Pinehurst No. 2 Again Top Rankings; Elk River Up Two Spots
Our list of the top 100 courses is determined by a scoring system where panelists are asked to consider among these factors: conditioning, routing, design, strategy, memorability, fairness, variety and aesthetics. Thanks to a voting process that's now completed and tabulated online, we're able to provide a greater array of specialty category rankings that we hope you enjoy.

Once again, Pinehurst No. 2, which re-opened in March following an extensive restoration by designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, remains No. 1 in the top 100 - as has been the case since the panel was founded in 1995. There was some shifting among the top 10 as Charlotte Country Club improved one position to sixth and the Elk River Club in Banner Elk two positions to seventh.

Greensboro Country Club's Farm course, previously unranked, received a complete makeover from British designer Donald Steel, won Best New Course honors and leapt into the top 100 at No. 37. Also making an impressive debut is Carolina Golf Club in Charlotte, a 1929 Donald Ross layout reinvigorated by Kris Spence.

Panelists had fun with a new rankings category this year: Our Dream 18, a collection of our favorite holes in the state. If you're an avid golfer, it'll capture your attention - and maybe even lead you to compile a list of your own.

Top 100 Courses for 2011

(Note: Rankings are determined by averaging point totals based on the number of panelists who voted for a course. This year, a minimum of 40 panelists had to vote for a course in order for it to qualify. Panelists can only vote for courses they've played.)

North Carolina Golf Panel’s Regional Rankings Of the State’s Best Golf Courses

Our Dream 18
Members of the North Carolina Golf Panel were asked to pick their favorite holes in the state (a first hole, second hole, third hole, etc.) as if they were playing a round - and based on the tees they normally play. There were no voting restrictions, meaning that they weren't required to finish with an 18-hole "course" of a specific par or yardage.

And while panelists weren't reminded no to equate "favorite" with "difficult," it seems they're a sadistic bunch after all; the Our Dream 18 listed below rank among the most challenging holes in the state. Please note that all yardages listed below are from the championship tees. If we're going to be sadistic, why not go all of the way?

Taking all 18 holes into account, these are the layouts that make a golfer think his or her way from tee to green. Criteria include variety of approaches from both the teeing areas and fairways; visual appeal; difficulty of shots; how many different clubs you may use during the course of a round, etc.