Mishawaka, IN

George Wilson Park

3.25(based on 37 reviews)
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1 3
discdude86
Experience: 31 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A fun round 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 27, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course uses every inch of the park and play though very hilly terrain .
There's so many great holes on this course ,and so many of them could be a signature hole .
Theres two down hill holes that lets you bomb your drive and were just a blast to play .

Cons:

baskets pulled during the winter because sledding hill.
Short holes that are easy and offer little challenge

Other Thoughts:

One of my favorite places to play
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6 0
BucketBonanza
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.4 years 47 played 30 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Hi, Mr. Wilson!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 14, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

George Wilson Park is one of the most fun courses I have played in my illustrious career. This park provides a chance to have a smooth round without feeling beaten down at the end of the line. There are some great hills here that provide some epic bomb opportunities that even the most consummate of technical players should find highly entertaining even though the challenge factor is quite minimal. The course begins on flat land and winds around through some sparse woods as elevation increases and things eventually open up wide over rolling hills. The frustration level is very low throughout as things are pretty well cut and dried without much chance to become trapped off the fairways pin balling your score into the stratosphere. Keeping within play is readily obtainable on most holes. There are plentiful ace runs on this course as well. Concrete tee pads are present as are a few random trash cans that some people actually use from time to time. The restroom facility is located strategically so that hole 1, the start of the back 9, and the finish all put you right on track to use it if need be.

Cons:

The entire back nine, while fun and ego promoting, can be played without much thought. RHBH throws accomplish the job. Right pin placements only occur thrice throughout the entirety of the 18 making your shot bag somewhat useless for much of the time. Holes 10 through 15 feel a bit like fillers, but the lay of the land is something that cannot be changed. This course also loses some shine based on poor or absent signage and graffiti. A few of the baskets were a bit ramshackled. Litter was definitely observable, but was not out of control.

Other Thoughts:

This park features a modicum of variety and difficulty but manages to score based on terrain and fun factor. There are a few holes that are unique. The ravine shot to steps at 7 come to mind. Throwing with high voltage towers or giant teepee shelters as obstacles is also something that you don't get to do on every course. Holes 9 and 18 are simple, but the act of airing a disc out over their vastness is so immensely pleasurable. Overall, George was an enjoyable walk and an exercise in fun with some pretty heady views.
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4 1
esdubya
Experience: 29.4 years 106 played 23 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Solid 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

Elevation, fun and scenic holes. Unique layouts. You can tell someone "tried" when designing this course.
Holes 15 - 18 are really cool and make up for the blandness of 10-14.

Cons:

-Hole 2 - weird pin placement.
-Litter everywhere
-Erosion issues, rocks and ruts all over on the front 9.
-Steep drops off the front of a few pads
-10-14 on the back 9 are one-dimensional. RHBH hyzer all day, only thing that changes is the distance.
-Baskets are beatup, many of the cages hang at an angle.

Other Thoughts:

Front 9 is OK, not much I would change there. Back 9 10-14 could be more interesting. 15-18 are the signature holes.

Maybe there needs to be a league out here to teach people how to pick up after themselves. Also most everyone I saw was wayyy casual a league could raise the overall quality of play..

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3 1
RICKY BOBBY
Experience: 18.6 years 47 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Just great! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 3, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Safe, family friendly park.
Restrooms/changing/water fountains at hole 1/10.
Easily make the turn (no long walk between 9 and 10)
Great variety of shots needed.
Great variety of holes (long, short, wooded, etc)
GREAT 18th hole. 600' long and on top of a large hill. One of my all-time favorite holes.
Never very crowded when I was there.

Cons:

Pay to play.
A little bit of trash near the garbage cans. Some people can't aim I guess, unless it's a disc.

Other Thoughts:

Again, a great variety of holes and shots. I recommend this to anyone who has never played here before. IIRC this was a final course in the late 90's in the PDGA.
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3 0
MGroothuis
Experience: 34.4 years 7 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

G Dub-ya 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 25, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very good variety of holes with very unique hole layouts. It's a good mix of tight wooded fairways and wide open crushing distance shots. This course works both your accuracy and your power in different ways while the course elevation undulates 50ft or more. Holes 9, 16, and 18 are wide open downhill drives. Big distance discs like a Boss or a Nuke will have good opportunity to fly 400-500 feet. Hole 9 drive MUST be either an overstable driver or a roller. Out-of-bounds fence is very tight along the right side of the hole. Hole 17 has a fun basket placement at the very far ridge of a huge downhill slope.

Within the past 4-5 years, holes 5, 15, and 18 were redesigned to better use the land and avoid headaches. Hazards like perimeter fences, picnic areas, buildings, and playgrounds were all either moved or REmoved from the course play-thru areas.

