At First1000Courses, we evaluate each golf course using a structured eight-category system inspired by the Golf Digest panel methodology. This approach provides a consistent framework across every course we play, from local munis to Top-100 destinations. Our goal is not just to rank courses, but to help golfers understand why a course feels the way it does, including discussions of what works, what doesn’t, and how each architectural decision shapes the overall experience.
Each category is rated on a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 representing the highest possible quality.
These eight numbers form the backbone of our reviews and ultimately produce the course’s final rating.
1. Shot Options
How many ways can a golfer play each hole? How often does the course let you choose?
This category mirrors Golf Digest’s definition. A course scores highly when it allows multiple viable lines of play, whether that’s taking on a bunker, using contours, shaping shots, or playing safely away from trouble. I also subtly factor in shot value, meaning the intrinsic “coolness” or satisfaction of the shot. A hole with an awesome hero shot opportunity may get nudged slightly upward, while one offering only a single obvious route will fall toward the middle of the scale.
2. Challenge
Does the course test your game appropriately without resorting to unfairness?
Challenge is exactly what it sounds like: difficulty that rewards execution, not punishment for punishment’s sake. I evaluate whether hazards, green complexes, slopes, and distances scale reasonably for a scratch player and a 10-handicap alike. Maximum points go to courses that are difficult, but fair; where good shots are rewarded proportionally and poor shots are penalized proportionally.
3. Layout Variety
Do the holes feel diverse? Does the routing create rhythm and contrast?
This score reflects how often the course changes pace:
- Long vs. short
- Left vs. right
- Up vs. down
- Demanding vs. forgiving
- Wind management
Variety helps keep the round energizing rather than repetitive. Golf Digest’s definition fits perfectly here, and I use it almost verbatim: the more a course mixes things up, the higher it scores.
4. Distinctiveness
Can you remember the holes the next day? Can each be evaluated in a vacuum?
To me, this may be the most underrated category in golf-course evaluation. Distinctiveness measures how well a course creates memorable, identifiable holes; ones with personality, architectural clarity, and a sense of place. A strong score means that if someone showed you a single picture of the hole, you’d know exactly where you are.
5. Aesthetics
How beautiful is the course, either naturally or by design?
This is purely visual. Aesthetics includes:
- The natural setting
- Views and long sightlines
- Bunkering style
- Landscaping
- How well the course works with its environment
A course doesn’t need ocean cliffs to score highly. Cohesive, intentional, and attractive visuals count just as heavily as dramatic ones.
6. Conditioning
How good was the course condition on the day I played?
This includes greens, fairways, bunkers, turf quality, and overall polish. I rate this the same way Golf Digest does, based solely on what I actually saw and experienced on that particular day.
7. Character
How well does the course express its identity, history, and original design intent?
Character is the hardest category to define and the one I treat most intuitively. It captures the “soul” of a course: its architectural lineage, its quirks, its traditions, its sense of place, and the intangible qualities that separate generic layouts from courses that feel like they could only exist in one specific location.
If a course has strong bones, emotional resonance, and a clear stylistic identity, it will score well here.
8. Fun
How enjoyable is the course for me, and for the typical 10-handicap?
Fun is personal, and I treat it that way. It reflects how much I enjoyed the round, and how much I believe an average skilled golfer would enjoy it as well. Strategic courses with width, options, and interesting green complexes score well here. Courses that punish slightly-off shots or rely on tricks tend to drop.
Final Rating Scale
After scoring each category 1–10, the numbers add up to a maximum of 80 points.
Across hundreds of rounds, I’ve found the following scale to be a reliable way to categorize courses:
70–80: Top-50 U.S.
Golf of the absolute highest caliber.
65–70: Top-200 U.S.
Not only one of the best courses in a State, this is a truly elite course in the national landscape.
60–65: Best-in-State List
Among the best courses in nearly any state. The higher end of this scale could be contenders or just outside of the Top 200 U.S. courses.
57–60: Best-in-State Contender
High-quality courses capable of breaking into state rankings, but of little to no national notoriety.
53–57: Very Good
Strong layouts with notable strengths; solid destination golf. Not of the quality I would expect to be a ranked golf course in state.
48–53: Good
Enjoyable golf with clear limitations. Often the best course in the area in more rural communities without local, destination golf courses.
40–48: Average
Decent golf, but lacking in one or more major categories.
Below 40: Poor
Courses with significant architectural or conditioning limitations.
Why This System Works
This framework respects the architecture-first approach of Golf Digest while allowing me to incorporate personal elements, such as shot value, memorability, and overall enjoyment, into a structured, consistent rating. It ensures that every course, from a classic MacKenzie to a local muni, is evaluated with the same clear criteria.
Most importantly, the system aims to answer the real question:
“What is it like to actually play this golf course?”
That’s the heart of every review on First1000Courses.
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