Middle Grove, NY

Hyzer Creek

4.265(based on 38 reviews)
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6 0
HyooMac
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.3 years 447 played 414 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Adirondack Beauty

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 13, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

.
Disc golf in the Adirondacks wilderness. Incredibly beautiful course that's mostly in deep woods featuring towering pines. The layout has continuous elevation change, a lot of tight fairways and a few open bombers.


The creek plays a significant role bordering and occasionally crossing many holes, but 1 and 15 are unique, where the baskets are surrounded by OB water, literally standing in the middle of the creek.


The open holes 12 and 17 play in opposite directions in a wide pasture. They both 650+ par 4's. 12 is steeply downhill and manageable, but 17 has the first half playing back up the pasture, and then turns severely hard left. A very tough hole if you throw less than 300' off the tee. The only other somewhat open hole is 15 (540' par4) which plays out of a chute, then finishes down an alley in the woods.

Cons:

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- Some will find the teepads too short. The problem is increased by erosion around the tees, requiring a step up mid run-up. I don't do a lot of run-up, so it wasn't a problem for me. The worst is #11 - it's a short par 3, but the pad seems extra short, and the back of it drops off considerably. Easy to back off it and risk injury.


- The signs are just plastic-covered paper, and many of them are water-damaged or too faded to read. Not a problem if you think to download and print the map on the course website.

Other Thoughts:

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~ Pictures capture some of the beauty of the setting, but don't do justice to the amount of elevation change on some holes


~ While there's lots of variety in hole distances and elevation changes, there isn't much requiring left-to-right shapes. Hole 5 is a long dogleg right, and a few of the baskets are tucked to the right, but playing RHBH only won't put you at too much of a disadvantage.



NOTES TO FIRST TIMERS

Look for the mailbox at the side of the road with "Hyzer Creek" on it.

It's worth downloading and copying the course map to verify distances. Some of the signs have faded beyond recognition, and uDisc distances don't always match up.

Bring bug spray - it's an Adirondack forest.
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10 0
mullethead326
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 377 played 13 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 21, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Hyzer Creek is a delightful wander mostly through mature pines, using the creek as the defining feature. I'm a picky reviewer about course design and the course held my interest throughout. I really like that the designer used the creek in a variety of ways and wasn't afraid to set baskets uniquely to test your placement ability from the tee or fairway and your nerves on the putting green.

I felt like the course was appropriate for a wide variety of player skill levels and strengths. Although having a big arm was beneficial on some uphill or longer holes, technicality, shot-shaping, and selecting a landing zone was far more critical.

The holes ranged from seriously open (12) to tightening throughout (8, 15) to pretty claustrophobic (11, 16). Although there are similarities in a few holes (e.g. downhill putter shots) the distances and obstacles played differently enough that I didn't feel like I was duplicating efforts.

I will always love the aesthetic of short woods par 4s and 5s that are designed to sucker players into trying to attack too much. I absolutely spent several shots scrambling, said I regretted my decisions, and went right back to attacking the next holes.

The "flavor" I got from the course was very similar to what I got playing Harmon Hills for the first time. The courses are very different in challenge, length, and terrain, but Hyzer Creek seemed to share the same commitment to finding the best unique features and building holes and the course around them, from a designer who had a vision and knew the land well.

Any course willing to devote a page on its website to this much sass about poison ivy: http://www.hyzercreek.com/poison_ivy.htm is a winner in my book.

Cons:

The baskets are a little difficult to see and signage is weathered. I scrupulously avoid knocking a course for lack of amenities unless it is clearly a problem. The only real improvement I would like to see in this vein is navigation--the paint on trees leading to the next tee should be refreshed.

Holes 12 and 17 playing into each other is definitely an issue. It could be improved with signage at each tee advising players to be aware of opposing traffic, but can't be obviated without rerouting one of the holes entirely. It was not an issue when I played, but still bears mentioning as a flaw. Similarly, 5's teepad is too close to 4's basket. Current 17 would be one of the best finishing holes I've ever seen--it kinda ruins the momentum of the course to play such a dope hole, walk a quarter mile, then play current 18 and backtrack out.

I think there was some of bias toward CW spin--it would be favored mildly on 2, 7, 14, & 17, and lots on 4 & 9. Conversely, CCW spin would be favored mildly on 13 and lots on 8 & 16. I think the net effect is that CW spin-dominant players have an easier time on the par 3s that are difficult to access (4, 9) but that advantage isn't quite made up for the CCW spin-dominant players because 8 & 16 have an extra par stroke to play with.

