"TIES BROKEN IN FAVOR OF COURSES WITH MORE EVALUATIONS"

A reader spotted an interesting footnote in the latest Golf Digest ranking. Posted at the top is this note:

TIES BROKEN IN FAVOR OF COURSES WITH MORE EVALUATIONS

I seem to remember past rankings leaving ties in place, but I'm sure a ranking afficionado out there will clarify what has been the case on that.

In the discussions I've had with panelists and readers of the magazine this week, several have questioned just how many votes Augusta National received to earn the top spot considering that it is so difficult to access (and playing the course is a requirement to "rate" it). Two panelists have already told me their requests have always been denied.

Perhaps questions need to be asked about the makeup of the panel and the importance of access in the rating process. Check out this tiebreaker:

28. (36) CASTLE PINES G.C.
Castle Rock, Colo. / Jack Nicklaus (1981) 7,696 72 64.65

29. (26) BETHPAGE STATE PARK (Black)
Farmingdale, N.Y. / Joseph H. Burbeck & A.W. Tillinghast (1936)

Yes, Castle Pines--an ultra-exclusive club--received more rater evaluations than arguably the most famous public course on the planet which, incidentally, hosts the U.S. Open this year.

There are several more tiebreakers on the list and most make more sense, including Peachtree (Peachtree!) getting more evaluations than Scioto.