There's a really good blog post digging into golfer performance by handicap level this morning, which utilizes TheGrint's database of recorded rounds. One of the other features of TheGrint is the ability for everyday golfers, like you and me, to give a brief overview of the condition and playability of the courses that you visit.
I've been a 'Grinter' for the last year and have found it really useful - I've even played a round with a random person through TheGrint and the local Club that I'm a part of.
TheGrint have come up with the Top-20 courses in the US. I know, everybody has their own list of Top-20 courses - this list is compiled from over 100,000 reviews on its site from members who have played the courses. The list is limited to courses that have had at least 30 reviews, but gives both a 'fun rating' and 'shape rating'. There are some well known courses on here, but most I've not heard of (no local courses in Hawaii make the list, unfortunately).
http://www.thegrint.com/range/2014/11/thegrint-top-20-golf-courses-ranking-grinters/
The link has photos of all of the Top-20 courses as well - some of which look amazing!
Have you played any of these courses? Would you agree with the rankings for the ones you've played? Are there any surprizes in your neck of the woods?