The top layouts of the year

This year's roster of new courses lacked a consensus No. 1 the way 2015 U.S. Open host Chambers Bay headlined last year's list. But there was a good roster of courses from top to bottom, as nearly every name architect debuted a significant design, often quite literally breaking new ground in the process.

West of Orlando, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw found just about the only spot in Florida where they could work their brand of minimalism. Pete Dye built his first course in New York; Tom Doak did the same in Scotland. Jim Engh introduced a new word into the golf architecture lexicon. And David McLay Kidd finally christened St. Andrews' long-awaited seventh course.

Put it all together, and it was a big year for new layouts.

From New Jersey to New Mexico, from the Rockies to a Florida "mountain," and from (Yellow) Sea to shining (Caribbean) Sea, here are the best new courses of 2008. Click the links below to see the latest additions to the must-play lists of every golf connoisseur.

» Best Public Courses of 2008
» Best Private Courses of 2008
» Best International Courses of 2008