Bloomington, IN

Crestmont Park

3.125(based on 29 reviews)
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7 0
acrosley
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 4.5 years 46 played 22 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Rode Hard and Hung-up Wet

Reviewed: Played on:May 29, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

There's a ton of elevation here! If you like throwing down tight tunnels and flexing back uphill this is the course for you. Hole 15 and 17 in particular stood out for being relatively steep downhill technical shots. It's just not something you see very often in park courses round here!

Accuracy is at a premium. There are one or two open bomber style hole but mostly you're going to have to thread your way through the trees on a tightrope.

You'll mostly have the park to yourself here. I saw a shelter at the entrance but there ain't much else here but you and the trees (and plenty of underbrush but we'll get to that).

Cons:

I gotta feeling this course has seen better days. The front 9 was mostly playable but after hole 10 things get pretty dense and claustrophobic.

Tree branches have laid claim to the air space you're supposed to throw your disc into on more than a few holes. There are alternate routes available but that risks throwing into some of the densest woods I've ever seen in a city park. I skipped a few holes since I simply didn't want to risk it.

The layout starts to get pretty wonky as well. You'll find yourself traipsing half way back up the fairway you just threw down looking for a tiny gap in the woods to squeeze through in order to reach the next tee. I wouldn't recommend brining a cart here.

Even with UDisc I couldn't find 16's basket. Which is just as well because I didn't want to throw into the weeds where it was alleged to exist. I'd thrown into enough weeds by mistake at that point.

Other Thoughts:

I think if I came back in fall or winter when it wasn't so overgrown and borderline requiring a machete I may rate this course slightly higher. There are some neat holes and a surprising amount of elevation.

I just get the feeling this plot of land is pretty low on the Bloomington Parks Department's priority list.
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5 0
dvice33
Experience: 18.4 years 5 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun and free 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Pads were nice
Layout with trees and elevation changes was fun, especially on the last few holes
Easy to find the course and it was free

Cons:

I couldn't find the pad for hole number 10, even with the drawing from this site
Every hole was a par 3, I think a little bit of reconfiguring could make that more of a challenge.
The big downed tree on hole 3, I think, cause one of the newer players I was with to loose their frisbee

Other Thoughts:

Overall, it was a good time. I would definitely play there again.
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10 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.2 years 401 played 385 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Best around Bloomington 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 29, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

I was actually quite surprised by the elevation and tightness of the treed lines used in this older, established, and heavily played, 18 hole disc golf course. It boasts long (about 12'x4'), level, concrete tee pads, benches pretty much throughout, good basic signage (that differs only occasionally from the map distances and angles: see below), and mostly rust-free spiderweb baskets (I really like this design: deep cages, three sets of chains).

There's a really nice shelter at the start (with a very small parking area), and a few sturdy bridges where absolutely needed to cross the creek. For tournaments, the roads and sidewalks are played as OB, which might come into play on holes 2, 4, 6, 7 & 18. The course plays around the entire park, with its hills, woods, low creek, and even a garden space in the middle, but does not seem to have any conflicting activities to cause safety issues for disc golf throws.

But the feature here is the variety of shot selection you'll need, and the brutally tight level of control you're going to need, especially on holes 12 through 18. Everything is reachable for even an Intermediate arm, but use maturity and self-restraint for the best results. I can visualize a smart, local player with the opportunity to play Crestmont several times a week just astonishing visitors with the number of deuces he could produce. It might also be a really fun course for doubles! And finally, there is a thriving Bloomington Club to tie into, if you live nearby (see 'other thoughts, below).

Cons:

Might just be personal preference, but I tired a little of backtracking uphill, and somewhat back up the fairways to tee off on holes 13 & 14, was perplexed at the lack of an entry into the woods to the terraced basket on 14. But mostly, I was a little shocked to see there were no landscaped steps in the hillsides on 15, 16 & 17. Those holes are very steep and look treacherous if really wet, so I thought it was odd not to see a course that's been playing up and down like that for decades, that didn't have these put in at some point over the years.

As mentioned above, the hole distances are pretty accurate on the hand-drawn map here on DGCR, and the concrete tees and signage are at the 'longs'. I only spotted one 'short' tee (a natural grass, toe-board tee on hole 6), but there might be a whole set of them, for all I know. They weren't flagged. One logistical note: when you play hole 8, the tee is oriented on the basket, which you can't quite see. Don't be disoriented by the map, which appears to angle the wrong way.

