Miniature Golf Course Rating System Upkeep (1 10 points) 10 perfect course, looks as though it were built and finished

ed moments before reviewer shows up, almost no leaves or sticks on

course, putting surface looks as though it were just laid down, no light bulbs out / missing on overhead lighting or hazards, teepads (if present) are in as-new condition, hazards and edging are in just-installed condition, no player trash evident anywhere on course

9 near perfect course, constant maintaining is obvious, putting surface appears to have at least been replaced at beginning of season
if not more recently, no light bulbs out / missing in hazards or overhead lighting, very few leaves or sticks on course (none affecting play), teepads (if present) show at most very minor wear, hazards and edging look as though they were all installed during current season / year, no more than very minor player trash evident on course

8 excellently maintained course, very light wear shows on putting surface but not that affects play, no light bulbs out / missing that
affect play or visibility, teepads (if present) show very little wear, very few sticks or leaves on course (play not affected in more than minor ways none that shifts ball trajectory or flight), hazards and / or edging showing very minor wear but nothing that affects play, very little player trash available on course

7 well maintained course, putting surface beginning to suggest paths most commonly taken by balls and / or players but still not
affecting play, no light bulbs out that affect play but some that may affect aesthetics, teepads (if present) showing more wear but still allowing true teeing, no more than two holes have debris affecting ball flight (minor mulch or sticks in playing surface all could be removed by employee(s) easily) and none that truly block play, hazards and / or edging need minor touchups / repair but still do not affect play,

6 slightly above average maintained course, putting surface suggests paths on some holes but not on all and does not affect play on
more than two holes, no lightbulbs missing that affect play, teepads (if present) show wear (especially in one tee) and may cause players to choose certain tees to avoid wear, one hole may have major but easily removed debris which must be moved to allow play or some (3-5) have minor debris affecting ball flight but still allowing play, hazards / edging showing wear that does not affect play but is obvious to player(s)

5 average course in mid playing season, surface showing wear on common paths on nearly every hole may slightly affect ball flight
pulling to the side on some (3-5) holes, missing lightbulbs may begin to affect play due to darkness, teepads (if present) showing wear cause player to avoid certain tees on some (3-5) holes, one or two holes may have major but easily removed debris or many (7-9) holes have minor debris allowing play but affecting ball flight, hazards / edging showing wear and needing minor repair(s) and allowing play but may begin to minorly affect play

4 late season course, surface showing wear on common paths on nearly every hole may affect ball flight pulling to side on many (610) holes and possibly even causing major pulling on few (1-2) holes, teepads (if present) showing major wear but still functional on at least two tees per hole (one tee must be avoided on most holes), two or three holes may have major but easily removed debris or most (10-18) holes have minor debris allowing play but affecting ball flight, hazards / edging in need of repair in many places on course allowing but affecting play in rare occasions

3 poorly maintained course, surface showing major wear (needing to be replaced but no complete surface holes) on some (3-5) holes
and obvious wear affecting play on all holes, teepads (if present) allow putting from no more than two tees on any hole and fewer than two on many holes, major but easily moved debris may be present on many holes (4-8) or minor debris affecting ball flight on all holes or even immovable and blocking debris on one hole, hazards / edging in need of repair and commonly affecting play on some (3-5) holes

2 course in need of closing for repairs, surface showing major repair need on all holes (possibly with surface holes all the way
through) on some (1-5) holes, obvious wear affecting play on all holes, teepads (if present) are in need of replacing and may in fact be missing though intended on some holes, debris present and affecting play on all holes, most (9+) holes have major debris and some (2-4) may have immovable debris causing play to be totally blocked, hazards / edging in need of major repair and affecting play on many (6-12)

1 course nearly unplayable, many (6-12) holes showing surface holes but some show only major wear without holes in surface,
teepads (if intended) missing or unplayable on many (5+) holes, debris is prevalent and often easier to see than putting surface, many (5+) holes unplayable because of debris, hazards / edging missing or majorly affecting play on most (13+) holes

