Located on the private property of the Hillcrest Farm, but separate from the farm functions (never saw a cow or horse
), but don't touch the wire fences, they are live! Neat little cabin that serves as the Clubhouse, tons of discs and bags to rent, check in facilities, a restroom, and place to hang out. There is also a back deck overlooking the practice area, complete with 3 DISCatchers, all flying the Canadian Maple Leafs.
So many things to like about the Houck design at Hillcrest. It has many of the same design features as the only other Houck design I have played, Rock Ridge in NC. Among these:
Multiple scattered trees to pick through on a short Par 3 (#6).
Split fairways, with different paths to the green on multi-shot holes (#1, #5, #12, #14, and #18).
A couple of epic long tee positions (#2, #14 and #18).
One of the most picturesque holes you will see anywhere is #11. It looks like a special tee had to be built of pavers, that lines up perfectly down the short 191' fairway, that is crossed 5 times by Mamie Brook, before one more crossing at the back of the green. Only 10-15' wide at the tightest, your short game has to be tight to card this birdie.
#5 is another unique design, an open fairway to three gaps in the trees reachable from both tees, pick the one to shoot for, Left, Center or Right. Then, another 150-200' to the guarded pin, including a large leaning tree with roots exposed. A great challenge to play.
At least half the holes have baskets on sloped greens, miss a putt and a rollaway could cost you more than one throw. I noticed tree plantings on most holes (along with protection fencing), so this course will get tighter. With the creative design and continuing improvements, Hillcrest will continue to improve. Plus, the addition of Gold Tees (7) and Gold Baskets (5), the course should challenge even more players.
Probably the only downside of Hillcrest is its location, on the remote island Province of Prince Edward Island, its just not accessible for most players. This probably explains why it has only received 14 reviews in its 11 years of existence.
I was very excited to find out that we would spend a few days on the island, and just a few days after its reopening.
Big thanks to William and all the workers that got this course back into playable shape and allowing anyone to come and experience this gem of Disc Golf. It really is one of the best that I have played.