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NEDGC - Terrapin Grove reviews
13
0
The Best of the Best (of Putter Courses)
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 24, 2022
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
As I write this, UDISC has Terrapin Grove as the second-highest rated course in the state of Massachusetts, only behind the fabled Maple Hill. The irony is by objective standards Terrapin Grove isn't even the #2 course ON THE PROPERTY! How can that be? As a new course it only has 26 ratings so far, and I'm guessing UDISCers play a quick fun round on it and click their 5 stars (or maybe 4 ½ stars) without too much thought and move on. This course is FUN.
You can argue that it's "just a putter course" and I understand that it's unfair to compare this course to Maple Hill, Spoonwood Ridge, or fill in your other favorite Massachusetts course. Terrapin Grove is not designed to challenge your entire game. But for what it's designed for, it's phenomenal.
What's the max I can give a putter course? I'll arbitrarily come up with a DGCR Four Stars rating. To be clear, if there is ever a DGCourseReview, Putter Course Edition, Terrapin Grove would be Five STARS. I can see some future reviews coming up with a much lower rating for this course because of its lack of length, but again, that's not what this course is designed for. That would be like me slamming the Maple Hill Gold Layout because it's basically unplayable to someone of my rec skill level... but that's not what Maple Hill Gold is designed for!
-Fun Factor: This is a great place for a warm-up round before hitting Spoonwood or Calico, work on your putting game or just a place to get in a quick round with your friends. You can probably get in a solo round in 15 or 20 minutes, and even a foursome will be through in a ½ hour. Seems to be a place for impromptu "Bag Tag" challenges for the NEDGC membership.
It also might be the perfect course to take a first-timer. With 3 sets of tees, I've seen kids as young as 6 aiming for birdies on the Green Layout.
Other excellent venues "gimmick up" their putter course (the Blockhouse Tiki Course in Spotsylvania, VA and the Flying Armadillo in San Marco, Texas) and I have no problem with that, it can make for a fun family experience. Terrapin Grove mostly avoids the gimmicks and provides a great New England Woods Golf Experience with putter-distance holes, even if Pinky & the Brain and Bigfoot do occasionally make an appearance.
-Variety: This course has 18 holes, each a unique putter challenge. You can probably find left-to-right, right-to-left, or straight lines to nearly every basket. You may opt to bring just one disc, but I'd recommend three: Your "go to" inside-the circle putter, a stable/slightly overstable putt and approach, and an understable putt & approach. I'm betting you'll find a need for each. If you are a rec player and play the white layout you might even need a midrange on a couple of holes. I'm not ashamed to pack a Buzz. There is enough elevation to make things interesting, but nothing that will wear you out before you head out to the "big" courses. Take advantage of the three layouts. Advanced players will get well under par from the White Layout and will be Ace hunting nearly every hole. Rec players can shoot "McBeth-like" scores on the Red Layout.
-Signage: Basic, just hole number and distance marked on a short piece of 2x4 with the Terrapin Logo. Holes are short enough the basket is always in sight and obvious.
-Navigation: Usually a sign to the next tee if it's not otherwise apparent.
-Safety: For the most part fairways are delineated enough to keep things well separated. There might be one or two tee boxes (I'm thinking 6 White, for example) that are a little close to the previous basket, but since the approaches into the basket are putts of around 100' it should not be a safety issue. There are a couple of small slopes (13 fairway) will require a bit of caution. There are a couple of stream crossings, good water-resistant shoes is recommended if it's been rainy.
-Amenities: Ther NEDGC features the recreational friendly Calico Creek course and the challenging Spoonwood Ridge. It also features a 5-basket practice green and a two-pad practice range . There's a porto-potty (or two during tournament season) on the grounds, with plenty of parking. Picnic tables available. On the property is a well-stocked pro shop, open Thursday-Sunday, April to November. The Pro shop also helps out with Lost and Found.
-Low risk of lost disks on Terrapin, even in the fall. The fairways get leaf-blown fairly frequently and with short holes discs don't fly too far astray. There is a slight risk that an errant tee shot off Two White can catch Johnson Brook, but no worries, it's shallow and there is a retriever nearby.
-Cleanliness: The NEDGC is well maintained by its staff in general, but even the members seem to go out of their way to take care of Terrapin Grove. Stray branches get cleared from fairways; litter gets picked up immediately.
You can argue that it's "just a putter course" and I understand that it's unfair to compare this course to Maple Hill, Spoonwood Ridge, or fill in your other favorite Massachusetts course. Terrapin Grove is not designed to challenge your entire game. But for what it's designed for, it's phenomenal.
What's the max I can give a putter course? I'll arbitrarily come up with a DGCR Four Stars rating. To be clear, if there is ever a DGCourseReview, Putter Course Edition, Terrapin Grove would be Five STARS. I can see some future reviews coming up with a much lower rating for this course because of its lack of length, but again, that's not what this course is designed for. That would be like me slamming the Maple Hill Gold Layout because it's basically unplayable to someone of my rec skill level... but that's not what Maple Hill Gold is designed for!
