Skare Woods is a course I've been meaning to play for years now. I've been down in this area plenty of times but never made the stop. I was kind of scared off by the sound of what happened when the tornado came through a number of years back and wreaked havoc on the course. I don't know what the course looked like prior to that, but to my eyes you'd never know that happened. Beautiful park with some damn fine disc golf as is.

The baskets are Mach V's which are all in great shape and catch nicely. I'm a big fan of the Mach V's, probably biased since this is what is at my home course. One basket and pin position per hole.

The tee pads are concrete and good sized. These are all level and have good traction to them. Zero issues with these whatsoever. One tee per hole.

The course design is very good here. The terrain for the course is fantastic for disc golf. The course is mostly wooded with there being some undulating elevation in places. All of which is used expertly to create an appealing course from start to finish. There's not a dull spot out here. The flow of the course is seamless and easy to follow. No map required. The course starts and ends by the parking area too.

The course features a pretty solid mix of different shaped fairways and lines to hit. Staying clean off the tee is paramount to score well out here. The rough is not where you want to be. Hitting gaps is rewarded and placement is crucial. Great design. Loved it.

The tee signs are well done here. They feature a simple hole diagram with next tee arrows, hole #, distance and competitive/casual pars listed. All the info you're going to need to tackle the course.

The course was in great shape on our visit. Freshly mowed and very clean. Restrooms and a shelter by the parking area. Course is permanent and free to play.

The rough is pretty nasty in many places. Probably not lost discs bad most of the time, but it's certainly not out of the question either.

It'd be nice if there were multiple pin placements, at least on some of the holes. Just to spice things up. It didn't affect me since I only played it once. Just from a locals perspective.

I'm not thinking of much else honestly. Pretty flawless nine hole course tbh.

I was glad I finally made it out to Skare. I was always intrigued by this random 9 holer, out in the middle of nowhere, being a top 25 course in IL. Turns out it's really that good. I wish I could've seen what it looked like prior to the tornado. You'd have no idea today that that even happened.

Definitely worth a trip off the expressway to play this one. Honestly this is one of the better nine hole courses I've played. Not a slight to IL disc golf or anything, but this is better than many, a shocking many, 18's I've played in the state.

- large concrete tees
- full color tee signs
- outhouses, picnic tables, and garbage cans at start of course
- built in bridges over come creeks are nice
- straightforward navigation
- tight, challenging fairways on most holes with good technical challenge
- some solid elevation change incorporated, especially by Illinois standards
- area devoted to disc golf with no major safety hazards
- small creek hazard incorporated onto a couple of holes

- tee signs are a bit worn at this point, but still usable
- no practice basket
- rough is quite overgrown in thorny in many places
- baskets are just average
- no benches/garbage cans throughout course
- some irritating bug activity, as is common in forested areas

Skare Woods has been on my list for years, and somehow I've never stopped by on a trip between Chicago and Madison. I enjoyed finally getting to try this course out. It sounds like expansion plans were scrapped by an EF4 tornado (whoa) about 7 years ago which also claimed many mature trees on the existing course. While I really enjoyed this course, it's probably a 3.25 at best for me. Perhaps if I played it when all of those mature trees were still standing, I would have wanted to score it slightly higher - hard to know. It really is one of the more excellent 9 hole courses I've played, but I think it's probably on par with Central Park in Oak Brook (albeit a slightly different style of course) and I think Campton Hills is better, personally. Other reviews appear to disagree with me and that's ok. For me, there wasn't quite as much technical challenge and epic elevation change here as Campton Hills offers. I'll admit the bugs at Campton Hills are way, way worse. At Skare Woods on a September morning, they were not too bad, but I did use my bug spray eventually.

Skare Woods plays through mostly forested fairways with a few more open shots thrown in. The course is technical and has some challenge, but is fair. The concrete tees are really nice for a small course this off the beaten path, as are the high quality tee signs. The baskets are just ok, but serviceable. If I was in the area, I would play this course again. It's probably Top 5 for 9 holes I've played, but not #1.

I did enjoy the creek coming in to play on a couple of holes and the built in crossings were nice. The course was deserted when i was there, but it was 8 AM on a Thursday. Most of my cons are nits, as the elevation change, while somewhat limited, is pretty darn good for Illinois. The biggest issue I had was the rough. While this is part of disc golf, there are 2 kids of rough that really irritate me - super tall prairie grasses impossible to find discs in, and super thorny brambles that cut you up. The latter was present in places here. It didn't end up being too big an issue for me, but this is the kind of rough I'd like to see more effort to eradicate. Nobody wants to get all torn up finding their disc - or just retrieving it once you know where it is.

