Superior, WI

Mont du Lac - White Cedar

Permanent course
4.375(based on 23 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Mont du Lac - White Cedar reviews

Filter
9 0
wolfhaley
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.5 years 1165 played 745 reviews
2.50 star(s)

11 hole layout review

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 15, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

This review is based off of the 11 hole layout that is currently there. This course used to be one of the best in state based on ratings here. That was the original 18. The current layout is an abbreviated one for whatever reason and it seems it's been this way for all of 2024 at the very least.

According to the map on Mont Du Lac's website this course used to play exclusively on the east side of the road up the hill. So when we played this one we played the LSO Open 2024 layout on Udisc starting on hole 8 and playing the rest from there. The first 7 holes are just Eagle's Peak holes which we were going to play later that day. 8-18 are actual White Cedar holes so I'm basing this review off of those holes only.

The tee pads are concrete. These are long and very skinny on most of them. They do have good grip and are better than natural pads for sure. Just really narrow. One tee pad per hole.

There's currently three baskets per hole out there. We played mostly to the Chainstar Pros which were the middle baskets. There were some Mach VII's and Mach III's for the others I think. Not entirely sure what the other's all were but all were nice baskets that were in great shape and looked like they'd catch fine. The Chainstar Pro's certainly did. So a lot of different options basketwise at least.

The terrain this course is set up on is pretty appealing. These are the least impressive of the of the original holes it would seem but they're still good, just shorter and don't include any of the crazy elevation. There's a creek that wanders through the course that comes into play quite a bit and plenty of trees that make things interesting. A good amount of elevation too actually.

Basic tee signs like the ones at the ither three courses on site. These are newer since they're for the White Cedar Hybrid course. They have the hole #, distance and par on them.

Cons:

Number one con is the godawful uphill slog you need to make after finishing the round. Just terrible design here. You need to walk up that same hill you threw hole 1 on. It's a pretty damn big hill and it sucks the life out of you. This was ridiculous. It'd have been worse if you played the first 7 holes heading up Eagle's Peak.

The tee signs are useless with no map and the distance listed is cool and all. The only problem is that there's three baskets per hole. How are you supposed to know what basket the distance is even for. And the no map was extra dumb on this set up.

The navigation is not easy to follow in quite a few spots on this one. Too many unmarked long walks between holes. It was tricky to follow and figure out even with a map.

A number of holes play way too close to the road and camping sites. The latter holes were poorly maintained. Knee high grass made up most of the fairways. Unacceptable for a pay to play course. The rough is nasty too on most of the holes. I was less than impressed to say the least.

Other Thoughts:

I was looking forward to finally playing White Cedar. I've only heard great things about it from some of the people whose opinions I trust the most. This is not that course though. I haven't been able to figure what the hell is going on with this course. It's a shame what it's become though. Hopefully this isn't the end of a once great course. What a shame.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
Johnsondere
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 1.3 years 136 played 83 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Another hidden gem! drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 24, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Amazing complex for disc golf!
- Camping on site
- Lots of elevation and distance challenges
- Tight and technical wooded course
- Lots of shot placement required.
- Absolutely beautiful place to be!

Cons:

- Tee pads are a little short, not much of a run up.

Other Thoughts:

Mont du Lac is such an amazing place to visit! White Cedar is the most challenging course on the property. Almost completely wooded with a lot of gap hitting to do. If you are on your game, you will have a solid round, if you are off by even inches, good luck! The elevation, the views, and the vibes of the area are amazing!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
13 0
jeremyhilss
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.1 years 50 played 30 reviews
4.00 star(s)

The definition of extreme 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

-Concrete tees on every hole. Again, they're narrow like Eagle's Peak, but very serviceable

-Benches on most holes

-Good teesigns, with hole no. length, hole shape, and pin locations shown

-Chainstar baskets, with multiple pin locations

-Trash cans here and there

-Tight, technical wooded fairways on almost every hole - hit your line or you're in deep trouble (literally)