0 course unplayable because of lack of maintenance

Difficulty (1 10 points) 10 some (4-5) holes present reasonable ace opportunities and par two or lower, most (10-14) holes par two or three with unlikely
aces, some (2-4) holes par three to five with aces being nearly impossible

too easy
par 2 aces reasonable to likely 4-6 4-8 5-9 6-10 7-11 8-12 9-13 11-15 13-17 15-18 18 par 2-3 aces unlikely, but possible 9-12 7-13 6-12 6-11 6-11 5-10 5-9 3-7 1-5 1-3 0 par 3-5 aces nearly impossble 2-4 1-3 1-3 1-2 0-1 0-1 0 0 0 0 0 par 2 aces reasonable 4-5 3-4 2-3 1-2 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 0 0 0

too hard
par 2-3 aces unlikely, but possible 9-12 8-12 8-12 7-11 7-11 6-10 4-7 2-6 1-4 0-2 0 par 3-5 aces nearly impossble 2-4 3-6 4-7 6-9 7-10 8-11 10-13 12-15 14-17 16-18 18

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Course Creativity (1 10 points) (deals only with holes themselves not with surroundings) Contours Takes advantage of natural-appearing contours Hole variety Half of holes (8-10) use barriers, half (810) use hole shaping for difficulty One style is more common (11-14) but some hole (4-7) are in other style One style dominates (15-17) but other style is at least present (1 hole) One style present on every hole Unique holes Barriers

Excellent

Very Good

Takes advantage of man-made contours

Average

Has very little contour to holes

Below Average

All holes are flat

Many (12+) holes are unique to this course No barriers are repeated. have never been seen on Every barrier is different another course others throughout course. are still creative Some holes (1-11) are unique to this course Few (< 50%) barriers are but others are at least duplicated still creative (not boring) No holes are unique to course but most holes Many barriers are (11+) are still deemed repeated (> 50%) as creative and not boring No unique holes and Most barriers are many holes (8+) are repeated (> 75%) and boring showing little some are repeated creativity multiple times average = 2 9 6 8-7 5 6 4 below average = 1 5-4 3 3 2 2-1 1

To determine score: excellent = 4 Pts Score 16 10 15-14 9 13 8

very good = 3 12-11 7

Surrounding Attractiveness (1 10 points)

Course Setting (not on course property) 4

Breathtaking surroundings, either outstanding & unique architecture in buildings or gorgeous natural beauty (cliffs, waterfalls, redwoods) Surroundings not breathtaking but very pleasant (country farms, old buildings) Plain but not bothersome surroundings (strip malls, businesses, subdivisions) Surroundings disrupt play are bothersome to a serious player (flashing lights, sounding horns, stench from landfill)

Harmony with Surroundings

Surroundings are echoed in design of course property natural setting has natural landscaping, city setting has city plantings Course attempts to echo surroundings but falls short (natural setting has natural plantings but more groomed than surroundings, city setting has jungle-style plantings) Course does not match setting but does not directly clash with surroundings Course seems like an island in its settings clashing garishly even at first glance (e.g. jungle plantings in city setting)

Plantings
Variety in plantings including grass, groundcover (evergreen), and 3+ varieties of flowering plants

Upkeep
All plantings are lush and well maintained, even during harsh weather no dead plants Most plantings are flourishing but some evidence of letting some plantings go (either toward too much growth or toward death) Most plants flourishing but some dead Or All plants are alive but not flourishing No plantings Or No flourishing plants and at least some dead plants

Some plantings more than just plain grass

Plain grass surrounding holes no plantings other than grass

No plantings present no grass, no live landscaping

Pts Score

16 10

15-14 9

13 8

12-11 7

9 6

8-7 5

6 4

5-4 3

3 2

2-1 1

Equipment (1 10 points) perfect)10 (nearPutters Many lengths available (including kiddie and tall adult) Balls At least six colors available, all well stocked Pencils Easily found near balls and putters, all are sharpened, like new Scorecard Room for 4-5 players, space to total front and back nine scores, pars for each hole listed Card Holders At least one for every hole, pencil rail on each holder, clip to hold down scorecard Notes Balls and putters must be free for choice by players WITHOUT employee assistance

Course meets five of six near-perfect categories above, sixth category is still average or better but not at near-perfect level required for 10 points. For example, six balls colors may be available but two are not well stocked. For example, putter lengths and ball colors may be plentiful but require employee assistance to switch putters or balls. For example, scorecard holders are present but do not feature pencil rails and scorecard clips. Course meets four of six near-perfect categories and other two categories are still average or better but not at near-perfect level. For example, putter selection shows three putter lengths only (acceptable but not near-perfect) AND scorecard has room for only two player scores. Course meets three of six near-perfect categories and other three categories are still average or better but not at near-perfect level. OR Five categories at near-perfect level but sixth category is below average but still present. For example, pencils are available but not sharpened (clearly reused) but all other categories are at near-perfect level.

