The Northpin Nine

The quality, consistency, and roll of the putting surfaces.

Smoothness, speed, firmness, and overall maintenance of the greens.

How true did putts roll? Were the greens consistent across all 18 holes? Any disease, ball marks, or poor mowing?

• 9–10ExceptionalTournament-quality greens — pure roll, consistent speed, firm yet receptive, no blemishes.
• 7–8Very GoodSmooth, true greens with minor inconsistencies; held well-struck approaches.
• 4–6AveragePutts generally rolled true but speeds varied; visible ball marks or thin patches.
• 1–3PoorBumpy, slow, or shaggy greens; disease or heavy aeration ruined the experience.

The overall maintenance of fairways, rough, tees, and bunkers.

Turf health, lie quality, bunker sand consistency, and tee box condition outside the greens.

Tight lies in the fairway? Playable rough? Properly raked, consistent bunkers? Level tee boxes?

• 9–10ExceptionalManicured fairways, lush rough, pristine bunkers, level tees — pride-of-place maintenance.
• 7–8Very GoodStrong conditions throughout with only minor blemishes.
• 4–6AveragePlayable, but inconsistent — thin fairway patches, weak bunkers, or worn tees.
• 1–3PoorBare lies, weed rough, unraked or hard bunkers, neglected tees.

How the course is routed and how interesting the hole-by-hole design is.

Variety, flow, strategic options, and how memorable the routing feels from 1 through 18.

Did the course offer variety in length, shape, and demands? Were there clear risk/reward choices?

• 9–10ExceptionalBrilliant routing with strategic variety and unforgettable holes.
• 7–8Very GoodStrong routing with several standout holes and few weak links.
• 4–6AveragePleasant but predictable — holes blur together with little strategic decision.
• 1–3PoorAwkward routing, repetitive holes, forced carries with no alternatives.

How welcoming the course plays for a range of skill levels.

Tee box options, forced carries, recovery angles, and reasonableness of hazards.

Could mid- and higher-handicap players enjoy a round without losing a sleeve of balls? Were there bail-out options?

• 9–10ExceptionalFair to all skill levels with smart tee options and reasonable recovery.
• 7–8Very GoodPlayable for most golfers; a few demanding shots but generally accessible.
• 4–6AverageTough on shorter hitters or higher handicaps with limited bail-outs.
• 1–3PoorPunitive for anyone outside a narrow skill band — lost balls and frustration.

How hard the course played from the tees you used.

Length, hazard placement, green complexity, wind exposure, and overall scoring challenge.

Did the course test your full bag? Were good shots rewarded and weak shots punished appropriately?

• 9–10ExceptionalStern, well-balanced test — every club mattered, par was earned.
• 7–8Very GoodSolid challenge with clear demands off the tee and into the green.
• 4–6AverageModerate test — accessible scoring with a few demanding holes.
• 1–3PoorEither too easy to be memorable or unfairly punishing rather than challenging.

The visual experience of the course and its surroundings.

Natural setting, landscape, vistas, and the overall character of the property.

Did the course feel like its setting — coastline, forest, prairie, mountain — or was it generic?

• 9–10ExceptionalPostcard views every few holes — a destination-worthy setting.
• 7–8Very GoodAttractive property with several memorable vistas.
• 4–6AveragePleasant but unremarkable — a few nice moments, mostly forgettable.
• 1–3PoorBordered by roads, power lines, or a parking lot view from most holes.

How smoothly the round flowed from the first tee to the 18th green.

Tee-time spacing, starter and marshal presence, and group movement on course.

Did your round finish in a reasonable time? Were tee times spaced well? Did the staff manage flow?

• 9–10ExceptionalWalking-pace round under 4 hours, no waiting on a tee box.
• 7–8Very GoodSteady flow with the occasional brief wait.
• 4–6AverageBacked up in places — round noticeably longer than expected.
• 1–3Poor5+ hour round, constant waiting, no marshal management.

How fair the price was for what you experienced.

Green fee, cart, range, and practice facilities relative to the round delivered.

Would you happily pay this rate again? Did extras (range balls, beverages, GPS) match the price?

• 9–10ExceptionalFelt like a steal — quality and experience far exceeded the price paid.
• 7–8Very GoodSolid value — you got what you paid for plus a little extra.
• 4–6AverageFairly priced but no real bonus; you wouldn't seek it out for value alone.
• 1–3PoorOverpriced for the conditions, facilities, or experience delivered.

How much the course stuck with you after the round.

Standout holes, unique character, and the overall impression that lingers.

Could you walk every hole from memory a week later? Would you tell a friend, 'You have to play this'?

• 9–10ExceptionalA bucket-list round — you'll remember it for years and recommend it to anyone.
• 7–8Very GoodSeveral holes you'll replay in your head; worth a return trip.
• 4–6AverageEnjoyable in the moment but blends in with other courses.
• 1–3PoorForgettable — nothing to recall or recommend.