Bloomington, MN

Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area (18) - Old Layout

3.755(based on 34 reviews)
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Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area (18) - Old Layout reviews

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4 0
Waddly Hobbins
Experience: 15.7 years 31 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Elevation is the name of game. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 19, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Plenty of parking.
-Waste Baskets @ tees
-Benches
-Nice concrete tees.
-Mach III Baskets
-Very nice scorecards
-This course will, if nothing else, teach you how to throw on elevation
-The few wooded holes that there were, had some nice design to them.
-Hole #18 is fun if you just want to see your disc fly for a long time.
-View from top of hill is pretty.
-Not very crowded, probably because this course is more of a workout than others around it.

Cons:

-Hole #14 , this hole is a pain in the butt. Throw you disc up a steep hill for 545ft with nothing technical to it, just drive, hike, drive, hike.
-Some fairways were made up of gravel roads, will tear into discs.
-Outside of elevation, there was not very much in terms of hole design. (there were a few nicely designed ones)
-Signs weren't very helpful, had to scout ahead to locate basket many times.
-Closed for skiing in winter (unavoidable but still, if you want to play year round, you couldn't)

Other Thoughts:

Bring water, you're in for a hike. This course has you thowing up and down a ski slope. It has the money put into it that it should really be a better course than it is in my opinion. If you are really are looking for an elevation challenge, you're in luck, otherwise I'd look elsewhere for your disc golf fix.
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8 0
harr0140
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 15.8 years 1512 played 480 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Ultimate Elevation Course 2+ years

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

Pros:

1) Dual concrete tees are always a positive and especially on a course with such massive slopes. If no concrete was in the stances would be really hard to play off of.

2) Elevation changes are obviously the most important design aspect on this course. Use of the elevation is also very good (although I would like to see more technical holes instead of just the elevation), because there are holes that go straight across the slopes (be careful not to turn the disc over (or stall out) and run way down the hill), a few that go straight up the hills which certainly add 25-40% to the effective distance, and even a few holes that go down the hills especially #18. #18 is the ultimate hole including elevation . . . the basket is sitting out there way in the open and calling for you to throw it close enough for a 2. It isnt easy to judge the wind or how far the disc will go. Just try and get it close to layup for a 3.

3) The wooded holes are pretty well designed, they use the trees effectively to challege your shots. I really enjoyed #16 which is a downhiller right to left. If you do not get far enough down the hill the branches might affect your shot. I got halfway down the hill and had to basically aim it into the ground 40' short of the basket and the wind got under it and lifted it up to park my second shot. It was just a cool hole and different enough of a hole.

4) Good variety in elevation usage. Across the slopes (2,5,8,12,15)
Uphill (1,3,4,10,13,14,17)
Downhill (6,7,9,11,16,18) Obviously what goes up must come down, but they did a good job balancing the overall elevation change.

5) Awesome amenities with a snack bar, pro shop, bathrooms. It is hard to believe there were like 5-10 employees there, not sure what else happens around that place in the summer, but I did see 5 or 6 other people running in this park.

6) Course was mowed but not too tight. Some disc will catch in the longer grass, and it will also help to prevent brutal rollaways. I did 3 putt from 25 because I hit the basket twice and it bounced off and rolled back to me on the sloped fairway on #5. It could have been worse with a shorter mowed turf!

7) Awesome views, despite the fact it was a little cloudy when I was there. The lake (albeit for snow making) at the bottom, the business section of Bloomington in the near distance, and apparently downtown in the far distance (not visible when I was there because of clouds).

8) Tee signage was ok. . . I agree those DGA signs arent the greatest but they ar ebetter than nothing.

Cons:

1) A few of the holes play across and around stone and gravel paths. I know they cannot remove the roads because equipment has to get around there, but they are certain to do some damage to your discs.

2) As far as elevation goes this is probably the ultimate course, but it seems to be too heavily relied upon in the design. I would like to see some more technical holes in the woods, or even some of the hilly holes to tuck the baskets more rather than having them in the wide open.

