SYSTEMS FOR COLLECTING USER RATING INFORMATION FOR GOLF COURSES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT GOLF COURSES

Abstract

Systems, methods, devices and computing system applications for collecting information about golf courses as provided by users of the golf courses. Embodiments include a mobile application providing a questionnaire about one or more golf course characteristics. A golfer may provide responses which are sent to reporting service. The reporting service can aggregate responses and report results to the golf course.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Patent Application No. 61/539,922, filed on Sep. 27, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Summary

The present disclosure relates generally to recreational sports, and more particularly to the sport of golf. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems for collecting information about golf courses as provided by users of the golf courses. Additional or alternative aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for providing information about golf courses.

2. Background

Worldwide, the popularity of golf continues to increase at a near unprecedented rate. For instance, within the United States alone there are more than 18,000 golf courses and more than 25 million recreational golfers. With average greens fees of more than $20, the gross revenue in the golf industry due solely to greens fees (assuming each golfer plays even only one round of golf a year) thus topples $540 million. In reality, however, the golf industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that includes revenues generated from not only greens fees, but also from sales or rentals of equipment, golf carts, clothing, food and beverage sales, and the like. Services such as lessons or training, and facility rentals further add to the revenue generated by the golf industry.

The amount each course contributes to the gross revenue of the industry varies based on a variety of factors. One such factor is course popularity, although numerous other factors, including cost, whether it is private or public, and the like, are also significant.

Course popularity often relates to the cost of the course, but may also relate to other factors. For instance, the quality of the course and personnel can significantly affect whether golfers return to a course, whether they recommend to others that they play the course, etc. Capturing such information about a course is often difficult. As a result, a golf course may notice a decline in the course's popularity or revenues, but may have difficultly pinpointing the cause. While the cause could be a simple result of an economic recession, aging or moving population, or the like, the cause may also be under the direct control of the golf course. For instance, golfers perceiving a decline in the condition of the course, services of the course, quality of the staff, etc. may stop visiting a course. Alternatively, even if such elements do not decline or even improve, popularity may decrease if such quality is lower than that of a nearby course—particularly one at a comparable cost.

Regardless of the reason for the decline or difficulty in attracting golfers, the golf course management may nonetheless still be in the dark about what factors are contributing to the lack of popularity or revenue. The course management may contact golfers and use a survey to identify perceived shortcomings or explanations; however, such survey may be expensive and time consuming. Also, if golfers respond to the survey after not having played the course for some time, they may not provide up-to-date information about course conditions, or may lack an accurate memory of the course.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example splash page for a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate example main pages for a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate example web pages listing golf courses having ratings maintained or otherwise accessible by the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example web pages listing tips or articles related to golf or golf courses, according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example web page for contacting an owner, operator or other entity maintaining a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example web page with information about contests, raffles, lotteries, giveaways, or other promotions available through a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example web page with frequently asked questions about a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example web page for signing in to a personal account, or creating a personal account for accessing a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example web page for signing up for a personal account for accessing a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example web page for accessing and/or updating personal account information after a user has signed up for an account to access a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example web page for updating personal information according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example web page for updating password information according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example web page for updating subscriptions or notifications according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example web page following logging out of an account according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIGS. 15A-15I illustrate example web pages including golf course information according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example web page usable by a golfer to provide a review or feedback about a golf course according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate example web pages usable by a golfer or course manager to claim ownership or management of a golf course with information available using a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates a computing system for operating a website according to the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

An APPENDIX is attached and includes Figures A-E illustrating example interfaces for a smartphone application that may be used in connection with the systems and methods described, illustrated, or otherwise reflected herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The provided Figures illustrate various aspects of a system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1, for instance, may reflect a splash page generally providing information about an Internet or other computing network enabled system for rating golf courses. As reflected in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present disclosure may include allowing golfers or users of golf courses to rate golf courses. For instance, one or more golf courses in a particular area (e.g., community, state, province, country, federation, continent, etc.) may be identified, and possibly all courses in such area may be identified.

Using a convenient, efficient, intuitive, and/or easily accessible interface (e.g., on a computer, smart phone, etc.), the user may provide a review of one or more aspects of a course. Reviews of the courses may be collected and accessible through a centralized source so as to provide a single-stop where a golfer can get information about a course, identify the cost of the course, determine how well other golfers have rated the course, etc. Information that is rated may include one or more physical or playability conditions, service levels, amenities, or other factors, or any combination of the foregoing.

