For me it would be:

Winged Foot bc I was able to play it in USGA conditions
Oakmont, Riviera and LACC would round out my top 4
Pine Valley didn’t make this list as the time I played it the greens were running 8-9 stimp bc it was the middle of the summer

Public:
Bethpage

Butler National

They could mow the greens/cut holes and host a major tomorrow.

Golf de Morfontaine near Paris
Royal St. Georges
LACC
Prestwick
Valderrama
Sunningdale Old

Only because I probably won’t be getting back on:
Sleepy Hollow
King Kamehameha
Hudson National

You guys have a nice list! I don’t have any connects to get on at the top tier clubs unless I pay up for a charity outing which turns into client entertaining, which means casual golf.

Bethpage Black I can play anytime I want with a little effort, whether it is sniping a time, looking for cancellations, or just showing the early in the morning. It is just a lot of effort for a tough day of golf.

I have smart friends who don't invite me to "top 100 pedigree courses" so in no particuar order are a few favorites where someone was silly enough to let me play...

Valhalla
Dormie Club
Hidden Creek Club
Due Process Stable
Bedminster

Best course or Most Exclusive course?

Rankings Wise
Private: Shinnecock Hills
Public: Pebble Beach

Personal Favorites:
Private: Hidden Creek (NJ)
Public: TPC Sawgrass Stadium

Putterho if we are going off of most exclusive, my pick would be porcupine creek

    Let's get back on track. Most exclusive doesn't mean best.... Ton's of amazing courses that don't sniff the top100 list. We don't need to get out the tape measures here.

      Right now its Kenwood Country Club (home turf) but it soon will be the club I'm interning for this summer, Sankaty Head Golf Club

        Probably Pronghorn Fazio, for various reasons. But I'm not a world traveler like some of you guys!

          I’ll list courses I’ve had the most enjoyable time playing, irregardless of whether I played them well or not, or how cool they are, just the rounds that left a lasting impression in my mind.

          Kingsbarns in scotland. A departure from traditional links, really enjoyed the course during my two weeks in Scotland.

          Skyhill on jeju island in Korea. 4 9 hole courses built on the sides of a mountain, such a unique experience, played day after Nine Bridges, enjoyed Skyhill more.

          Kiawah. I love fighting the elements while playing golf, and I played the Ocean course with plenty of wind and had an absolute blast.

          International

          The Old Course (my brother played for their university, had walk on privileges at any time. It was amazing)

          USA

          Spyglass Hill (CA) - most challenging course to me
          Gallaway National (NJ) - qwerky layout, awesome experience
          TPC Scottsdale (AZ) - bomber's paradise when there are no grandstands

          Canada

          The National Golf Club of Canada - home course, but still the hardest course I've played in my life
          Goodwood Golf Club - most exclusive club played, rumored to be only 12 members

          We need a worst courses thread. I can’t wait to see the heads roll there

          Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links were an absolute joy to play.
          TPC Sawgrass Stadium with the rye and in tournament shape really made me appreciate just how otherworldly good the guys on the PGA TOUR are.
          T. National Bedminster (Old Course).

          • ckay replied to this.

            TB3GOLF Hey all.
            Best I've played in the USA:
            Bighorn both the canyons and mountain course in Palm Desert. I caddied there for a couple of years.

            Ireland:
            Lahinch, Clare, Ireland
            Carne, Sligo, Ireland
            Waterville, Kerry, Ireland

            Rest of world:
            Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland
            Valldarama, Spain
            Le Golf National, Paris

            All great courses but hard to beat Lahinch for pure golf.