The trees, hills, & fields make an interesting time

There are a few holes that exist just to move you. Thy are the least fun holes.

I enjoy the whole thing, but the end holes could be better. If I ever have the chance to go back, I will.

UPDATE:

Played the course after 2+ years away and noticed some improvements (including a new course map at the parking lot). The area has boomed with commercial and residential development. The course is still great, but the surrounding area is almost unrecognizable.


Main teepads are now almost all pavers (the exception is #14 which still uses the concrete slab, but I saw some construction materials, so that might be replaced with less-slick pavers too). The shorts are mostly rubber and mats, but you really don't need the shorts unless you're a beginner. Although the Main layout is 1300' longer, it adds 5 to par, to compensate.


New Main teepad positions on a few of the opening holes (look for #3 up on the hill behind the bench and the old location); new holes on the back nine (#16 is now 825'. It's a par 5, but it's a brute). New wall in front of the green on the short and straight #15 to make it play as an island hole


+ Mostly wooded layout with lots of challenging shapes. A few somewhat open holes interspersed, makes for a good variety (and a false sense of relief during the round)


+ The challenge changes over the course: it starts short with an emphasis on shaping your way through tight doglegs with blind shots, but the layout steadily straightens and lengthens, leading up to a testing run of closing holes that require more power (with accuracy) to score


+ For extra challenge, play #18 to the island basket in the parking lot as a Par 4. That makes for a really satisfyingly tough finishing hole.

- Nothing significant. A few holes hold water for a day or more after a rain. Others have noted a lot of trash around the course, but I didn't see much at all. This is an old dumping area, so glass and other fragments tend to surface from time. The local club has done a great job.

~ Doc's layout and environment are almost unique among NJ courses, and places like Doc, South Vineland, and Ockie Wisting are way different than anything much further north. One of the best things Doc Cramer has to offer is this "sense of place" - you really are playing disc golf in an environment that's particular to this part of New Jersey. The sandy soil, low scrubby pines, trails through the woods feel more like Delaware courses like Cape Henlopen or Trap Pond.

+ Almost all of the tee pads are made of solid stone tiles. They are flat, long & wide enough for a wind-up and provide good traction for the player.
+ The fairways are cleanly maintained and easy to tell apart from the rough. I never felt as though I was throwing in the wrong direction.
+ Each tee pad, whether long or short, has its own updated sign for distance, par, and a diagram of what's ahead.
+ Trash cans and benches are regularly found all over the course. I saw no litter anywhere within the playing environment.
+ Some bumps and grooves every now and then make for modest elevation challenges, which are welcomed changes from this mostly flat course.
+ Most of the course plays within dense clusters of trees. This forces the player to focus with their throws.
+ About equal presence of pins to the left, right, and center.

- The huge welcome map right next to hole one shows Doc Cramer as a 9-hole course. While it doesn't hurt the disc golf experience at all, I feel as though this should be updated so people have a better idea of the course layout.
- There are no huge sprawling open holes to allow the player to let loose at full power.
- The venue isn't too spectacular. As this is southern New Jersey close to the shore, all anybody can really expect as far as scenery goes is pine trees on mostly flat ground. As a result, almost none of the holes really stood out for me.
- The 'next tee' signs should be upgraded to something stronger than laminated card stock tacked to a tree.
- Between holes 5 and 9, I saw bees the size of my thumb!

Doc Cramer is not the toughest course to play. Nor is it the prettiest to experience. And navigating it might be a hassle for a first-time player. Having said that, I would definitely play here more often if I lived closer because of what it does right.

This course has an assortment of short, medium, and long distance holes. Most are shorter than 350 feet. Among them are very many tunnel shots, to be certain. Most of the course surrounds you with trees, so I would definitely say that this course emphasizes deliberate placement instead of power. That is made a little bit easier by the course being mostly flat. Still, there are a few holes that open up and let you find your own path.
The example that sticks out in my mind is my personal favorite of the course-- hole 11. From the tee pad, the player throws out of the woods. The ground drops off into a wide open sandy valley for +/- 100 feet before rising back up again to a death pin position surrounded by trees.
The course designers seemed to understand that the landscape did not have much to offer as far as elevation was concerned, so they worked with what they had and ended up having a course that tests the player without being overly frustrating or boring.

