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McDonald, TN

Johnston Woods Retreat Center

Permanent course
2.365(based on 7 reviews)
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4 0
FlyingSouthDG
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14 years 49 played 26 reviews
2.50 star(s)

The Cleveland Area's Beginner Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 7, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Concrete Tees and baskets are in good condition.
- Very easy course to play, most holes are between 150-220 ft.
- All holes are par 3, making score-keeping simple.
- The retreat does a great job of maintaining the grass and foliage.
- Aesthetically beautiful, always makes for a good hike if the throws aren't going your way.

Cons:

- Baskets are only one layer of chains, so discs may slip through if thrown hard.
- Intermediate and advanced players may get bored as this course can easily become a birdie run.
- Little variety, the course could be played with one or two discs.
- One tee, one basket; if you are looking for different levels of challenge give Athens Regional DGC a try.
- Tee pads are short, but this shouldn't be much of a problem. A one-step or short run is all that's necessary.

Other Thoughts:

This course is could potentially be deserving of a 3/5 rating, but currently the basket to hole #8 is gone due to a tree falling onto the course. The retreat plans on making a couple alterations to the course, so I look forward to playing and reviewing again in the future. Again, a great hike can be found here, the area is beautiful with a good amount of hills. I took a friend to play here for his first round ever, so I think the course proved to be fun for a beginner, but I found the holes to quickly become repetitive. I certainly recommend for any beginner or an intermediate player looking for something new.
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8 1
rowdyray
Experience: 13.5 years 74 played 3 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Nice Beginner Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 22, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

New stone slate tee pads
New pins
Nice Layout
Located in a scenic church retreat
Short distances make it beginner and kid friendly
Despite its short length, wooded course still makes it somewhat challenging
Scorecards provided at the first tee

Cons:

Hilly layout could be a workout for some
Single chain baskets (though they do seem to catch shots fairly well and did not cause a problem for any of my shots)
Extremely short holes/almost too short (I believe I threw my putter on most holes)
Lack of grass and loose rocks can make footing a little treacherous on the hills
No distances on holes or scorecards

Other Thoughts:

I would probably like this course regardless, as it is the only one in my home town. Until now, I've had to drive at least twenty miles to get to a course. Nevertheless, I find this an enjoyable little course. It's not a tough course by any stretch, and it takes a really bad shot to even flirt with a bogey (which I found out the hard way on one of the shortest holes on the course);however, it is great place to practice your approaches and try to make birdies and/or aces. Since I take my seven year old son with me a lot, this is ideal for us.
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5 0
chrishank
Experience: 15 years 33 played 11 reviews
2.50 star(s)

kiddie course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 8, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

New pins and rock slates for teepads. Nice course layout, very easy to follow. Most holes are straight with a few curving to the left or right. Course is very short so good for a beginer, child, or anyone lacking power. A real confidence booster for the average player.

Cons:

The only cons in my opinion are the shortness of the holes. Shortest being around 100 foot and longest is around 220ft. Also the teepads are located right behind the oins making it dangerous for multiple groups. Also very hilly with some posion oak and ivy around.

Other Thoughts:

The course is very sucluded and has awesome scenery. The location allows the course to be a 18 holle course, as long as we do good with the first half. Keep in mind this is on a church retreat so closed on weekends.
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