Pine Valley Tops GOLF Magazine's 2025-26 World Course Rankings

Pine Valley Golf Club has retained its position as the world's top-ranked course in the latest edition of GOLF Magazine's Top 100 Courses in the World for 2025-26, underscoring the enduring appeal of its classic design amid a landscape of subtle shifts and new entrants.

The rankings, compiled by a panel of 126 international experts evaluating factors such as architectural integrity, shot variety, visual drama and environmental harmony, feature 48 U.S. courses, down from 49 in the previous list. Cypress Point in Pebble Beach, California, holds steady at No. 2, while the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland remains at No. 3. Royal County Down in Northern Ireland rounds out the top five at No. 4, highlighting the strong presence of links-style venues. The list spans 16 countries and 20 U.S. states, with more than half of the courses open to public or resort play, making them accessible for golfers planning international trips.

Notable changes include the debut of Childress Hall Upper in Texas at No. 73, a minimalist sand-dune layout built in 2025 that embraces the Panhandle's natural terrain. This marks a milestone for Texas golf, traditionally focused on parkland styles, as it...