When it comes to ease of use, Doc Cramer doubles back on itself once or twice. Thankfully, there are brightly colored 'next tee' signs in plainly visible spots. However, when there is a dirt trail intersection, there are no clues as to which way leads to where. This course could really benefit from having numbered 'next tee' signs where they would be useful. Holes 6, 10, 12, and 18 come to mind as I say this.

All in all, I am pleased with Doc Cramer DGC. It fills its footprint nicely. I look forward to playing again, even if the next time is a few months away.

Some nice tee pads made of brick
Interesting scenery of the pine barrens. I had never played in an environment like this so it was a cool experience.

Very dirty, trash everywhere. I question if it has ever been cleaned up.
Very wooded (could be a pro for some). I found it to be overly wooded I'm no stranger to difficulty wooded courses but there were way to many tree in the fair way of quite a few holes. I didn't feel like much of a fairway
Navigation was difficult. Me and my brother eventually found our way around but had to invent our own tee pad for the 18th hole after searching for 15 minutes.
signs at the tee pad were a little misleading.

I would go back if they made some improvements to the fairways. I had fun although I played one of my worst games. The course is very challenging and certainly not for beginners. I really liked the lay out of the first hole!

Fun and challenging 18 basket course in the woods with sometimes fairly narrow fairways. All tees are now brick pavers and are currently marked with helpful signage. Most holes are par 3 with a few par 4 and one par 5. Baskets are visible from the tee on about half the course, the rest are dog legs. Great course for all players to learn but still a challenge for seasoned guys. There were some trees left in the fairways and the surrounding areas are densely wooded. I'm hooked.

Close parking
Well marked
Challenging

Mostly tight holes with lots of trees, even on the few open holes
Denting a lot of discs on the trees
Some short tees dont appeared built or finished, making for minor confusion on a couple holes

Had a good time jogging through this course in about an hour.

-New paver tees on every hole
-Moderate to DiffIcult design
-Rewarding, yet fair par structure
-Very well laid out, has potential to become one of the best in the state.
-Short tees on longer holes for the daunting lines
-People; I can't stress enough how great the community is down there. Very welcoming to new comers and visitors alike.

-Cleanup needs attention. Course is in an area of the pines previously used by atv traffic and the land was not well maintained by previous users. Debris is probably the only downfall of this course.. For now.
-Parking is ample, but in school football/lacrosse season there are times of congestion. Rarely an issue, but good to note.
-Bring bug spray in the summer. It's not the worst I've seen, but better safe than sorry!

Amazing course with every line you can think of between the 18 tees. It can test your ability on one hole, yet peppers in the "get em" 2s that make the hard ones even more worth it.

New tee signs are on the way right now and an updated course map is coming in the near future for the kiosk.

The local team is putting countless hours into getting this course in top shape and it shows. If recommend this course to anyone who likes the woods.

Fair lines with many options to pin on most holes.
Two pads on longer holes for different skill levels.
Nice mix of short and long layouts.
Good variety of shots needs to navigate course.
Baskets in great condition.
Most pads are brick (really nice work), and the remaining carpet pads had materials lined up already to install the brick boxes.
Good signage indicating next hole. Navigation was pretty easy.
Plenty of trash bins on the course (almost every hole).
Super nice benches on many holes with good seating on the rest.
Plenty of parking
Lots of room to warm up.
Cool practice basket on an island green

Lots of trash and glass embedded in the dirt and sand around the first few holes.
Course needs a bit of a "face-lift", just some good clean up would really improve the look and feel of this one.
Tee signs could be replaced/updated to reflect new course layout.
Next tee signs could be updated/improved (though they still do a good job of indicating next hole, just kinda small and in need of repair)
Other facility areas can cause omission of a few holes if being used.