-PSYCHOTIC use of elevation. This course is the extreme of the extreme, at least in my experience. If you aren't very coordinated, I suggest not playing this course. The first hole is amazing, shooting down a widely mowed, very very steep slope 500'-700' (depending on pin position) to the baskets. Very dramatic and awe inspiring, but just child's play compared to what comes later. Hole 11 is what feels like the equivalent of throwing a disc from the very base of a skyscraper, to the top. You throw through a tight fairway, up an ungodly steep hill, which is pointed along the fairway, similar to a corner of a pyramid, and then hooks right into a steep valley. If you kick left, don't even bother. From my viewpoint, you would need professional climbing equipment to get down that hillside. Hole 13 is the most ridiculous(ly awesome) shot ever. Dead straight, downhill to the basket in a bowl type area, but I you must drop at least 150 feet in elevation, whereas the actual distance horizontally must be like only 100 feet. It may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it feels that way. Very sketchy descent, I was going pretty slow and still slipped and almost rolled. Hole 16 has a similar elevation change, but you are throwing flat across one of these crazy valleys. You must walk all the way down, then back up to get to the green. Don't miss left, or your disc is gone like mine was.

-Challenge - pretty much everything I stated above speaks for itself about the challenge

-Variety - there are ace runs, ups, downs, lefts and rights. A handful of holes would play as legit par 4/5's in the long pin positions

-Scenery - plenty of gorgeous views up and down wooded ravines and slopes, a beautiful creek that runs through much of the course, and cool looking trees that are all bendy and whatnot

-Intense workout - they're good for ya

Cons:

-Chance for lost discs - that chances is high here. The undergrowth is incredibly thick, and the immense dropoffs make it a no go to even try to recover a disc.

-Treacherous navigation - once you enter the back nine, you will be ascending and descending some slopes that mill make your butt cheeks clench. You have to be very careful or you could slip and become seriously injured or worse. Some slopes border on mountain climbing level, and many do not have steps, and are slick and muddy. I would not play after a heavy rain.

-You have to walk the road about 200 feet up in elevation to get to hole 1. After that, and playing the course itself, you WILL be exhausted. Especially if you played Eagle's Peak beforehand.

-Some holes have multiple pin positions, and some don't - there is no real way of knowing which do on one particular day and which don't

Other Thoughts:

The designer went all out on this. I imagined, he saw the steepest, most dumbfounding slopes and ridges, and put all the holes based on them. And it worked out. This course is just a whole other lever of crazy. Some of them seem to be pushed to the limit, as I can see one mis-step causing quite a fall. The only thing I think needs to be done is maybe dig some more steps into some of the slopes. As for losing discs off of the side of slopes, I say that's just the risk you take, don't be dumb and go beaning yourself off a cliff.

In terms of golf, I have a lot of respect for those who can shoot well in tournaments here, cause this course gave me whooping, both score wise and physically.

At this point in time, I do like Eagle's Peak just a tad more, but I will admit that may be because I played it first, and wasn't as tired and wiped out. Either way, this course is a monster, and its and epic disc golf journey that everyone should undertake.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 4
James McGirr
Experience: 11 played 11 reviews
4.50 star(s)

extreme disc golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 20, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Recently played it memory not good.It had alot of natural scenery abrupt elevation changes truely unique.Fairways could be particularly tight in spots and pretty fair in others. the course is still playable.To play course a player needs to be an experianced disc golfer

Cons:

As unique and extreme as it is it can be dangerous. If its wet the course is supposed to be closed and for good reason.I would also think a person sould be physicially fit to make the track.Also course is hard to find.I only found it after i played 7 holes on the eagle course and I thought I was walking to 8th hole when I saw it was 1st hole white cedar
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 1
BogeyPar Guy
Experience: 6 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Very unique course, challenging to traverse 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Like playing in an enchanted forest
-Many unique shots
-challenging greens
-wide variety of throws requiring shot placement and execution
-technical
-bar and restaurant in club house

Cons:

-maybe too technical at times, feels like a luck fest throwing into trees hoping you dont hit one.
-sometimes there are no clear fairways to hit,
-not all t pads are concrete, and if they are they are often short and narrow
-poor signage, can be challenging to navigate for the first time
-very slippery when wet...almost unplayable and unsafe if it has recently rained.
-sometimes a very good shot can be punished severely

Other Thoughts:

