BLAIR ATHOLL No 3 is a signature par-3 on the Gary Player design.
CONDITIONING 20 POINTS HOW COURSES ARE RANKED provides, the more it tests the complete game of a player. AESTHETICS 15 POINTS
rewards, and test accuracy, length and finesse without overemphasising any one skill over the other two? A great course poses differ- ent strategies from hole to hole and requires a good player to have all the shots. A course that mixes up risks (water, bunkers, depth perception, out-of-bounds) offers greater variety and deserves a high score. If a course has no short 3s, 4s or 5s then it overemphasises length. Too many undulat- ing greens overemphasises the short game. Courses weak in Shot Values are those which are wide open and rarely test length, and those which demand pin- point accuracy.
How would you rate the quality of tees, fairways, bunkers and greens, plus general presentation? A great course is maintained in great playing shape, giv- en the weather conditions it must deal with. How well does the course challenge low-handicaps while providing enjoyable options for high-handicaps through the use of shorter lengths, alternative routes, varied placement of hazards, PLAYABILITY 20 POINTS and accessible portions of greens? A great course never frustrates any golfer.
How well do the scenic val- ues of the course (including landscaping, vegetation, water features and back- drops) add to the pleasure of a round? The focus should be on scenic values within the course, not out- side the course. DESIGN VARIETY 15 POINTS How varied are the golf course’s holes in differing lengths (long, medium and short par 3s, 4s and 5s), configurations (straight holes, doglegs left and right), hazard placements, green shapes and green contours? The more variety a design
MEMORABILITY & CONSISTENCY 15 POINTS
How well do the design fea- tures provide individuality to each hole yet a collective continuity to the entire 18? Is a consistent level of qual- ity a course’s strength, or is it let down by several poor holes? If a common thread unites 18 individual holes into a seamless course then it deserves a high score.
SHOT VALUES 15 POINTS
How well do the holes pro- vide a variety of risks and
74 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
MAY 2026
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