Had a great time playing this course all week during my stay on LBI. This course seems like a bunch of easy short shots, however if your placement is off, your looks at the pin will be compromised (sneaky technical !). Love hole 11, a cool elevation shot to an elevated green...at sea level! The long par 5 (16) is tricky. Couldn't figure it out...maybe next year. This is a solid 3 star course that with a few improvements easily makes a 3.5 or 4 star level. Looking forward to playing Doc again next July and many years to come.

It's a very demanding course and is very well balanced for shot shaping. You will get a chance to throw every type of shot here if you have it. New paver tee pads are 2/3 finished as of now.

Course is still young still needs some trees removed along with stumps. People used to dump garbage throughout the course and it tends to resurface when it rains (glass,vinyl, etc.) Signage is poor but is in the process of getting done. Not much room to air any shots out here except 18 and the rough can be punishing at times if you don't keep it on the fairway.

This is my home course and I volunteer here as well I would highly recommend playing here if you enjoy woods golf.

This course is a ton of fun, I have just started playing this the last month so my review is from someone new.I think this course is amazing the guys were out redoing the tee boxes with paver stones. Everything looks amazing and the course is challenging. I see a lot of people complaining about the trees, but we are playing in the woods, after all there is a mixture of open holes and tight holes. I have managed to shoot an average score of 70-73. Which I know is not killing it but it is enough to keep me going 2-3 times a week.

Just use bug spray, I have only gotten 1 tic so far but I have used bug spray ever since and haven't gotten one.

I hope to keep playing this course as it is busy now that the weather is getting nicer. Also parking lot gets crowded when there are weekend sporting events.

18 hole challenging wooded course in a clean township park a short distance from Long Beach Island. A welcome board greets you at hole 1. There are good amenities- plenty of parking, a snack/pavilion/bathrooms (though not always open) and the course is 2 minutes from numerous restaurants. Doc Cramer is very balanced, featuring a comparable amount of short, intermediate and long holes which are fair to both righties and lefties. New Chainstar baskets exist at each hole along with a tee pad and signs. Navigation is easy, with well-worn pathways and small arrows strategically placed throughout the course. Some holes have an alternate tee and benches. Course is pretty secluded, minimizing interference from other park patrons. Hole 18 features an island basket set on a median at the end of the parking lot. A dedicated group of people continue to work on and develop the course.

The course is currently undergoing layout changes and is in a state of flux, thus signage needs to be updated. Tee pads are a mix of rubber and carpet and could be upgraded. Several of the newer holes have stumps and other growth on and off the fairways which must be removed. There's a minor flow issue in having to cross in back of tee 6 to get to the back nine. A tree or two should be removed from a couple holes to eliminate pinball disc golf. Getting slammed by a par 5 and two par 4's (including an OB) after a balanced and relatively moderate first 15 can leave you discouraged at the end of your round. Some soggy areas after rain and ticks a factor in the summer.

Doc Cramer is one of three Ocean/Monmouth County disc golf courses about 15-20 minutes away from local beaches, making it a nice diversion for shore travelers. It has undergone quite a transformation since its beginning days as a 9-holer. There is now significant challenge here as some of the newer, wooded holes figure to be quite good when broken in. Kudos to the many people who have put in much work in making Doc a legitimate 18 hole venue. It will only get better. It compliments the more polished and forgiving course at Ocean County Park 30 minutes up the Parkway.

Truthfully, Doc Cramer will never be a personal favorite of mine because of its topography. Sand, pine trees and ground scrub are in abundance here and don't present the natural beauty found at many venues. Personal preference aside, Doc is a worthwhile play and a good, challenging addition to NJ Disc Golf.

The layout I played at the United Chains Classic on April 3rd 2016 was a par 60 with one temporary basket that might move slightly for it's final location. Its a tough course. Tight wooded shots on most holes will punish a player who gets frustrated and tries to power through everything. There is plenty of variety in length, left and right turns and straight shots. This course will push you to improve your forehand or turnover shot.

The new and improved layout offers some extensions to some of the shorter holes as well as a few brand new holes including a 750'+ par 5. It all feels fair though. There's only a couple times I really felt like it was "huck and hope".

Sandy terrain really helps the course dry out quickly after a rainfall. There will be puddles in spots but they drain out in a day or two.