Access to the site may be free to the golfers. Any golfer may thus access the system (possibly with personal login information) to provide their unbiased review of a course. The golfer may also be incentivized to provide reviews. For instance, giveaways, contests, etc. may occur and registered or active users may be entered to win prizes. Instructional information may also be provided to allow golfers to enhance their skills Golfers may also chat with other golfers, professional players, coaches, etc.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate example views of an index or main page of a web interface for a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, a user may login to a personal account. Additionally, or alternatively, a user may select a course to view or review, either by clicking on a map, selecting the course using known course information, searching for the course, or in another manner. Highest rated, most recently rated, or other courses may also be displayed. In one embodiment displayed courses may be based on the geographic location of a user, such as by using a geographic region based on an IP address, the user's account information, or other available data.

One option on the page illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E is to access the top “X” number of rated courses. In the illustrated embodiment, “X” is 100 although “X” may be any other number. The top courses may reflected or filtered in any number of manners. For instance, there may be no filter so that the top courses anywhere on the system may be identified. Other cases may include filters by geographic location, accessibility (public, private, handicap access, etc.), number of holes (9, 18, 27. 36, etc.), and the like.

FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate examples of a web page interface that displays summaries of the top 100 courses upon the user's request, such as by clicking of the appropriate link. The course summaries may include any number of different types of information. For instance, the information may include the name, address and/or phone number of a course. Additional information optionally includes the number of holes, the private/public/semi-private or other status of the course, or still other information. In another embodiment, optional information includes review information of the course. Such review information may include the number of reviews and/or an indication of how well the course is rated. The course rating may be based on multiple ratings. In one aspect, the course rating may be an average (e.g., straight or weighted) of all reviews of a course. The review may be a single review or may be broken into multiple reviews for different aspects. If an overall review, the overall review itself may also be influenced by reviews of other aspects, whether or not such aspects are listed on the course summary.

Another option on the page illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E is to access golf tips and articles. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate example web page interfaces with golf tips and/or articles. In the illustrated Figures, for instance, a news article is displayed and relates to a recent professional tournament. Other articles or information may include videos, instructional information, and the like. In one aspect, recent news, items, posts, and the like may be accessed in full or summary form. Archived information may also be displayed. In still another, information may be displayed according to category. For instance, categories may include: instructional information, news information, tournament information, new course information, or other information, or any combination of the foregoing.

Other options on the page illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E are to contact the operator of the web interface, to obtain information about upcoming or past contests, or to review answers to frequently asked questions. Example interfaces for the same are illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. In any interface described herein, references to other interfaces and pages may also be provided.

In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a golfer or other user may use a golf course review system by maintaining a personal account with the system. FIG. 8 illustrates a page by which a user may sign in using an email address and password, although other login credentials may also be used. If a user does not have a login, the user may create a new login. An example process to create a new login is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, a user may enter various mandatory and/or optional user information that may be stored by the system (e.g., in a database) and entered by the user for subsequent access.

Account information may also be accessible and/or changeable at any time. In FIGS. 2A-2E, for instance, a link (“My Account”) is provided to access account information. When such link is used, the user can be directed to an interface, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 10. Such interface may include various options. For instance, a user may choose to view or change account information (see FIG. 11), change an account password (see FIG. 12), subscribe or unsubscribe from newsletters (see FIG. 13), log out of the system (see FIG. 14), or view, enter, or update other information. In FIG. 10, the user has indicated a particular course is being managed by the user, and such information may also be displayed or changed.

As will be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein, a user may search for or otherwise identify a course using any number of mechanisms. Once a course has been located, a more detailed view of the course may be obtained. Examples of some detailed views are illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15I. The detailed views may include information about the course. Such information may include any information such as location, facilities, historical, topographical, scorecard, slope/rating, design, access, policy, dress, cost, weather, or other information, or any combination of the foregoing.

A detailed view of the course may also include review information. Optionally, the review information comes directly from other golfers, although information may also be obtained or available from professionals or other people or entities. In one embodiment, the review information may be provided in a summary view, although more detailed views may also be available. For instance, detailed information may include specific reviews provided by users, reviews of different aspects of a course in addition to, or as an alternative to, an overall course rating, and the like. In some cases, the user may see ratings for all of the specific factors, although in other embodiments all or certain users are limited to general or overall ratings.

