How We Test, Score, and Rank.
Every review on ResortGolfer follows a disclosed protocol. This page documents those protocols in full so any reader can reproduce, challenge, or extend our work.
The 0–10 scale
All ResortGolfer reviews score on a 0–10 scale, normalized within category. A 9.0 driver and a 9.0 putter represent comparable editorial standing within their respective categories — not interchangeable performance across them. Sub-scores (distance, forgiveness, feel, etc.) are weighted by category and intended user.
- 9.0–10.0 · Category-defining; reference grade
- 8.0–8.9 · Excellent; recommended without reservation
- 7.0–7.9 · Very good; recommended for target users
- 6.0–6.9 · Solid; better options exist at the price
- < 6.0 · Not recommended at retail price
Club & ball testing protocol
- 1. Launch monitor testing. All clubs evaluated on a calibrated TrackMan or GCQuad. Minimum 25 swings per club, outliers (>2σ) excluded. Tested across the relevant swing-speed tier (drivers: ≤95, 95–105, 105+ mph).
- 2. On-course evaluation. Minimum two full rounds in each of two turf conditions (firm/dry and soft/wet). Wind exposure documented.
- 3. Peer-set normalization. Scores calibrated against three current peer products in the same price tier.
- 4. Editor review. Draft scores reviewed by a second editor before publication. Disagreements adjudicated by category weighting, never by averaging.
Sub-score weightings
| Category | Primary weights |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Distance 30%, Forgiveness 25%, Workability 20%, Sound 15%, Feel 10% |
| Players Irons | Feel 30%, Workability 25%, Accuracy 25%, Forgiveness 20% |
| Game-Improvement Irons | Forgiveness 35%, Distance 30%, Feel 20%, Accuracy 15% |
| Wedges | Spin Control 40%, Feel 30%, Workability 30% |
| Putters | Forgiveness 35%, Feel 35%, Accuracy 30% |
| Balls | Spin Control 30%, Distance 25%, Feel 25%, Accuracy 20% |
Course evaluation protocol
Courses are evaluated by editors who have walked the property — never from a database, photograph, or third-party description. Scoring weights design quality (40%), routing and variety (20%), conditioning relative to climate (15%), aesthetic character (15%), and walkability (10%). World ranking positions are cross-referenced against Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Top 100 Golf Courses, and Golfweek panels but are not derived from them.
What we disclose
- · Whether equipment was purchased, loaned, or supplied for review
- · Whether course access was paid, comped, or hosted
- · The specific shaft, loft, lie, grip, and ball used in club testing
- · Atmospheric and turf conditions during evaluation
- · Firmware or software versions for any reviewed technology