A golf course can't control the weather or how you play, but the staff at any course is fully capable of going the extra mile.
Exceptional service goes beyond an attended bag drop or starter. Genuine staff friendliness can be contagious and be reflected in various departments from check-in until the 19th hole.
And if you think golfers aren't noticing, consider the fact that 13 of the following 25 courses made our Top 50 overall courses in 2016.
A course doesn't need a world class layout to deliver memorable experience. In the following list, compiled from over 100,000 reviews in the past year, you'll see courses ranging from $300 to under $50. We've found a quote from each course that provides a snapshot of what reviewers have said about the service in the past year. If you visit the course guide page, you'll see similar stories from other reviewers.
The next time you encounter the staff at a golf course going above and beyond, be sure to tell us at Golf Advisor. You can write a review here.
Top 25 courses as rated by Staff Friendliness in 2016
Zanesville, Ohio
What they're saying: "Staff is accommodating to needs of our medium sized golf group."
Corolla, N.C.
What they're saying: "Course conditions are excellent and the staff is friendly and helpful."
Lagrange, Ohio
What they're saying: "Frank is always super appreciative of you visiting and all the girls are awesome."
Edgefield, S.C.
What they're saying: "The staff should be extremely proud of their golf course."
Canton, Tex.
What they're saying: "Beautiful surroundings, challenging layout, ZERO houses (except for the mansion on the hill) and super friendly staff."
Niceville, Fla.
What they're saying: "The staff is always so polite and friendly."
Warner Springs, Calif.
What they're saying: "A leisurely drive through rugged mountains bringing us to a very scenic course and friendly people."
Knightstown, Ind.
What they're saying: "You guys do a great job taking care of our group."
Bath, Mich.
What they're saying: "Staff was polite and very attentive, a true pleasure to play."
Blairsville, Ga.
What they're saying: "Enjoy playing it everytime and staff are very friendly as well!"
Borrego Springs, Calif.
What they're saying: "Staff were super friendly! One of the owners Bill Berkley chatted with us after our round."
Brooks, Calif.
What they're saying: "Every staff member we encountered was very gracious."
St. Augustine, Fla.
What they're saying: "Staff is friendly and helpful. After round the food was very good."
12. Mountain View
Fairfield, Pa.
What they're saying: "Staff is outstanding.Maintenance of course is great."
11. Crumpin-Fox Club
Bernardston, Mass.
What they're saying: "beer cart person also came around twice both times asking us how our round was going."
Queensbury, N.Y.
What they're saying: "There was a frost delay and while I waited inside the pro was awesome and kept everyone entertained with his card tricks and was just a great dude."
Merry Hill, N.C.
What they're saying: "Top notch southern hospitality."
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
What they're saying: "The staff here take an immense amount of pride in working at one of the country's top resort courses."
Sylacauga, Ala.
What they're saying: "Staff is friendly and carefully watch the pace of play."
Lancaster, S.C.
What they're saying: "Friendly staff, and lunch combo special was delish."
Lake Charles, La.
What they're saying: "Everything from the bag-drop attendant throughout the day was TOP NOTCH!"
Wickenburg, Ariz.
What they're saying: "The staff were fantastic from the time we opened the car door until we left for home."
Statham, Ga.
What they're saying: "Staff, very friendly and understanding! Amenities, top notch."
Maricopa, Ariz.
What they're saying: "Course is in excellent shape and the staff is top notch."
1. TPC Sawgrass
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
What they're saying: "the experience is great. Great staff up front, AWESOME practice facilities"
