The following is the 2010 list of the very best golf courses in New England. To make this cut, a course has to earn a New England GolfGuide™ three star rating or greater. Of the 660 public courses covered in this book, only15 percent make it on this list.

Course Rating

The New England Golf Guide course ratings are based on a 1 to 5 star scale. The 5-star rating is for only a handful of the clearly outstanding courses followed by for excellent, for very good, and for good. We added ½-star ratings further distinguish one course from another.

The New England GolfGuide rating team used the following factors for the 2010 book:

1. Course layout.
Is it interesting and varied? What is the level of hole memorability? Is the course challenging but also fair? Would this course present an interesting and different challenge every time you played it?

2. Course Condition.
What are the average conditions of the tees, fairways, rough, hazards, and greens? What is the overall level of maintenance and attention to detail? How mature is the course?

3. Course Staff, Facilities, and Restrictions.
How helpful and courteous is the staff? Are there adequate amenities? Are there any restrictions that would detract from the golfing experience, and are walkers allowed?

4. Golfer Feedback.
We view this as an important means of gaining insight into the courses of New England. As in years past we strongly encourage you to provide us with your assessment of the courses you have played.