As important as a course design and conditions are to golfers, it seems most golf markets have that one course where the staff is well known to go above and beyond. It can come in the form of an attentive course ranger moving pace along, or a beverage cart who's always right on time when it's time for another cold one. Sometimes a staff check-in member can get you out earlier than your tee time, or a starter can make first-timers to the course feel welcome and know any little details.
We've compiled the top 25 courses in the U.S. based on their Staff Friendliness subcategory rating on Golf Advisor in 2015.
Coming in first in 2015 is Deercroft Golf & Country Club, an affordable facility located just south of the Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen golf mecca. This bargain facility edged out such high-end resort courses, where the sticker price is much higher, like La Cantera Resort, Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons and Aviara Golf Club.
It just goes to show that no matter the green fee, staff members can go the extra mile when it comes to taking care of their golfers. The following list was compiled using the more than 121,000 reviews submitted to Golf Advisor over the last year. Like all of our national lists, courses needed a minimum of 20 reviews during the calendar year to qualify.
Top 25 courses for Staff Friendliness in 2015
Edgefield, S.C.
Price: $32-$39
What they're saying: "staff was very friendly and helpful. a good value." -- u000005536401
Salinas, Calif.
Price: $13-$36
What they're saying: "If you want to be treated well and play an economical round this is the place for you." -- tourpro1
Canterbury, N.H.
Price: $30-$50
What they're saying: "If you're up for a true New England golf experience ... this is a great choice." -- JSelesnick
Patterson, Calif.
Price: $25-$69
What they're saying: "Very friendly staff and course condition are excellent." -- Johnny3178516
Absecon, N.J.
Price: $29-$109
What they're saying: " Pro and staff are very friendly and accommodating." -- thefinalcall
Lake Jackson, Texas
Price: $24-$60
What they're saying: "The staff is extremely friendly and I would highly recommend the Wilderness to anyone." -- Philip7456579
Burnside, Ky.
Price: $17-$32
What they're saying: "The staff was very friendly and helpful." -- Jeffrey2882153
Merry Hill, N.C.
Price: $35-$45
What they're saying: "The staff, the course and the grounds were just fabulous." -- JustaGOONER
Pahrump, Nev.
Price: $55-$65
What they're saying: "The course is beautiful and the staff are fabulous." -- u620744890
Saucier, Miss.
Price: $65-$109
What they're saying: "Staff was very friendly. Off the beaten trail, but very much worth the drive." -- Seidel
Colorado City, Colo.
Price: $12-$26
What they're saying: "The Pro was super friendly and really appreciated us being there." -- mizegolf
Mount Airy, N.C.
Price: $40-$47
What they're saying: "Brad Edwards, head pro, was welcoming and very helpful!" -- Tom5684900
Oxford, Ohio
Price: $35-$53
What they're saying: "Staff is friendly and helpful in every way." -- u000003917051
Poway, Calif.
Price: $110-$210
What they're saying: "The customer service was excellent, especially Daniel, an Assistant Pro in the Pro Shop." -- nickesquire
Guntersville, Ala.
Price: $39-$59
What they're saying: "The course was in excellent shape and the people very friendly." -- brunzer1
Holland, Mich.
Price: $35-$52
What they're saying: "Extremely well maintained course and very friendly staff." -- dfisher8
Carlsbad, Calif.
Price: $149-$250
What they're saying: "The course was in great shape ... and the staff was next level amazing." -- ndesantiago
Ojai, Calif.
Price: $89-$180
What they're saying: "Every time we play here the staff is helpful and the pace of play excellent." -- zjlg01
Orlando, Fla.
Price: $50-$170
What they're saying: "This is a big boy golf course and the staff was awesome!!" -- 1chazo
San Antonio, Texas
Price: $59-$140
What they're saying: "Staff was very friendly and accommodating." -- tbusselle
Brooks, Calif.
Price: $69-$105
What they're saying: "The course is in a nice setting and staff were friendly and engaging." -- mcollareno
Grandy, N.C.
Price: $45-$85
What they're saying: "Entire staff was very friendly and helpful for our first visit." -- u433151935
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Price: $100-$195
What they're saying: "From the moment you pull in until you leave you are treated like a member." -- mrpaver2010
Wagram, N.C.
Price: $50-$60
What they're saying: "Staff was over the top friendly and most helpful." -- vapeters
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.
