In one corner of the internet, John Sabino is a cult figure, an inspiration and a font of all knowledge. In an era before Twitter and podcasts, his ‘Playing the Top 100 Golf Courses’ website was an incredible resource for those of us beguiled by the greatest golf courses in the world and keen to learn more.
John’s first posting was on 1st January 2006, you can see it here. John used Golf Magazine’s 2003 list to guide him on his mission to play the top 100 golf courses in the world and over the next few years we watched avidly as John ticked off the courses and shared his experiences. His reviews were extensive, accompanied by photographs and, more often than not, some insight into how he got access. When planning a trip, or researching what awaits me before a round, I will still turn to this site for information.
In 2013 John completed his odyssey, amazingly with a round at Augusta with a Masters’ Champion. However, the story didn’t finish there. John continues to play around the world at some of the most interesting courses. He also wrote a book (you can read my review here) about his experiences and shares more of the secrets of getting access.
John also curates a list of all the players known to have played the Top 100 Courses in the world - quite a service!
In January last year John wrote about his diagnosis with acute leukemia in May 2018. He wrote movingly about the treatment he had received and his goal to go to Augusta once again to watch the Masters and to play again. Over the next few months it was fantastic to read about how John achieved these aims in some style and we are now being treated to reviews of courses John played on a recent trip to the UK.
Thanks John for all you have done for us and thanks for sharing your favourite courses!
1. CYPRESS POINT
To quote a golf friend who sums up Cypress better than I can: "Playing in heaven: Six holes in the trees, six holes in the sand dunes, six holes by the sea." There is none better.
Graylyn Loomis, Golf Digest, Top 100 Golf Blog
2. NATIONAL GOLF LINKS OF AMERICA
C.B. Macdonald’s ideal golf course is just that. Horace Hutchinson got it right more than a century ago when he wrote: “It has no weak points.” A brilliant collection of holes that plays different every day based on the shifting winds, you use every club in your bag when you play the National. Gets extra credit for the clubhouse and lobster lunch!
UK Golf Guy Review, NGLA website, 1968 Sports Illustrated Article
3. SAND HILLS
Playing it is more than a round of golf, it’s a life changing experience. Coore & Crenshaw waved a magic wand to create this place.
Top 100 Golf Blog, Holy Grail Golfer
4. SUNNINGDALE (OLD)
Willie Park Jr.’s master class in how to route a golf course; he took advantage of the rolling heathland terrain to a degree few architects ever do. Golf is sometimes referred to metaphorically as a walk in the park. In the case of Sunningdale, it is literally true.
UK Golf Guy Review, Golf Club Atlas
5. MYOPIA HUNT CLUB
Old school golf at its finest. A strong case can be made that the collection of par three holes at Myopia are as good and as challenging as any in the game. The horses, hounds and polo field give the place a genteel and civilized ambiance.
Top 100 Golf blog, Geekedongolf, Planet Golf
6. CRUDEN BAY
The most fun place to play golf in the world, in my opinion. Quirky, unconventional, and one of a kind.
Golf Club Atlas, Cruden Bay Website
7. JACK’S POINT
Its remote location in Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island keeps Jack’s Point below the radar. The views are as good as any golf course in the world, with the deep blue Lake Wakatipu set against the backdrop of the Remarkable Mountains framing many holes.
Jack’s Point Wesbite, Planet Golf, Top 100 Golf Blog
8. KINGSBARNS
Ignore those who criticize Kingsbarns as not being a true links course. Kyle Phillips knew his stuff and the holes are world class, and the views, stunning. The drivable 6th is a standout. Criticize me if you like for not being an architecture aficionado, but this is the real deal and the best course in the Kingdom of Fife.
UK Golf Guy, Graylyn Loomis, Top 100 Golf Blog
9. MAIDSTONE
The routing offers a lot of variety and continual change in direction; no two consecutive holes play in the same direction. The holes in the dunes (8, 9, and 14) near the ocean are exceptional. It’s not hard to imagine Jay Gatsby driving up Old Beach Lane today in a Pierce Arrow Runabout. The club has such a timeless quality to it that he would feel right at home.
Maidstone Club, Graylyn Loomis
10. CARNOUSTIE
The unloved course of the Open rotation happens to be the best, but because it is not pretty it doesn’t get as many likes in today’s upside-down world of social media. The course demands a variety of shots, and particularly rewards bump and run shots hit correctly. If you compare Carnoustie hole-for-hole with just about any course, it stacks up with the best in the world. A pleasure to play.
UK Golf Guy, Top 100 Golf Blog
Other contenders for my top ten: Bandon Dunes, Woodhall Spa, Royal Adelaide, Yale, and Castle Stuart.
You can see others in the ‘Favourite Courses’ series here.
