Our panel of experts -- OK, they play a lot of golf, anyway -- has put together its list of superlatives when it comes to public courses in the Richmond area. We looked at everything from the best greens to the best hot dog at the turn.

Our choices are listed below. We'd also like to hear from you, so tee it up and click here to take the survey. We'll print the results next month.

And now, the scorecard please.

Best course
Independence, the Virginia State Golf Association's course in Midlothian, was the clear winner. Not only does it feature the area's best greens and fairways, but it also is home to the Harry Easterly Museum of Virginia Golf History, where you'll find the trophy for the State Amatuer (above photo).

Also receiving votes: Hunting Hawk, Mattaponi Springs.

Best greens
Independence
Mattaponi Springs
Providence
Sycamore Creek

Best course to walk
Belmont
Glenwood
The Hollows
Highland Springs

Toughest course
Royal New Kent
Mattaponi Springs
Independence
Brickshire
Royal Virginia

Tightest fairways
The Crossings
Royal New Kent
Highland Springs
Mattaponi Springs

Post low scores here
Sycamore Creek
Providence
Glenwood

Best practice facility
Independence
The Crossings
Hunting Hawk
Dogwood Trace

Best food at the turn
Mill Quarter's hot dog Providence's burgers, grilled cheese
Hunting Hawk's quesadillas, hot dogs
Brickshire's spread
Glenwood's egg and cheese sandwich
The Crossings' hard-boiled eggs

Best frosted pints of golden beverage
Brickshire
Sycamore Creek
The Crossings -RD

Best hole
No. 18 at Brickshire
No. 1 at Independence
No. 16 at Mattponi

Toughest hole
No. 5 at Belmont
No. 1 at Mattaponi
No. 13 at Brickshire

Best opening holes
Independence
Brookwoods
Royal Virginia

Best closing holes
Sycamore Creek
Providence
Birkdale