Finally, though I played during a nice dry spell, it was obvious that there are drainage creek crossing areas on holes 3 and 11 where you'll need to watch your footing if it is wet.

Other Thoughts:

I met Josh, TD'ing the 'Singularity' (one-disc) tournament the day I happened to stop in, right as they were finishing up. We talked about the fun they have with an indoor, winter, putting league. Josh's enthusiasm for the courses in the area that I happened to be trying out that day was infectious, but it was clear from him and from what I saw, that Crestmont is the place to visit if you only have time for one course while in town.
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3 0
SeanDon
Experience: 15.7 years 6 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Small treat of a course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 21, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great usage of limited amount of space and good elevation. Lots of short skilled holes, so you don't have to throw your arm out on any holes really. Pretty easy course so it will make you feel good compared to many.

Cons:

Bring a map!

If it has rained recently, you will get a little muddy.

If you a long driver and that's your favorite part of the game, you don't have many chances to do that here.

It's a little bit ghetto, you might see a guy walking with a 40oz. Stay on the course.

Could use a mowing, at least when I went.

Better directions between holes.
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1 0
Anteros
Experience: 20.4 years 3 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 11, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Wonderful layout and an excellent challenge if you want to stay in the fairway

Cons:

Gets too muddy after rain and the hilly terrain makes it difficult to traverse the back 9. NEEDS HOLE MAPS!!! Would not suggest going alone if new to the course and any company should be someone who knows the course
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2 0
blclevenger2
Experience: 15.1 years 34 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Urban meets city 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Course is smack in the middle of the city and yet has a fair amount of wooded holes. Great use of the creek and elevation. A lot of risk reward holes and great for practicing your control of a disc.

Cons:

The course is tight in places and not well signed. The tee's could be improved upon and aside from two holes in the middle of the course no real reason to take a high speed driver.
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3 0
Oakey
Experience: 17.6 years 4 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 26, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice tee pads, good distance markers on every hole, and good layout. The front 9 holes play through some openly wooded area (compared to the back 9), and then opens up for a couple ace runs, and a few longer shots. The front 9 is the place to set your score, as going into the back 9 with above par is a setup for failure. The back nine winds through some tightly wooded area, which makes shots difficult, you really have to "lay-up" on a lot of holes. There's some good elevation gain all over the course, and overall is a challenging, but fair course, definitely the best in Bloomington.

Cons:

Poor maintenance of the over growth around some fairways, and older baskets are the only course related cons. I also would like to mention, you get a lot of people who aren't playing that walk around, and sometimes cause a nuisance. It's definitely not in the best part of Bloomington (not that there are any real bad parts, just don't expect a groomed college park). So sometimes you may feel uncomfortable on some of the holes. Don't get me wrong though, at no time did I feel unsafe playing, just thought I would mention it as a heads up.

Also as a note, if it has rained the day or two before, it'll be slick in some areas, lots of clay soil.

Other Thoughts:

Overall a good course, challenging, interesting hole design, and fun.
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3 0
smitdavi
Experience: 37 played 7 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 8, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Tee Pads: Long, course concrete pads

Setting: This course is right in the heart of Bloomington, only a couple miles from campus but you feel like you are walking around in a park on the outskirts of town. Lots of big, old trees fill the landscape. There is also a lot of elevation changes in the course. If I remember correctly there are elevation changes on almost every hole.

Benches: Most holes have nice wood benches to rest between holes.



Cons:

Signage: Or lack there of. All holes are marked with a 4x4 post next to the tee pad with the holel number and distance. There aren't any hole diagrams or "next tee" signs. If it's your first time you might have a hard time navigating.

If it's been raining at all it can be a treacherous course to navigate. Would highly recommend some hiking shoes as the grip will come in handy.

Other Thoughts:

This course is my home course and I have played a lot of rounds out there since I started playing. It can teach you the basics as there are a lot of shot shaping opportunities. Every hole is deuce-able and you should be able to shoot par without a problem. The elevation changes are what make it fun. You def wouldn't think you are playing a course at a city park in the middle of town.
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5 0
AdamE
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.1 years 269 played 148 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 10, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Crestmont is a fairly hilly course with a good variety of moderately wooded, technical and a few open-ish holes. The long pads are concrete and about half the holes have short pads to make the course more beginner friendly.

The front nine is starts you off easy forcing you to navigate some mature trees to get your birdies. The back nine has some more technical holes forcing you to hit small, but fair gaps, has bigger elevation changes and a few hilly putting greens.

