Newark, OH

River View DGC

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3.135(based on 8 reviews)
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7 0
Switters213
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.4 years 77 played 21 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Good array of challenges 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 11, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Good blend of wide open fields, tight woods, steep uphills, steep downhills, long holes, short holes.
- Tee pads are in good condition and easy to follow
- good signage directing you to next tee.
- plenty of trash cans
- parking lot with bathrooms
- is right next to a skate park if that's something you're also into.

Cons:

- No benches
- Litter and trash. On the wooded holes you can easily find the path to the next tee by following the trail of empty beer cans and broken glass.
- In summertime, the rough is dense plant undergrowth, and waist-deep on a grown man. Seriously...you could lose Warwick Davis in there.
- Mud on the hills and valleys can make for some seriously slippery footing. Shoes or boots with good traction will help a lot here.

Other Thoughts:

This course can be very challenging and somewhat unforgiving to beginners and/or solo players. If you can't drive the green in one throw, a number of the holes (like #10) will put your disc down in a blind spot from the tee. Of course, keeping your throws on the fairway is ideal, but if you can't do that, having a spotter to keep an eye on where you went into the deep rough is key.

While I won't thank the designer of this course anytime soon, at least not until I'm done being mad about losing two mid-ranges deep in the guts of his sick creation, I will say that this is one of the most well thought-out courses I've played in many years. A lot of courses are kind of limited on what they can do, given that most courses are stuck into otherwise unwanted or unused public land. But this course really takes full advantage of all of the different terrain features that this piece of property has available.
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9 0
Itchy
Experience: 11.6 years 9 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Local Favorite 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 3, 2022 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Plenty of parking at this course, and improvements are always being made, although that never interferes with course playability.

Course designer(s) is often playing the course and is very welcoming and friendly to any player, often going the extra mile to retrieve discs from the river.

well maintained and easy to navigate if playing solo or for the first time.

not far from many decent food options for a pre/post round meal or drinks.

one of the least populated courses on most days, meaning multiple tee shots or multiple rounds are doable.

Cons:

Sits across the river from a factory of some type, sometimes the first few holes can small like burning paper/rubber, and has visible debris in the air.

Park is shared use, you will have to watch your drives to make sure you aren't going to hit any dog walkers/kids on bikes/elderly power walkers/occasional sketchy person(s).

Trash cans can sometimes full/overflowing or strewn about by animal.

Other Thoughts:

Great variety of open and wooded shots, with a nice uphill/downhill shot on holes 9 and 10. with risk of water hazard on the left of the course and the path playing as out of bounds, its a challenging but rewarding course.
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6 1
Puckstopper
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 23.4 years 36 played 36 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Decent now with lots of potential. 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 8, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The redesign appears to have been thoughtfully done and minimizes interaction with other users of the park as much as possible.

Teepads that have concrete are in excellent condition.

Most holes have both righty/lefty friendly lines and while some may be harder if you throw a certain way only, none felt like an unfair test.

Several truly unique holes including a steep uphill shot on 9 (maybe not truly unique, but unique in Ohio!) a fun shot back down the hill you just hiked up the next hole and a tricky little island green a few holes later (13 maybe?).

Cons:

There are very few negative points regarding the course itself. There are a couple holes where you'll need to be mindful of others using the park, but minimal care and courtesy should limit those issues. Overall this common issue in a mixed use park was well handled by the designer.

There are a couple holes without teepads. Yet. Based on a discussion with the course designer this is a work in progress and will be coming soon.

The biggest negative for the course is out of the designer's control. I don't want to come off as mean or prejudiced, but Newark has a bit of a rough reputation for a reason. Some of that comes through on the course. After about hole 12 you play through a section of the park that the local club has recently cleared out. As explained to our group by the designer, the area included a former homeless camp and dumping area. Much of the trash and debris has been cleared, but not all of it. There is some broken glass on hole 14 and you will still see evidence that people were sleeping there at one point. 99% of the people you'll bump into in the park are nice upstanding citizens but there was a person with track marks up and down his arms lurking near the Civil Air Patrol building the first time we played the course and there was what I'm guessing was a homeless couple sleeping between 8 and 9 the second time we were out there.