Other Thoughts:

I would absolutely go back. This is not the most challenging or grueling course I've played, but it was among the most fun. Easily within my top 10% courses of 220 or so played.
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6 0
Tdelano3
Experience: 38.4 years 41 played 22 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Hyzer Creek DGC 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 22, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

-incredible course design on a fantastic plot of land with lots of elevation; mostly wooded but with several meadow holes
-concrete tees, decent signs, and baskets that catch well
-nice balance that challenges lefties & righties equally
-forces you to be thoughtful & accurate off the tee on virtually every hole
-0 traffic made for a relaxing, leisurely round on an amazing property
-navigation was fairly intuitive, but the next tee indicators (orange dots painted on trees) helped immensely

Cons:

-tough to spot the grey baskets on several holes
-lots of backtracking to reach next tees on the back 9

Other Thoughts:

Played Hyzer Creek today on a friends recommendation, and I'm glad I did. What an amazing property- one of the most scenic, challenging courses I've played in New York! Didn't see another soul during my round, which was surprising for a Saturday afternoon...outstanding course design uses the natural features very well, and will challenge intermediate/advanced players alike. Highly recommend playing this course if you visit the area, you won't be disappointed!
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5 0
sidewinder22
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18.3 years 331 played 198 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Hyzered Out 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 4, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Private course with 18 holes traversing across a beautiful Adirondack mountain forest. The course gives you a little bit of everything playing downhill, uphill, across slope, straight, left and right curves. The elevation is more hilly than mountainous and incorporated well into the course. All the holes are wooded and the fairways range from very generous to moderate to quite tight. Good mix of distances and pars. Course was well maintained with very little underbrush. Nice tees and baskets with decent tee signage. Two loops of holes back to parking lot.

Cons:

Only one playable layout. Holes 12 and 17 have some interfering overlap mid fairway. Hole 18 is out of flow and backtracks to parking lot. Annoying flying insects.

Other Thoughts:

Overall I had a great experience at Hyzer Creek as evidenced by giving this a "very good" rating. Rec to intermediate players will really enjoy the course the most and caters well to them challenge wise. For me it was a little on the short and easy side except for a couple poke and hopes.

The course was very solid on the whole front 9 and I was welcomed on hole 1 with a metal hit off the tee and hole 5 was probably my favorite. Then the course kind of hyzered out on the back 9 for me a little bit in places on 10, 11, the signature hole 16 tight winding "fairway" with the basket in the creek and the awkward flow to 18. Holes 12 and 15 were my favorites on the back 9.
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3 0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 21.4 years 562 played 429 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Hyzer-iffic 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Hyzer Creek is really great course, it has enough of the features I like to satisfy all of my disc golf needs. There is constant elevation change, from mild to major. The fairways are usually not too tight, but often wooded enough to require accuracy, and have good variance in distance and changes of direction. There are a few long holes that zig zag their way through the trees, and a few that might give up the ace. Water is present, but nothing too extreme. There are some places with heavy rough, which I explored unintentionally, but I left with all my plastic. The tees are concrete paved, and the baskets are all in good condition.

Cons:

Some of the tees could be longer. The signs could be better. I wasn't sure of the best way to get back to the car after 18. We played hole 9 again on the way out, since it was nearby. No benches or trashcans. Pay to play. More cons than I usually list on a 4.5, but none of them really affect play, aside from size of the tee pad.

Other Thoughts:

An awesome course in a really beautiful area. The front nine play easier than the back. From the first hole to the last, I was fully digging it. Unusual in a sense, for a course that has five par 4's and two par 5's, that the two holes that are the longest by far are not the par 5's. I really liked the open bomb from the elevated tee on hole 12, with the boulders marking off 400' and 500', leading up to the pocket in the woods where the basket is hidden across the creek. Having the basket for hole 14 embedded in a large rock was a nice touch. Hole 16 is epic, downhill and twisting through trees to a basket that is planted in the middle of the creek. 18 is a fun finisher, if you can hit the gap coming off the tee a good chance for birdie. I only made one birdie (hole 13), but missed a few opportunities for more. My first and only round played there yielded a 70 (7 over par). With any luck at all I will be able to return for another round some time, and give it another shot. Overall very fun, I would say check it out if you get the chance.
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3 1
toddnick
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 6.4 years 86 played 31 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great Layout in the Wilderness 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Isolation; lack of crowds
- Great piece of property utilized well in course design
- Easy to navigate even the first time
- Great test of your game
- Some great basket placements
- Premier holes: #5, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16

