McConnell Golf’s courses are once again making headlines in Golf Digest, Golfweek and respective state golf panel rankings.
In Golfweek's prestigious “Best Classic Courses 2022” — the top 200 golf courses built before 1960 — Holston Hills Country Club ranked No. 101 in America. In Golfweek's “Best Private Courses 2022” — a state-by-state ranking of private courses — Holston Hills ranked No. 2 in Tennessee behind the Pete Dye-designed Honors Course in Ooltewah. In the 2021-22 Golf Digest state-by-state rankings of all courses, public and private, Holston Hills was ranked No. 6 in the state. As it approaches its 100th anniversary, the Donald Ross design is consistently ranked among the country’s top 100 by Golf Magazine.
“Holston Hills takes great pride in its consistent recognition as one of the most well-preserved Donald Ross courses in the country,” said Chris Dibble, General Manager and Director of Golf at Holston Hills. “We believe this philosophy is the reason the golf course continues to be recognized as one of the country’s top classical designs.”
McConnell Golf Founder and CEO John McConnell said he knew Holston Hills was a special place from the moment he set foot on the property. “It immediately reminded me of Shinnecock Hills,” McConnell recalls, referencing the storied eastern Long Island golf club that was a founding member of the USGA and has hosted five U.S. Open Championships.
NORTH CAROLINA COURSE RANKINGS
The North Carolina Golf Panel ranked all 10 of McConnell Golf ’s North Carolina courses in the state’s top 100 with Sedgefield Country Club, Old North State Club, Raleigh Country Club and Treyburn Country Club leading the way. The Golf Panel was founded in 1995 and is considered the most authoritative statewide source of golf course rankings.
The 135-member organization comprises golf media, club professionals and general managers, accomplished amateur
players and college golf coaches, and others who play a role in promoting North Carolina golf.
SOUTH CAROLINA COURSE RANKINGS
In recent rankings from the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel, Musgrove Mill Golf Club checked in at No. 18, followed by The Reserve Golf Club at No. 41. The objective of the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel is to promote excellence in the state’s golf course design and operations through competitive rankings, education and public advocacy. The panel consists of up to 128 members. Approximately 32 panelists are chosen from each of the following geographical regions in South Carolina: the Upstate, Midlands, Low Country and Grand Strand.
McConnell Golf members can truly experience golf at its best with courses designed by international legends such as Donald Ross, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Hale Irwin, Greg Norman and Ellis Maples.
“Our courses continue to merge history, beauty and opportunity for our avid golfing membership and their guests,” said McConnell Golf President & CEO John McConnell. “With numerous recent enhancements at McConnell Golf courses and other projects planned, I am proud of what we have accomplished and eager to see how the rankings play out in the future.”
