Perhaps no element of a round of golf is under more scrutiny than the conditions of the golf course. From tee-to-green, golfers can be merciless beings when it comes to the standards at which the course is presented. Even after a big rainstorm, or when greenskeepers aerate turf during shoulder season, anything short of Augusta National in April just doesn't quite cut it.
So this particular Best-of ranking subcategory is for the greenskeepers. We've found the top 25 courses as rated by their Course Conditions subcategory rating in 2015. In this ranking, you'll find a mix of courses throughout the U.S., including both high-dollar courses as well as overachieving value plays.
We received more than 121,000 reviews during the year, and like all of our country-wide lists, courses needed a minimum of 20 reviews to qualify.
The top-rated courses by condition in 2015 on Golf Advisor
Sylacauga, Ala.
Price: $100-$135
What they're saying: "It was in just as good if not better shape than any of the RTJ courses." -- joshevsmith
Carrabelle, Fla.
Price: $40-$65
What they're saying: "It has always been in excellent condition." -- gandxmau
Lake Jackson, Texas
Price: $34-$60
What they're saying: "The greens were rolling as fast as any I have played on." -- itismej83
Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Price: $55-$95
What they're saying: "Impeccable fairways and greens." -- BillKraus45
Urbana, Md.
Price: $29-$89
What they're saying: "Course is well maintained and beautifully manicured." -- Jorge9381563
Burnside, Ky.
Price: $17-$32
What they're saying: "The fairways and greens are all green, lush and well-manicured." -- Jeffrey2882153
19. Aviara Golf Club
Carlsbad, Calif.
Price: $115-$250
What they're saying: "The greens were immaculate. Fast, smooth and perfectly maintained." -- bcczapla
Holland, Mich.
Price: $35-$52
What they're saying: " Extremely well maintained course and very friendly staff." -- dfisher8
Battle Creek, Mich.
Price: $39-$60
What they're saying: "Mowed roughs, manicured sand in the traps, plush fairways, and excellent greens.... It doesn't get any better than this!" -- Hearty
Ocala, Fla.
Price: $49-$69
What they're saying: "This course has a beautiful layout and is in pristine condion." -- erhjr
Marshall, Mich.
Price: $37-$61
What they're saying: "The greens were the best I've played in years! Smooth and quick but fair." -- Kelly6461504
Laconia, Ind.
Price: $49-$69
What they're saying: "The course was in absolutely fabulous condition. The greens were hard and FAST, but were perfectly true." -- Douglas9208392
Sedona, Ariz.
Price: $33-$79
What they're saying: "Course was in amazing condition, carpet fairways and greens were beautiful." -- barrypolar
Las Vegas, Nev.
Price: $47-$199
What they're saying: "It is always in perfect condition, fairways are smooth and green, no brown grass anywhere." -- Joey6761402
ChampionsGate, Fla.
Price: $40-$82
What they're saying: "The greens rolled very true and were in excellent condition and overall condition of the course was excellent." -- marber1golf
Blanco, Texas
Price: $45-$65
What they're saying: "VERY well maintained golf course!" -- Angel3186805
Las Vegas, Nev.
Price: $39-$189
What they're saying: "The course in well kept, fairways are great and greens
are perfect." -- vicpineda
Tucson, Ariz.
Price: $32-$59
What they're saying: "Greens were true and the fairways were perfect!" -- TerCamb
Guntersville, Ala.
Price: $39-$59
What they're saying: "Course is always in perfect conditions and the greens are the best in the area." -- Mikey84
Youngstown, N.Y.
Price: $55
What they're saying: "The course was in great condition, especially the fairways and greens, with the greens rolling quick." -- Jim6201989
Orlando, Fla.
Price: $120-$150
What they're saying: "Very good layout, with exceptional conditioning. I enjoyed the bunkering and the greens." -- uXJBX8874XJ
Brooks, Calif.
Price: $69-$105
What they're saying: "The conditioning is fabulous. It is a top quality Troon property." -- terryprotto
Merry Hill, N.C.
Price: $35-$45
What they're saying: "Fairways and greens in very good condition and well manicured." -- upanddowner
Fort Myers, Fla.
Price: $16-$45
What they're saying: "Fairways and greens are like rolling green carpets without a blemish." -- dhamilton148
Borrego Springs, Calif.
Price: $75-$150
What they're saying: "The fairways are so perfect it looks like field turf ... and the greens are perfect." -- ctongue
Green fees are based on latest peak-season rates and are subject to change. In the case of resort courses, stay-and-play packages and specials often greatly reduce the price of the green fee. Many of these courses also offer dynamic online tee times, off-season and twilight rates that lower the green fee.