-Fun Factor: This is a great place for a warm-up round before hitting Spoonwood or Calico, work on your putting game or just a place to get in a quick round with your friends. You can probably get in a solo round in 15 or 20 minutes, and even a foursome will be through in a ½ hour. Seems to be a place for impromptu "Bag Tag" challenges for the NEDGC membership.
It also might be the perfect course to take a first-timer. With 3 sets of tees, I've seen kids as young as 6 aiming for birdies on the Green Layout.
Other excellent venues "gimmick up" their putter course (the Blockhouse Tiki Course in Spotsylvania, VA and the Flying Armadillo in San Marco, Texas) and I have no problem with that, it can make for a fun family experience. Terrapin Grove mostly avoids the gimmicks and provides a great New England Woods Golf Experience with putter-distance holes, even if Pinky & the Brain and Bigfoot do occasionally make an appearance.
-Variety: This course has 18 holes, each a unique putter challenge. You can probably find left-to-right, right-to-left, or straight lines to nearly every basket. You may opt to bring just one disc, but I'd recommend three: Your "go to" inside-the circle putter, a stable/slightly overstable putt and approach, and an understable putt & approach. I'm betting you'll find a need for each. If you are a rec player and play the white layout you might even need a midrange on a couple of holes. I'm not ashamed to pack a Buzz. There is enough elevation to make things interesting, but nothing that will wear you out before you head out to the "big" courses. Take advantage of the three layouts. Advanced players will get well under par from the White Layout and will be Ace hunting nearly every hole. Rec players can shoot "McBeth-like" scores on the Red Layout.
-Signage: Basic, just hole number and distance marked on a short piece of 2x4 with the Terrapin Logo. Holes are short enough the basket is always in sight and obvious.
-Navigation: Usually a sign to the next tee if it's not otherwise apparent.
-Safety: For the most part fairways are delineated enough to keep things well separated. There might be one or two tee boxes (I'm thinking 6 White, for example) that are a little close to the previous basket, but since the approaches into the basket are putts of around 100' it should not be a safety issue. There are a couple of small slopes (13 fairway) will require a bit of caution. There are a couple of stream crossings, good water-resistant shoes is recommended if it's been rainy.
-Amenities: Ther NEDGC features the recreational friendly Calico Creek course and the challenging Spoonwood Ridge. It also features a 5-basket practice green and a two-pad practice range . There's a porto-potty (or two during tournament season) on the grounds, with plenty of parking. Picnic tables available. On the property is a well-stocked pro shop, open Thursday-Sunday, April to November. The Pro shop also helps out with Lost and Found.
-Low risk of lost disks on Terrapin, even in the fall. The fairways get leaf-blown fairly frequently and with short holes discs don't fly too far astray. There is a slight risk that an errant tee shot off Two White can catch Johnson Brook, but no worries, it's shallow and there is a retriever nearby.
-Cleanliness: The NEDGC is well maintained by its staff in general, but even the members seem to go out of their way to take care of Terrapin Grove. Stray branches get cleared from fairways; litter gets picked up immediately.
Cons:
-For adults the $10 greens fee is a bit much if you are only playing Terrapin Grove. Of course, the greens fees give you access to all courses on the property for the day. Terrapin Grove isn't necessarily a "destination course" worth a long drive... but the NEDGC as a whole is, and Terrapin is the cherry on top.
For a putter course, I'm not sure these are CONS, but when comparing to other courses, it should be noted:
-Baskets: Baskets are a mix of Dynamic Disc (Recruit?) and Innova (DiscCatcher Sport) baskets. Not top-of-the-line but they seem to catch 80 footers just fine.
-Tees: Just cleared level spots in the dirt, marked with flags. Fine for "stand and deliver" approach putts, and cleared enough for jump putts too. Not necessarily room to take a long run-up with an X-Step, but this is a putter course, you shouldn't need to do that.
-Soft Pars? Seems like everything from the White Tees should be a par 2.5 and from the Red everything could be a par 2? When the NEDGC held the Prodigy Par Two everything played as a par two with little modification. But isn't the real fun being able to shoot well under par and build confidence? Keep in mind a PDGA Purple Layout is designed for a 700 rated player, usual youth divisions. Put an 850 rated REC player on it and you SHOULD be well under par.
For a putter course, I'm not sure these are CONS, but when comparing to other courses, it should be noted:
-Baskets: Baskets are a mix of Dynamic Disc (Recruit?) and Innova (DiscCatcher Sport) baskets. Not top-of-the-line but they seem to catch 80 footers just fine.
-Tees: Just cleared level spots in the dirt, marked with flags. Fine for "stand and deliver" approach putts, and cleared enough for jump putts too. Not necessarily room to take a long run-up with an X-Step, but this is a putter course, you shouldn't need to do that.
