What is the best links course in the world?

[MeridianGT]

Just another observation about St Andrews, I was born there and now live 20 miles south. I am almost 60 but every time that I am in St Andrews and pass by the Old Course I still feel a sense of exitement. I think that says it all.

[Chanceman]

Carnoustie, Turnberry, Birkdale are the three best I have played. If Pebble Beach was a true links course the it would be close to #1. Also New South Wales is excellent. Don't know about the Irish courses.

[BTDBD]

Yea, it's great to fly to the British Isles to play the old courses.  But, there's only one or two great courses at each location, setting a side St. Andrews.  For my money, all the courses at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon--there's four eighteens and a Par-3 short course, and a 40-acre practice area, plus the special putting course known as the Punchbowl--are an astonishing assemblage of links land courses all in one location.  You can play 36 rounds and still play the short course before the sun sets as you drink a beer or a single malt Scotch watching the sun settle into the Pacific Ocean...

[shortstop20]

I played Ballybunion and Lahinch a month ago.

Here's a few photos of Ballybunion.

I didn't get too many pictures of Lahinch. Here is one.

[hoofreak7]

Best links course you've never heard of: The Island Golf Club north of Dublin. Absolutely unbelievable. Hardest course I've ever played.