This is a crazy course that I would classify as "EXTREME" disc golf...they make you sign a waiver for a reason as there are some situations...climbs and descents that are probably not safe, especially when wet. Not a place to bring kiddos or anyone who has any issues with mobility. Bring lots of water and bug dope and be careful. You end the round near the top of the hill, so if you do not plan on playing the 36 hole loop you have a long walk back down the mtn.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 2
therabidlemur
Experience: 134 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 16, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Variety of shots
plenty of elevation changes
beautiful views
course is difficult but fair

Cons:

doesn't have concrete tee pads on every hole
signage could be a little better

Other Thoughts:

I highly recommend making a trip to play White Cedar. The course is beautiful and offers some fun challenges. Be prepared with water, and just be aware that you will be dealing with some steep hills throughout.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 4
dethyr
Experience: 6 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Wow... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 10, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course really challenges the players. You need a serious mix of shots and discs to play it effectively and you need to do it precisely or you will spend a lot of time looking for discs. The design is really awesome as well. The tee pads are great and the chalet has great staff and great food.

Cons:

The terrain makes this course a real chore to play, it's absolutely NOT for people that don't feel like a challenging hike along with their disc golf experience. I am in medium shape and by the end of Eagle's peak and white cedar I was done with a capital D. The ticks and skeeters are absolutely relentless as well. Bathe in bug dope before coming.

Other Thoughts:

This course is hard, there's really no other way to put it. If you are gonna play here WATCH YOUR DRIVES all the way to the ground because the rough eats up discs. Be ready for a hike, bring a gallon of bug dope and a gallon of water.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 2
Skeeter3
Experience: 119 played 4 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Best course on the Property 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 3, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

A challenging course that will test you in multiple ways. There are detailed tee signs at every tee box. There is a variety of shots throughout the whole course, every hole is something different. Lots of challenges throughout the course (Trees, Creeks, Wildlife). But awesome surroundings as the course winds through the old growth forest and up and down it's valleys. The view after finishing hole 18 over looks the eagles peak course/St. Louis River/Jay Cooke State Park. Mont du Lac is always making upgrades and grooming the course.

Cons:

This course is physically challenging-But well worth it. It can be slick in spots after it rains. Some of the holes play blind, it's nice to play with someone who knows the layout.

Other Thoughts:

One of Three courses on the property. There is also a bar and grill on site in the base lodge. Camping on site with scheduled updates for the summer of 2015. They are also building rustic cabin rentals during the summer of 2015. Make sure to pick up a scorecard and map in the base lodge if you've never played the course before. They have a system for picking up/dropping of discs in the base lodge that were lost/found of the courses there. They host leagues and tournaments (both PDGA and non- PDGA).
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 5
artigasplaza
Experience: 9 played 2 reviews
5.00 star(s)

What they said 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 19, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

All of the other recent reviews are accurate. Logger keeps adding new pins and new pads. He also keeps the course well-manicured.

Cons:

Need to finish remodeling the tee pads. Long walk to parking from hole 18. That's all.

Other Thoughts:

I have nothing to add to the most recent reviews. The course is as close to perfect as it get and keeps getting better. Just wear decent footwear. Cabins are currently being built that will enhance on-site lodging options.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 2
timj5304
Experience: 20.4 years 165 played 32 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Can not believe I have not played this course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 20, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

In my 10+ years of playing I can not believe i have not played Mont Du Lac until today. With 2 courses on the property this makes it a destination with the new course being put in at spirit mountain in Duluth, sadly there was a large wedding today which I was unable to play there because of reservation. 18 solid wooded holes. Hole 1 is comparable to hyland ski final hole 720 ft downhill. We had a big tailwind and my heart said fairway driver but my dumb brain told me to throw that for a second shot, threw a distance driver, went near the camping area hyzer a couple hundred feet deep. Awesome not difficult layout to follow, great use of elevation to say the least. I list this as a pro but most will as a con, great exercise going through the walks from pad to pad. Good mix of straight holes and lefty and righty biased holes. This kind of course is what disc golf was meant to be, out in the woods with friends and having to actually control your discs.

Cons:

Some would list the teepads as a negative but I would rather have none or a mat than some slick blacktop as are at acorn and bassett creek. A few mudslide holes on the back half, would like to see some more steps on a few of these if possible and maybe even railings someday but until then just walk carefully.