Course information may also include an option to review the course. When the option is selected, the user may be given an opportunity to answer one or more questions or provide one or more reviews of the course. An example review interface is illustrated in FIG. 16. In such a review, information may be detailed in accordance with various different aspects. The illustrated embodiment allows a review to provide independent reviews of tee boxes, greens, fairways, bunkers, service, aesthetics, staff, GPS systems, Pro Shops, and speed of play. Any number of other criteria may also be rated. For instance, the facilities (e.g., club house or reception areas), snack bars, rentals, club professionals, driving range, practice greens, and other aspects, or any number of other areas, may also be rated.

In one embodiment, a single page provides a full listing of review areas that may be clicked or otherwise selected to provide a simple, quick and intuitive ranking system. In the illustrated embodiment, criteria may be ranked to have a value between 0 and 5 check boxes. Check boxes may be selected based on any desired granularity. In FIG. 16, for instance, the granularity allows for half boxes to be selected. In other embodiments, granularity may include only whole boxes, or may include other increments (e.g., tenths). In one embodiment, ratings may be based on numerical values provided in a text box. As also illustrated in FIG. 16, a user may be given the option to input additional details to describe the experience at the course, review the course, etc.

The various elements of a review may be accumulated to provide an overall review/score to the course. Each element may be weighted equally, or there may be a distributed weighting. By way of illustration, the playable conditions (e.g., greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, rough, etc.) optionally—but not necessarily—have a higher weight than other element such as the GPS system. In some cases, an overall rating may be specified by the user, and an algorithm to accumulate the various factors is optional.

As noted previously, a registered user may also claim a course. Such a person may claim to be the owner, operator, or administrator of the course. In some cases, by claiming the course, the user may be given the ability to change or add information about the course, respond to comments/reviews, or the like. FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate example web page interfaces that may be provided for claiming a course. To claim a course, a user may select an appropriate link, such as the “Claim this course” link illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15I.

In one embodiment, a person claiming a course may be given additional options through the systems and methods described herein. For instance, a course may enable tee-time reservations through the system. The course operator may also have access to different reporting options. As one example, a course operator may receive periodic or requested course analysis information. In one example, a course may be compared with three (or any other number) comparable courses in the same geographic area. Such courses may be automatically determined by the system, or may be pre-selected by the operator of the course receiving information. The analysis may provide the operator with information directly from golfers so that the operator can see how the course stacks up. The analysis may include a breakdown in various areas, which may generally correspond to the specific areas that the user rates in a review (see FIG. 16). As an example, if the course's popularity has gone down and the analysis indicates the staff is much lower rated than other courses, the operator may work to improve staff interactions. Over time, the analyses may be compared so as to identify trends. For instance, if over one quarter the staff rating is high, but it gradually drops off over the second and third quarters, the reason for the drop-off can be investigated and corrected. Such information may also include rankings so as to identify how competitive a course is within a market, area, region, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 18, an example computing system is schematically illustrated. The example computing system may be used to provide a comprehensive or limited functionality course review system. Various components are illustrative only, and thus not all components need be included. Indeed, unless specifically identified as essential, any or all components are optional.

The illustrated embodiment includes a processor and computer-readable media. In general, a system in accordance with the present disclosure may include such a processor that executes computer-executable instructions. Optionally, such instructions are stored on computer-readable media. Such media may be included as part of the system, distributed from the system, or otherwise made accessible to the processor.

Other components may include articles. Articles may generally represent information (e.g., training, news, etc.) provided in text, image, video, or other form. Example articles may include golf instructions from celebrities (e.g., professional instructors, tour players, etc.), industry newsletters, professional blots, forums, trend information, etc.). An analysis engine may also be included. The analysis engine may be responsible for analyzing reviews provided by users and/or accumulating reviews or other information. For instance, the analysis engine may aggregate reviews or partial reviews into an overall review for a course or a particular aspect of a course, may compare reviews with those of other courses, prepare market analyses based on reviews, and the like.

A course review interface may also be included. In one embodiment, the course review interface allows golfers to provide input about one or more aspects of a course, and thereby rate or otherwise comment about the course. The course review interface may also provide access to review (whether in whole, in part, or in summarized form). As a result, a golfer may research a potential course using the available reviews from other golfers.

A user interface and/or web portal may also be provided. In one embodiment, various web pages or interfaces may be set-up to access other engines, interfaces, or systems herein. For instance, the user interface may provide a graphical interface to allow a user to interact with the course review interface, articles, etc.

Optionally, a marketing system is also included. In one embodiment, a marketing system may provide advertising. In an embodiment in which the system is free to golfers to use, the marketing system may provide an advertising revenue stream to make the web site profitable. In the same or another embodiment, the marketing system may also obtain revenue from courses. For instance, the analysis engine may output information that is marketed to golf courses. Such information may include comparisons of golf course aspects, details about golfers playing at courses, etc.