Other Thoughts:

Edit:Updating the review and adding a half star. The course is now 18 holes with full teepads.

River View is still very much a work in progress. It's 20 holes include 4 that play with the Licking River close against the left hand side of the hole. These make for fun risk/reward shots, but if you're nervous about losing a disc there are usually safe bail out areas that may cost you a stroke. As mentioned earlier there is an uphill shot on 9 that creates major roll away risk if not played correctly and then a fun downhill shot on 10. Holes 12-19 are wooded and have varying degrees of challenge. Hole 20 is reasonably open and in it's long position lets big arms really let loose. It's fair to say that this course offers more variety of shot types than any other that I've played in Central Ohio.

As mentioned, there are still some rough edges that need to be worked out and some that may be forever beyond the designer's control. However, from talking to a couple people walking their dog, the locals perceive the disc golf course as a good thing and have seen a significant reduction in sketchy activity in the park since it was redesigned and started to see more play last year. Hopefully this trend continues, because this course has the potential to be one of the 3 best courses within an hour of Columbus once the final 3 concrete tees are in and some long tees are added.
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10 0
DiscinOhio
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.4 years 205 played 195 reviews
4.00 star(s)

One of the best courses in Central Ohio! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 15, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

River View is under new ownership, and just finished a complete redesign that is extremely fun and well thought out! The course plays near a river and walking paths at Everett Park.

+ This layout is very enjoyable from beginning to end. While it is a pretty short course, water and elevation is utilized to perfection to provide an intermediate level challenge. There are several ace runs, but a few high risk-reward shots to balance it out.

+ There are long tees on several holes that provide a higher degree of difficulty, in more ways than just distance. For example, the long tees on #2 and #7 sit right on the rivers edge, compared to the short tees which provide a little more room.

+ #10 is one of the most epic "top-of-the-world" shots played to date. Offers a spectacular view of downtown Newark, with both hyzer and anhyzer plays off of the tee.

+ The overhaul is still in the works, but once finished, this will be an absolute gem. Right now, there are temporary tee signs and wood chip tee boxes. Bandito Disc Golf Club expects a driving range, mini course, concrete tee pads, and B pins to be installed by the end of 2020.

+ Navigation is very simple, with bright tee signs and numbers spray painted near some of the tees. Didn't get confused once during the round.

+ Restrooms, practice basket, and a large parking lot at the start of the course. The 18th hole ends in a loop next to the parking lot.

Cons:

- Like mentioned earlier, the redesigned course is still being finished up. Amenities aren't all there yet, but they will be by the end of the year. Therefore, I didn't take this into account for my 4.0 rating.

- The heavily wooded holes have some of the worst litter I've seen on a course. Obviously not the fault of anyone, but you just have to be careful with glass and other debris.

- The course is on the shorter side and might be a little easy for more advanced players.

Other Thoughts:

I was very surprised with how much fun I had at River View! If I'm in the Newark area again, odds are I'll be back to play. Really an enjoyable experience from front to back, as this is easily the best course in town.
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1 0
kSetuni
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good course with a decent variety of shots 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 22, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Combination of longer holes (some over 500 feet) and wooded for a variety of shots.
-First six holes require disc control due to the river to the left.
-Those with sidearm throws have an advantage on many holes.
-Good place to work on sidearm throws

Cons:

-Par rating for many of the wooded holes seems to be off. If you have good disc control and aim, many of the "par 4's" can easily be made in 2 shots.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great fun course for those in the Newark area. First 8 holes give something for the longer throwers with their length.

Disc control is key due to the river and brush to the left of the first 6 holes. I've seen many discs fade left into it.

The wooded holes give a nice variety and shade from the sun. Its also helpful for those who can't throw as far. Many have more than one lane to throw and those with sidearm throws can have an advantage. Many holes have the direct approach blocked by trees.