8 7

4 3 2 1 0 (unacceptable) 10 9 8 7 6 5 4

Course meets one or two of six near-perfect categories and other four or five categories are still average or better but not at nearperfect level. OR Four categories are at near-perfect but two categories are below average for example, only two ball colors available and putter choice is made by employee, but all four other categories are near-perfect. No categories are near-perfect, but all six categories are average or above. OR Two or three categories are near-perfect but three or four categories are below average. Putters Balls Pencils Scorecard Holders Notes Scorecard has Pencil supply is Three putter room for two-three Card holders are Putter and ball low but present. lengths / styles are Three colors of players. No room present on at least choices may be Pencils are available. All ball are available to total front/back half of holes. No made by employee sharpened but not putters are in used and well stocked. nine. No pars pencil rail or card but can be all are fresh out of but good condition. listed for each clip present. exchanged. packaging. hole. Five or four categories are average and two or one are below average but above unacceptable. OR Five categories are average and one is unacceptable. Three categories are average and three are below average but above unacceptable. OR Four categories are average and two are unacceptable. Two categories are average and four are below average but above unacceptable. OR Three categories are average and three are unacceptable. One category is average and five are below average but above unacceptable. OR Two categories are average and four are unacceptable. All categories are below average OR five or more categories are unacceptable. Putters One style / length of putter available. Putters are in need of replacing. Balls One color ball available. Balls look like used range balls. Pencils Scorecards Holders Notes Balls and putter choices made by player are moot because there are no choices to be made.

Average

No pencils / pens are available.

No scorecards are available.

No holders available.

Cost (1 10 points all costs are for first 18 holes)

Cost is $2 per play. Multiple game packages are available for cheaper play (e.g. 10 games for $10, replay for cheaper price, playing two courses at same time cheaper). Special times may be cheaper. $2<cost$3 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR Cost$2 but no multiple packages or special times available. $3<cost$4 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $2<Cost$3 but no multiple packages or special times available $4<cost$5 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $3<Cost$4 but no multiple packages or special times available $5<cost$6 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $4<Cost$5 but no multiple packages or special times available $6<cost$7 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $5<Cost$6 but no multiple packages or special times available $7<cost$8 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper

3 2 1 0

OR $6<Cost$7 but no multiple packages or special times available $8<cost$9 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $7<Cost$8 but no multiple packages or special times available $9<cost$10 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $<8Cost$9 but no multiple packages or special times available $10<cost$11 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $9<Cost$10 but no multiple packages or special times available Cost>$11 with multiple game packages and/or special times cheaper OR $10<Cost$11 but no multiple packages or special times available

Lesser Categories (formerly known as bonuses all positive unless noted)

Mechanized hazards (0,1,2 points) must be part of hole (not merely design between holes), must require timing of hazards movements by player, must be in working order 0 points = no mechanized hazards 1 point = one or two mechanized hazards 2 point = more than mechanized hazards Staffing (-2, -1, 0, +1, +2 points) +2 points = employee(s) found easily near course, payment taken in friendly manner, employees are knowledgeable and helpful about course and other attractions +1 point = employee(s) found easily near course, payment taken, employees are personable though not forthcoming with information 0 points = employee(s) found easily near course, not rude to customers, not personable, could be replaced with functional automated teller machine -1 points = employee(s) found less easily, may require ringing bell or calling for employee(s), employee(s) are less than personable, actually seem bothered by customers presence -2 points = employee(s) cannot be found and/or are dismissive of (possibly nasty to) customer(s) Hole options (0,1,2 points) 0 points = all holes must be played along same path from tee to hole 1 point = one or two holes require player to make choice of which path to take or which hole to hit to, easier path or target typically involves a less direct route (high risk=high reward) 2 points = more than two holes requiring choices of play (high risk=high reward) Multiple-level holes (0,1,2 points) multiple-level holes cannot have alternative paths that make them single-level holes, separate levels must be connected by jumps or holes/pipes NOT by putting surface, connection between levels (ramp, jump, pipe, hole) must be in working order, mere changes in elevation connected by one putting surface DOES NOT mean multiple-levels 0 points = no multiple-level holes 1 point = one or two multiple-level holes 2 points = more than two multiple-level holes Lighting (0,1,2 points) 0 points = no lights 1 point = course is lit for night play but with blind spots or dim lighting 2 points = effective lights provided at all holes making play at night easy Unifying theme (0,1,2,3,4 points) 0 points = no theme unifying holes or course 1 point = theme carried throughout course decoration but not to holes themselves (holes could be found on any course regardless of theme) 2 points = theme incorporated throughout decorations AND most holes