Cons:

- Rough around the edges; tee pads, hole markers

Other Thoughts:

Got to play two rounds Memorial Day Week-end (Thursday afternoon and Friday morning). One other group was out on Thursday and had the course to myself on Friday. And what a beautiful course to enjoy on your own. Lots of great elevation change, tight wooded shots and a few awesome bomb it holes (#12 and #15). Camped just a few miles away at Autumn Moon Campground (nice place to use as a base).

I highly recommend hitting this course if you get the chance.

Did this course on a long weekend disc golf journey that was mainly Vermont courses; and this course holds it's own with the best of Vermont (Brewster Ridge and Black Falls).
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3 3
boursin
Experience: 12.8 years 13 played 13 reviews
4.50 star(s)

ton o fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 19, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

beautiful a combination of long holes and short holes.Great scenery. a fantastic variety of shots. Lots of elevation. (coming from Florida this means a lot). A great deal of "hiking". The pay for play is not a problem, and the cost very reasonable. This course will test your management and your skill level. If you have big arm this is for you. Very little to no water issues except for a couple of creeks.the scenery is wonderful and wild. No crowds when we went.My friends and I love this course and when we are in town again we will most certainly play here again. .

Cons:

NONE AT ALL :)

Other Thoughts:

come and play the owner(s) are great the course is great and it will test your skill level, maybe not the best course for the novice thrower but you can still have a great time. Be prepared to hike and enjoy the great upstate NY wilderness. We love this place.
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6 0
krob190
Experience: 11.5 years 12 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Great surprise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 14, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

The entire course keeps you guessing with a variety of hyzers and anhyzers. There are tight windows that require the occasional thumber or tomahawk and elevated pins that present a lot of challenging putts from the backside of greens.

Cons:

The hole signs on the tee markers are small and it is tougher to navigate the map of the hole than it should be. Some baskets should really have flags posted above them to allow for easier spotting along the tree lines.

Other Thoughts:

This place is literally in the middle of nowhere and it was a great surprise in terms of quality. There are a few bomber holes where you can unleash the driver, but the majority of the holes require planning and precision. I will most definitely return after the deer flies are gone for the season. Killer track!
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15 1
lcra0825
Silver level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 18.2 years 156 played 41 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Part of the Wilderness 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 8, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

- cement tee pads and descriptive signs at every hole
- Most amazing scenery I have seen on any course
- Hyzer creek is well used throughout the entire course. On one hole the basket is placed within the raging creek
- Lots of elevation including downhill and uphill throws
- You will have to utilize every kind of throw in your arsenal throughout this course
- Not heavily used so it is likely you and your group will be the only people on the course. It will be just you and the beauty of nature.
- Very good directional signage. My group and I navigated the course the first time we played without using a map. Around hole 14 the flow gets a little confusing but there are signs to lead the way. In fact they have signs anticipating wrong moves and telling you to turn back.
- The course is formatted in two loops so at hole 9 you are back at your car if you need to pick something up. You wont want to leave after 9 holes though
- Although the course is mostly wooded there are a few openings which allow for a couple 700 foot holes. These holes have huge boulders with distances printed on them to let you know how far you threw.
- Almost every hole is unique and provides a different challenge or different view. You will not get bored on this course
- Lawn chairs and tables at almost every hole to provide for relaxation and taking in the scenery
- There is protective fences at the tees where it might be possible for someone teeing of to get hit by someones errant throw on the previous hole.

Cons:

- There aren't many open longer holes so it might not be appropriate for professional tournaments, however it is definitely enjoyable for all skill levels professionals included

Other Thoughts:

I didn't know what to expect, but one glance at the first hole and my jaw dropped. I didn't look back for the rest of the course. I will say I had a lot of fun and did not want my round to end. It was definitely worth the four or five hour trip to play
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10 6
Anna Baker
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

I love this course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 11, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I love being out there, there is no encroachment of humanity, no pollution, just wilderness, a clear unpolluted creek, wild animals, and it is extremely quiet and peaceful because the nearest town is many miles away. The fairways are all open at least 20 feet wide so if you miss them it's your fault and if you pure them it's to reward a good throw not "tree love". Pro quality baskets and concrete tee pads on all the holes. One downhill bomb hole is 700 feet long with boulder rocks that mark 400 and 500 feet like on a ball golf driving range to test your Testosterone level even if you're a woman. Good accurate course maps in the pro shop and on every tee sign which give accurate view of each hole. An outhouse with toilet paper near hole 1. The pro shop has a nice selection of discs both new and used, and other disc golf equipment.

