This is (from my perspective) the second version of the original Golf Burger. And it's unquestionably a downgrade.

In fairness, looking at specs, not much has changed, that is true. But there is one change specifically that unfortunately knocks this burger down a peg in my book. But we'll get to that. I'm in a chatty mood, let's walk through the changes.

The buns are smaller now. Not much we can do about that, Covid and Trump have done a phenomenal job inflation-wise, I understand that businesses have to adjust, it is what it is. The buns are also more brioche-coded than before - shinier, more colorful, no sesame seeds. It's a neutral change, no complaints.

They added bacon*. Generally a welcome change but in all honesty - and contrary to my usual pro-bacon bias - I don't think it's necessary here. We already have a bunch or flavors and textures in this burger so the bacon just sort of... adds to the noise. But whatever. Another neutral change.

I couldn't tell if the meat quality changed or not to be honest. It's been too long, I don't remember the original anymore. Regardless, the meat was good. Neutral.

And so we arrive to the final change - and, frankly, the sole reason for the lower score: the sauce. It's now listed as "house sauce". I don't know what that means but I know what it tastes like: generic. Uninspired. No longer distinct from the sea of other burgers. The original Golf Burger had honey-mustard sauce. I know this because, unlike now, they bothered to specify. And it was one of the best mustard-based sauces I ever tasted. It had an immediately obvious zest to it but it was appropriately mellowed out so as not to take over the dish. A true masterpiece. A truly horrible change.

The burger is still obviously good. But as I said, it used to be on the verge of greatness. Now it's merely above average.