San Antonio, TX

McClain Park

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3.665(based on 38 reviews)
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15 0
SimonCarr
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.5 years 116 played 57 reviews
3.00 star(s)

technical course for novice players drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 13, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course seemed to be well loved and decently well maintained. All the baskets were in good shape. The teepads looked to be in good shape even though I didn't get to use any of them (more of that in the Cons section).

Cool terrain on several of the holes. The elevation was well used and the fairways are maintained.

Cons:

As someone who is not a local, I had no idea what the "Reverse Course" layout was. Turns out that you play the entire course backwards, which is not only confusing but means you don't tee off from *any* teepads. Each tee shot was thrown from the dirt with makeshift markers (rock stacks). Was pretty disappointed to play the course in this format. There were absolutely no directions or indications where to go.

Other Thoughts:

I'd play this course if I lived close by. It's not something where you should get a $30 uber both ways to play it like I did.

Very solid course to work on your technical game.
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5 0
tst3c
Experience: 13 played 13 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Short, Clean Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

McClain, first and foremost, is well shaded, has clean fairways, and provides a great amount of shot variety for beginners and advanced players alike. Some of what I like

- Teepads- all concrete
- Teepad Variety- there are a few elevated and deep teepads for some holes, which I find adds to the challenge
- Shade- This would be a great course for a family or a big group looking to move slow, relax, huck and have fun
- Maintenance- Other than Hole #13, the whole course loops through the land really well and is very clean
- Access- it was very easy to find for someone that doesn't live in SATX. Also the parking lot has more than enough room to house vehicles.
- Technicality- despite being a bit shorter at times, many holes require some precise flight lines. Even the smaller holes can provide some trouble for this reason!
- Seating- I think there was a bench, placed rock or felled tree at every hole to relax while waiting or between throws at the teepads. Very nice!

Cons:

- Signage- I got lost a couple times and some, so more signs directing to the next hole would be nice. Although there's a big map at the beginning of the course (which is a Plus) it'd be nice to have a better sense of direction. Same thing with teepad/hole info- there are a few holes missing this
- Length- Only 2 holes over 425ft, but many under 200ft or barely above. Not as much a con, per se, just would be nice to enhance variety (more than half of holes are 250-325ft)

Other Thoughts:

This is absolutely a solid course- no drama, light challenge, good climate... That's about it though. For course standards it's just solid, but it doesn't offer anything that makes it stand out. That's OK! It just is what it is as a nice, easy course

I'd play this course regularly if I were in San Antonio as a nice quick round
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3 3
TexasToyz2142
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

McClain Park DG review 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 22, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

This review is coming from a Novice player who started playing back in November. I have played UC, Water bogged Schlater Park and Lost in the back nine Live Oak. This has been a great course to play on as it has its challenges. I like the difficulty to be just a little better that UC and it feels like a mix of UC and Live Oak. Has a little bit of everything which makes it fun. Will be playing this course more often.

Cons:

This may be difficult to play if you've had recent rain. We saw a few places where the water was still standing and haven't had rain in a while. Nothing like Schlater Park though. Can be difficult to find the next hole as not great signage to tell you where to go, but found it easier to follow the path most worn would lead you to the next hole.

Other Thoughts:

We GPS the directions the first time out and it told us to Park in a residential area and walk to our destination. This is not needed as you should be able to park in the School parking lot closest to the entrance gate to the park. If your new to playing disc golf this may be more of a challenge for you. Would recommend some of the other areas first before trying this one out as a beginner.
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3 2
Drago318
Experience: 8.8 years 17 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

McClain Park DG Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 21, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice variety of holes, McClain has wooded, open, & mixed terrain throughout the course you'll need to bring both your power & technical skills with you to play McClain.

I'm visiting San Antonio from Louisiana for work, the front 9 are backwards format at the present time. It was somewhat confusing figuring out where the tee pads and baskets were located. Everyone I have encountered has been extremely friendly and helpful, great DG community in SA.

Cons:

Some hole tees and baskets hard to locate. Lots of Pokemon Go players walking around.
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3 3
oneshot
Experience: 32.9 years 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 26, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice variety of holes to play at Mcclain, trash cans on every hole, picnic tables on 7 long and 14, lots of shade, locals friendly, night golf almost every night, Mcclain disc golfers on Facebook to hook up with locals or others looking for a nice game or tour of park, monthly clean ups every last Sunday of the month till August

Cons:

No water so bring your own, no bathrooms for the number of people that visit this course on a weekly basis but gas station close, not good to play if wet

Other Thoughts:

A must play if your from out of town
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2 8
Zander
Experience: 3 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

GREAT COURSE. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 1, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Challenging course, but not too hard. Shaded, Clean, some very hard technical shots/holes. Overall great course.

