OUR RATING METHODOLOGY

For each course, we rate it on nine categories: Design, Playability, Views, Vibe, Condition, Practice Areas, 19th Hole, Logo, Memorability.

For each category, we use a six-tier scoring scale from Double Bogey to Hole-in-One.

Some courses we’ve played once, others we’ve played lots. We’ll continue to update the reviews when we play a recent round.

NINE RATING CATEGORIES

1. DESIGN

Variety of hole types

Shot demands

Wide or narrow

Are there interesting green complexes?

2. PLAYABILITY

How many balls are you likely to lose?

Can the average golfer get around without hurting themselves?

3. VIEWS

How are the course aesthetics?

What creates the backdrop for your day on the course? Water views?

4. VIBES

Does the course have a historic aura?

Is the staff friendly and welcoming?

5. CONDITION

Are the tee boxes flat?

Are the fairways watered or burned out?

How’re the greens running?

6. PRACTICE AREAS

Is there a driving range?

How true-to-course accurate are the practice greens?

Is there a place to work on chipping?

Sand area?

7. 19th HOLE

Table views?

Food?

Beer selection?

Will you want to stay at the course or venture elsewhere?

8. LOGO

We’re suckers for fun course logos.

Is the logo good enough to justify coming home with yet another hat?

9. MEMORABILITY

If you’re like us, you probably won’t remember your score, but will you remember this course?

SIX SCORING TIERS

HOLE-IN-ONE

Exceptional.
You are probably not going to experience this at many other courses.
Something you won’t forget.
This category is a reason for you to play this course.

EAGLE

Way above average.
A true course differentiator.
Something that will likely bring you back.
Probably the way you were hoping this would be!

BIRDIE

Better than most. (Shoutout Gary Koch.)
A reason to come back again.

PAR

Average.
Perfectly acceptable, but not something you’ll likely mention on the 19th hole.

BOGEY

Below average.
Something you’ll probably notice as detracting from your experience.

DOUBLE BOGEY

Way below average.
Problematic.
A reason that may cause you to not come back.