Hole 1 is a great downhill shot into a gully, you need to know how to throw down because it drops off 30 feet. Hole 2 is the opposite, it's only 250 feet but it goes up a steep hill at the end so you have to be able to throw 350 feet to reach 250. Hole 3 is very short but goes over the creek, try to slam it into the rocks to stop at the basket. Hole 4 is very tricky as the fairway goes 10 feet uphill and then it's level for the next 300 feet. The next few holes are nice but hole 12 is disc golf paradise because it's a 700 foot downhill shot and the fairway is a 200 feet wide field so you have no excuse not to open up and goose it. More tricky woods holes, then 15 is also an open field, and everybody's favorite is 16 because you have to be able to precisely calculate your upshot within putting in your comfort zone to putt because if you miss the putt it's going to be OB because the basket is in the creek which is 4 feet wide. Makes you decide if you should layup again for the drop in or dig deep into your putting repertoir of your brain and make the 25 footer so your competition has to layup and lose a stroke on you, or go for the putt and go OB and lose 2 strokes on you. Because of this, you never know whose winning until the tides are turned by 16. 17 is a 650 foot crazy dogleg from a huge bomb tee shot over a field and then dogleg into a wooded fairway, for another 350 feet. But my favorite is 18 because it goes over a canyon and the creek is OB. The scores range from 2 to 6 on this, or higher, and it gets aced all the time too. Not unusual to gain or lose several strokes on your competition at the last hole. Some people question that you have to walk back to the tee pad when you finish the hole but it's only 150 feet and it brings you right to hole 1 so it's a good design.

Cons:

Blackflies in May, are very bad and swarm around you unless you keep walking or unless it's windy. In the middle of the summer there are also deer flies which can bite right thru your shirt. Both can be handled with copious amounts of DEET. Bring coffee and all provisions because the nearest store is 4 miles away (Stewarts). Only one tee pad per hole, no amateur tees.

Other Thoughts:

I just love going there. There are usually cool people on the premises for hanging out some of them even camp overnight, camping is free. Bring your dog or dogs the owner is dog friendly. Don't leave your garbage please take it with you Carry In Carry Out. No illegal substances are allowed.
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3 11
Semimental
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

One of the Best!!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 30, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Hyzer Creek is an Amazing course that everyone should play at least once or more in their lifetime! Well thought out and designed to accommodate any disc golfers who are up for the challenge!!!

Cons:

2 1/2 hrs. from Westchester County, other than that-no complaints

Other Thoughts:

Don't pay attention to any negative reviews, No matter how Good a couse is there's always going to be someone who doesn't like it, I'm definitely not one of them, Always have a good time at the Creek!!!
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36 15
Menacewarf
Experience: 16.1 years 60 played 13 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Substantial but Somewhat Confounding  2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 22, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Pros: The land is well worked into 18 fairways. The regrowth forest offers some character and ambiance to the course and grounds. Good seclusion and natural beauty.

A wide variety of types of holes exist here, so if a nice diverse scoring experience is what you are after Hyzer Creek will be fun for you. You will find a number of easy deuces, some respectable deuces, some tweeners, and a handful of two shot holes some better than others.

Cons:

Cons: The layout is choppy and somewhat convoluted. Two long walkouts across a central area break up the flow of play. Some buffers between holes are too small.

Some greens are less than desirable (3,11,16). 3 and 16 are in a creek. 11 and 16 are just small.

16 in it's totality is not a good hole from initial fairway, to landing area, to approach, to green. No lines and the what could be a cool downhill hole ends up being best played with a series of putter layups.

