Who doesn't love a great comeback story? At Golf Advisor, we know that it takes a lot of effort to bring a facility to its full potential. New management, a cash infusion, or a renewed commitment to customer service are all elements that can lead to newfound success.
We've looked at each golf course's year-over-year overall rating to find the greatest comeback stories in the U.S. According to more than 250,000 reviews submitted over the last two years, no courses improved more than the following 25.
Click on each course to view detailed review data, as well as its scores over the last six- and 12-month timeframes. Our reviewer comments help paint a great picture of what exactly improved at each course.
Top 25 most improved golf courses in 2015
Akron, Ohio
Price: $24-$27
What they're saying: "This is one of my favorite courses to play." -- Larry1609735
Bartlett, Ill.
Price: $53-$62
What they're saying: "It was the first time we played there and was real happy we did." -- cookie0049
Lenoir City, Tenn.
Price: $49-$59
What they're saying: "This year fairways have filled in nicely and the greens were in great shape." -- u000002375484
Livonia, Mich.
Price: $21-$23
What they're saying: "Great course for the $$$." -- Anthony1905461
Anaheim, Calif.
Price: $35-$65
What they're saying: "Had a little of everything - beautiful views, holes to test golfers of all levels, helpful and friendly staff and a grill with a nice menu." -- uIFRA3834IF
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Price: $275-$319
What they're saying: "Conditions were mint. The greens were smooth, green and had a perfect roll." -- cmokroy
Biloxi, Miss.
Price: $27-$32
What they're saying: "Keep the greens in their present condition and I will play here alot." -- Johnny6593711
Cape Carteret, N.C.
Price: $39-$69
What they're saying: "My husband and I love coming here when we visit Emerald Isle." -- Blacksheep2012
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Price: $17-$29
What they're saying: "Played lots of public courses in area this summer and fox run has become our favorite." -- Kerri2635970
Kansas City, Mo.
Price: $20-$50
What they're saying: "Very challenging!! Donald Ross design is a must play." -- rdmnrenno
Olympic Valley, Calif.
Price: $59-$99
What they're saying: "Course was perfect and the greens were fast!!" -- hshawkins
Macomb, Mich.
Price: $45-$55
What they're saying: "The greens were rolling nice and true and the rest of the course was in good shape." -- MJames1980
North Port, Fla.
Price: $15-$27
What they're saying: "Played this course about 4 months ago and it is so very much improved!" -- uggy
Frankfort, Ill.
Price: $20-$40
What they're saying: "They are on their way back to being a gem in my book." -- Sean1310450
Missouri City, Texas
Price: $24-$54
What they're saying: "The greens were re-done in the fall of 2014 are are in very good shape now." -- dsimpson4
Columbia, S.C.
Price: $20-$40
What they're saying: "Play here 4-5 times a year, best shape it's been in years." -- Bbharrisjr
Sanford, N.C.
Price: $25-$30
What they're saying: "The course is in better shape than I've seen it in years." -- americandude
Edmond, Okla.
Price: $39.50-$44.50
What they're saying: "Coffee Creek has returned as THE best public golf course in the Oklahoma City metro area." -- golferedmond55
Four Oaks, N.C.
Price: $29-$45
What they're saying: "The course was in the best condition I have ever seen it." -- WEFriend
Acworth, Ga.
Price: $30-$60
What they're saying: "This was the second time I played this course. ... I will be back!" -- Curley5807031
Oceanside, Calif.
Price: $9.50-$26
What they're saying: "5 stars , not for what it is, but for what it is becoming." -- nanciannlove
Shallotte, N.C.
Price: $50-$55
What they're saying: "Overall the course is in much better condition than it was a year ago." -- danamcqueen
Davenport, Fla.
Price: $26-$48
What they're saying: "The course is greatly improved over where it was this time last year." -- 2chiefsrwe
Holly, Mich.
Price: $40-$46
What they're saying: "Not run by a faceless corporation, the owners are there everyday." -- Mathphysics
Oxford, Ohio
Price: $35-$53
What they're saying: "I have played Indian Ridge 4 times this years and I'm glad to report that the course is back." -- u000004385376
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.
Wow Indian ridge! It's amazing what happens when money gets put into something!
Thank you for publishing a list that didn't force me to load 25 pages in order to read it!!! We need to get this message out to all web designers.