Other Thoughts:

Had a fun round, started to play well after hole 6 and killed it after that but had a rough start. This is a great course for me to smash someone like my brother who can throw 425 all day and 475 max, he can kill me on Eagles peak but not a chance on white cedar.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
Blaaaake77
Experience: 13.6 years 47 played 15 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 5, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Great staff and service when we arrived and answered all questions (Road trip to play the course.)
- Very challenging.
- Extreme workout compared to courses I usually play at home.
- Gorgeous scenery and elevation changes.
- Campsites I believe were literally on the course, I believe.
- Very clean course, no trash on fairways and for the most part woods were kept nice as well.
- Lots of options to take breathers, we took plenty up and down.

Cons:

- I slipped and fell and slide down some steep drop offs a few times, must sign a wavier before playing. So extreme terrain changes which can be dangerous so pay attention.
- Few holes are concrete pads, mostly were natural which makes sense being out on a mountain side.
- There was signage, but some were tough to follow along with.
- Lots of blind shots
- The climb was worth it, but if your looking for a causal round go else where.

Other Thoughts:

I don't have a lot to add, the trip up to the course was worth it. I'm getting into a serous level of disc golf and this course whooped me. It was an extremely challenging course for me, but loved it. After walking 18 holes I'm glad we only did 18 I haven't hiked all year that was a great workout! If they had a little easier of walks up and down the mountain sides I would raise my vote but falling down a few of those bumped it down. Overall love this course will have to get back up here and try to beat the course instead of it beating me!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
14 0
MountainGoat
Experience: 11.3 years 15 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Beast of a Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 19, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

<> Some of the best smelling, and most beautiful mid-summer scenery in the country
<> Difficult shots from start to finish
<> Lots of variety in the overall shape of the holes with a themed focus on tight shots. Sometimes the ceiling is really low, and sometimes you are teeing through a 15' gap 50' out.
<> Elevation change: The front 9 has some change but it is very minimal compared to the back 9 which is steadily uphill. The front 9 makes EXCELLENT use of the elevation changes that are present.
<> Trash cans everywhere so you don't have to see garbage all over and you don't have to carry 15 beer cans out of the woods.
<> Good quality baskets that don't spit much
<> Concrete boxes on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 17.
<> Alternate baskets on many holes and Logger moves them around throughout the summer so replay value is awesome
<> Clearly marked signs show where the baskets are and at each alternate location with distances and direction.
<> The cardio workout you get from climbing a mountain is at no additional cost. And just a heads up, you climb it a few times in 18.

Cons:

<> Tees not listed in Pros have "natural" boxes and they can be slick or muddy.
<> Lost discs can be nearly impossible to recover in some situations depending on what you are willing to climb... or descend into.
<> Going down 14 for the first time can be dangerous since the flood eroded the grass, stay far left where the ground has roots and deadfall still.
<> The signage at the completion of holes is not always clear as to where you should be headed for the next tee box.
<> It is not marked on the hole sign which location the basket is at, so if you did not catch Logger in the chalet, and you don't know the course, you will have to guess where to throw to or get out the binoculars and look for blaze orange. In many cases you cannot even see the far baskets from the teebox so you will have to walk the hole to find it.
<> Although there is a ton of variation in the design of the holes, there are not a lot of shot options due to both how tight the course is and how heavy the risk of going down a 200' ravine and O.B. weighs. This is only a minor disturbance though because the reward for hitting the narrow paths and going the distance requires a perfect throw, and a perfect throw always feels good.

Other Thoughts:

This is a natural mountain made of mud, dirt, clay, trees, steep slopes, sheer cliffs, deep wet valleys... it is a perfect sanctuary for all of life but along with that comes the natural dangers of such an environment. If it is pouring rain, you can expect a VERY challenging climb through the back 9. Footing can be a challenge at any given time and careful consideration on each shot weights more heavily than average on this course. I have only played a season and from what I have heard and seen so far this course will continue to receive attention and improvements. I expect in time there will be more concrete, and better signage. The chalet is a a great place to hang out, get fresh water, burgers made to order, good craft beer on tap or for the bag, discs to restock your bag and people to pick up a round with if you wish. Oh, and leave your hyzer-bomb at home, you won't be needing it at all on this course save for 17 and possibly 16 if you are a lefty.