The tweener holes (4,9,10,14) range from kind of fun (10), to almost ok (9,14), to poor (4). 4 is an unreachable hyzer with the angles of the fairway but a boring and straightforward three. Not only is hole 4 a bad design in terms of golf it is also a safety issue as it plays straight towards hole 5's tee pad with very little buffer. There is a net for protection but it seems unnecessary with plenty of space to work with. 9 is unreachable but has an intreasting drive. It boils down to two approach shots and a three though. 14 is a fun uphill drive through trees but is essentialy unreachable and will result in a boring approach after most good drives. 10 is more reachable but just a bit awkward as it is guarded and uphill so to me it makes a better par 3 or par 4 (depending on your skill level) than any of the other tweeners.

Finally hole 18 is forced at best, completely separate from the rest of the layout. It is a cheap but punishing putter shot across a ravine, and causes you to double right back to where the hole started in order to complete the round.

Other Thoughts:

The owner does not always serve his course. His efforts to make his course available to the public range from ambivalent to manic. This is perhaps best demonstrated by the progression of driving onto the property. First off, arriving in the parking area causes a question as to if you are in the right place, as it could be confused with just another mountain camp. Meeting the owner does not quite alleviate the feeling that you are in the wrong place either. While assuring you that it is indeed the correct address the question seems to linger as to whether the owner wishes you even knew that address. Intentionaly or not he does not always make his guests feel very welcome.
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8 16
StevenFoster
Experience: 14.5 years 21 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Amazing course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 5, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Well planned hyzer and anyzer shots, alternate combination of long holes and short holes, good solid pins and cleared greens, concrete pads, lots of OB, short walking distance between holes, not crowded, no waiting, beautiful unspoiled woods, lots of elevation changes, maps printed out, score cards with pencils in the drawer, fair but difficult flight paths, this is not a course for beginners but helped me improve my game because you have to work for par on every hole, no GIMME birdies here. I love the fact that many of the holes are par 4 and even 5. Morgan built this course and i was honored that he played a round with me and gave me the red carpet treatment by telling me the run down on each hole. He basically carved this course from woods as opposed to most courses at home which are in parks. Some of the pins are installed in rocks! Check out hole 14!!

Cons:

Parking lot is not shoveled in the winter and people were getting stuck. Park on the highway there is no problem there.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course while staying with family in northern New York (Lake George) and was not expecting anything here, I was told there wouldnt be anything but was very surprised to find this amazing gem of a course.
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20 0
nyrblue2
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 28 played 23 reviews
4.00 star(s)

From the ashes, Hyzer rises 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 18, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

18 hole course carved out of a wooded plot in the southern edge of the Adirondacks.
- Devotion - Morgan took this course from blank slate and basically designed and built this on his own - felled trees, removed/burned (controlled) brush, moved boulders, dragged concrete tee pads - you name it, he did it himself
- Private course, so $5 donation is strongly encouraged to help continued upkeep and improvements
- Practice basket right near parking/hole #1
- Beautiful wooded course with a variety of hole types - many short tight holes, which are challenging and rewarding if you hit the line (#1, #3, #11, #18, etc.) - open drive holes gives you room to stretch your arm out (#5, #12, #15, #17, etc.)
- Elevation really comes into play - you get to tackle multiple uphill and downhill drives and approaches - combined with numerous trees and right/left turns makes for wonderful challenges
- Signature holes - some courses are lucky to have 1 hole that you clearly remember and look forward to playing, well...this course has 2 of them! With all due respect to the entire course (I love holes 1, 5, 13, 15), holes #12 (essentially a DG driving range, with an elevated tee, 600' of a wide open field, complete with distance markers painted on boulders, then a cool approach over a boulder filled creek to an elevated pin in a wooded cove) and #16 (wind your way down a tight, challenging fairway to eventually be greeted by the coolest pin I've come across, which is set in stones in the middle of the gentle creek, which is not so wide/deep/fast that a missed or errant throw would make you lose a disc)
- You don't have all of the short holes right in a row or all of the big open holes right in a row
- Concrete tees create consistent, even footing
- Excellent tee signs, with great info and distances
- Baskets have a bit of variety, but are all in good shape
- "Next tee" signs create very easy navigation
- Seating/benches
- Very little, to no, trash
- This course makes you work and improve your game - until playing this course, I didn't have to worry about a power uphill hyzer or the importance of laser lines through tight alleys - a par 3 hole can turn into a 5 or 6 quickly without finesse here

Cons:

