Golfers' Choice 2021: Top 25 U.S. courses for Staff Friendliness

You're ready to watch!
You can now enjoy GolfPass videos and more.
Play_Icon Play

Up Next

Autoplay is paused

Yocha Dehe on exceptional staff friendliness in 2020

Customer service at the golf course took on a different meaning in 2020. It wasn't just about attending the bag drop and making sure the beverage cart was making the rounds. Suddenly, as of March, golf course operators had to figure out how to operate socially distant and provide a safe environment for guests. As states debated which businesses should be permitted to operate as COVID-19 surged this spring, how the staff managed their course could mean the difference between governments allowing them to operate or not.

Reading over the 265,000 reviews submitted by our community in 2020, it's quite clear that golfers noticed the efforts golf course staff made in order to operate safely. Yocha Dehe Golf Club in California was one of the courses that managed to exceed expectations. Not only did they rank highly on this list, but they managed to be the number one course in the U.S. this year according to our reviewer community. In the video above, Will Foust, General Manager of Yocha Dehe, explains what it was like operating a golf course and managing a staff at a top resort course in Northern California.

We determined the Top 25 golf courses for Staff Friendliness based on the ratings submitted in 2020 by our review community. Courses must be public access and have received at least 10 reviews in 2020 to qualify.

If you have a great experience with a staff member during your next round of golf, you can thank them and their whole team in review. Get started right here.

  1. Granby, Colo.
    What they're saying: "First time playing this course and has a great time. The staff was excellent and the course was in good shape considering it's October in the mountains during a drought." - ryanwrightphoto

  2. Erin, Wisc.
    What they're saying: "From the design to the challenge and the quality of the overall experience 2nd to none. The stay was well worth the cost customer service and attention to detail is fantastic." - Paul5040062

  3. What they're saying: "Yocha Dehe never disappoints. The course, facilities, staff, and amenities are all top notch. I always enjoy my visit to play." - patkilmer

  4. Knightstown, Ind.
    What they're saying: "Each time we play this course we collectively are amazed at the quality of the condition of the course, the carts and the friendliness of the staff." - Stransam123

  5. Red Wing, Minn.
    What they're saying: "The greens were quick and fairways had most of the leaves cleared, so very playable. The staff was very cordial and accommodating.. Enjoyed our round, thanks!" - goobgolfer

  6. Twin Lake, Mich.
    What they're saying: "First time on a whim. Glad we did. Very nice. Great shape and the layout was very good and challenging to boot. Staff was friendly and food was great. Headed back in a week or so." - jeffwhelan

  7. Charlevoix, Mich.
    What they're saying: "The young man at the counter was a pleasure to deal with and the course was gorgeous and definitely challenging." - zainman

  8. Manchester, Vt.
    What they're saying: "My wife Cathy and I joined another couple for a fun day of golf. Course was in excellent shape and played in 4 hours." - lynchjaj

  9. Graeagle, Calif.
    What they're saying: "Course was fun, easy to get around, and everyone at the course was very nice and helpful. We'd play here again." - claryjok

  10. Kalkaska, Mich.
    What they're saying: "WOW! What a pleasant surprise! Undulating, picturesque, and affordable. Great staff. A must play." - Hhottrod

  11. Luck, Wisc.
    What they're saying: "This is a great community golf course. They support local community businesses, organizations and veterans prices are set so that everybody can pay and have a good time. Hospitality can't be beat." - everett42

  12. Plymouth, Mass.
    What they're saying: "Class all the way...could not ask for more..." - BostonBeans

  13. Seneca, Kan.
    What they're saying: "What an awesome course, always leave there pleased! Excellent course, enjoy the open layout. Staff is excellent, super friendly." - corch25

  14. What they're saying: "The staff was really friendly and it’s a fun course to play." - realasudxgift

  15. Burkesville, Ky.
    What they're saying: "I’ve played some of the best courses in 23 countries. I’d put this one up against any of them. A fine gentleman in the pro shop welcomed me even though I was an hour early. He gave me the overall layout of the place and sent us on our way." - ernieboy

  16. Tewksbury, Mass.
    What they're saying: "Thanks Mike and team, first outing this year and with Covid restrictions, still had a great round." - djkinne51