Overall this is a fun course and nice that its close for those in the area. It may not be pro quality, but it is a nice course for those wanting to get out and have some fun. Easy to spend an hour to get a round in spur of the moment.
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4 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.2 years 401 played 385 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Ace Race, anyone? 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 20, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The nice thing about this new 18 hole course is that it offers some good variety for beginners, casuals, and Recreational level players to hone both their open field and woods/ technical shots. Boasting bright, new signage with hole distances and beautiful, new DGA baskets featuring number plates and nice deep cages, River View starts out just south of the end parking lot (on the river view side, naturally) with six relatively open holes working up the asphalt walk/jog path toward the north, two more doubling back to the south, and nine very short, moderate to lightly wooded holes before one more open shot to finish behind the building, back near where you parked.

The open holes range from the 514' long hole 6 to the 186' hole 18. The wooded holes would be perfect for hosting a Discraft Ace Race, as they use the elevation and trees very well, and range from a couple of uphill, hundred foot putter ace runs to a surprisingly challenge-worthy 178 footer on 17, where you'll often face into a funneled breeze and shoot out to a basket near the 'patio' and parking area (guarded a little bit by a cluster of pines), both of which should obviously be played as OB.

Personally, I was a little worried at the start, that the open holes required little in the way of line shaping, and not enough distance to challenge advanced players, but the fun factor really ramped up in the woods, where players with Intermediate or above skills can play a little 'deuce or die'. Sue me, but I -like- deuces (and ace runs) for fun, casual rounds! As long as you come knowing that's what's in store here at River View, you too can have a good time.

Cons:

Clearly, this is not a competition level course. The longer holes aren't overly demanding, and the short holes aren't going to challenge an experienced player. Conversely, the holes by the river and path might be daunting for absolute beginners, in that their lack of control might wind up with discs in the creekside rough, or even in the water. And the blind shot down and across the path on hole #3 could be dangerous. The other danger zone might be where new players throw at the 'patio', parking lot, and building on 17.

The natural turf tees are currently unmarked, meaning folks will choose to throw from any advantageous position. On the short woods holes, that makes a great deal of difference in difficulty from spot A to spot B (on the other side of the sign).

Finally, it's a shame for a new course to already be missing a sign (#2). Hopefully, this is a one time thing, and they don't have problems.

Other Thoughts:

Added a course map (schematic) and pictures.

Reviewer Background as of this writing: age 54 w/ 4 yrs experience, rated 900+/-, played 245+ courses in 23 states, 80% w/in 3hr drive of Cincinnati. Thrown with folks rated 600's to 1000's, ages 9 to 85 in events and leagues at all tiers. Seldom drive beyond 300-330, but have a solid up-shot and putting game. I haven't designed any courses, but try to lend a hand (with my severely desk-job limited skill set) when I can.
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2 0
thebuckeyeguy
Experience: 144 played 17 reviews
2.50 star(s)

More fun than expected 2+ years drive by

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

Pros:

Tons of ace runs! I have never played such a short course in which I didn't feel like I wasted my time. The land available is a strip back and forth so there wasn't a ton of room to put in 18 holes. From a personal perspective I agree with the earlier reviewer that this might've been able to be a pretty rad 9 hole course; however, I met several nice people on the course that were walking around with 1-2 discs each. While selfishly I would like every hole to challenge me, I think this course in this park is perfectly suited to the beginner-level player. It is what it is...let it live!
Also, I threw multiple shots on most of the holes, and even spent time looking for a disc in the brush...and finished in just over an hour after my first time playing.
Finally, the flow is super easy to follow.