A reservation system may also be included and used to interface with the system. The reservation system may be linked to individual courses so that a tee time reservation can be made, cancelled, or changed for a desired course.

Course information may also be stored and provided in the system. In one embodiment, course information is provided as data and includes information such as historical, geographical, rating, or other information about a course. In the same or other embodiments, course information may also be provided on a comparison basis, such as by including side-by-side course reviews, real time course updates, etc.

The system may also include a smartphone application, and/or interfaces for smartphone applications to interface with the system. For instance, a smartphone may have a specific application produced for the system, by which the user can rate a course. The application may thus provide the convenience of rating the course while at the course, or soon thereafter, so that the details of the course may be fresh in the golfer's mind. When submitted (e.g., to the course review interface, web portal, or course review interface), such information can be aggregated with other reviews provided by smartphone users or other users, and thereby made accessible.

A user profile system may also be included in the overall system illustrated in FIG. 18. The user profile system may include details about a user, such as the user's age, handicap, address or other location information, name, etc. Other information may include the user's login credentials. Any other types of information about the user—such as user preferences, hobbies, etc.—may also be included, requested, or stored.

The system of FIG. 18 also includes an optional handicapping system. In golf, a golfer may obtain a “handicap” based on his or her level of play relative to the slope and rating of courses played. In one embodiment, information about courses may include such slope and rating information. A user may then enter a score from a round of golf. A history of scores may be maintained by the handicapping system and an official or unofficial handicap may be generated. In one embodiment, the handicapping system may link to official handicapping services or entities (e.g., the USGA) to provide a handicap.

A store module may also be included the system. In one embodiment, clothing, equipment, rounds of golf, or other items may be purchased and available through the store. In such an embodiment, the store may also include an e-commerce module to process payments in a secure manner. In still another embodiment, any or all components of the system of FIG. 18 may be based upon or utilize an e-commerce system , which optionally provides the back-end support services for operation of the system.

As also shown in FIG. 18, the computing system may include a communication interface and a database. The communication interface may generally allow any one or more components, interfaces, systems, modules, and the like to communicate with each other. The database may also store information for or on behalf of various components. As an example, the database may store user profile information, course information, articles, ratings information, course scoring/handicapping information, and the like, and make such information available to the associated components. The database may store information tracked on the system, including Internet-based data such as where visitors are coming to a website from, duration of a visit, IP address, repeat visitor information, etc. The communications interface may also thus facilitate use of the illustrating computing system in a networked, distributed, or other manner.

The attached appendix includes Figures A-E representing views of an example smartphone application that may be used in connection with systems and methods of the present disclosure. For instance, such an application may be used to find golf courses, compare golf courses, access details (e.g., physical, historical, etc.) about a golf course, provide input for rating or reviewing a course, and the like. In particular, Figure A depicts an example smart phone application interface for finding a course. In the illustrated embodiment, various courses are displayed along with distance information relative to a specified location, which is in this case Las Vegas. Also displayed is information about the rating of the course as provided by other golfers, and the number of reviews for the course. By selecting the course, the user may also be able to access additional information, as illustrated in Figure B. If the user selects the rating or reviews, the user may optionally view the specific reviews of the course. By selecting the example “review this course” button, a user may access a review page, which optionally is similar that illustrated in FIG. 16, although the smartphone application may include a separate or distinct interface.

Figures C and D illustrate still additional views of the example smartphone application. In Figure C, a user may enter information about a course (e.g., city, state, name, etc.), and the application can display various courses matching the specified criteria. Figure D illustrates a page displaying courses recently reviewed. In any such interface, a user may select a displayed course to obtain additional information. Figure E illustrates still another smartphone application interface for managing the user's account. A user may access or edit account details using the My Account button, contact the developer, provider, or operator of a service using the Contact Us button, or follow social media sites using the appropriate buttons.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise or utilize a special purpose or general-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory or other system computer-readable media. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions are physical storage media. Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way of example, and not limitation, embodiments of the disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media, including at least computer storage media and/or transmission media.