-Soft Pars? Seems like everything from the White Tees should be a par 2.5 and from the Red everything could be a par 2? When the NEDGC held the Prodigy Par Two everything played as a par two with little modification. But isn't the real fun being able to shoot well under par and build confidence? Keep in mind a PDGA Purple Layout is designed for a 700 rated player, usual youth divisions. Put an 850 rated REC player on it and you SHOULD be well under par.
Other Thoughts:
This is a great addition to the NEDGC. Spoonwood Ridge is a Par 71 with PDGA "White" and "Red" layouts. Calico Creek is a Par 71, PDGA "Red" and "Green" layouts. Terrapin Grove is a PDGA "Purple" from both the White and Red tees (yes, I know that's a little confusing), and with the Kids layout on Terrapin, there is an appropriate course for all skill levels.
If you are still reading, thanks. I guess there is a reason you are here, not UDISC.
The hole-by-hole:
One: Downhill, RHBH hyzer over the wood pile for an easy birdie. After rains, the first fairway can be the wettest on the course. Don't be discouraged by a little mud, it gets better.
Two: Toss back up the hill to a basket well-guarded by a huge old Pine. After putting out, hole three tee is a short walk back down the hill
Three: Fairly flat, but from the white tee don't catch an early tree or your disc can end up in Johnson Brook. The fairway crosses the old Zen Yoga exercise area, recharge your karma here.
Four: Back up the hill, throwing toward the old shack.
Five: Narrow, downhill, if you go too long you might reach Johnson Brook. Don't stress, all water plays casual, take your meter relief and save par. One of the tougher holes on the track.
Six: Plays along Johnson Brook to a basket on a "turtleback green". It's always Christmas on this hole!
Seven: Throws across Calico Creek, no worries, it also plays casual and is only inches deep. A wood pile on the right to avoid.
Eight: Slightly uphill, with a few early trees to avoid
Nine: Downhill, crossing Calico Creek.
Ten: Slightly uphill, discs tend to drift toward the creek by the Ninth red tee on the left.
Eleven: Short and tight, only real line is right at the basket.
Twelve: Straight and tight line to hit but can work a few different lines if needed.
Thirteen: Downhill glide, Calico Creek looms 20' right (don't worry, plays casual. Can make birdie from there). Careful with your footing walking to the green then crossing the creek.
Fourteen: Interesting lines to choose to a basket protected by a grove of trees.
Fifteen: Basket just to the left of a huge oak. Plays a bit longer than it looks, slightly uphill. Next tee back and to the right.
Sixteen: Subtle uphill, well protected.
Seventeen: Red flags mark an Island Green... miss the island, play as a hazard, 1 stroke penalty play from where you land. NOTE: No penalty hazard from the Green Kids tee.
Eighteen: Longest hole on the layout, in some money matches the locals designate the wood chips as a stream and a pond for hazards.
If you are still reading, thanks. I guess there is a reason you are here, not UDISC.
The hole-by-hole:
One: Downhill, RHBH hyzer over the wood pile for an easy birdie. After rains, the first fairway can be the wettest on the course. Don't be discouraged by a little mud, it gets better.
Two: Toss back up the hill to a basket well-guarded by a huge old Pine. After putting out, hole three tee is a short walk back down the hill
Three: Fairly flat, but from the white tee don't catch an early tree or your disc can end up in Johnson Brook. The fairway crosses the old Zen Yoga exercise area, recharge your karma here.
Four: Back up the hill, throwing toward the old shack.
Five: Narrow, downhill, if you go too long you might reach Johnson Brook. Don't stress, all water plays casual, take your meter relief and save par. One of the tougher holes on the track.
Six: Plays along Johnson Brook to a basket on a "turtleback green". It's always Christmas on this hole!
Seven: Throws across Calico Creek, no worries, it also plays casual and is only inches deep. A wood pile on the right to avoid.
Eight: Slightly uphill, with a few early trees to avoid
Nine: Downhill, crossing Calico Creek.
Ten: Slightly uphill, discs tend to drift toward the creek by the Ninth red tee on the left.
Eleven: Short and tight, only real line is right at the basket.
Twelve: Straight and tight line to hit but can work a few different lines if needed.
Thirteen: Downhill glide, Calico Creek looms 20' right (don't worry, plays casual. Can make birdie from there). Careful with your footing walking to the green then crossing the creek.
Fourteen: Interesting lines to choose to a basket protected by a grove of trees.
Fifteen: Basket just to the left of a huge oak. Plays a bit longer than it looks, slightly uphill. Next tee back and to the right.
Sixteen: Subtle uphill, well protected.
Seventeen: Red flags mark an Island Green... miss the island, play as a hazard, 1 stroke penalty play from where you land. NOTE: No penalty hazard from the Green Kids tee.
Eighteen: Longest hole on the layout, in some money matches the locals designate the wood chips as a stream and a pond for hazards.
