How We Rank Golf Courses
It is hard to believe that Golf Monthly is nearing the end of two decades of course rankings.
What was initially a keen but tentative foray into defining the Top 120 courses in the UK&I has evolved into a solid, stable and well-respected process that is open, democratic and comprehensive.
Based on feedback from clubs, assessors and, of course, our readership, we have developed a method that makes a subjective process as objective and complete as possible.
By concentrating on just one set of rankings – the Top 100 and Next 100 – and by taking time to do so properly, we feel confident that this is as trustworthy a list of must-play courses as you will find anywhere.
NO CHANGE TO THE TOP 100 PROCESS
The integrity and stability of our rankings stem from longstanding reliable criteria. They took years to refine but didn’t change at all this time.
Most of the valuable feedback we receive tells us they are relatable and fair. The result is a ranking with few major changes.
We have five broad and enduring categories, weighted for importance: quality of test and design (35 marks); conditioning and presentation (30); visual appeal (15); facilities (10); and the visitor experience (10).
But we recognise that applying marks still involves some degree of opinion, so we also look very closely at the written reports and descriptions submitted by the panel.
Every two-year cycle, we ensure that each contender course is visited for a number of fresh assessments to keep our rankings as up-to-date as possible. The contenders are our existing Top 100 plus 40 or so from our Next 100 we feel have the greatest chance of promotion.
Between us, we have visited every course in the Top 200. We liaise with all the clubs, and are very grateful for their support and cooperation. In addition, many ‘secret shopper’ visits take place – games with friends, club matches, society visits, holidays and so on.
IMPROVING TO STAY THE SAME
Standards of conditioning and presentation are better than ever. The skill of our brilliant greenkeepers means that other than when extreme weather causes temporary hiccups, our courses have never played or looked better.
This raises an important point – to maintain its ranking, each course actually has to improve. There is substantial work going on at several contender courses that is on our radar and will require a closer look next time as it reaches fruition.
COURSES FOR EVERYONE
Based on reader feedback, in 2017 we decided to exclude exclusive golf courses where you cannot pay a regular green fee. Unlike the States, the UK&I has relatively few such clubs that would be on the contender list, so with planning, any keen golfer can play each of the fabulous courses in our rankings.
Our Top 100 and Next 100 truly are lists created for regular golfers by regular golfers.
GREEN FEES
Prices shown range from lowest quoted 18-hole fee (sometimes a twilight or winter rate) up to a 36-hole high-season rate (where available). Some clubs offer local resident or hotel guest rates. Winter rates may require the use of fairway mats at some courses. For full details contact the clubs or visit their websites.
The Top 100 Panel
Our real strength is that we are able to rely on our dedicated reader panel to complement the review visits made by staff. This time, we were keen for our panel to be more representative of the full breadth of golfers who use and enjoy our rankings, so we increased the number significantly with both female and younger golfers.
We now have our strongest panel yet. They do this for the love of golf and golf courses. They receive no payment or expenses, and we are extremely grateful for all their efforts. Anyone interested in joining the panel should check out the Top 100 golf courses section on our website.