Not much and dwarfed by the pros:
- While the concrete pads are nice and certainly better than bumpy dirt/gravel, since they mostly sit an inch or 2 above grade (intentional to avoid water pooling/freezing), the small size makes a larger runup difficult for people who want/need it
- While the "new new" hole #17 (long tee) is very fun and challenging, your drive goes headfirst into the second half of #12's fairway, which could be a problem if someone from #12 is out of sight in the brush looking for their errant drive - some delays/spotters needed on crowded days or tourneys - also, the "walk" from the tee down to the creek is a bit cumbersome
- Hole #18 kind of takes you away from the parking lot, so you actually have to backtrack down the fairway once you're done (it's a short hole, though)
- Bridges and stone walkways over the creek are not incredibly sturdy

Other Thoughts:

- Course map not on site, but it is available on the website and navigation is pretty easy anyway
- 2nd half of fairway #17 is a bit rough, since it was only recently carved out - soon enough, everything will be dead and trampled down
- Not much parking (save the land for quality DG holes), but not a problem on regular days - can be crowded for tourneys, so please car pool
- Bring bug spray during warm/muggy months

This course really in a gem in the Adirondacks. The course itself is varied, challenging and fun, but the real impressive thing is how it was just carved out from nothing (or burned out - check out the videos on youtube), rather than having a park or trails as framework.
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53 10
JAKE master
Experience: 16.1 years 77 played 11 reviews
3.00 star(s)

high expectations, but i still liked it 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 7, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

very challenging. concrete tee boxes. seating at most holes.mostly shaded. some holes had great signage others ok but they are faded and showing signs of wear. use of all throwing styles needed. it was layed out so you could really play any combination of holes in various random orders if you were short on time or just wanted to throw a few more after 18. ie you could skip 5 and 6 and play 7 and 8 without much walking distance. i did not see garbage anywhere.

Cons:

challenging. therefore could be discouraging. i did not see garbage cans. thickly wooded outside fairways, or rough, while still having the intended fairway wooded. tee boxes had no standard size. at 6' tall some tee boxes were too small for a one step backhand. in addition they were elevated about ground level. stumps, rocks , and other debris make for an ankle busting oasis in the fairways. if you have weak ankles or poor balance you might want to skip this one. most all the baskets had no back side putting green. it seemed 8ft behind every basket was wooded rough. just seemed poorly planned. map seemed out of scale. we found our way fine, but the intended route descriptions seemed off.

Other Thoughts:

im sure locals will hate me for posting this rating, but this course was just not a 5 star course. just because its " 2nd" best in NY does not make it a 5 star. i wish i would have had the time to play the course twice because i did feel some holes were a little deceiving. there were alot of up hill shots i would have liked another shot at. 5 in particular. it was pretty dry when i played but i imagine this place good be loaded with mosquitoes and deer flys early in the season. might want to bring bug spray with you. mud also inevitable year round as you will be crossing the creek several times. i would suggest a light hiking shoe to conquer the terrain. my girlfriend wore running shoes and she did not fair so well with traction. all in all it was a weird, perhaps unique, course but one none the less.
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31 2
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.7 years 831 played 777 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Beautiful woods course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 19, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through hilly woods with dense trees and enough underbrush to punish errant shots. There are usually recovery lines available, but you'll pay for missing your line. There is a really nice mix of hole lengths, with some ace runs and some long holes including the big open downhill bomb and some tight longer holes that make most players execute a fairway shot to get to the pin. There is also a really nice mix of hole shapes, you'll need all kinds of shots to be successful and it plays balanced between right and left turning fairways.

The signs are descriptive enough to give a good idea of hole distance and layout, and the course flow is excellent with no real navigation issues. Just about every hole has decent concrete pads, quite a feat getting them in all the way in the back of the course. There were some very creative basket placements on slopes and one in a creek adding some risk to the short game. The front and back 9s loop back to the beginning of the course which is a nice bonus.

Cons:

A few holes still had natural pads when I played, and those weren't very level. A couple of the concrete pads were a little small and raised above the grade making them a bit awkward. Some of the creek crossings are a bit rickety, though having anything on a private course is nice. A few areas of the course were a bit muddy and eroded.

