Customer Reviews

Golf Digest Best Places to Play, More than 4,000 of North America's best public and resort courses, with great options for every budget (Fodor's Sports)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Have found this resource (this the seventh edition) to be very useful especially in finding course when traveling. My wife and I have used this to great benefit when traveling out of state, and through it have found some delightful courses, resorts, etc.

What is unique about it is a state-by-state ranking of golf courses (public and resort) by players who have supposedly played them in last year. Rating them from 1 to 5 stars, comments are also included. Those with less than 3 star rating have only basic contact info. What is new with this edition is grouping courses within a 30 mile radius of major town, while those that don't meet this requirement are placed into an "Elsewhere" category. This aids greatly in desiring courses in a certain area. Whereas in older editions, one had to tediously search through all the state's listing to find desired area. Here that grouping has been nicely accomplished.

Found that most of the ratings help, knowing however that it typically is being rated by golfers who enjoy that course's challenges, e.g. high handicapper will rate 5300 yd. course from back tips high while mid to low handicapper would differ typically. So, assuming this when viewing the ratings will aid the particular golfer and his skill and course tastes immensely.

I travel alot on business and try to golf while on the road whenever I can (and have now golfed in all 50 states and over 300 courses). This guide (previous editions) has been my constant companion over the years. It offers the most comprehensive and useful advice on finding a good course in any area. The reviews are on-target, and I have never been steered wrong when picking a course based on this book. In addition, I am a "cheap" golfer, who hates to play courses over $50 a round - this book helps pick the best course for the buck. The information provided (address, phone#, distance from major city center, when opened, architect, #holes, #yards, course rating, slope, Green Fee, Cart Fee, Credit Cards taken, Discounts, How far in Advance Tee Time can be booked, Walkability, Season, Notes and Golfer comments) is everything you need. It also has a city and alphabetical index of courses. The only information sometimes out of date, are the fees. But it offers website addresses for the courses, so you can get more up-to-date green fee info, or more details on the course. The 7th Edition beats the 6th, by organizing courses by metropolitan areas within each state, with an "Elsewhere" section for the more rural areas. For instance, for Nebraska, it is separate by Kearney/Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha and Elsewhere, beside adding new courses. My only gripe is that I wish it were updated more often, as new courses are springing up everywhere. Finally, the quality and durability of the book are excellent, as it has held up to much travel abuse and wear. If you travel alot and want to know the best courses to play in the area, there is no better book or website. Note: The picture of the cover of the book in the Amazon ad is not correct (it is the 6th edition). The 7th edition has a golfer in a red shirt without a hat in a similar pose . Also, I got 12 free months of Golf Digest with the book, which made its value even more worthwhile.

An excllent reference on golf courses. Have used many many times and find the ratings very accurate. Includes all the basic informaton on each course, rates, and everything you really need to know to arrange tee times. An excellent guide when traveling. I had played over 46 states by using the guide. I'm still working on the other four.

Good quality product. But, did not provide info on many of the smaller courses I had hoped would be reviewed.