Cons:

I mean, we are talking SHORT holes on the back 9. I didn't take notes, but if you told me that every hole was under 200' I wouldn't call you a liar. However, they are wooded at least so it's not like a bunch of baskets in a field.
The shule along the river is worse than the river itself, so be weary (I'd rather carry the shule and get wet if my goal is to find my disc).
Hole 3 does throw blindly and slightly downhill into the mouth of a walking path. I wouldn't be surprised if an innocent jogger (of which I saw a few) doesn't get tanked eventually. It would be super easy to walk ahead 100' to make sure the path is clear...I just hope my fellow discers do that.
Hole 1 is somewhat tough to find the first time. If you park in the back lot and turn away from the lone building, you will see a decent dirt mound. Go left and behind that dirt mound and you are good to go for the rest of the round.
Some of the holes in the woods start mere feet from the last basket. It was pretty slow while I was there, but if you are playing with a back-up, keep your head on a swivel and remember to yell FORE!

Other Thoughts:

I will be honest...I expected to play this course solely as a way to increase my total course count. I did NOT think I'd have as much fun as I did. Granted, it was probably because if you play this enough you'll get a ton of aces. If you're an out-of-towner looking for a local challenge, hit up Lobdell or head into Columbus. If you're coming from the east I suppose this would be a decent warm-up round for Lobdell, although Horns Hill has more diversity (but takes longer to play).
I recommend that you play the walking path as OB for extra challenge on the front 9. The signs don't require it, but they also have overly generous pars listed. Make it a decent challenge by adding OB and playing par 3s.
Finally, I've heard some grumbling about the part of town this is in. Sure, it's not Newark's finest avenue, but I felt utterly safe in the park.
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3 0
Mulligan
Experience: 26.6 years 68 played 12 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Well intentioned urban neighborhood course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 24, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Easy to get to, located in a quiet residential area near some other recreation fields and a multiuse walking/biking trail.
-Runs right next to a lazy river thats pretty.
-Roughly half open and half wooded.
-DGA Baskets catch well but have a tight basket area so force a little bit better putting.
-Nice signage with advertising which hopefully indicates community investment.
-Didn't see much issue with litter.
-A couple small elevation changes.
-Nice to have close to the center of town and hopefully a good draw for kids and new players.

Cons:

-No tee pads. So slightly wet and muddy, and the grass is getting tore up pretty quickly.
-I didn't take a tally but the pars listed on the signage are silly. I think anything around 200ft was considered a par 4, for instance. Vets know to ignore this, but new players might be surprised if this is their first course and then go elsewhere...
-The biggest con is the multiuse trail being in the middle, or directly adjacent to, fairways on the front 8 holes. In some cases, its totally in play, as in #3 where you are tossing over a berm and the basket is blind, but the paved trail runs right along the best flight path. I played mid week during the day and only saw one biker, but if this trail is busy during the weekend, could be dangerous.
-Not really a creative course design. Those first 8 are all pretty much longer, straight shots, so probably good holes to work on distance. But then the last ten are kind of comically short. 3-4 are really short, like sub 150ft.
-One basket was on its side, and I don't think it was pushed over, just looked like didn't have enough cement around the pole and had fallen under its own weight. If thats the case, these might be easy to steal or have problems down the line.
-On a couple shots, the river to the left is in play if you get too much fade. The river in play isn't a con, but the banks have some serious thorn bushes that want to eat you alive! Beware.
-Basically, its a two disc course. A straight shooting fairway or control driver on the front, and a putter is literally all you need for the last 10 holes.

Other Thoughts:

-Disc Golf courses are kind of like pizza... even when its bad, its still pretty good.
-My issue with this course is that its ultimately kind of boring for an intermediate player or above, and the front 8 are so vastly different from the back 10 as to seem like two different courses. But none of it is really all that interesting.
-For me, this is a prime example of how jamming 18 into a space is less preferable to a well designed and creative 9. Plus, the money that would have been saved on the extra 9 baskets could have been used on concrete tee pads (possibly even multiple positions).
-I'd have rather seen a 9 with more use of the hilly wooded area and staying clear of the multi use trail, even though the river view is pretty.
-Not a course I'd go out of my way to play again, but if it was in my backyard I'd be very happy to have it.
-Well intentioned, but I have a feeling this was built without any input from actual disc golfers.
-Stop on your way to Horn's Hill and use your putter only. Play 1, 2, maybe 3, and then jump to 9-18 in the woods for a good warm up.
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