How We Review Clubs
Every review on GreatClubReview follows a consistent methodology designed to give you the most accurate, useful picture of a club before you visit or join. Here’s exactly how it works.
Research Sources
We build each review from multiple independent sources:
- First-hand visits — where possible, our reviewers visit the club in person
- Verified member experiences — interviews and accounts from current and former members
- UGC platforms — Reddit, Google Reviews, Yelp, Trustpilot, Facebook, Angi, BBB, and club-specific forums
- Club documentation — official websites, membership agreements, published pricing
- Industry publications — golf rankings, hospitality guides, and regional club directories
We never rely on a single source, and we never publish a review based solely on the club’s own marketing materials.
Scoring System (1–10)
Each club is scored on a 1–10 scale. The overall score is a weighted average of five criteria:
| Criteria | Weight | What We Assess |
|---|---|---|
| Facilities & Amenities | 25% | Quality and condition of all physical facilities — course, courts, pools, dining, fitness |
| Value for Money | 25% | Whether the fees charged reflect the experience delivered |
| Member Experience | 20% | Community, events, guest policies, exclusivity vs. accessibility |
| Service Quality | 20% | Staff professionalism, responsiveness, and consistency |
| Overall Atmosphere | 10% | Vibe, culture, and how well the club delivers on its promise |
What Each Score Means
- 9–10: Exceptional — among the best of its type; strong recommendation
- 7–8: Good — solid experience with minor shortcomings; recommended for the right person
- 5–6: Average — meets basic expectations but nothing special
- 3–4: Below average — notable issues; approach with caution
- 1–2: Poor — significant problems; not recommended
Review Freshness
Every review displays a “Last Reviewed” date. We update reviews when:
- Significant changes occur at the club (new management, renovations, fee changes)
- Reader feedback identifies material inaccuracies
- Scheduled annual review cycle is reached (we aim to update every 12–18 months)
Editorial Independence
Clubs cannot pay for reviews, request positive coverage, or influence our scores. If a club disputes factual information in a review, they may contact us with documentation. We will investigate and correct factual errors — but we will not change an honest opinion.
Corrections Policy
We take accuracy seriously. If you spot an error in any review, please contact us with details. Verified factual corrections are updated promptly and noted at the bottom of the relevant review.