Cons:

Several of the holes have very, very thick weedy brush to swallow errant throws, plus the course is overflowing with Poison Ivy in the wooded areas. Over the years, the carved paths of other golfers have not made finding discs easier.

There are 3-4 tee pads that have deep holes or drop-offs directly in front. They are visible in the pics on this site. It's a pretty big distraction if your follow-thru involves stepping off the front of the pad.

Signage is missing on some holes. Best to play pro par if unsure of course pars.

This course allows alcohol. Personally, it makes a good game go bad when you catch up to a bunch of half-drunk disc golfers. A couple of beers, fine, but it tends to get abused with people toting entire coolers full of beer around the park.

Other Thoughts:

Wish they would have kept the drinking fountain at the start of the back 9 and end at 18.
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8 0
Jukeshoe
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.2 years 316 played 268 reviews
2.50 star(s)

George Wilson 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 16, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Outstanding use of elevation. Many holes work up, down, and along the tops and bottoms of two huge grassy hills. Several tricky pin locations at the top edge of hills provide some decent risk/reward decisions.
-Five holes on the front nine play through a small wooded area, while the rest of the course is predominately open grassy areas. The wooded holes have a few interesting line-shaping opportunities but consist of wide, clearly-defined fairways with few risks. The open holes provide some decent ace runs of moderate length, as well as the chance to air it out on drives. Several holes encourage the clever use of rollers.
-Amenities: long, level cement tees in good condition; intermittant benches and trashcans; practice basket (located near #18's basket); teepee-shaped shelter by the #16 basket; small playground; adjacent to the playground is a good-sized grassy area ideal for practice and warm-ups.
-Close proximity to several other courses (Rum Village, Bertrand Park, Ferrettie Baugo, and Oxbow Park) facilitates easy traveling for a day of disc golf fun!

Cons:

-At time of review (4/16/10), the #3 basket, as well as the #14 and #15 tee-signs were missing. This adds to an already confusing course flow. At several points it is unclear where to head, and the large hills make it less than pleasant to run around trying to figure it out. In place of the #15 sign was one that read "Back Nine," and a couple of alternative tees appear, but they seem to no longer be a part of the course. I'm sure these issues are less noticable to players familiar with the layout, but they really detract from the experience if you're playing this course for the first time. I looked for a score card or map but it appeared that none were available.
-The signage leaves a bit to be desired. At a couple teepads, the orientation of the signs make it unclear in which direction to throw. Amateur par (posted on the signs) is ridiculously lenient, and at times head-scratchingly so (#5's Par 4 designation is particularly perplexing.)
-The beauty of the large grassy valley and its hills is largely spoiled by high-tension wires that stretch along a few holes, as well as the long chain-link fence seperating the #1 and #9 fairways.
-Hole 14 has some incredibily thick, bushy shule lining the left edge of the fairway. Some trails were worn into it, but it still seemed like a particularly nasty place to toss a disc.
-$2 pay-to play (even for an out-of-towner, apparently.) Restrooms on-site but locked. Fair amount of litter, graffiti, and broken glass strewn about the course.
-#7 tee-pad ends in a drop-off, presenting a potential falling/tumbling hazard.

Other Thoughts:

-Several epic downhill bomb opportunities exist.
-A strong wind could make the open hilly holes a nightmare, but otherwise this course seems fairly straight-forward. It shines brightest when forcing risky shots down or along the tops of the large hills. Several basket placements maximize the risk of rolling a very long way away.
-A fair hike to complete.
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4 0
MotoDj
Experience: 15.7 years 20 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

compared to local courses 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 1, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

great elevation use throughout course, gives you all shots, left right, long short, up and down
half wooded, half open
above average upkeep, great restrooms, play area for kids, open area for airing out practice drives, baskets 9,18 and a practice basket makess for a great warm up approach loop
lets you cut loose on 6 or more drives, sadly the big hills are the only real lengthy holes

Cons:

pay to play, but its 2 local, 3 outta area so its not bad, half the holes get taken out for 4 months outta the year, lots of unleashed dogs (no issues other than poo and distraction... dogs dont seem to go after discs)

Other Thoughts:

my number 2 for local course
we play alot there, great place to take multiple drives fromt the tees, fairly open and hard to lose discs on half the holes (sledding hill side)
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5 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.7 years 831 played 777 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun course with cool elevation 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 10, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays around a couple large sledding hills with a valley in between, so there is a lot of great elevation in play on the course. The hills are used very well to add challenge on drives, as well as making some risk/reward situations in putting areas with nasty roll-away possibilities. Much of the course is out in the open with big elevation, but some of the front 9 plays through woods. There is still some elevation, and a couple nice tight fairways to add a different dimension to the course.