3) Erosion is a problem on some holes including some of the gravel roads. Obviously this will be a problem on a course with this much elevation changes. Obviously the turf (or weed) is covered by compacted snow for much longer than normal grass so whatever they can do to keep any vegetation on the slopes is what they do. Erosion would be much worse if the clover hadn't taken over the hills.

4) Not necessarily a negative about the course but I found getting a good planted foot and good setup to be very difficult on this course. It is a negative only because it affected how I threw. I will not downgrade the overall score because of this because it is simply related to the elevation. It just goes hand in hand with the elevation and left me feeling less about this course (again not because of design or anything it just is to be expected on a course with these slopes).

5) Not beginner friendly, it will only frustrate. Thats ok though, what beginner discer would want to climb all those hills.

6) Brutal to walk, its tough to climb the hills and be ready to throw. It is also tough to walk across all of those slopes, I found my feet hurting after the round, but it didn't stop me from plahying one more course. It is a good workout however as well as a challenge.

7) Signage between holes could be improved. There is also a long walk from #6 to #7 as you traverse the top of the hill. It takes you around the driving range . . . and there are balls all the way at the top so look out if it is busy.

Other Thoughts:

Overall this course underimpressed with the design of the holes. Most of the holes only used the elevation to create the challenege. Too many of the holes just went straight up, down, or across the hills. I know it is a skihill but they could certainly have used more trees to their advantage. I would have liked to see more baskets tucked up to woodlines or even into some openings into the woods. It was a challenging course but almost only because of the slopes and elevation changes. There were a handful of tough challenging fun holes like #3, 4, 6(although not too tough, I liked its setup), 10,15, 16 so this course does still receive a 3 or 3.5 rating from me, but I think they could have taken better advantage of the wooded areas on this course. I did have fun especially being able to thow about 600' for the first time in my life. I now know how to throw off a hill like that and had yet to figure it out. I did want to throw all the discs in my bag just to see how they reacted, but was afraid I would forget where half of them went. Obviously #18 is the signature hole on this course and it does not disappoint. My buddy even threw the disc all the way onto the platform where you would get on the skilift. He was shocked because the previous time he played there he shanked his drive and lost the disc, so he was grateful to go back and get a chance to beat that hole!
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3 2
grimace
Experience: 21.4 years 5 played 5 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Skilaufen? Vielleicht? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 17, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Learn how to throw on hills. up down sideways, hyzer into hills hyzer down the hill. some short some long, one really grueling up hill trek. the trek up to the top is worth it. well groomed

Cons:

not a beginner course.
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5 0
cydisc
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 28.5 years 257 played 85 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A physical challenge 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 9, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Lots of throws testing your skills
-elevation
-concrete tees
-decent signage
-well-groomed

Cons:

-Hole #14 (see below)

Other Thoughts:

As the name implies, the course is located on a ski area that obviously has plenty of elevation changes. With one exception, all of the holes use the elevation well whether it's uphill, downhill or sidehill. Many different shot shapes and hole distances to test your skills. It flows from one end of the facility to the other with a couple of criss-crosses toward the end. For a pay-to-play facility, it could use better signage than the standard DGA cut and paste variety that they use. Also, if you haven't played here before, make sure to grab a score card at the chalet as the course map will come in handy when you can't find the next hole or accidentally play to the wrong basket.

Naturally, with its steep nature, it's a physically demanding course requiring a lot of walking and climbing, so beware of that.

One hole I had a problem with was #14, which according to the sign, measures 500+ feet. Mind you, this is all straight uphill. This hole requires nothing more than throwing as hard as you can straight up. Not very fun.

In all, it's a decent place to play and since it's a pay course, the place will be maintained and improved upon in the future. I thought it was well worth the $3 I spent, even though one hole was closed due to some construction on-site.
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4 4
Par 72 Course Design
Experience: 7 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 21, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Challenges every aspect of your game. Ski hill course, expect a physical challenge. Great big tee pads. Great pro shop with food, beer, discs and gear. Very well taken care of. Many ski hill courses have overgrown grass and hard to find disc areas, not Hyland. (except hole #18). Hole #18 is 700 ft straight down, reachable with if a putter if the wind is right. Never crowded. Great compliment to the other 2 Three Rivers Courses. $30 is far to cheap for these 3 AWESOME courses. Heck, they turn the lights on for us for league night!!!
It'll get you in shape!