The course forces you to hit your line and good shots are rewarded with birdies, but a bad shot could leave you scrambling for par, particularly on the back nine. The shot diversity is ok here with a few holes forcing a turnover shot for RHBH players. Hole 13 forces a RHFH shot due to the low branch and right turning hole, very cool!

Cons:

Most of the tees are numbered but a few aren't. There are only tee signs that list distance on a few holes, no hole diagrams. The short pads are gravel and don't appear to be in very good condition.

Navigating the course and finding the correct basket can be a little tricky in a few places your first time here, but overall it's not too bad.

Some of the hole numbers on the baskets have been spray painted over making it difficult to tell if you're throwing at the correct basket and the number plate is not always facing toward the tee to confuse matters even more.

Many of the holes are very short, even from the long pads. Six holes are under 200 feet and only 3 holes are over 300 feet with the longest being 327.

Hole 14 is not a very good hole IMHO. The basket is roughly 50 feet in the woods but there is no fairway to aim for so you throw blindly into the wall of trees and hope for the best.

There's a small ditch (maybe a little more than ankle deep?) running through the fairway on holes 8-10. Because the grass was so tall when I was here on 9/10/12, it was barely visible and is deep enough to potentially cause injury if you unknowingly step in it. Hopefully when the grass is trimmed it's more clearly visible and this won't be an issue.

On hole 18, the post with the hole number on it is rather close to the tee pad and was in the way when throwing a RHBH turnover shot.

Other Thoughts:

Overall this is a fun course that caters well to beginner and intermediate players, but more experienced players won't find much challenge here.

I want to rate this course a 3 because I did enjoy it, but the lack of challenge and list of con's are just too much.
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5 0
MrHollywood
Experience: 11 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 24, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Has a good variety of shots
-Great course for intermediates
-Concrete tee pads
-Some real awesome holes such as the downhill on 15
-Really did great with the elevation changes
-Located in a great park that seems to be there just for the course

Cons:

-Not very much signage
-Some tee pads hard to find at first
-A few baskets are lower than regulation
-Not a lot of long holes if that's your thing

Other Thoughts:

Not much else to say that hasn't been said in previous reviews. One of the main drawbacks to the course is the poor signage but the problem can be fixed by printing off the map here which I highly recommend. It took a few extra minutes but I was able to figure out all the holes and tee pads relatively easy with the map. The road always seem to be in play on most holes but it is not a very busy road so not really too big of a deal.

Edit* After going back again it seems like they have updated their signage some. There is now a wooden post displaying each hole number at the tee pad but still difficult to find some tee pads and figure out which basket is the correct one.
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2 2
blarmour
Experience: 14.3 years 39 played 4 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Not Impressed 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 2, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

The tee pads are very nice and in great shape. The elevation changes and obstacles (trees, elevation, fences, roads, etc) were enough to keep your interest. There was no one around the day I played so didn't have to worry about other players or just people in the park getting in the way like you do at some courses.

Cons:

As mentioned in the past, the signage is terrible. I had printed off the map of the course before I went and still had difficulty finding some of the tees and baskets. Not a very good flow between some of the holes. With as little as the course seemed to be used by others other than disc golfers, not sure why they would have difficulty keeping proper signage. Some of the baskets were pretty rusty, but nice deep baskets.

Other Thoughts:

Only people I saw were the city workers mowing with the big tractors and bush hogs. I was actually prepared to just wait until they were done in that area, but they actually stopped 3 times when they were in the area I was preparing to shoot from. Nice to see they respected disc golfers enough to do that rather than look at us like we were just in their way. Favorite holes were the downhill shot on 15 followed by the uphill shot on 16.
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7 0
RShott
Experience: 15.2 years 42 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Hooray for Concrete Tees 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 11, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is a fun course to play. It plays through a nice little park that seems to be used almost exclusivly for disc golf. There are lots of elevation changes and a good amount of large trees. The land is used very well in my opinion; there are a lot of interesting shots which keeps the course fun. Also, Concrete teepads have been installed and they are very nice.

Cons:

The signage on this course is pretty bad. The signs simply have the hole number on them; there is no map of the hole or distances post on the tee sign. This makes navigating the course a bit confusing the first time you play it (I had to walk down the fairway of a number of holes to figure out where the basket was). After you have played it once or twice there are no navigation problems, but I really hope proper signs are installed to alliviate the confusion.