UPDATE: Many updates have already taken place this season... more concrete, tons of mowing, 2 completely new holes, more pin placements on some existing holes. Logger deserves a medal for the work he puts in, truly one of the best places to play disc golf in the country.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
discbrewer
Experience: 17.5 years 103 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A northwoods treat 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 18, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course pretty much has it all. A substantial amount of elevation change which can be draining, but very rewarding with breath-taking views of the surrounding wilderness. There is a wide assortment of different layouts for the 18 holes, so you're not throwing the same shots hole after hole. There is nice signage on all the holes showing the distances of the A, B, and sometimes C pins and there layouts, as well as little arrows to help keep you on the right path. The employees do a great job of keeping the course trimmed and clean of branches and trash. There are recycling bins every few holes which is always a plus on a course. All but one of the holes has a bench you can rest on if you need to take a break (which most people will need, since it is one of the more challenging courses around).

Cons:

There are a few holes where you have to traverse up and down steep slopes, so when its slippery out on the course, they can be a little disconcerting. There is a mountain bike trail that runs through the course on a few holes, which isn't necessarily a bad thing by any means, but you should keep a eye open if you hear some bikers in the woods so you don't knock them off their bikes with a shanked drive.

Other Thoughts:

This is easily one of my favorite courses. Some of the holes get changed every once in a while due to unforeseen events like the flood in the spring of 2012, but they get replaced with holes that are equally as enjoyable to play as the old ones were. If you have time, I would highly suggest playing the white cedar/eagles peak loop. You play the front 9 on eagles peak which then puts you right on the tee pad for hole number 1 on White Cedar. When you finish with 18 on white cedar, it puts you right next to the tee pad for hole 10 on eagles peak, so you can finish the back 9.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 0
Darkgreen
Premium Member
Experience: 13.3 years 452 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Beautiful and challenging 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 16, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

One of two great disc golf courses on site, three if you count the seven hole ace run/practice course. Eagle's Peak plays mostly on the ski hill while White Cedar plays on the scenically wooded ravines next to and behind the ski hill. You will love the way this course challenges you. This is the type of course that makes you feel proud when you hit the appropriate line and can make you pay when you do not. Still, this course is worth it for beginners to play because it forces you to think about your shot selection. There are a variety of shots that you will have to throw to get up and down.

I've played this course many times and it never gets old. I am still learning new routes and new strategies for many of the holes. You will want to re-play this course or make a return visit after you are done with your first 18.

A great course to play on windy days as many of the holes are somewhat protected by all of the trees.

Cons:

There are a few holes that could use stairs. It can be a real adventure getting down some of the ravine slopes. Unfortunately for some holes I'm guessing this would take a major investment of manpower and time and with the floods from last June I can understand why the owners would think twice before adding improvements that could be washed away. However I think if done properly stairs or at least better trails could be added with a minimal risk of them getting washed out.

Some gaps are tight to the point where it might be asking a little much to hit. Some fairways have evenly spaced trees well down the fairway. Some fairways have skinny OB. All of this tips the scoring to random punishment at times.

The teepads are also on the skinny side.

More use could be gotten out of the disc golf section of the Mont du Lac website and it could be updated more often, but this a small thing and doesn't really affect the disc golf experience.

Other Thoughts:

Make sure to pack appropriately for the season and the weather. You will be doing some hiking so make sure to bring plenty of water or even a sports beverage for the summer days. Good footwear is also recommended. It is a wooded course so bug spray is also a good idea for the warmer months.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
Ajampalm
Experience: 94 played 11 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Amazing Northwoods Experience 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 20, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has the best scenery of any course I've played. Even Giants Ridge, which is beautiful, can't touch the White Cedar's setting.

This course is very technical, and certainly provides looks for all types of throws equally. There are many holes where the birdie is in plain sight, but very rarely will they all be in your grasp.
Doubles as your daily exercise, while I know some that consider walking a hard trail a burden I still believe it is for your betterment...
But I know that is not a universal belief.
Stunning settings, and if you have the chance to play all of the A & B pin placements you will really see the wonderful variety the course has to offer.

Cons:

Lack of cement tee pads is without a doubt the only drawback I come back to on this course. The hike is hard so if you bring your cheap flip flops you will be punished. That being said if you have read any of the reviews than you should know better.