Other Thoughts:

Beginners will find this course pretty rugged, though if you are up for the hike the holes are not terribly long. More experienced players will find some interesting challenges and variety, it's not the toughest course but it does make you hit some nice technical lines. I would definitely play here again, it's a fun layout and a ton of work has gone into making it a nice place to play.
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18 3
CaptainAnhyzer
Experience: 39.4 years 126 played 18 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The First Course in the Capital area 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a disc golfers paradise, Adirondack style so bring your "A" game and hiking gear...... Lots of elevation changes on this course No gimmie birdies here without serious accuracy. All fairways are well defined but tricky doglegs and narrow-gaps keep the big arms honest.
New concrete tees and plenty of signage to keep even the first timers from getting lost.
Course owner Morgan and the dedicated sponsors work their tails off maintaining this place

Cons:

Bathrooms are a bit rustic(outhouse or nearby trees) but functional if the need arises.
Limited parking for tournaments, please carpool if possible.

Other Thoughts:

Some may say that this place is "in the middle of nowhere" but a quick Google search shows several various establishments within a 15-20 min drive. Village Pizzeria is a must-stop for after round "refueling". Thanks to Sandy for being the exclusive lunch provider at Hyzer Creek tournaments.

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20 1
cdavid74
Experience: 17.3 years 30 played 8 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A Masterpiece! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Variety - Up and down, right and left, long and short, tight and open, water and ceilings. Hyzer has it all.

Isolation - Disc golf is all there is at Hyzer Creek. Disc golfers don't mind sharing parks with dog walkers and hikers and joggers etc, but it's nice to have a place that is just for us.

Challenge - Hyzer Creek is a very tough course, but is utterly fair. The fairways are well defined and clear. Although many are very tight, there are no "plinko" style holes where you are just throwing through a bunch of trees and hoping the disc finds a way to the basket. Elevation always makes holes more challenging and Hyzer Creek is loaded with lots of fun elevation

New Player Friendly - WHAAAAT!!! No, it is true. Now don't get me wrong this course is in the middle of the 'daks and is not for the lighthearted that are going to complain about not having pristine mowed fairways and green. If that is the type of player you are looking to introduce to the game then take them to a public park course. If you are looking to hook a hiker, or somebody with a bit more of a sense of adventure, this course will not kick their butt. Hyzer is very tough on people that can throw far and have no idea what direction the disc is going to land. True first timers, however are not going to throw far off the fairways. If they stray from the fairway discs are easier to find in the mature woods, as opposed to courses where the rough consists of tall grass or thick brush. I have brought two first timers to Hyzer Creek and they have both had a blast. Don't be intimidated by how tough this course plays for advanced players. It is also very fair to newbies.

Cons:

Most of the cons of this course are simply side-effects of what makes it great.

The bugs are bad at certain times of the year. Personally I look for other destinations during those times.

Hyzer has difficulty accommodating large scale events. Parking is very limited. If you are coming to a tournament here pack as many players into as few cars as possible. Also the intermingling of open, long holes and short ace runs can create some bottle necks when there are large fields. This is a good course of a small stool during a tournament.

No real bathrooms. No nearby stores, bring your own water.

Waterproof shoes are a must year-round.

Like I said all of these "cons" are just part of the charm and rustic nature of a disc golf course that was carved out of the side of a mountain with a chainsaw.

Other Thoughts:

Variety is king here. Most courses that have variety have it it sections. You play a bunch of open holes, then you go into the woods and you play a bunch of accuracy shots, then your back in the open for some more bombs. That is just how most pieces of land lend themselves to be developed since they exist in parks and the course has to be intertwined with existing amenities and paths. Hyzer did not have these restrictions. It was a blank canvas and the designer took full advantage of this. Playing Hyzer Creek for the first time is like reading a good book. With the turn of each page you can't wait to see what the author has is store for you next.

Holes 12 and 16 get all the love on this course but all 18 have their own charm. Some of my other favorites are; Hole 1 - a gentle downhill hyzer shot with the creek behind the tee; Hole 8 - another downhill elevation shot, this one has some distance to it. Drive down a steep hill to an opening roughly the size of a football field. The pin is down a path that jets of to the right at the end of the opening. Hole 18 - The basket looks so close, its right there in front of you, The chasm between you and the basket with the creek running at the bottom of it makes the hole a classic.

Thanks to Morgan and all the hole owners for this incredible gift to the rest of the disc golf world. This is a destination course for any avid disc-er visiting the northeast.
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21 1
softball29
Experience: 14.3 years 23 played 13 reviews
5.00 star(s)

A must-play course, wherever you are 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 4, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

- The course. The whole course is excellent with a variety of holes. From small, compact shots through the woods to the virtual driving range of more than 700 feet. And that one has water to worry about (I know, I splashed down there!).