Cons:

Can't really think of any, Oh yea, Some hole signs are missing but thats really all the cons.
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12 1
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 46.4 years 1562 played 1507 reviews
3.50 star(s)

You Can Die Hard On A Couple Of Holes Here! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 3, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

I don't know anything about this playing the course in reverse stuff. I think I played it forward. The course has concrete tee pads and yellow banded Discatcher baskets. The tee signs that are present give yu good information. This is a nice challenging course playing at a solid intermediate level. Better players will score well under par while us rec players can still enjoy the course and it's challenging side.
# 3 teepads was a nice bit of engineering. The hole is just 287' but the pad is raised and there is a gnarly tree with large branches forcing you to keep your drive low. I liked the looks of this hole a lot.
There are garbage cans and rustic branch benches here too.
Everyone mentions # 5 and # 6 and they both merit acolades as they really are memorable disc golf holes. # 5 is 405 with a dogleg right. The basket is then perched 20-25 feet up on a ledge and there is a swampy moat at the base of the cliffside. Fun hole! Not that incredibly difficult, just fun.
# 6 was actually freakier for me. It's just 140 foot almost completely over the swampy moat with lots of overhanging branches to knock your discs down It's probably a easy little forehand but for us players who don't have a forehand, it's a little tougher. Both of these holes would take on a different complexion after a rain with the moat/creek becoming engorged with flood waters.
I liked # 17 quite a bit with the basket perched just before the deep ditch.
The course ends back at the start which is always good.

Cons:

I could see this course being a disaster after a rainstorm of any kind. The crreek alone could cause much havoc throughout the course. And i can see the mud being terribly slippery.
The back nine didn't quite measure up to the front nine, IMO.
Tee signs were missing on # 1, 9, 12, 13, and 17.
There was a garbage can at # 10 and it was overflowing. Who in charge of emtying these?

Other Thoughts:

This is an delightful little course here. There were a couple of those signature holes that really stood out for me. Not too many clunkers. For being close to a couple of schools, the grafitti and vandalism was minimal. Middle school students are especially malicious little monsters around disc golf tee sins and baskets. I'd love to see those four missing tee signs replaced. It doesn't sound like this playing the course in reverse thing is real popular. I like the idea of A & B pads.
This is a nice solid course....Yippee-Ki-Yay mother*^%$^&^&#@!
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4 5
frogdog1988
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Challenging and evolving course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 16, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I want to start by saying. This is my home course so I may be a little bias. I play here 3+ times per week.

That being said, at the moment the course is in McWrong (reverse) mode. It is a great change, both directions are a lot of fun. This course is the closest by far to my house and I love having to great courses in one location. The reverse mode is a little more of a position course, where placement is key, while in forward mode there are more shot options that open it up to big arm throwers that might not otherwise have as much control to handle the low straight shot that alot of the holes require in reverse. So the reverse kinda evens the playing field in my opinion. Both courses are alot of fun.

Cons:

Need a map on the back of the current map that shows the reverse layout.

Other Thoughts:

I can't give it a 5 bc there is always more work to be done to make it bigger and better.
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4 6
tigerdisclarry
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Glad I took the time to play. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 8, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice mix of short, medium, and long shots. Short holes had a good risk/reward balance. You can go for the ace but if you mess up it is likely to be a hassle to get your par. Long shots were fair, not so hard as to keep novices from coming back, but difficult enough to keep advanced players coming back for the challenge. Beautiful course- a great representation of the beauty of the San Antonio area. This one my first time in San Antonio, if I go back, this will definitely be one of my stops.

Cons:

Need for it's own parking lot. Schools shouldn't share their parking lot with strangers. One hole was a little confusing on the back nine, probably a work in progress.
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8 5
kennycramhat
Experience: 12 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Reverse McClain is Bad 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 18, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has two layouts now, forwards and backwards. When the course is reversed (backwards) the baskets are near the forwards tee boxes and the tee boxes are near the forwards baskets. This is a review of the backwards layout.

This course has good baskets, an active group of people who keep it clean and in good repair, nice trees (for Texas on the back nine when in reverse), trash cans, park benches at the start and on the course, a little pavilion near the first hole, ample parking when the school isn't in session, a couple of weekly minis, an active Facebook page, night golf opportunities, and locals who are friendly and who will show you around.

Cons:

The backwards layout has lots of problems.

There are greens where your disc can land within thirty feet of the basket and you will have no putt because of obstacles (This is true on reverse 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 15, and 16.).

There are fairways without a clear path to the basket (Reverse 11, 15, and 16.).

There are holes that are well above the ability of the typical disc golfer the course sees (16 for example requires an absolute laser shot 300+ feet long through some tight spaces at the end to an elevated basket that is birdcaged by a bunch of little trees, utterly ridiculous).

There are a number of blind par 3's (2, 5, and 14). There is a table and benches beside the 14 basket. It's an accident waiting to happen.