There is a nice variety of lengths on the course, from ace run holes to huge downhill bombs where you can let a drive rip (or a bunch of drives if there's nobody waiting behind you). There is also a nice variety of hole types. The wooded holes force straight, right turning, and left turning shots, and the open holes make you deal with elevation and wind, along with shot placement to keep from rolling down the hill.

There are good concrete tees for all the holes, and nice signs that make the course easy to follow and navigate. The course has great flow, so there aren't any silly walks, or places where it isn't obvious where to go next. There is a practice area near the 18th pin with enough room to work on putts and approaches. The park is very clean and nicely maintained, with some nice scenery.

Cons:

I really liked the variety on the front 9, so the back 9 seemed a little bland in comparison. There were some nice holes, but a full 9 of open holes seemed like it could use something different. I wish that with all the elevation available, there were more uphill shots to go along with the awesome downhill bombs, I only remember one hole that played up the hill.

If you don't like to pay to play, the small fee here might bother you, I personally found it to be reasonable and definitely worth it. I did hope that it would keep out some of the players who tend not to have good course etiquette, and unfortunately that wasn't true. On both 9 and 18, we got stuck behind groups that wanted to empty their entire bags without letting any of the three groups stacked up behind them play through. Then it took them a long time to collect their 53 and 67 discs respectively (I counted). These same groups also were leaving trash behind as they played, and I hate to see people making a mess of such a nice facility.

Other Thoughts:

This course offers some cool challenges, with accuracy tests on the front 9 and placement and distance tests on the back 9. Experienced players will have fun here, and will need to throw some good shots to score well. Beginning players will probably find this course tough, but accessible, the holes can be long but there isn't really anywhere to lose a disc, and the course is easy to follow.

If you have the chance, this course is definitely worth the stop. It's got some really great holes, and a bunch of good holes, and I would definitely go back and play it again.
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3 1
Star Destraayer
Experience: 24.4 years 113 played 11 reviews
4.50 star(s)

It's even Exciting to Look at 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

An awesome course both to look at and play. Excellent use of hilly terrain with a number of downhill bombs and ravine shots (surprising very few uphill climbs.) The course has some wooded holes peppered through the front nine with shots that are not to demanding of accuracy. A very clean and well maintained facility that installs a sense of excitement with it's beautiful views.

Cons:

In all fairness, The course isn't too challenging if you have a big arm. Holes 10-12 are repeats of each other, but they provide a gradual climb back up the courses sloping terrain.

Other Thoughts:

This course is defiantly worth your time! My friends and I drove 2 hours to play it with a slue of other courses in the area. There are a lot of holes that will make you want to take a second or third shot for fun. The pyramid structure bursting forth from the hillside greats your eye right away, setting the tone for the rest of the course. The two dollar fee to play is worth all the beautiful pictures and memories I took from this course.
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1 4
shaggz
Experience: 15.3 years 11 played 5 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Love this Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Just a great mix of holes, woods, open range for driving, decent use of elevation, with #9 and #18 being setup to really rip your discs. Very fun course to play!

Cons:

Closed for sledding in winter a hear.

Other Thoughts:

I like to take "newbies" that I introduce to the sport to this course. I feel like it's a course you don't have to worry about losing your disc on.
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6 0
zud00
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.3 years 204 played 47 reviews
4.00 star(s)

9 and 18 make it worth it 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great variety on the front 9. Signature 9th and 18th where you get to throw from the top of the hill. Excellent tee pads and signage. Trash cans available, restrooms, and picnic tables. Practice basket located next to restrooms, Playground for children. Scorecards available.

Cons:

Back 9 holes lack variety. You have to pay to play $3 for being an out of town visitor.

Other Thoughts:

The front 9 holes on this course offer about 9 different types of holes. There's short and straight, dogleg right, through the woods, in the open, over the hill, over the ravine, and then you get to hole 9...A big downhill hole! The fence on the right plays as O.B. so keep it straight!

The back nine holes play in the open but take advantage of the rolling terrain. Being in the open rolling hills, your distance judgement may be off, either that or the distance on the tee signs was off when I played the course.

There was one hole with a missing sign so we had to refer to the map on the scorecard to locate the tee pad. Hole 17 is a fun hole with the building behind the pin on the left and a huge downhill slope on the right side of the pin. Once again, with the basket being on the edge of the hill, the distance of the hole distance seemed difficult to judge. And finally hole 18, the ~600' downhill hole where you can let 'er rip!

