About nearme.golf
nearme.golf was built for golfers who refuse to settle for the nearest municipal track when something truly special is just a short drive away. We are an independent editorial team dedicated to curating the world's finest golf courses — from the legendary links of St Andrews to hidden gems tucked away in the hills of Portugal.
Our mission is straightforward: give every golfer — whether planning a bucket list trip or looking for a great course after work — an honest, expert-curated guide to the courses worth playing. We cover all six continents, rank the best on each, and provide the practical information you need to actually get out there and play.
We are not affiliated with any course, tour operator, or equipment brand. Every ranking reflects our editorial judgement — nothing else.
How We Rank Golf Courses
Our rankings are based on five criteria, each assessed independently by our editorial team. A course must score well across all five to reach the top of its continent list.
- 1. Expert Selection
Our core list starts with courses that have earned recognition from golf's leading authorities — the R&A, USGA, and major ranking panels. We cross-reference these against independent expert reviews, course ratings, and first-hand editorial visits to ensure no worthy course is overlooked. - 2. Course Design & Architecture
Great golf architecture demands more than length or difficulty — it requires strategic variety, visual drama, and holes that reward thoughtful play at every skill level. We assess the routing, the use of natural terrain, and the legacy of the architect in the context of the course's era. - 3. Course Condition
The finest design means nothing if the course is poorly maintained. We consider the consistency and quality of fairways, greens, bunkers, and rough throughout the year, drawing on member reviews, professional tournament reports, and seasonal playing conditions. - 4. Accessibility
A course that welcomes visiting golfers ranks higher than one that restricts play to members only. We note green fee availability, tee time access for non-members, price range, and practical travel logistics — because the best course near you is only as good as your ability to play it. - 5. Reputation & Accolades
Sustained reputation among the global golfing community — major championships hosted, industry award history, and consistent placement on world ranking lists over multiple years — forms the final pillar of our assessment. Longevity matters: a great course earns its standing over decades.
Our Editorial Team
James Puttnik
Lead Golf Editor
James has spent over two decades playing and writing about golf across five continents, with a particular passion for classic links courses and the golden age of American golf architecture. His work has taken him from the Old Course at St Andrews to Cypress Point, and his rankings reflect both deep historical knowledge and a commitment to honest, independent assessment.