Top 25 U.S. courses for Value in 2017 according to Golf Advisor reviews

If a golfer feels they received value from their round of golf, all the other categories seem to fall into place.

But inversely, value can be a reflection of the other more tangible categories, like off-course amenities, conditions and layout.

Value is a critical intangible when it comes to how a golfer rates the experience. When we looked at what drives bad golf course reviews recently, 1- and 2-star reviews were tied to value closer than any of the six subcategories we track on Golf Advisor. A bad value score can result in a golfer never coming back to the facility, while a 5-star score is a great indicator that the golfer is going to tell their friends.

We looked at your ratings throughout 2017 to determine which courses have succeeded in providing golfers bang-for-buck. A high percentage of our reviews come from "verified purchasers" who are rating the experience based on what they paid to play. One course on this list, Greystone Golf Club, has the distinction of making not only our value list but also our Top 50 courses in the U.S. overall.

The resulting list features municipal, county and state-owned courses, as well as privately-owned facilities. You can see what golfers had to say about each course's experience in the comments below. Click on the course guide to see more details. Some courses have the ability to browse tee time prices.

Merry Hill, N.C.
What they're saying: "The best in Eastern NC. Can't beat the price for a GREAT course. Overall experience is a 10!"

Knightstown, Ind.
What they're saying: "The price is reasonable for the quality of the course."

Plymouth, Mass.
What they're saying: "The layout is very good and the value is virtually unmatched."

Chelsea, Mich.
What they're saying: "I had a great time with my son and played a great course for a really great price."

Butler, Pa.
What they're saying: "Reasonable beer prices in the bar after you are done."

Greenwood, Ind.
What they're saying: "Very cooperative staff. Fantastic value."

Lompoc, Calif.
What they're saying: "Love that there are zero houses anywhere close and all the old oak trees around the course."

Guntersville, Ala.
What they're saying: "Far exceeded my expectations and will put pressure on all facets of your game."

Canton, N.Y.
What they're saying: "Great price, good staff."

La Salle, Ill.
What they're saying: "The best course in the Illinois Valley."

Marshville, N.C.
What they're saying: "The best value of any course within an hour's drive of Charlotte."

Hart, Mich.
What they're saying: "Fast true greens. staff was very good. Great deal."

Cheney, Kan.
What they're saying: "One of the best courses you can play for the money."

Priest River, Idaho
What they're saying: "It's a fun course to play and a good value."

Queensbury, N.Y.
What they're saying: "I travel to play here every Sunday. And it's worth it, great price, great views."

Dickson, Tenn.
What they're saying: "Worth the short drive from Nashville, TN, if you're looking for a first class golf experience that won't break the bank."

Cheraw, S.C.
What they're saying: "Excellent priced course in pristine condition."

Gladstone, Mich.
What they're saying: "What a great golf course! Very challenging and a super value."

Roscoe, Ill.
What they're saying: "A great course for the value."

Sand Springs, Okla.
What they're saying: "Course is in decent shape for the money. I would recommend this course."

Flat Rock, Ala.
What they're saying: "There are a handful of ho-hum holes, but all-in-all it is a good value play, particularly if you like to walk."

Woodstock, Vt.
What they're saying: "We drive two hours to play and don’t hesitate. Great course, great conditions and very friendly staff."

Kalispell, Mont.
What they're saying: "Not a hard course but well worth the money!!"

Iola, Wis.
What they're saying: "Great condition for late fall. Good deal."

Fort Gaines, Ga.
What they're saying: "A super value. Especially for the condition and challenging course layout."