I really enjoyed the variety of the front 9 holes, ripping it on hole 9 and 18, and the rolling terrain of the back 9. I would definitley recommend this course to anyone in the area or passing through. When you step up to the tee on 9 and 18, you'll be glad you did.
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5 2
mmyersdisc
Experience: 16.3 years 14 played 14 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Sledding and discing! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 25, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very versatile course...tight shots on the front nine, open shots on the back nine! Hole 18 will test your distance with I think a 500' downhill shot. Hole #1 is an easy ace hole for either forearm RH throwers or lefties. Plus its only 2 dollars to play!!!

Cons:

Some vandalism, beer bottles and such eventhough alchol is prohibited, as stated below, # 15 is missing a sign.

Other Thoughts:

The back nine has a fence to the far left of it...there IS a way to get over the fence in 2 spots if you lose a disc over there..go all the way back to hole 15 i think and go behind it...or there is a opening further up that you can squeeze through.
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6 2
discNDav
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 38.4 years 453 played 94 reviews
3.00 star(s)

fun course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 9, 2007 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

As stated earlier, the front and back 9 are
very different. The front 9 requires well placed drives and approach shots. The back 9 is much more open and forgiving.

Great elevation changes! Holes 9 and 18 are worth the price of admission.

Cons:

Pay to play course and DG is closed during winter as a sledding park.

Other Thoughts:

Hole 7 down and uphill is a classic yet become much easier over the years.
Close to the Rum Village course in SB, same road different town and road names.

I'd compare it to a mini-Brandywine in Delaware which is much more known.


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7 0
davetherocketguy
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20.3 years 114 played 105 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Older Course but Very Nice 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 9, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

As previous reviews have said there is a heavily wooded front nine and a wide open back nine. The front nine will kick your tail with the majority of the holes very difficult to deuce much less ace namely, #4, #5, #6 and #7. But if your confidence is shot then comes #9 to lull you into a false sense of security with a 490' long and over 75' drop that is wide open. Unfortunately, I've seen many people new to the course wind up way wide to the left or wide right and off into the parking lot. Those that can accurately use a roller will positively love this hole along with much of the back nine. With a few exceptions (like #8), the underbrush is not horribly thick so errant throws are not impossible to find. Lots and lots of elevation changes. Not terribly hard to find your way around. It's one of those courses you could play over and over.

Cons:

The course is a bit outdated. It is relatively short and could use a bit of lengthening especially on the back nine. It is also subject to some vandalism but not quite as bad as it is at Rum Village. The #15 tee is missing a sign.

Other Thoughts:

#6 is tough to find. Looking at the #5 basket with the #5 tee directly behind look behind the clump of trees and bushes off to the left. It is between them and the fence. The #15 tee sign is gone and there are 2 concrete pads very close together . The pad closest to the #14 basket is the one to use.
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6 3
MarshallPrime
Experience: 22.5 years 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

The George Wilson Wonder 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 12, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a great course. We play every hole, no matter what, par 3's to keep scoring easier. It has something to offer all players. It gives some longer shots, elevation changes, some birdiable holes (using par 3's) and some very nice views.

Cons:

It does cost $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents. Their holes are removed from most of the course until mid spring for sledding. You never know when they will be put back.

Other Thoughts:

I have played this course many many times. Never gets old. One of my favorite courses if not my favorite. Very worth the while. Come and enjoy.
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10 0
CNeuey
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

George Wilson Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 18, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

This is a very fun course to play. The different elevations of holes make for a fun time. The back nine is really open with not much risk of hitting any trees. There is a good combination of short and long holes. The front nine is mostly in and around the woods. It is a perfect match for those interested in playing a course where you need to be very accurate with your throws in the woods (front 9) or for those who just want to throw a disc as hard and as far as you want to without much risk of losing it (back 9). Holes 9 and 18 by themselves really make a trip to this course worth your while. The park also provides you with a scorecard that has a map of the course when you arrive (be sure to ask for it if they don't give it to you right away).

Cons:

Residents need to pay 2 dollars to play and those coming in from out of town pay 3 dollars. The course is an easy course, especially the back nine. Some par 4 holes would be par 3's at other courses. There is even a par 5 hole that you can get a 3 on fairly easily. I don't go that often but usually leave shooting anywhere from 5 to 10 under par.

Other Thoughts:

Overall I think this is a great course and is worth the money to play. You can even see the Golden Dome of Notre Dame on the skyline on holes 9 and 18. Go and check this course out. You won't be disappointed.
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4 3
TimSyl
Experience: 17.7 years 172 played 35 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 15, 2007 Played the course:never

Pros:

Has some good holes in the woods and down the tubing hills. Normally in good condition.

Cons:

Holes 10-13, and 15 are too easy for this course. They are all about 200-220' hyzers and really don't fit the rest of the course. The rest of the holes are so good, the above mentioned are a disappointment.
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