The holes are all pretty short. This can be a pro or a con; it makes it a fun course that can be used to work your mids and putters and to play casual rounds, but it is not a super challenging course, so if that is your cup of tea, you will probably be a little let down. The elevation and trees keep it from being too easy. This course has a good level of difficulty for us beginner and intermediate players, but an advanced player would tear this course up.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course one time about a year ago, and at that time there were only natural tees. They were absolutely terrible; uneven and pretty trecherous. Now that concrete tees have been installed this course is much much better, and for me it is now a solid 3 disc course. The best course in Bloomington by far.
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2 0
gkeberhart
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.2 years 36 played 31 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A nice find 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 17, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Not unbearable and yet challenging. There were many holes with multiple tees which was nice. It was hilly with plenty of trees and OB. The baskets were sturdy and generally in good condition. Holes were usually between 250-300ft while not long it fit the course design perfectly.

Cons:

Hole 8's basket was damaged. tee pads were clearly in need of some updating. hole 14 was just not designed well IMO, you throw blindly into the woods with no direction of where the basket was and you pretty much hoped you threw it close to where the basket should be located. there was a wildlife/farm area that was right in the middle of the park that you had to be cautious of.

Other Thoughts:

no bathrooms, small parking lot, poor signage. The locals were great there, had a chance to play some random draw doubles with about 10 of them. It also sounded like they were going to put in concrete tees there soon as well.
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5 1
dickyp1113
Experience: 14.6 years 6 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 3, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

A ton of obstacles in your way which is great for using shot selection and accuracy. Tons of trees and a nice feeling of seclusion for the most part. A short course but each hole is pretty different.
Update: A nice addition of about 6 benches at the start of some holes on the front nine.

Cons:

Not well maintained. Beat up tee boxes. Rusty baskets. Tons of overgrown brush. If it rains there will be a ton of mud and it will be tough for footing.
Update: Almost every tee box has been replaced by cement boxes. If better signage follows I think this course will be greatly improved!

Other Thoughts:

Overall i think its the best course in Bloomington. There arent any long courses in the town so the fact that this is a tough course due the terrain makes it a huge plus. If they could just find a way to maintain the course it would be higher rated and alot more fun to play
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8 1
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.2 years 316 played 268 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Crestmont Park DG 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 15, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Outstanding use of elevation and trees throughout.
-Fair risk/reward opportunities: several "thread the needle" drives required; the shule and the protected pin positions on certain holes reward safe shots while brutalizing errant ones; elevated pins provide a very real chance of rolling downhill; most holes test shot-making and line-shaping skills.
-Despite the lack of adequate signage, the flow of the course felt very natural without much chance of getting lost.
-Ace opportunities without being cheap or easy.
-Alternative long/short tees on some holes help make the course beginner friendly.
-Baskets have a few rusty chains but otherwise catch great.

Cons:

-Gravel tees are rutted and brutal. Signage is just barely adequate to find the next tee, and several tee numbers are missing.
-Poison ivy, especially on the trees on 4 and 5.
-Park is a bit shabby and didn't seem to be overly used, which is a shame for such a fun little course. Some litter; large rusted metal objects jut randomly from the earth in a few spots.
-Treacherous in the rain. Tees and several holes on the back nine flood. A couple of the elevated holes on the back nine become extremely slick and dangerous, making falling and sliding a very real possibility.

Other Thoughts:

-Nestled in a mostly-wooded city park with a fair amount of elevation. A small creek weaves throughout the course, providing the chance of getting a disc wet. Park is surrounded by a housing community but for the most part the course feels more wooded than urban. Park amenities are scant: a small shelter by the first hole, a small grill, and a community garden space. Some stumps, benches, and trashcans scattered throughout.
-Crestmont has a good mix of hole styles, although because of the size of the available land there aren't any holes over 350-400'. If you have a big arm this is an outstanding course for mid-range or putter practice.
-It's a shame that such a well-designed course, with many great traits, seems to be largely neglected. The few trashcans needed emptying, poison ivy is growing up and around trees in the middle of the fairway, and the park hadn't been mowed in a while.
-Better tees, signage, and upkeep would make this already fun course a delight to play.
-Mulberry tree by #4 is one of the many mature, interesting trees throughout the park. Totally worth a look if you're, you know, into that sort of thing.
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4 0
dagwood112
Experience: 20.6 years 72 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Desert Mirage 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The design capitalizes on the park's natural features to create a successful course in a limited space. Although most holes are short, players are required to execute a variety of shots. As noted in a previous review, the different seasons substantially change the feel and difficulty of the course.