Examples of computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium which can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules, engines, and/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data links, carrier waves, wireless signals, and the like, which can be used to carry desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of physical storage media and transmission media should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computer-executable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred to computer system RAM and/or to less volatile computer storage media at a computer system. Thus, it should be understood that computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also (or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims and in this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described above, nor performance of the described acts or steps by the components described above. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, smartphones, PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. Embodiments may also be practiced in distributed system environments where local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in special-purpose or other computing devices integrated within or coupled to a golf course rating system or interface, whether by a network connection, wireless connection, or hardwire connection. Exemplary golf course rating systems may include one or more machines that receive or display course rating information, including optional rating information obtained directly from amateur golfers of the courses as opposed to, or in addition to, golf professionals.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity and understanding, certain changes and modifications will be obvious to those with skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A method for rating golf courses, comprising:

providing a golf course rating and review interface for use with a computing device of a golfer, the golf course rating and review interface including at least a review component and a rating component;

receiving selection of at least one golf course, wherein receiving selection of the at least one golf course is in response to the golfer selecting the at least one golf course through the golf course rating and review interface;

providing to the computing device of the golfer, through review component of the golf course rating and review interface, at least an overall rating of the selected at least one golf course, that overall rating being based on reviews from other golfers; and

providing to the computing device of the golfer, through the rating component of the golf course rating and review interface, one or more input options requesting rating information for one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics.

13. The method recited in claim 12, wherein providing a golf course rating and review interface includes providing a golf course rating and review interface configured for use specifically with a mobile computing device.

14. The method recited in claim 12, wherein receiving selection of at least one golf course includes receiving selection of the at least one golf course in response to the golfer selecting the at least one golf course through the golf course rating and review interface available on a smart phone.

15. The method recited in claim 12, wherein providing the one or more input options includes providing one or more input options associated with: greens; fairways; tees; bunkers; service; aesthetics; staff; GPS; pro shops; speed of play; difficulty; facilities; food; practice facilities; or lessons.

16. The method recited in claim 15, wherein providing the one or more input options includes providing four or more input options, each of the four or more input options being associated with a separate one of: greens; fairways; tees; bunkers; service; aesthetics; staff; GPS; pro shops; speed of play; difficulty; facilities; food; practice facilities; or lessons.

17. The method recited in claim 12, further comprising:

receiving rating information about the one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics in response to input by the golfer using the rating component of the golf course rating and review interface.

18. The method recited in claim 17, further comprising:

aggregating received rating information about the one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics with rating information received from one or more additional golfers.

19. A golf course rating system, comprising:

computer-readable media comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing system, cause the computing system to display a course rating and review interface to a golfer, the course review interface including: a review component providing at least an overall rating of a particular golf course based on reviews from other golfers; and a rating component providing the golfer with an interface to rate the particular golf course in accordance with one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics.

20. The golf course rating system of claim 20, wherein the course rating and review interface is configured for display on a mobile computing device.

21. The golf course rating system of claim 20, wherein the mobile computing device is a smart phone.

22. The golf course rating system of claim 19, wherein the computer-readable media include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing system to:

transmit rating information received through the rating component to an aggregator of rating information.

23. The golf course rating system of claim 19, wherein the one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics include any combination of one or more of: greens; fairways; tees; bunkers; service; aesthetics; staff; GPS; pro shops; speed of play; difficulty; facilities; food; practice facilities; or lessons.

24. The golf course rating system of claim 19, further comprising:

the one or more processors.

25. A method for providing golf course rating information to a golf course, comprising:

maintaining a golf course rating system adapted to receive ratings of one or more golf courses from amateur golfers using the one or more golf courses;

aggregating ratings related to the one or more golf courses as received from a plurality of amateur golfers; and

providing to a particular golf course of the one or more golf course an analysis of the particular golf course relative to other of the one or more golf courses, the analysis being based on the ratings for the one or more golf courses received through the golf course rating system.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

charging a fee for provision of the analysis of the particular golf course.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein providing to the particular golf course of the one or more golf courses an analysis of the particular golf course includes providing multiple analyses on a periodic basis or upon-request basis.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the analysis includes rating information relative to the other of the one or more golf courses, for each of one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics include one or more of: greens; fairways; tees; bunkers; service; aesthetics; staff; GPS; pro shops; speed of play; difficulty; facilities; food; practice facilities; or lessons.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the one or more distinguishable golf course characteristics include at least four of: greens; fairways; tees; bunkers; service; aesthetics; staff; GPS; pro shops; speed of play; difficulty; facilities; food; practice facilities; or lessons.

31. The method of claim 25, wherein maintaining the golf course rating system includes: providing a mobile application available to mobile computing devices, the mobile application including an interface for receive ratings of the particular golf course from amateur golfers, and sending the received ratings to a remote server via a communication network connected to the mobile device.