Google scores stay Google scores
We show the public Google Maps score, its review count and the date we checked it. A facility listing can cover two or three layouts, a clubhouse and practice facilities. When that happens, the same venue score appears on each relevant guide, labeled as a facility rating. It is not an independent review of each layout.
How the catalog is sorted
The default order is Google score among listings with at least 50 reviews. Higher scores come first; equal scores use the larger review count, then course name. Listings with fewer than 50 reviews follow, then those without a verified Google score. You can also sort by review count or course name. This is a comparison rule, not a claim that the first course is universally the best.
Expert recommendations are separate
Golf Digest guide selections appear with links to the publisher. They are not Google reviews and do not add points to a combined Carl score. The “Expert guide picks” filter shows courses included in a verified public-course guide; it does not imply that we have personally played them.
Ratings and bookability answer different questions
A highly rated course can require direct booking. “Live search” means Carl has a supported public booking connection; it does not promise an opening. Use the booking filter if you want Carl to check your date and group. Every guide also links to the course’s official reservation path.
What we check before publishing
We match the listing’s name, city, address and Google place ID to the operator’s course information. We keep the source link and capture date, preserve missing scores as unknown, and leave out ambiguous matches. Scores can change after the check. Follow the source link for recent reviews and the operator for current maintenance notices.