Lots of short hills and mounds but nothing insurmountable for cart players.

The tunnel shots do get a few breaks with some short holes and a few wide open drives that let you really pick and choose your lines.

There are a lot of locals that come out often to fix problems like broken benches, downed trees and other stuff. If something's wrong on the course, it will likely be fixed very quickly. It's a young course and the locals are very passionate about making it great and keeping it that way.

Plenty of parking, lots of trash cans (USE THEM) and a bathroom right near the parking lot. I don't think the bathroom is open year round, but it should be available most of the year.

The nearby fields and parking lots can kick up some serious winds but none of the trees seem to be more than thirty feet tall so I never felt in danger from falling branches like I do in PA.

There are a bunch of arrows up in the trees to get you from one hole to the next which really helps for first time players.

The little desert in the middle of the course is very cool to me since I'm usually in PA and sand is just a rare sight.

Baskets are in great condition.

The layout does get tight at times but there's only one spot I remember I couldn't throw because people were coming back up the fairway after putting out. I never felt like I was going to get hit by an errant throw.

There are a few spots on the course that look like they may have been trash dump sites for some a**holes back in the day when it was just dense woods with nothing around. The effects of this are still lasting today. In spots there are piles of discarded car parts, piles of asphalt shingles or just large amounts of broken glass. Fortunately these blemishes are contained to small areas on only 2 or 3 holes and they will be taken care of in time, but I'd advise against wearing flip flops or sandals.

I've heard from local players that ticks can be a big problem during certain seasons so take the proper precautions.

The newer holes are so fresh at this time that stumps and sticks still rooted in the fairways on a few holes can ruin your day if you aren't careful. If this course gets the traffic it deserves, this should take care of itself in short time.

There are many other sports fields at the complex so parking might be an issue if there's a big event, but you might just need to walk a bit further.

Teepads will eventually be pavers, but they aren't yet. It's a mix between carpet and rubber mesh tiles. It's better than natural, but they aren't entirely flat so be careful with your run ups.

Tee signage also needs a lot of work, but the layout is brand new. There are temporary signs that are about the minimum you need to navigate each hole. They have par and distance and a crude sketch of the line to the basket but no landmarks or anything else yet. Give it time.

I won a tournament here in 30mph winds. I got to play a round with one of the local pros that maintains the course. The 18th hole finishes on an island inside a cul de sac at the end of the parking lot. It's really cool, but really treacherous at the same time with OB. This can really stir up a scorecard so don't count yourself out in a bad round with your buddies because anything can happen on 18.

Give these guys a few more months to and this will be a top course in New Jersey. In a couple years it will be great. Try it out if you're in the area and come back often because I'm sure there will be constant improvements.

You'll be near the parking lot after hole 11 so you aren't stranded in the woods for the whole 18.

The disc golf course only has very minor overlaps with the other sports fields but please be respectful and don't throw if there's a chance you'll hit someone.

Great course to work on your short technical game. With tight wooded shots you have to hit your lines if you want to score well here. The fairways in the woods are very tight and on some holes you are happy with a par. This course is great utilization of land that would have never been used otherwise. You will have to utilize every disc in your bag and almost every type of shot. This course will not only improve your game but is a great course for the short time it has been in the ground.

Holes 17 and 18 are closed during the fall and spring time due to football and lacrosse games and practices. If you want to get a full 18 holes in here do not come during the times these teams are practicing or playing.

The guys that have built this course have done a great job to make it what it is. Starting from only 9 holes a year ago this course has quickly grown and has become a fantastic 18 hole course. This course has also provided a place for youth to go and learn the game. The amount of young kids I see out on the course is great, knowing that the sport is truly growing

This course is 15 minutes from my house on LBI which is a very popular vacation spot in the summer. Tee pads have much improved. Benches are going to be installed very soon. Walkways, alternate tees, and 9 more holes were also added. This is a very fun addicting course.

Flooding can be an issue it's nothing to complain about.

living 15 minutes away I have seen this course grow from not having baskets in the ground to a great Course with 18 baskets in less than a year. Ryan works very had to keep the course in shape. Every week it seems cleaner. Also I'm noticing more and more people playing.