Cons:

It has to close for the winter season.
Scares away lazy disc golfers. (actually a pro). Not long enough, too many short holes IMO. Once they close the ball golf driving range we will be redesigning to be longer and more challenging.

Other Thoughts:

Pay to play is the future of Disc golf. Too many people play now and the courses physically can't handle it. More people = more problems, vandlism, litter, loud rude folks ect.... Pay to play will eliminate majority of this making sure disc golf is here for the long haul. Hyland rocks, if you don't like it, odds are you are out of shape.
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2 7
D.W.G.
Experience: 16.3 years 11 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Wow... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 16, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The exceptional views of the surrounding cities... A few nice holes...

Cons:

Having to pay to play an "OK" course... The footing on many of the holes is poor at best(ruts, holes, ect.)

Other Thoughts:

This isn't a course that I will play again... Nothing special, and a little too demanding for my taste...
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6 1
chalupamarley
Experience: 21.2 years 53 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 6, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The elevation change is the clearest strong point here. Uphill annies, down hill bombs, 300' steep down-hillers that need to be precisely hyzered. Sometimes, you've got to hurl two bombs straight up hill, into grades that make your longest shot seem like a wussy girlie man. Suck it up, though, the down hill shots more than make up for it.

Cons:

I admit that despite its high quality, the physical investment necessary keeps me away more than it should. The hills make it tough, but it's important to keep it in mind. Not only do you need to throw well, but you've got to conquer the demands Hyland puts out.

Other Thoughts:

Thirty dollar pass is definitely the way to go. Especially now that the third Three Rivers course is open.
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1 5
krallbd
Experience: 18.5 years 20 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Hilly as hell 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

The courses managers take extremely good care of this course, lots of variety of shots needed and a challenging course.

Cons:

A plethora of uphill and downhill shots that will tire you out tremendously. Also, not sure if is worth the fee to play
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4 1
widespread55
Experience: 26.6 years 12 played 12 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Holy Hills 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 9, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I loved the elevation changes on this course.It also has a good mix of open and heavily wooded holes. I also like the workout you get while playing. Tees and baskets are all good and its pretty easy to find your way around.

Cons:

Can be easy to lose a disc on a few holes. Watch out for poison ivy and out of control discs.

Other Thoughts:

I have a season pass and will be playin this course a lot
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9 1
Guurn
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 38.4 years 90 played 40 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Accuracy 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 20, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

At first glance, when perusing the hole distances and looking at the different fairways you would think there is a large advantage to having a big arm on this course, and there is. But the overlooked aspect of having a big arm is accuracy. It really is no different than midrange except that if you miss the shot you miss by a long ways. This is where this course shines. There are indeed a variety of shots and lengths on this course and many of the drives have different paths available. Often on the long distance drives available on this course if you miss the shot you will pay a penalty, whereas your buddy playing conservatively won't. The middle range holes reward accuracy greatly. Getting the proper distance on your throw is the difference between walking down a ski slope after a disc and a parked disc.
The holes are set up in a sensible manner, the teeboxes are in good shape the are long and short teeboxes for most holes. Signage is good. Fairways are pretty well maintained and it has a air conditioned proshop with food and drink.

Cons:

Some of the fairways are pretty rutted and the out of bounds areas can be very thick. There is a lot of walking up and down ski hills. Wind will play a large factor on some of the holes.

Other Thoughts:

It is pay per play and is rarely overcrowded. When driving down the last hole it is smart to have multiple sets of eyes on the discs thrown. There are multiple opportunities for aces on this course even if you don't have the huge arm.
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2 3
cpaquette
Experience: 17.2 years 42 played 41 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Challenging Climb 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 16, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course bodes well for those with big arms. Great elevation changes. Some very scenic holes here.

Cons:

If you are a beginner, this is not the course for you. If you are not in good physical condition, this is not the course for you.
The wind can be your worst nightmare on this course, along with errant shots that can and often do roll where you don't want them to.

