Pros:
Great course for transitioning from beginner to intermediate.
Lots of variety and challenges
Wonderful flow (no holes that create big backups)
Good amenities (restrooms by #5; playgrounds by #5 and #23)
Well-maintained paths and grounds
Cons:
Lots of erosion
Creek holes damaged and currently not maintained
Replacement holes (#22 and #23) are duds
Some tee pads could use maintenance or replacement
Other Thoughts:
My aunt Helen was my favorite. All of my aunts were great, whether they were complex with well-guarded approaches or friendly ego-building types that flattered my rather limited talents. Aunt Helen was different though. She taught me to dance with my feet on top of hers, how to tell a joke, why punching my cousin who was twice as old was not great idea, and why learning to throw flex shot in a maze of honeysuckle would lead only to heartache.
Sadly, the years didn't treat my aunt very kindly. A young and healthy widow, she became the caretaker for my grandmother, who had developed what we now know as Alzheimer's Disease. My grandmother was a difficult woman in her prime, but was now gripped by fear, confusion, and rage. In a few short years, Aunt Helen's health and spirit had suffered immensely, and I was a little shocked the last time I saw her. I was in college at the time and, while other relatives asked me about my major, my girlfriends, and my plans, Aunt Helen asked me, "Are you happy? Try to be happy because you'll always have those memories."
Lincoln Ridge, still known by many as Banklick, is old as disc golf courses go. It opened in 1981 and was regarded as a difficult course at the time. Since then, advances in disc technology, aging infrastructure, and erosion (due to heavy use and the honeysuckle infestation that plagues the Midwest) have all taken a toll on the course. Still, Banklick provides a great experience for players starting to develop their game, learning lines and shaping shots, intermediate players developing their game and learning to score, and advanced players who might recognize how courses like Banklick led to Idlewild.
I'm happy to live just a short drive from Banklick (two miles as the crow flies), and I feel like it taught me to play this sport like my aunt taught me to dance. It still has the capacity to inflict a well-deserved ego check when required, such as a pretty humiliating 7 on the sixth hole during a tournament this February. The wooded lines are pretty well defined, there are some tight fairways that require good control, and many baskets require tough risk-reward decisions on long putts.
If you are thinking about visiting Banklick for the first time, here are a few suggestions that might increase your enjoyment.
- The exposed roots and mud can be really greasy when wet, so use caution (true for most northern Kentucky and southern Ohio courses)
- The creek holes (#14-18) are definitely worth playing with the exception of #15 which might be a walk-through. The holes are not maintained since much of holes #15 and #16 were washed away, but still provide some interesting challenges. #16 and #18 are in my opinion two of the best on the course.
- #20 is a great hole shot for most of us, but I enjoyed watching some of the pros going over the top (one landed about 10 feet from the basket and rolled 150' back into the gulley)
- The upper tee on #21 makes for a really interesting drive. Those with pro distance might reach the basket with a drive, but the rest of us will struggle with placement on a steep, grassy hillside with a heavily guarded basket and up-hill shot required.
- #22 and #23 are late additions to make up for the creek holes and are considered the worst holes on the course (along with #12 which is at best a transition hole). Perhaps consider bypassing those.
- #24 is a great finishing hole, but try to stay clear of the thorn trees in the middle of the fairway. They not only eat discs, but have led to more than just one trip to the hospital.
Time has been hard on Banklick, but I'm glad that she's still around. I ran into a couple of dads teaching their kids how to play last weekend. Their laughs and screams made me smile. I said to myself, "Yes, Aunt Helen. I am happy."