Which feature is most important?

The season is winding down here in MI, so just doing some reflecting on my favorite rounds of the year. Curious as to what others think as well. Note, I did not offer "your score" as a choice, because courses can't really control that!

I'm on maintenance but if it was an option I think I'd be on layout. Scenery is nice but if the layout is mediocre then its more sightseeing than golf.

All the good courses I've played share the fact that I can think back to a certain hole and remember what that hole is. If I can't it usually means the layout lacked variety or distinct features, or I drank to much.

Its all about condition. I equate condition with value, if conditions are poor its not worth playing at any price. I'm lucky enough to have a course close to home that's always in great shape, and is priced way below what its worth.

The greens.

If a course has well maintained greens I'm more likely to enjoy the course. If the greens are pancakes or overly undulating (Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, MI) it takes Away from the experience IMO.

Condition for me too. Also value, which is sort of the same. If the greens fess are higher and the course is in a worse condition than a club where greens fess are cheaper. I not going to play there. That actually sounds like our club.

You didn't offer a poll choice for the #1 most important factor for me: Interesting course design.

I would say practice facility if it were an option.

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1415645249' post='10424715']
I'm on maintenance but if it was an option I think I'd be on layout. Scenery is nice but if the layout is mediocre then its more sightseeing than golf.

All the good courses I've played share the fact that I can think back to a certain hole and remember what that hole is. If I can't it usually means the layout lacked variety or distinct features, or I drank to much.
[/quote]

I'm also in this camp. A great layout can make up for some less than perfect other factors. Layout would easily be number one for me as well.

[quote name='cdnrockies' timestamp='1415726423' post='10429687']
[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1415645249' post='10424715']
I'm on maintenance but if it was an option I think I'd be on layout. Scenery is nice but if the layout is mediocre then its more sightseeing than golf.

All the good courses I've played share the fact that I can think back to a certain hole and remember what that hole is. If I can't it usually means the layout lacked variety or distinct features, or I drank to much.
[/quote]

I'm also in this camp. A great layout can make up for some less than perfect other factors. Layout would easily be number one for me as well.
[/quote]

And conversely, the most pristine conditioning won't make a dull course more interesting. You can polish a turd but ultimately, it's still a turd.

#1 for us is an under-crowded near empty course. I'd rather hit it and hit it again at an empty goat track vs sitting and waiting all day on a "nice" course. Waiting on 3 groups is something I simply cannot deal with anymore.

Layout, Scenery, Condition probably in that order. Although on any given Sunday that could change. Nice thread OP.