Ranking the Top 20 Golf Courses in the World | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Details: Dornoch, Scotland. Architect: Old Tom Morris, 1886. 6,722 yards. Par 70.

History: Not incredibly well-known to many in the United States, Old Tom Morris' second-finest Scottish golf venue. Dornoch was also, notably, architect Donald Ross' home course. The history of Dornoch, unfortunately, is one of being passed over due to its relative inaccessibility, which unfortunately diminishes its tournament pedigree.   

Selling point: The font of Ross' inspiration, an early Old Tom masterstroke, Royal Dornoch is one of the most stellar links courses in all of Scotland. Thus, it's a shame most golf fans haven't heard of it. Unlike most links venues, however, you can't run the ball on to the greens at Dornoch, as most are elevated, presenting a unique challenge amid the whippy, fickle Scottish winds.  

Why it's here: Bumping the under-appreciated gem this far up the list (and ahead of a powerhouse like Oakmont) is a firm statement about its brilliance. And, in a sense, something of a plea not to weight tournament history so highly in the world of top-100 lists.