Each course reviewed on CT Golf Reviews is evaluated using four core categories: walkability, strategic interest, playability, and atmosphere. These elements reflect both the architectural quality of a course and the actual experience of playing it—whether you’re walking a twilight round, thinking your way through risk-reward options, or just taking in the scenery.
- Walkability considers how easily the course flows on foot, how intuitive the routing feels, and whether there are any awkward transitions or bottlenecks between holes. A well-routed course makes movement feel natural, not forced.
- Strategic Interest looks at the depth of decision-making required throughout the round. Are you given multiple options off the tee or into greens? Do hole designs encourage creativity, or are they straightforward and repetitive?
- Playability reflects how accessible the course is to a wide range of golfers. Good playability doesn’t mean easy—it means fair. The best courses offer challenge without punishing higher handicaps unfairly.
- Atmosphere captures everything from aesthetics and views to conditioning, quietness, and overall vibe. It’s the emotional side of the round—the memory-making factor that stays with you after you’ve left the 18th green.
Each category is scored independently, and together they inform the overall score, which is given on a 0–5 star system inspired by the Tom Doak scoring system. Doak is one of the most respected voices in modern golf course design, known both for building acclaimed layouts like Pacific Dunes, Barnbougle Dunes, and The Loop, and for writing The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, a seminal reference work among architecture enthusiasts. His scoring framework focuses not on prestige or conditioning, but on architectural substance, originality, and the desire to return for another round. I’ve adapted this approach to reflect how design, playability, and experience come together across the kinds of public and regional courses most of us actually play. A 2 indicates a competent, average course; a 3 means it’s worth a detour; an 4 or higher signals something truly special.
You can find a summary of the Doak scale below:
| Rating | Description |
| 1 | Clear architectural malpractice. Design is severely flawed or maintenance is unacceptable. Avoid even if you’re desperate. |
| 2 | An entirely average golf course — the global middle ground. |
| 3 | A modestly interesting layout. It may include a couple memorable holes or scenic moments, or be a good short course. May also apply to highly enjoyable but limited courses due to length or narrowness. |
| 4 | An excellent layout worth going out of your way for (less than 50 miles). Features smart, engaging holes and good conditions. Example: TPC River Highlands — home of the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship |
| 5 | A truly great course. One of the best in the country. Sound design, world-class execution, and no major weaknesses. Example: Yale – rated by Doak |