Inside the World's Greatest Golf Courses Book: What Makes a Course “Great”?

The “World’s Greatest Golf Courses” book channels decades of play, curiosity, and a deep respect for the game into a photographic journey through some of the world’s most beautiful and legendary golf courses. But if I’m honest, the most difficult part wasn’t the travel, the photography, or even the research—it was deciding what to leave out.

My original working title was “Must-Play Golf Courses.” And in many ways, that idea still defines the book.

Every course included is accessible - places that golfers can realistically aspire to experience for themselves. Not just distant, exclusive names, but courses where the door is open, where the walk is possible, where the experience is within reach.

The criteria that guided my selections were wide-ranging: architectural quality; natural setting; challenge and playability; conditioning; history; and perhaps most importantly - overall enjoyment

I tried to strike a balance between the iconic and the lesser known. Though in truth, there are many more extraordinary, underappreciated courses that could easily have filled another volume.

Golf today is a truly global game, so it was important to reflect that - bringing together courses from across continents, blending the old and the new, and showcasing the diversity of landscapes and styles that make this sport so endlessly fascinating.

Of course, any list of “greatest courses” invites debate. Questions of methodology, architectural philosophy, and even cultural perspective all come into play - and rightly so. These conversations are part of what makes golf such a rich and evolving game.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with every choice, nor should they. What I hope is that these selections encourage discussion about the qualities that make a course unforgettable, and that they inspire readers to seek out these landscapes in person.

Have a thought, suggestion, or story to share? I’d love to hear from you. Whether you have feedback on a blog post, ideas for future course features, or a golf experience worth telling, feel free to get in touch. This space is all about connecting golfers and sharing the game—your voice is always welcome.