In a conversation I had a few weeks ago with University Ridge general manager Mike Gaspard, I mentioned how phenomenal the golf course looked and how well the recent renovation improved its playability.

Gaspard agreed and wondered why University Ridge has been absent from most of the "Top 100" lists that various publications put out.

No need to wonder anymore.

University Ridge, which opened for play in 1991 and underwent a renovation this past summer, was recently named the nation's top collegiate golf course and one of the top 50 public courses in the nation in the 2009 Golf World Readers' Choice Awards.

University Ridge ranked 28th in the public category. Rankings were determined by a reader's poll based on quality of course, condition of course, reputation/prestige (I'm not exactly sure how or why that matters), golf practice facilities, speed of play, clubhouse/locker room, golf pro shop, food/dining, off-course activities/amenities, service and overall value.

The golf course also was one of three Wisconsin layouts to earn a rating of 75.0 or higher. Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits had scores in the high 80s in the resort category.

In my eight years living in Madison, I can say at no time has University Ridge looked more appealing to the eye than it did this summer. It was in fantastic shape then, and continued to be for the WIAA state girls high school tournament this month.