- Design. The course has all sorts of holes from doglegs, to straight, to long, to short. There's water and creativity. Why wouldn't someone want to play here?

- Terrain. If you are looking for a place where it's all flat and open, go elsewhere. This course has a couple of "flatter" holes, but you're going to go up and down and really feel like you've had a bit of a workout when done. It's really nice.

- Upkeep. Everything here seems excellent. There were a couple of wet spots, but unless Morgan is tapped into Mother Nature's phone, I'm not sure how this would be done. The fairways are easily seen and the signs are very helpful.

- Serenity. With this being in the Adirondacks and being private, there's no worry of people just hiking around or doing something else. People you'll see are disc golfers and that's excellent. We were out there and didn't hear hardly anyone. So nice. Peaceful, too.

- Tee signs. There are signs at each tee and arrows or orange blazes to lead you to the next tee. Very nice, especially when in the woods!

- The beginning. Scorecards. Maps. A spot for found discs. It's very nice before you get going. It's well worth donating to the cause here. Be generous if you can!

Cons:

- It's a hike for me to get here, or I'd play it a bit more to get a better feel of it!

- Beginners beware. Though you can easily play the course, don't expect to put up great numbers right away. The course isn't a pitch-and-putt and it's going to challenge your physical abilities and mind. I felt all of this and then some. But when done, I realized I wanted to play this one more than this time to see if I can continue to improve here!

Neither of these are a true con. This course is really awesome. Any little things that might be an irk are quickly wiped out by a great course and everything else.

Other Thoughts:

Awesome!

If you like disc golf, hiking and the outdoors, this course is everything you could possibly want and then some. You're in the woods, hiking with elevation changes on an incredible course that makes you realize how wonderful this game is.

It's not easy, however. This course is tough as can be and reels you in when you think you can figure things out. For a newcomer (such as myself), it was difficult and frustrating, but makes you want to come back again and again to try and figure it out.

My favorite holes were No. 12, No. 16 and No. 18.

On 12, I will like it even more when I can grip it and rip it a little better. No. 16 is simply incredible and creative beyond what I would think. Way too cool. And No. 18 is my favorite on the course. That is absolutely wild. I really enjoyed that one and could have played it over and over. I honestly can't think of a hole I really didn't like. I had some "least favorites," for this reason or that, but I loved the whole course.

I look forward to coming back and playing this as many times as I can!
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17 3
sloppydisc
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.9 years 201 played 147 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Well worth the drive 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 13, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

In the thick woods of the Southern Adirondack Mountains. Just a perfect spot for DG. Woods, elevation, rocks and a creek. Plus it's a private course so you don't need to worry about dodging park users, or getting caught sipping a brew in public. The woods are thick so you really feel like you're all alone in the world while playing. Most concrete pads are in place. Morgan was finishing the rest while I was there. Next year they'll all be in. Current natural pads were not a problem. Navigation was easy and there are signs at every tee showing layout and distance. Baskets are all in excedllent condition. Great variety. Some ace runs, a few long holes, tons of uphill and downhill throws. Never bored. Just fun freaking golf.

Cons:

All the concrete pads weren't in while I was there.

I only had time for 1 round.

It's too far for me to play very often.

Other Thoughts:

I went to Hyzer expecting a super-difficult course with extremely tight fairways, big uphill throws, and punishing climbs. I got some off that. But the design is so well done that, and the course flows so nicely that you never feel like you're being worked over. Once it beats you down a little, it throws a nice little tight, short ace run hole at you. You get a breather, and then it comes back at you on the next hole. There is such great variety that you don't mind the long uphill holes that kick your rear. The first few holes warm you up with nice, short birdie or ace opportunities, then the course heats up and starts throwing longer uphill challenges in front of you.

#12 is a 711' down hill throw over an open field. There are huge boulders in the field with footage markers on them so you can gauge your distance. IT"S A DG DRIVING RANGE!!! Very cool. Unless you can't reach that first boulder (400') like me. Made me sad. Then you must get over the creek and throw into the woods towards the basket. As some would say, AWESOMESAUCE!

#16 is a 461' downhill shot through some very tight woods. The basket is conveniently located on a rock in the middle of the creek. Just another great hole.

Kudos to Morgan for building this course. It is one of the best. Make sure to leave him as nice a donation as you can. He's obviously put a lot of time and effort into the property.
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