it’s been dubbed “Little Brother” to the famous U.S. Open host. Arthur Hills’ engaging design features subtle contours and blazing fast greens, making it a demanding but beautiful test.

The 18th at Washington County is a tough, uphill par four

25. Pine Hills Country Club (Sheboygan, WI)

Architect: Harry Smead (1905)

My only round at Pine Hills came many years ago, but my memory of the experience on this fabulous track is still vivid. The course occupies a dramatic property of rolling hills and forest, with several encounters with the Pigeon River throughout the round. Pine Hills’ use of bold contours and sloping greens is reminiscent of Langford/Moreau steam shovel wizardry. I’ve heard the recent Drew Rogers restovation is nothing short of spectacular, and I hope to play it myself sometime soon and see how far Pine Hills ascends these rankings.

26. Whistling Straits (Irish) (Haven, WI)

Architect: Pete Dye (2000)

Following the unprecendented success of the Straits Course, Pete Dye embarked on the difficult task of building a second course at Whistling Straits without any new lakefront to work with. He approached this project like a movie sequel, routing a dramatic, varied collection of challenging holes through massive man-made sand dunes that dwarf even those of its neighbor. The Irish Course may not live up to the unmatched gandeur of the Straits Course, but it’s still a compelling complement to its big brother by the lake.

27. The Club at Lac La Belle (Oconomowoc, WI)

Architect: Craig Haltom (2020)

This historic property nearly closed up shop after flooding of lower-lying areas threatened to render large portions of the layout unplayable, but businessman Matt Morse stepped in with a massive investment to save the course. The resulting near-total teardown and redesign by Craig Haltom yielded a dramatic, innovative, engaging golf experience, complete with spectacular bunkering and memorable greens.

The par 4 6th at The Club at Lac la Belle skirts around a marsh, and its recently raised fairway from the 2020 Haltom redesign has resulted in improved drainage on this previously flood-plagued area of the property

28. Blackwolf Run (River) (Sheboygan, WI)

Architect: Pete Dye (1990)

The River Course at Blackwolf Run lives up to its moniker with the Sheboygan River in play on many holes. This is one of the most demanding, intimidating tracks in I’ve played, complete with signature Pete Dye architectural themes. Half of the course used to be a part of the original Blackwolf Run championship layout, while the newer half crosses the Sheboygan River into a section of wildly rolling, forested topography for one of the toughest but most beautiful stretch of holes in the state.

The par 3 4th at Blackwolf Run (River) is a slicer’s nightmare, with anything missed right doomed to a watery grave

29. Princeville (Makai) (Princeville, HI)

Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. (1971)

This stunning layout on the north shore of the island of Kauai traverses over gently rolling terrain adjacent to the ocean with several close encounters with the Pacific. I played here on my honeymoon in 2012, and even though rainy conditions took away from the views a bit, it was still a memorable experience on one of Hawaii’s top public properties.

30. Wild Rock (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

Architects: Dana Fry and Michael Hurdzan (2008)

This Dana Fry/Michael Hurdzan creation is a roller-coaster ride through the woods and around a rock quarry. With dramatic elevation changes, immaculate conditioning and and a surreal natural setting, Wild Rock is a one-of-a-kind experience that flies under the radar a bit in Wisconsin course rankings.