Other Thoughts:

If you are ever in the area, passing through, or want to find the next great disc golf destination Mont Du Lac has it all.
With 2 courses, a chalet with food and beer, and scenery inspired from the Hobbit you will be sure to enjoy this treasure of a course. It may not have the amenities and upkeep of a BRP, but it makes up for that in the type of golf only a setting this epic and special can provide.

Do not miss this course!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
12 0
d love
Experience: 28.5 years 58 played 1 reviews
4.50 star(s)

White Cedar will put your game to the test! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 19, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Beautiful landscape/scenery: The course progresses through a heavily wooded lowland forest and then traverses several steep, wooded ridges which eventually lead you near to the top of the highest point on the property. It features old growth white pines, thick cedar groves and innumerable aspen and poplar stands. A natural spring feeds a network of small creeks and pools which come into play occasionally throughout the lowland section (holes 3-10). Upon reaching the tee for hole 17, you are greeted with a teaser of the panoramic view which awaits you at the highest point on the property. The view features an overlook of the St. Louis River valley and the surrounding forests. If you continue to the top of the hill, the view opens up substantially to include nearby Jay Cooke Sate Park and the bluffs surrounding the river valley. If you enjoy hiking for pleasure and exercise, you will thoroughly enjoy playing this course, as it offers a challenging hike with beautiful surroundings.

- Technically challenging course design that offers a variety of pin placements: Each hole has at least two pin placements (A [short] & B [long]). As of the time I'm writing this review, there are also C (longer) pins in place for holes 3 and 5. The majority of the fairways are narrow and wooded. Accuracy and distance control are crucial for success on White Cedar. Many of the fairways require placement shots in order to access the greens. Accuracy and distance control are rewarded with birdie opportunities and an occasional ace run when shooting for the A pins. The B and C pin locations offer more of a challenge and even a few placements which arguably merit a true par 4. The course features the natural terrain: tunnel shots through wooded fairways, sharp doglegs, steep-sided ravines in play from the tee or bordering the fairway and green, small winding creeks and pools of water. The "roughs" can be unforgiving. An errant shot can easily find its way into dense stands of pine or popple saplings or roll to the bottom of a steep-sided ravine. More often than not, an errant shot whacks one of the innumerable trees along the fairways and the direction and angle of the deflection determine your fate. Over all, the layout of the course forces you to utilize a variety of shots and discs.

-One of the signature holes on White Cedar (#16) brings to mind the classic "George's Gorge" from the original layout at Kaposia Park in West St. Paul. It mimics the drive from the tee atop one side of a wide, deep, steep-sided ravine to a small green perched on the other side. It makes for some dramatic results.

-Physically demanding hike: The course is designed to be physically demanding. While holes 1-10 are located on relatively flat ground, holes 11-18 traverse ever-upward over a series of steep-sided ridges. It is not uncommon to find yourself panting, sweating bullets and thirsty as you complete the hikes between tees. By the time you reach the tee for #18, you have climbed from the lowland forest at the bottom of the river valley to nearly the highest point on the property. Wear good footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks in order to enjoy this hike. Wet clay tends get extremely sloppy, sticky and slick. The steep banks of the ravines can be challenging under even good conditions. The course tends to be muddy and messy if there has been recent precipitation. Be prepared!

-Garbage/recycling receptacles are located near all but a few tee pads.

-Cement tee pads are now installed on nearly every hole.

-Signage has improved and offers a decent guide for the course. There are a lot of "blind shots" on the course. I would suggest walking up to view the targets before driving.

-Open for disc golf year-round: The White Cedar course can be played throughout the year. During winter months, all of the pins (A,B &C) are placed on holes 1-9. This allows for an 18 hole experience without the challenging hike through the back 9. Play on the back 9 is also available, but hiking that section in winter can be treacherous.

-Eagle's Peak is right next door: Mont du Lac offers another 18+ hole disc golf course.The Eagle's Peak course is laid out on the existing ski hills at Mont du Lac. The two courses can be connected to allow play on a "hybrid" course. This is accomplished by either: hiking to the top of the property after finishing #18 of White Cedar and connecting to hole 12 of Eagle's Peak or by walking to nearby tee #1 of White Cedar after finishing hole 7,8 or 9 of Eagle's Peak.

