Welcome to our Golfest course reviews.  Not only are we rating courses, we are putting them under the scrutiny of the GOLFEST REPORT CARD!  No fluff or some propaganda filled PR piece; just the real deal!

     Our reviews grade golf venues in six key categories and provide an overall rating.  The categories include:  Playability & Challenge, the Quality of Course, Memorability, Service Levels, the Pro Shop, & the 19th Hole Experience (if there is one!).  Just so we are on the same page, here is what we take into account in each category:

Playability & Challenge:  How did the course play?  Was it our opinion that the only person who could conquer the place was a scratch-golfer with a caddy?  Or was it enjoyable to players of all abilities?  Were the fairway only 20-yards wide and the only way to conquer it was to drive up in the cart and drop a ball?  Or could you crank up the big dawg and let it rip once in a while without losing a dozen balls?

Quality of Course:  How well was the course and the greens maintained?  Sometimes even the top courses in the nation begin to show unnecessary wear and tear if not properly maintained.  Were the divots repaired?  Were the bunkers raked?  Or is it a work in progress?  And what about the greens?  Were they fast and true, or bumpy and soggy?

Memorability:  If you are an avid golfer looking for the premium golf experience, this is probably the most important grade of all.  Most of us have played alleged top ranked courses, but walked away kind of bored or unimpressed.  To clarify that statement ... some golf courses are perfectly maintained, but lack personality.  Don't you hate the venues where three holes into the round you've seen just about everything the course has to offer.  Where all of the holes sort of look the same?  A course that is memorable is one you are going to be talking about to your friends in years to come.

Service Levels:  Were the service levels over the top from the time we hit the bag drop, until the time we threw our clubs back into your trunk?  Was there a cart girl that actively worked the course?  Was our food good and hot at the turn?  Did the marshal's make us feel welcome, or more like a hindrance to his day?  Did we get assistance in the Pro Shop?  Did the course take customer service to the next level?  Was our business appreciated?  Answer those questions, and we have a grade.

Pro Shop:  How did we rate the pro shop?  Was it the size of a closet, stocked with only dated medium-sized shirts, or did it prompt us to break out our VISA and buy some great golf gear?  Some Pro Shops are unique and have a lot of personality.  Others just go through the motions.

19th Hole Experience:  Okay, we have finished our round and need a place to square up our bets, or have a drink, or get a meal.  Did it have a bar with some history, or was our beer served in a Styrofoam cup?  This grade would lump the clubhouse and all of its amenities into one category, including a resort if the course is part of a vacation property.

Overall Experience:  When we roll up all of the categories and stuff it all into one golf bag, what is the grade?  Is it worthy of a return trip?  More importantly, is it worthy of your hard earned money?

The following reviews come courtesy of some our loyal Golfest members.   Real golfers providing real reviews!

** The 2008 Masters Championship  - (Jim Allen)
** The 37th Ryder Cup - Valhalla - (Jim Dee)
** Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - (Jim Allen)
** Bandon Dunes Golf Resort - (Jim Allen)
** Bay Harbor Golf Course - (Jim Dee)
** Brickyard Crossing Golf Course - (Jim Dee)
** Cascata Golf Course - (Mark Suzda)
** Crosswater Golf Club - (Jim Allen)
** The General at Eagle Ridge - (Jim Allen)
** The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club (Jim Dee)
** The Golf Course @ Glen Mills (Jim Allen)
** Harbour Town Golf Links - (Brian Birdwell)
** Kauai Lagoons Golf Course - (Jim Allen)
** The Challenge at Manele Bay - (Jim Allen)
** Olde Stonewall Golf Course - (Jim Dee)
** Pasatiempo Golf Course - (Jim Allen)
** Pebble Beach Golf Links - (Jim Allen)
** Pinehurst Golf Resort - (Jim Allen)
** Pelican Hill Golf Course - (Jim Allen)
** Purgatory Golf Course - (Jim Dee)
** The Tribute Golf Club - (Brian Birdwell)
** Tullymore Golf Club - (Mark Suzda)
** WeaverRidge Golf Club - (Mark Suzda)
** Wolf Creek Golf Club - (Jim Allen)