I suppose the relative quiet is related to the simple truth that, when it comes to the two major golf magazines, money buys influence, both in equipment and course reviews and rankings. The "objective" tests done on clubs and balls are far from that; as well, rankings are based on courses that solicit and/or welcome the magazine (or parent company's) raters.
The course that's not even open, but which makes the rankings, simply understands the game.
WW