-On site Bar/Grill/Pro shop: Mont du Lac features a chalet with a full bar (with off-sale liquor license) and a grill with a good menu. They have a great beer selection as well. There is a pro shop with a small disc selection located in the chalet. These are great features, which enhance the disc golf experience a great deal, especially in regards to tournament play. A place on site to gather and socialize with other players is a big plus.

-On site rustic camping and cabin rental are available for an average fee. Firewood and water are also available. Each campsite offers a metal fire pit with a grate for cooking over the fire. This feature makes for a great weekend of disc golf and enhances the tournament experience, as the campfires burn long into the night.

-League play: Mont du Lac offers a variety of local league play options. Handicapped leagues are held on Wednesday (White Cedar), Thursday (Eagle's Peak). League play with no handicaps take place on Saturday (Doubles [course selection alternates]) as well as during winter months on Wednesday (Glow League).

Other Thoughts:

Repeated play on this course has improved my game considerably. I feel lucky to call Mont du Lac my home course(s)!

Thanks Logger!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 2
frolfer97
Experience: 18 played 18 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 6, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has it all! It almost feels like you've been transported to another country.
-Beautiful scenery
-Great signage
-Numerous elevation changes
-Numerous wooden bridges crossing over the creeks that criss-cross the course
-Very fun shots including shots over ravines
-Definitely will be a challenge for every skill level

Cons:

-Some holes required a spotter to locate the basket
-I wasn't able to play it more.

Other Thoughts:

Of all the courses I've played, this one tops the list! I recommend that anyone that likes disc golfing should put this course on their list of "must play" courses.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
BlackCrow77
Experience: 20.2 years 184 played 9 reviews
4.50 star(s)

When in Wisconsin 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 15, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

If you need a course that will physically and mentally challenge you, then take a trip to NW Wisconsin or Duluth, MN (close by). The course has it all, hyzer/anhyzer, up/downhill and how about a shot 300' across a ravine. This course has multiple pin placements. It also has signage and markings on the trees indicating the location to next tee.

Cons:

Concrete or Rubber tees would be cool. What is in place works, I don't dispute that. I do realize that this is a difficult under taking due to some of the locations and the elevation changes.

Other Thoughts:

A lot of damage has occurred on this course from all the heavy rain. Many thanks to those who have been making paths to navigate. Hole #11 has been removed due to the recent flooding. Basically, the course shifted all baskets up 1 and new #18 tee is now on the road leading to lodge (basket is in view).
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 6
Griplock
Experience: 54 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Untapped Potential at it's finest. 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

-Some of the most unique wooded scenery and wonderful overlooks I have seen on a course.
-Several valley and plateau shots I challenge you to find anywhere else.
-Good balance of left to right hand holes.
-The perfect setting for a disc golf course, it really is, but....

Cons:

-Design problems. Most courses with this kind of elevation reward your three hour uphill trek with huge bomber shots from the top. Hole 18 here ends AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN, about two miles from the parking lot by hole 1. What?

-No pads. No resemblance of pads even on most holes, just a slightly flatter spot of ground which may or may not double as a fire pit.

-Alternating/random sometimes pin placement. Like every other Wisconsin course we played. Either pony up for two baskets, decent signs, or just leave it at one basket per hole. Scouting necessary on most holes.
-People camping in the fairways of holes 1 through 6.

-No beer (unless purchased there) or cigarettes allowed on the course, shirts must be worn at all times (you sign a waiver).

Other Thoughts:

I think the primary annoyance I had here was the lack of a reasonable, solid layout which made use of the land instead of treating it like another obstacle. Instead of bombing down a valley, you played up then walked down. Or played across it. Only one shot of the legit 18 on this course plays downhill.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 3
nblahna
Experience: 22.5 years 63 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 3, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-An utterly gorgeous slice of the North Woods.
-Challenging fairways that reward good lines.
-Great backwoods hiking between holes!
-Onsite camping, bar & grill!

Cons:

-A few short tee pads.
-Some steep ascents and slick segments of trail.

Other Thoughts:

Besides my home course, this is my favorite course. The local league players and employees are quite friendly! If you're looking to spend a weekend camping and discing near the North Shore without the hassle of seasonal traffic or crowds of "out-of-towners," this is a destination you absolutely shouldn't pass up. Besides, at $5/night/person, and $5/day for all the disc golf you can handle, the price is sooo so right! You just need to get up there...
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top