With apologies to Tom Doak, I propose the following "Fun Scale"
0-A course so difficult and penal that it may poison you against golf forever. Reserved for courses that wasted ridiculous sums of money in their attempt to attract people who wanted to enjoy themselves, only to be revealed on repeated play as having been built by sadists for masochists.
1-A punishing golf course, betraying clear malice toward golfers on the part of the developer. Avoid even if you're desperate for a game.
2-A mediocre golf course with too much water in play, but nothing really horrible.
3-A typical, boring or aggravating course that relies too heavily on water and trees to create challenges and to limit the player’s ability to recover from a mis-played shot.
4-Amusing course, with a couple of truly fun holes among the 18.
5-Above average diversion, but the middle of my scale. A good course to choose if you’re in the vicinity and looking for a game, but don’t go out of your way expecting to be bowled over by the good times.
6-Sporty course that will entice you to think and play a variety of shots, definitely would be the source of a fun game if you’re in town, but not necessarily worth a special trip to see. It shouldn’t disappoint you.
Note: all courses ranked 7 or above on the Fun Scale must be enjoyable walks for golfers of average health.7-A frolic, worth checking out if you get anywhere within 100 miles. You can expect to find many interesting holes that engage the mind and stimulate creativity.
8-One of the most delightful courses in its region and worth a special trip to see. Could have a few ponds and trees, but these won’t seriously interfere with the merriment, and it will make up for them with something really memorable. The golfer finishes his round with a mixed feeling of sadness and happiness.
9- One of the most pleasurable outings a golfer can experience. Has unusual holes that offer players of modest ability numerous ways to have a relaxing game--At the same time these outstanding holes challenge the better player to make shots and memories that will fill his golf storybook with gleeful tales he’ll celebrate later with kindred spirits over a pleasing libation. Widely hailed as "Fun" by golfers who've played it for many years.
10-Let’s play again, right after lunch with a good claret.
Please feel free to suggest edits, but only if you can think of more synonyms for "fun."