  17. Rockford, Tenn.
    What they're saying: "Greens were perfect and fairways beautiful. GPS in carts was very nice. Greens fee included a warm-up bucket of range balls. Staff extremely friendly and helpful. Nice people!" - SamuelKnisley

  18. Frankenmuth, Mich.
    What they're saying: "Great staff allowed me to tee off early because of light play. Only one group in front and was waved thru. After that was no one ahead." - golfcolo

  19. Brownwood, Texas
    What they're saying: "I went for the second time yesterday with a member and thoroughly enjoyed the round. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite courses to play on and that’s saying a lot as I live in NC where there are some beautiful courses. They have a super friendly staff to help with any needs and a nice pro shop that’s not too big but has a great selection of gear." - Viper99

  20. Yantis, Texas
    What they're saying: "Layout is pretty straight forward so trust what you see. If the wind is up, I’m sure this course will give you all you can handle. Several greens extend out into the lake on peninsulas. Shop staff was pleasant and helpful." - Thrill13

  21. Montverde, Fla.
    What they're saying: "Great course. Fairways are in excellent conditions. Pace of play was quite slow but staff was on top of it. Overall excellent experience. This is one of the best golf courses in Florida." - Rookiepr

  22. Rockford, Ill.
    What they're saying: "This course is relatively flat with large greens. Each green has some casual breaks for the putting. Staff was very friendly. We will play again." - edrader

  23. Gilbertsville, Ky.
    What they're saying: "Very wet, but course still in great shape, greens rolled true and challenging! Great value, staff very friendly and helpful" - javaborgia1

  24. De Pere, Wisc.
    What they're saying: "Scenic course, lots of trees but still not too tight. Course was in good shape, greens were pretty difficult! Older facility but a nice bar/restaurant with friendly staff. Would definitely play again!" - SplitAces11

  25. Borrego Springs, Calif.
    What they're saying: "Played in the first annual Ramateur tournament, and couldn’t have been more impressed with the course. We also stayed at a condo on-site and Will Mayo took amazing care of us for our round and stay." - syonks11

Golfers' Choice
Golfer's Choice rankings are determined by our community of reviewers.
0 Comments
View all the Golfers' Choice 2023 lists, including all 50 states.
Some golfers prioritize playing fast almost as much as playing well. These golf clubs kept things moving in 2022.
Our community of reviewers determine the Bluegrass State's top 20 golf courses.
By Golfers' Choice
Our community of reviewers honor the top 10 golf courses in Iowa.
By Golfers' Choice
Every golfer loves a good deal, and these courses delivered in 2022.
Our community of reviewers determine the best golf courses in Arizona.
By Golfers' Choice
A friendly staff goes a long way toward a great day on the golf course.
More from the author
1 Min Read
January 17, 2023
Explore the best public golf courses in Kansas based on our community of reviewers.
By Golfers' Choice
1 Min Read
January 17, 2023
Our community of reviewers voted these 20 courses as their favorites in Maryland in 2022.
By Golfers' Choice
1 Min Read
January 17, 2023
These are Wisconsin's favorite golf courses according to our community of reviewers.
By Golfers' Choice
1 Min Read
January 17, 2023
These are South Carolina's 25 best public golf courses according to our community of reviewers.
By Golfers' Choice
1 Min Read
January 17, 2023
Our community of reviewers chose these 3 layouts as the best in North Dakota.
By Golfers' Choice
1 Min Read
January 17, 2023
Explore the best public golf courses in Alabama based on our community of reviewers.
By Golfers' Choice
Popular
16 Images
November 27, 2023
There's a lot to be thankful for this November.
4 Min Read
November 15, 2023
The streaming giant picked golf as the medium for its foray into live sports. How did it go?
3 Min Read
November 30, 2023
For six days in early spring, The Old Course at St. Andrews will open its "reverse" routing, offering a completely different experience at one of the world's great golf courses.
3 Min Read
November 12, 2023
Rounds at tough-to-access private clubs, luxury travel experiences and more are on offer, all for a good cause.
Now Reading
Golfers' Choice 2021: Top 25 U.S. courses for Staff Friendliness