Good mix of technical & semi-open holes, disc placement helps more than big-arm/distance throws. Terrain & small elevation changes are well integrated into hole layouts. No poison ivy noticed anywhere on the course & stray discs easily found as underbrush is relatively sparse & non-intimidating. A good alternative option to the beach scene for visiting DG players especially those looking to bring others into the game.

Some tee signs need to better reflect the "character" of the hole layout though the course map is very helpful when the tee sign leaves you guessing.

Take a picture of the course map at hole-1 (w/ your smartphone) as it may be helpful during your first few rounds. The course is new so expect improvements in coming months.

The Doc Cramer DGC is tucked back in the woods behind the Doc Cramer sports complex in Manahawkin, New Jersey. The course is right off of exit 63 on the Garden State Parkway making it a great stop for a quick round while road tripping. It's also a short drive from Long Beach Island, making it a great place to get a round in while you're on a beach vacation. The course is quite new and is the only course to play along the shore in South Jersey. The baskets are quite new and in great condition. Tee signs are in now, displaying hole number, par, distance, and a map of the hole. Bright orange navigation signs get you from basket to tee with little confusion. The foliage is kept at bay and the grounds are quite clean. The course plays with good variety over its nine holes featuring tight ace runs, longer open shots, varieties of curves, and a little bit of elevation is thrown in the mix to keep things interesting. Basket placement is strategic forcing a number of risky putts, and the breeze coming off the ocean adds another variable to the game play. The course is short, but challenging. There's plenty of parking too.

Tees are a bit a of a drag. They're mostly natural, and with the sandy nature of the soil around here, sure footed drives are not guaranteed. Where they have put down a rubber matt, it's not long enough. Maps on tee signs are not incredibly accurate, which makes for a rough first time round since many baskets are not visible from the tee. Some fairways need to have a few trees taken out. I'm all about challenge, but some shots here require you to throw through jail the get to the pin. It's a bit of a long walk back to the beginning of the course from the ninth hole. The course plays quickly, I wish there were more holes. I hope there are plans to expand the course because it certainly feels like there is enough space to put in at least a few more if not a whole back nine.

This course is a nice escape from the touristy beach atmosphere of LBI and nicely tucked away from Manahawkin's big box highway strip. While I wish there were more holes, Doc Cramer is a nice break and welcome change of scenery from the beach.

This course has plenty of variety for only 9 holes. Varying degrees of woods and open, left turns, right turns, and straight ahead shots. None of the holes are automatic birdies - the shorter holes are more thickly wooded to really force a controlled shot.

Holes are a comfortable length for the amateur to intermediate player - average length is 259' (shortest is 128' and longest is 440').

The baskets are brand new Chainstars.

The tee signs were partially installed when I played. They are nice colorful signs on tall posts, with the par, distance, and flight path with obstacles.

A few of the tees had decent quality rubber pads installed - I assume the rest are on their way, but for now they are marked with bricks and logs.

Little chance of losing a disc - there are no water hazards and the rough is not very thick. However, the blind nature of a few of the holes (1, 3, 5, 7) could make you lose sight of where you landed.

Good use of the limited elevation available. I enjoyed the hill on the first hole, and the down-and-up on hole 6.

Only course in this area - the closest are 30 miles away, so definitely a plus if you live in this area, or are vacationing on LBI.

New players may feel a little frustrated by the longer holes and the blind nature of some holes. However, it is a good introduction course for this area that will still keep more experienced players interested.

Next tee was hard to find in a few places, but this is normal on a brand new course and will improve as the paths get some use. A couple more next tee signs would be helpful. I printed a map, but still had trouble finding tees 3 and 9.

This area of the park seems to be dedicated to disc golf, so there shouldn't be an issue with other park patrons. The only place where this might be an issue is hole 9 if the ball field is in use.

Plenty of parking, easy to find if you follow the directions on DGCR. The restrooms at the nearby stadium were locked when I played, they may only be open when there is a game.

Great job to the designers and builders, as well as the park directors. Hopefully this will lead to more new courses in the area!