GOLF launched its newest rating of the Prime 100 Programs within the World (2023-24), and whereas Pine Valley once more took the highest spot, there have been eight newcomers that discovered their method into the rating. Right here, we’ll introduce you to them.

Newcomer highlight: Te Arai (South) / Rank: eighty fifth

Location: Te Arai, New Zealand
Play: Resort
Architect: Invoice Coore & Ben Crenshaw, 2022

Why it made our listing, in accordance with a rater:

Not often does a course marry superior structure with such astounding pure magnificence. Constructed because the second of three programs alongside an arresting shoreline, Te Arai has not diminished the repute of its close by cousin, Tara Iti. Identical to Tara Iti, the ocean and islands off the coast are seen from a large number of holes. Solely the brand new course brings the water nearer because the spherical ends. As anticipated of a Coore and Crenshaw design, Te Arai takes full benefit of each the views and the pure topography to create a number of choices for the golfer. Run it in. Fly it excessive. Excluding a couple of holes, the bottom sport is all the time an possibility. However loads of motion on the greens makes three-putting an ever-present hazard. That is true hyperlinks golf, solely in hotter climate — a must-see course in a must-see nation for golfers. — Luke Reese

You’ll be able to view Te Arai (South)’s Prime 100 Course web page right here.

Extra about Te Arai (South)

Panelist Michael Goldstein writes, “Te Arai South, designed by Invoice Coore, is quickly to kind half of the Te Arai resort alongside the Tom Doak designed Te Arai North opening in late 2023. Collectively with their cousin simply alongside the coast (Tara Iti), this part of shoreline north of Auckland is quickly to be a challenger for the king of the world’s dream golf locations. Enjoying Te Arai South is a lovely expertise the place the linksland rises completely from the seaside, mesmerizing the golfer with white sand beneath, the Pacific Ocean past and the islands within the distance. While the early holes dance out and in of the woods, from the fifth gap onwards, Te Arai South unfolds right into a mind-bendingly enjoyable stretch of coastal golf that includes thrilling quick holes, an array of enjoyable quick fours and a few daring, numerous, restrained and zany greens punctuated by the Sitwell impressed sixteenth. No commentary on the South course at Te Arai is full with no nod to the wee seventeenth which, regardless of how onerous the wind is blowing, is among the best 100 yard holes in world golf.” — Ran Morrissett

Josh Berhow

Golf.com Editor

Josh Berhow is the managing editor at GOLF.com. The Minnesota native graduated with a journalism diploma from Minnesota State College in Mankato. You’ll be able to attain him at joshua_berhow@golf.com.