The reverse course was designed to take away overhead shots from the tee when possible. This often results in a single shot choice from the tee, a low straight shot.

Other Thoughts:

Forwards I would rate McClain a 4.0. Backwards I give it a .5. Since it is supposed to be reversed every other month (that was what I was told), I have to give McClain a 4.5 divided by 2 rating (a 2.0).

I'm worried McClain is going to end up like Live Oak when it's done being tinkered with. Live Oak does not have a set 18 holes that people play. There are 30+ holes and when people say they played Live Oak, you have no idea what holes they played.

Instead of reversing the course, I think more tee boxes and permanent alternate baskets should be added. If baskets are too expensive, put up tone poles until baskets can be bought.

Also, there is plenty of room for another 18 north of the current 18. Add those holes instead of messing up the ones that are there.
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3 6
jimjohnmarks
Experience: 15 played 15 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Well On It's Way 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 12, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Long and short tees almost all the way around.
Great mix of technical woods and big open distance.
Excellent use of elevation and terrain changes.
Great signage and well maintained

Cons:

Several pins only have one tee pad that really need a second one. Given how much harder some of the long pins are on the first half of the course, the lack of them on some of the easier, shorter pins in the back makes that section of the course a lot less challenging, comparatively.

Indicators on baskets of the direction of the next tee pad and indicators on the sign of which basket position is currently in operation would really speed up play, as well.

Other Thoughts:

This would be a 4 or 4.5 review if the course had a full set of long tees, but more importantly, the change in the past year to the pin position of #8 is a serious problem. The pin is still only rated as a par 3 and yet the final 100 feet to the basket is (a) a more than 90 degree turn from the fairway (b) through a complete pinball machine of trees with no real fairway to speak of. Even left handed you have almost no hope of placing your drive anywhere that's actually helpful as your second shot _will be_ facing a wall of trees no matter where you put it.

The rule of thumb is that a fairway is something you can drive a small car through. While in theory you could drive a car from this tee pad to this basket, the last 100 feet would hardly be in what anyone would call a throwable line. They really need to either open up _some_ throwable line from the fairway to the basket or they need to make this a par 4. It is very frustrating to put a drive on a hole that technical about 40 feet from the pin and still end up with absolutely no chance at a bird because you can't even see the chains.
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9 1
c_a_miller
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.5 years 299 played 209 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 6, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is set up right off of an elementary school with a nice map showing the course. There are concrete tees, dual tees on some holes with very descriptive signs on each hole.

This is a very tight wooded course (think Texas Army Trail for Houston golfers) The wooded holes are tough but fair with multiple lines to take on each hole. The course also has a few holes that play out in the open.

The holes that are open like 10, 13 and 17 are very well kept up with short, green grass. Hole 13 is a massive 700+ hole that is the signature of the back 9.

There is plenty of elevation at this course. Hole #5 is THE hole of the course with a long dogleg right and a 30 foot elevation jump up a cliff to the basket. I have played very few courses where a hole jumped out in my mind like this one did.

I found the walking path in the front nine holes quite helpful for navigation and well needed with the mud that was present on the course at the time.

The course is quite simple to follow, with signs pointing you in the right direction when the walk in between holes is long.

Cons:

After a good rain this course is an absolute mess. It is the type of mud that cakes to the bottom of your shoes and once dry is impossible to get off your hands and discs.

Even though Holes 5 and 6 are the "signature" holes on the course, footing may be treacherous walking up the steep incline on #5 and walking down the incline if you miss your throw and land in the ravine on #6.

I did not notice any bathrooms, or water on site. This could be problematic at tournaments.

Other Thoughts:

This is a good course to have a tournament at. There is plenty of space at the beginning of the park to practice putting and set up.

The course has A LOT of holes that go left to right and that is something that is unique about this course because lefties and flickers could do very well here.

I have now played Universal city and McClain in the San Antonio area. I must say McClain is far and beyond the better course of the two. All kind of shots are necessary to do well here. Accuracy is needed off each tee. A fun time is guaranteed.

After the round go to Mama Margie's Mexican Restaurant a few miles north on I35, it is fast and cheap and a very good meal.
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3 4
tkmcdougal
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.7 years 196 played 96 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 14, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Wow, this course is awesome. They have a great map at the start. I also really liked the nice tee pads and DISCatchers. I love the elevation change that is throughout the course. It starts out with hole 1,3,5,6,17. McClain has great technicality but not too much, it was definitely a perfect mix. There is a really good mix of open and wooded holes. The course was laid out nicely and everything was in great condition. I loved hole 5 shooting up the hill was a really fun shot. Right after hole 6 was a nice fun down hill shot that was very tight.

