Our panelists play and score courses on seven criteria:
1. Shot Values How well do the holes pose risks and rewards and equally test length, accuracy and finesse?
2. Resistance to Scoring
How difficult, while still being fair, is the course for a scratch player from the back tees?
3. Design Variety
How varied are the holes in differing lengths, configurations, hazard placements, green shapes and green contours?
4. Memorability
How well do the design features provide individuality to each hole yet a collective continuity to the entire 18?
5. Aesthetics
How well do the scenic values of the course add to the pleasure of a round?
6. Conditioning
How firm, fast and rolling were the fairways, and how firm yet receptive were the greens on the day you played the course?
7. Ambience How well does the overall feel and atmosphere of the course reflect or uphold the traditional values of the game?
To arrive at a course's final score, we total its averages in the seven categories, double-weighting Shot Values. A course needs 45 evaluations over the past eight years to be eligible for America's 100 Greatest.
The minimum ballots for 100 Greatest Public is 25. For Best in State and Canada the minimum is 10.
BY THE NUMBERS
Category-Leading Number for 100 Greatest Golf Courses in BOLD
*Shot values scores count double in total