Other Thoughts:

If you are a disc golf enthusiast, the $30 season pass will cover you here and at Bryant lake would be a smart investment.
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1 4
MNmoon
Experience: 27.2 years 18 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Minneapolis Skyline 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 21, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Scenery, Overall Challenge, Snack Shop

Cons:

May be a little tough for beginners. Beware!

Other Thoughts:

I am not sure how anyone could have a problem with this course. For 2008, I chose to get the $30 season pass and would do it again in a second.
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9 1
Texconsinite
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.8 years 138 played 79 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Flex those Big Arms 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 11, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

A variety of shots, with some extreme terrain in play. Most holes are either up, down, or across the ski slopes.

Has some interesting, and definitely unique holes (many wouldn't be possible anywhere but on a skill hill)

Some holes play through/into groves of trees, such as you would find in the woods to the side or above a ski run.

Cons:

A lot of walking out in the open, up and down steep hills. The whole course is very long, especially for the par, which seems impossibly low. (par 3, 400+ft across the ski hill, rollaways guaranteed)

Since it plays along the ski runs, all the fairways on this course are pretty wide open, and really takes accuracy out of the picture.

This is a course that separates the big arms from everyone else. Accuracy helps somewhat, but big distance is far more important on this course, especially uphill distance.

Also, the wind whips across the open ski runs relentlessly, so bring a firebird/predator, or watch your discs fly all over the hill. Needless to say, rollaways can get very ugly on this course.

The main challenge here is to get the disc to land safely without rolling away, while still airing it out to get to the hole.

After the first nine of long, open holes with large elevation changes and lots of wind, it gets a bit tiresome, redundant and boring. It is a very challenging course, though I did not find it particularly fun.

Other Thoughts:

If you are a big arm, you will love this course. If not, its going to be a long round. This course is exhausting to play on, so make sure you have plenty of water before you start.

Despite the wind, the horseflies can get pretty thick here, so bring DEET or regret it later.

DISCLAIMER: I was unfortunate enough to play this course on an afternoon when huge storms were brewing. The sky was tornado green by the time I finished the front nine, and by the time I got home, trees and torrents of rain were falling everywhere.

Needless to say, the wind was downright brutal on the course, and wreaked havoc with my discs. I had a putt hit the center of the chains from 10 ft out, then as soon the disc turned sideways to drop into the basket, a gust sent it flipping end over end back 10 ft behind me.

By hole 9, I was using two discs for almost ever shot: a CE Firebird for driving, and a Star Gator for putts and approaches. They were the only two discs overstable enough that the wind did not have complete mastery over.

The abnormal conditions made for a very frustrating round. With the added inaccuracy of the wind, most holes felt 200ft longer than their actual distance.

As such, I concede that my experience on this course was likely far from typical, but know that this course is drastically affected by weather. Most courses, I would play in rain, shine, tidal wave, earthquake, etc, and probably have about an equally good time. But this course really got the better of me.

On a calm day, or at least a less windy one, this course would be a fun, good (3.0) course. But this underlying variability of possible experiences and drastic unpredictability knocks it down a notch, IMO.

Just like a course in Texas that gets really flooded EVERY time it rains at all (Tom Bass), or a course in the east that is not maintained and gets overrun with Kudzu, this course is on the rag half the time, and good the other half.

Play here on calm, cloudy days for the best experience.
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7 1
yawpstang64
Experience: 18.4 years 32 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 19, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

A great variety of different holes, and the layout is well done for the location. The last hole straight down the hill is especially fun. Its pretty difficult to lose discs on this course so its a good place to go for the best shots. Plus there's a nice shop in the ski lodge with food, beer, and a lot of discs.

Cons:

This course makes for a long round. There's a lot of walking uphill, and its not fun when your disc rolls down the slope. Bad throws are costly.
There is little shade on the course and it will get pretty hot, so bring sunblock and water.

Other Thoughts:

Its worth playing, especially since its a common place for tournaments; casual, amateur, and pro.
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