Pros:
About 20 minutes from the border of Canada, Lynden DGC is located in a mostly flat and lightly wooded park. Designed in 2011, this course is best suited for novice to intermediate players considering most holes are wide open and straight forward with little to no obstacles. The two holes that do present a challenge are holes one and two, which are both doglegs right with dense brush on the right side of the fairways. Holes range from 145-435 ft. in length and throw toward brand new DISCatchers with numbers marked on the top. Holes six through eight play near a huge mural with cows in a pasture depicting everyday life on the farm in Lynden, giving this course some character.
Cons:
Although this course has some strengths, it is overshadowed by its weaknesses. It is obvious that the locals work hard to keep the course properly maintained, but the gravel tee pads are a major issue. The gravel sits about six inches above the ground and therefore makes it very difficult to have run-ups with fear of rolling an ankle or releasing at an awkward angle. A lot of the gravel bunches up in corners of the tee pad or gets knocked out of the box all together. This course could benefit greatly by installing rubber mats that could easily be moved if needed.
As mentioned earlier in my review, besides holes one and two, the course is wide open and presents little challenge in terms of obstacles. Fortunately, the course has a nice variety regarding length. This course is also ideal for players to practice putts, drives, and approaches. Players can work on flight characteristics without the fear of losing a disc or hitting an obstacle every 10 feet. Just beware of the nasty brush on holes one and two. They are full of thorns and stinging nettles, making poorly executed drives nearly impossible to retrieve if thrown too far off the fairway.
Last, the stinky water treatment plant that borders hole three seems to stick with you during the entire round and can be a bit distracting, especially on those warm summer days.
Other Thoughts:
Although the course is wide open and presents little challenge to more experienced players, it is ideal for its intended target, families and those new to the sport, and therefore serves a purpose in the disc golf community. Lynden is a beautiful town with wonderful people who are very welcoming to outsiders, and it is great to see that they have been so supportive of this sport. Perhaps in the near future they will entertain the idea of installing a second and more demanding course to compliment this one.
If driving through Lynden this course is worth a quick stop to get out of the car and throw. However, if you've only got limited time then I would suggest hitting Langley in B.C. about 20 minutes away. It is far more challenging and one of the best courses in all British Columbia. If not looking to cross the border then I would recommend Glacier near Mt. Baker.