Cons:

There are very few cons. The sidewalk that goes throughout the first holes is dangers for walkers( there are signs warning them). A few of the holes were too open for me like hole 10. Hole 10 also is a little bit of a far walk.

Other Thoughts:

I think this is the best course in San Antonio. I was very pleased with the layout and the use of elevation throughout.

Parking for McClain is in a school parking lot. So walk down the hill toward the first tee. There is also a practice basket.
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3 7
zewski12
Experience: 12.5 years 93 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Amazing 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 23, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

-gorgeous well kept well designed course.
-a concrete walkway leaving you through the first 5 holes
-nice signage and easy navigable
-creative holes throwing under and over unique trees.
-good mix of open and wooded holes

Cons:

NONE

Other Thoughts:

out of the 17 courses i've played in 6 different states this is my favorite. i wish i had more time in san antonio so i could have played this course more. i'm from the north east and i will be returning to play this course again.
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2 8
windsurf17
Experience: 15 played 10 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Pretty darn close to perfect 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 5, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

McClain is right in the middle of a good sized city but isn't a clogged city park. It has an excellent mix of fairways and challenges, only lacking significant elevation changes. The holes aren't maniacally long but pose reasonable challenges. I like how this course is tucked away but right in the city and it's just plain fun.
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3 8
Hammer Time
Experience: 12.7 years 14 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

best all around course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 2, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course had a little bit of everything. From long straight fairways to shorter technical shorts this course will challenge you. As others have stated, holes 5 and 6 are the signature holes at this course and you will want to throw multiple drives.

Cons:

Not many negatives with this course. If it hasn't been mowed in awhile than the open fairway on 13 could be a negative if the wind catches the disc making it hard to find if you lose it around the corner off the long tee.

Other Thoughts:

Excellent course. Play it weekly and always excited to go back
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10 3
swatso
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.3 years 776 played 417 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Oaked 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 20, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

10' long, trapezoidal concrete tees. Alternate (typically closer) natural tee locations, if you know where to look. Excellent teesigns.

Two nine-hole loops. Online map makes the course a cinch for a first-time visitor to navigate.

Cons:

Single pin position. Definitely some chance of disc loss, more so on the back nine.

Other Thoughts:

This course is set in a mixture of trees, brush, and open space, starting at the back of the parking lot behind an elementary school. The majority of the front nine plays tightish, under/amongst the trees, and contains most of the shorter holes (most holes sub 300'). The back nine, for the most part, is more open (sky above you, wider fairways), and longer, too (two longest holes, and half over 300').

A variety of shot shapes are needed from the tee - fairly even blend of straight/left/right/S - and the low canopy, and outreaching branches, will add a vertical challenge on most of the holes, often forcing your throw to start low, sometimes while needing to gain elevation!

A fairly flat course, but does make use of what little elevation is available. More challenging after a rain, such as when I played, as it does increase the amount of out-of-bounds.

Favourite hole: #5. One of the longer holes at 405', lines of trees along both sides create a fair initial lane, and force a moderate right turn at the midpoint. After the turn, the trees begin to narrow a bit, and the basket is still a couple hundred feet away, elevated about 20' atop a ridge.

Good course offering both challenges and opportunities, worth a visit if in the area.
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2 9
skiper220
Experience: 9 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

ill keep playing it 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 21, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Provides challenging shots but not overly hard. It was a few easy wholes to recover on, if you like water hazards

Cons:

needs to be cleaned up a little. If you dont like water hazards there are a few wholes to avoid

Other Thoughts:

its a must play
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3 1
lukebro22
Experience: 15 played 3 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 27, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Excellent design with several tee placements. most holes have longs and shorts, and theres usually red stakes marking more of a pitch and putt course if that's your fancy. Plenty of shade for summer rounds. Nice flow and signage, 1, 9, 10, and 18 are all within a short walk to the parking lot. there are not a lot of great courses in SA area but this one is worth playing.

Cons:

Lots of trash for my round the other day, regulars need to do a better job maintaining, i know they don't get much help from parks and rec so it's up to the players to keep it clean. The trash was a recurring source of frustration throughout the round. Several schools nearby so it could very well be students using the course as a place to drink and litter, but it was obvious to me that disc golfers were partially responsible.

Other Thoughts:

When the course is clean, it's closer to a 4.0, when its dirty it's closer to a 3.0. Fun and challenging course, the local club has a ceanup at the end of every month so the course should be in good condition during the early days of the month.
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1 12
larryth
Experience: 13.6 years 7 played 6 reviews
0.50 star(s)

Disappointment 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 27, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

18 holes

Cons:

Barely maintained past first hole; trash & broken glass everywhere, many tunnel shots, hole 4 only encourages lost disc into a polluted creek ravine, and course design fails by hole placement and not considering terrain ( one shot literally has no opening through trese) and winds.

Other Thoughts:

Glad to cross it off my to play list but won't be back.
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