3 points = theme carried through course decoration AND ALL holes 4 points = theme carried through course decoration AND ALL holes AND name of mini-golf establishment

Non-mini golf entertainment (0,1,2 points) 0 points = only mini golf is present 1 points = one or two other attractions present (e.g. arcade [not just one or two game machines], batting cage, go-carts, driving range, trampoline basketball) 2 points = more than two other attractions present Snack bar (0,1,2 points) 0 points = no food or drinks served, may have automated snack/drink machines 1 point = minimum snacks/drinks available (chips, candy, carbonated beverages) 2 points = vast snack and drink options available, some of which require actual multi-step preparation (more than heating nacho cheese, more than pulling an ice-cream lever, more like hamburgers and sandwiches, possibly complex ice cream sundaes) Edging material (+2, +1, 0, -1, -2) +2 points = edging material for each hole provides consistent and appropriate bounces (solid metal edging, smooth concrete edging) AND is chosen to match course theme (if no theme is present, cannot earn +2 points) +1 point = edging material for each hole provides consistent and appropriate bounces (solid metal edging, smooth concrete edging) but DOES NOT match course theme 0 points = edging material provides mostly consistent bounces with rare bad bounces due to edging type (smooth concrete with widely-spaced gaps) -1 point = edging material provides regular bad bounces (rounded timbers, decorative bricks) BUT material does match course theme or edging is missing in many places (other than openings to hazards) due to thematic design -2 points = edging material provides regular bad bounces (rounded timbers, decorative bricks) and does not have a redeeming theme and / or is missing in many places (other than openings to hazards) Course length (+5, +2, 0, -2, -5) +5 points = three or more full eighteen-hole courses playable +2 points = two full eighteen-hole courses available 0 points = one full eighteen-hole course playable -2 points = between 9 and 18 holes playable (may be due to unplayable holes or simply incomplete course) -5 points = no more than 9 holes playable (either only nine created or enough unplayable holes) Course surface (+3, 0, -3) +3 points = natural grass in good condition 0 points = artificial turf in any playable condition -3 points = concrete putting surface (seriously, Ive played on one of these) or other non-turf surface (unless surface is easily playable AND matches course theme) Souvenirs (0,1,2 points) 0 points = no free souvenirs given to players 1 point = pencils have course name printed on them and are free OR scorecard has course name, room for player name(s) and total scores and is decorative/colorful enough to be considered a souvenir 2 points = BOTH pencils with printed course name AND scorecard with course name and room for player name(s) and total scores and is decorative/colorful enough to be considered a souvenir

Scoring Sheet Category Pts Possible Pts Earned Upkeep 1-10 Difficulty 1-10

___ Total Points out of 90 Possible Points Course Creativity 1-10 Setting Attract. 1-10 Equip. 1-10 Cost 1-10

Commen t

Category Pts Possible Pts Earned

Mech Hazards 0, 1, 2

Staff -2, -1, 0, 1, 2

Hole Options 0, 1, 2

Multi-Levels 0, 1, 2

Light 0, 1, 2

Theme 0, 1, 2, 3, 4

Comment

Category Pts Possible Pts Earned

Non-golf 0, 1, 2

Snacks 0, 1, 2

Edges -2, -1, 0, 1, 2

Course Length -5, -2, 0, 2, 5

Surface -3, 0, 3

Souvenir 0, 1, 2

Comment