and people love lists....

Sports Illustrated/GOLF Magazine just put out its top 100 golf course list, which is something I don't quite get. I know they kind of have to do it (just as Golf Digest does) but no one really cares and it doesn't really matter.

Why? Because you can't actually play most of these courses.

For example, the top rated Illinois course is Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton.
It's very private.
Very.

So, who gives a crap?

Why should I (or anyone) believe these raters? I've at least seen the place and walked the course (during the Walker Cup) but that's not the same as playing it. And I know I'm in rarified air even having seen it.

Same goes for the other Illinois courses on the list - Medinah Country Club's No. 3 Course, Shoreacres, Olympia Fields' North Course and Butler National.

Only Cog Hill's famed Dubsdread course (No. 4) is open to public play.

(In fairness - Golf Diget's top 100 included a bunch of private courses as well - Chicago GC, Medinah No. 3, Olympia Fields North, Canyata GC, Butler National, Rich Harvest Farms & Shoreacres)