A community garden project was added to the park in the last three or 4 years. It is a good addition to the course. The local residents, as well as players, are generally pleasant.

Cons:

In a word, amenities. Crummy gravel tee pads. Lame. Mediocre signage. One bench (maybe two) on the entire course. No bathroom. Not really a problem for guys. But, with children around I would like an option that doesn't include a trip to the sex offender registry. Speaking of children, the locals kids can occasionally become unintended targets for discs.

Despite the lack of length, the course can eat plastic. Especially in the dense foliage of deep summer. On a related note, retrieving discs from the drainage ditch/creek can be unpleasant.

Other Thoughts:

I was in school for three years in Bloomington. Local disc golf options are woefully inadequate. This course provides a tremendous community service. With the flora and topography of the area I never understood why there weren't more options.

There are several light posts on the course. Rumor has it at one point they were used for night disc golf. I can't confirm or deny. I can say that it would be freakin awesome.
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6 0
skottyb
Experience: 25.5 years 54 played 26 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A nice park setting 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 28, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great layout in a fairly small park.
Terrific use of elevation and terrain.
Most holes are reachable by a midrange, you will find a lot of accurate shots are needed to get those birdies. Mature trees throughout, and the course seemed fairly clean at the time of play.

The baskets were in great shape, it caught everything they should have.

The neighborhood seemed very nice, no trouble at all. I am not sure by some of the other reviews that warned people of losing discs. I didn't see many possiblities too lose a disc..

Cons:

Tee signs - would be nice if there was a better description of some of the holes. I ended up playing from the shorts I believe just because it was where the main tee sign (usually was on). It would be great to have a small map on each tee sign.

The tee pads, egad..some of them had craters in the middle of them. I am sure this is due too high play and the wet winter they have had. The course was very wet, but you can't do much about that. Some benches, better tee signs and level tee pads would be great too get this up too the 4.0.

Navigation on the baskets too the next tee would be awesome too.

Other Thoughts:

Overall I would definitely play the course again, there was some snow on the ground which made disc finding fun at times (white disc). This is definitely a Roc friendly course as I think I could play 90% of the course with a Roc and a putter. I hope Bloomington advances there disc golf culture, I would love too see another course somewhere near by since Karst has been degraded too the 9 holes.
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4 2
Papa T
Experience: 17.6 years 8 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

No Beginners Here. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 9, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Differing techniques needed for quality score. There are long holes, short holes, wooded holes, open holes, wet holes, dry holes, uphill holes, downhill holes, right turn holes, left turn holes, etc...

The best part about this course is that you will never get bored. I've probably played it 100 times. It never gets old. Even the seasons add changes to the course.

Cons:

Tee boxes are in pretty bad shape. All of them are gravel, and most are worn in. Sometimes the grass gets long.

Parking lot is small.

Holes 13 and 14 have the pipes from the subdivision draining on it.

Also, you might lose discs.

Other Thoughts:

This course is one of my favorites. I would recommend it to all average to pro level players. I would certainly not bring someone who is just learning to this course, unless they are ok with scoring +15.
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2 4
Drew4723
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Pleasant surprise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 11, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Wow, what an awesome nature hike. Not to mention it's an 18-hole course, this is one is a must to visit.
The varying elevation provides for some extra challenge, plus there's holes in open fields as well as forests.

Cons:

Very easy to lose a disc, plus it can be difficult to follow along the course as well as finding the tee you're shooting for.

Other Thoughts:

A great compliment to a great college town.
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4 3
DavidSauls
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 29.4 years 131 played 68 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Worth a stop 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 13, 2004 Played the course:once

Pros:

Something of an old-school, urban course (though I've no idea how old it really is). Fairly short, great for beginners, fun for better players, not terribly challenging for top players.

The course features some pretty good elevation change, pretty lush foliage (tall trees, some underbrush, thick grass), and a variety of shots using the elevation and trees well.

Cons:

Pretty short; very little chance for bigger arms to air it out.

Good holes but no real great holes.

Other Thoughts:

My impression of the neighborhood, as a traveler passing through, was that it's not bad---I had no concerns about it. No doubt it shares occasional minor problems of urban parks everywhere.

I'd certainly play it if I were in the area again.
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