Golf Magazine


Golf Magazine is a monthly golf magazine. One of the first "special interest" magazines of its kind, it was started in April 1959 by Arnold Abramson and Robert Abramson, the owners of Universal Publishing and Distributing Corporation, who sold it to Times Mirror in 1972. Time Inc. acquired it in 2000. It was acquired by Howard Milstein in 2018. It was the world's most widely read golf publication from August 2006 to January 2007. The magazine is for golfers of all skill levels. Some features it includes are instruction from the top 100 teachers in America, interviews with famous golfers, tips on the best values for golf courses to go to on vacation, and an annual club test.

Top 100 courses

Golf Magazine conducts an annual survey of experts to determine the best course in the United States and the world.

Top 100 in the United States

The best courses in the United States in 2024-25 were:
RankNameLocationDesigner, Year
1Pine ValleyPine Valley, New JerseyGeorge Crump/Harry Colt, 1918
2Cypress PointPebble Beach, CaliforniaAlister MacKenzie, 1928
3Shinnecock HillsSouthampton, New YorkWilliam Flynn, 1931
4National Golf Links of AmericaSouthampton, New YorkCharles B. Macdonald, 1911
5OakmontOakmont, PennsylvaniaHenry Fownes, 1903
6Augusta NationalAugusta, GeorgiaAlister MacKenzie/Bobby Jones, 1933
7Sand HillsMullen, NebraskaBill Coore/Ben Crenshaw, 1995
8Merion (East)Ardmore, PennsylvaniaHugh Wilson, 1912
9Pebble BeachPebble Beach, CaliforniaJack Neville/Douglas Grant, 1919
10Los Angeles (North)Los Angeles, CaliforniaGeorge C. Thomas Jr., 1927

Top 100 in the world

Here are the top ten courses in the world in 2023-24:
RankNameLocationCountryDesigner, Year
1Pine ValleyPine Valley, New JerseyUnited StatesGeorge Crump/Harry Colt, 1918
2Cypress PointPebble Beach, CaliforniaUnited StatesAlister MacKenzie, 1928
3St Andrews (Old Course)St AndrewsScotlandNature
4Shinnecock HillsSouthampton, New YorkUnited StatesWilliam Flynn, 1931
5National Golf Links of AmericaSouthampton, New YorkUnited StatesC.B. MacDonald, 1911
6Royal County DownNewcastle, County DownNorthern IrelandTom Morris, 1889
7Royal Melbourne (West)Black Rock, VictoriaAustraliaAlister MacKenzie, 1931
8OakmontOakmont, PennsylvaniaUnited StatesHenry Fownes, 1903
9Augusta NationalAugusta, GeorgiaUnited StatesAlister MacKenzie/Bobby Jones, 1933
10Royal Dornoch (Championship)DornochScotlandOld Tom Morris, 1886

Annual Club Test

Golf Magazine also conducts an annual test of some of the finest golf products available so that the golfer will be armed with the knowledge of which club is the best value. As of 2025, the Magazine no longer provides a "rating" nor does it rank each club. Golf Magazine thoroughly reviews all the newest club models on the market with the help of player testers. In the end, it groups the best clubs for 2025 into categories to make your purchasing choice easier. The below table summarizes the type of clubs as well as the categories for each tested for each:
Type of Golf ClubCategories Assessed
DriverForgiveness, Speed, Shot Correction, Slower Swinger Speeds, Low Spin Drivers.
IronsGame Improvement, Better Player, Players Distance, Super Game Improvement Elite Irons.
Fairway WoodsSpeed, Forgiveness, Slower Swing Speeds, Low Spin.
HybridsForgiveness, Playability, Shot Correction, Slower Swing Speeds.

Top 100 Teachers in America

Golf Magazine also honours some of the best instructors in the business. On the emeritus list are:
NameHometown
Jimmy BallardKey Largo, Florida
Peggy Kirk BellSouthern Pines, North Carolina
Chuck CookAustin, Texas
Manuel de la TorreRiver Hills, Wisconsin
Michael HebronSmithtown, New York
David LeadbetterChampions Gate, Florida
Eddie MerrinsLos Angeles, California
Dave PelzAustin, Texas
Phil RitsonWinter Garden, Florida
Phil RodgersLa Jolla, California
Craig ShanklandDaytona Beach, Florida
Dr. Jim SuttieNaples, Florida
Bob ToskiCoconut Creek, Florida
Dr. Gary WirenWest Palm Beach, Florida

2011 player of the year selection

On November 1, 2011, Golf Magazine selected Rory McIlroy over Yani Tseng for its 2011 player of year. The magazine's editor, David Clarke wrote, “We are pleased to name Rory McIlroy as our inaugural Player of the Year.” Americans have embraced this young Northern Irishman, taking him into their hearts not just out of admiration for his amazing talent, but also for the grace he has shown in victory and defeat, his generosity of time with fans, and his commitments to causes beyond golf.”
The McIlroy selection was heavily criticized by golf bloggers. The #1 male player in the world at the time, Luke Donald, tweeted, "So rude and disrespectful of Yani. Whoever had final decision just diminished your magazine."