I got a random email this morning from DGCR that my name was invoked here. What a surprise to see all the positive comments, the TR badge by my name, and the decision to include me in the CZ club (although I have yet to figure out what all is involved in this great honor
). Thanks to all for the kind/flattering words.
Speculations/recollections were correct that early on I felt this site needed more reviews from more than locals so I dumped my initial list of courses played and associated ratings list here - I think it was 175 or so at the time. After that chore of adding my RATINGS list was complete, as I added new courses played I used the same personal/subjective metrics, but filled in each section with helpful verbiage to turn them into actual/useful REVIEWS.
In 2008 we had moved from the mecca of DG in Charlotte to the DG wasteland of Chicago (flat and 9er tedium dominates there). 15 years later, and my child-rearing years over, we are back in Charlotte. My course bagging ways may well start again.....if/when my forearm injury heals.
I have 2 big challenges to my ratings approach:
1) I am not as good as I was 20 years ago when I developed my ratings system (lots of tweener holes - NAGS in John Houck lingo earns a lower rating). For instance, I no longer consider a 320' hole as "a rewarding birdie" since those are more luck now than skill (or even a 280' curved wooded hole). Maybe I will regain my form when I start playing a lot again?
2) my memory has faded on a lot of courses since I have not thought of them for a decade+ in my child-rearing hiatus from course bagging (and many courses have either changed drastically or been pulled).
Anyhow, thanks again for the shout-outs!