If you're passing through or in the area, I definitely think Skare Woods is worth a stop. I'd play again passing through the area once I hit other nearby courses.

Beautiful quaint, wooded park. Great concrete tees. Good signage. Excellent Baskets. There are some legitimate holes that are both challenging and offer option to play to the pins. The historic barn has been converted into a quaint shelter with pick nick tables. Bathrooms are a big plus.

Every one of the nice new baskets were installed any where from 6-12" too deep in the ground. The nice signage are vinyl decals and are easy for vandals to peel off (hole 5). The short holes are too short (distance wise). No multiple tee/pin locations.

This course could be improved with out too much work. Fix the basket height with some pipe extensions and add hole # to each basket. Lengthen the short holes to make them legitimate par 3's. This park has plenty of room to do this. This course is hard to rate. Its not a beginner course because of the really good holes. Its not an experienced player course because the remaining holes are too easy. It is a nine hole layout so can not possibly be rated a 4. Compare it to Central Park in Oak Brook Il, a great course with all the amenities and is only rated at 3.5, Skare Woods has a long way to go to get to that level, but it is possible.

Unlike most nine-holers, Skare Woords is worth going out of your way for. As the name indicates, the course winds its way through a patch of woods, but there is one hole that is open enough and long enough for distance throwers to break out their drivers. Here's what made my rounds here enjoyable:

*Hole Variety - Skare Woods features nine interesting holes. I would consider three of the holes to be high caliber (4,6,7).

*Seclusion - Skare Woods is located in a very quiet area and the disc golf activities do not seem to interfere with anything else going on at the park. It's like its own little disc golf world! The course makes for a very enjoyable hike through the woods where it's just you, the course, and Mother Nature

*Flow - it was easy to navigate the course. The layout and flow makes it possible to complete two rounds here in about an hour

*Amenities - the tee signs were descriptive and accurate (see exception in 'cons'). The tee pads and baskets were solid, and there are benches and garbage cans scattered throughout the course.

*Holes 2 and 5 are somewhat boring... both are very short with minimal risk/reward
*A few of the tee signs are blank
*Although there are three solid holes here, none of the holes stuck out to me as "WOW" holes

I truly enjoyed my round here, and will stop by and play this course every time I'm in the area. If you're in the Chicago area, this one is worth taking a day to go try out.

- Wonderful park setting for a course. Good shelters and parking.
- Course plays out and back, basically, wrapping around the shelters and parking lot. Good flow and layout. Well maintained course with managed (but decently thick) undergrowth skirting some fairways.
- Great signage and decent baskets. Good, large concrete tee pads. All done very well.
- Good length variation on this course, which is difficult in just 9 holes. Lengths varying from a couple under 200' to a couple at 360' and one long par 4 at 500+. Hardly ever see that on a nine.
- Similarly, variations in hole type and style. Mostly wooded, but a couple pretty open holes. Short ace runs, deuce-or-die, and a couple where you may want to pick a specific lay-up area to card that 3. Nice.
- To that point, signs have competitive and casual pars listed - and they're both right on. So often community parks just throw a par number at a hole and it really doesn't mean anything, but that's not the case here. Well done.
- #2 is a very cool looking ace run that took me by surprise.
- #4 is a no-joke, tight, wooded par 3 that takes some skill and thought.
- #7 is the par 4, and is almost two holes in one. Open drive for the first 300' followed by a nice 200' wooded tunnel shot if your drive lands in the entry. Good, classic hole design.
- #9 is a great downhill finishing hole that plays a bit shorter than the listed distance.

- Really, about the biggest thing holding this course back from being the absolute model of 9-hole courses is multiple pins or pads. Maybe some more landscaping/trimming. That's about it though.
- Really no signature hole on the course, and certainly nothing epic - which is actually normal for 9 holers. A couple memorable ones though.

- In general, I like how approachable this course is for all skill levels. Beginners won't be discouraged, and experienced players will enjoy the hole design and shot shaping challenges, even if they end up scoring very well.
- Among the best 9 hole courses I've ever played (Central Park in Oak Brook, IL really being the only other comparable 9 I've played). Thus it gets the highest rating I've ever given one - 3.5. Multiple pins or pads would probably push it to my max 4.0.

Just to echo what's been said...what a neat park!

It's easy to find, though a bit remote between Dixon and Rochelle.
Clean, with a decent outhouse off the lot.
Great signage.
Benches, garbage, and recycling at multiple tees along the way.
The tees are in great shape, large, easy to find.
The baskets are in great shape and friendly.
It's a neat mix of technical, birdable, and one good big (513 feet) throw.
The hazards are there, and do influence your shots, but I don't see this as a park where you'd lose your discs.
The park is clean and maintained.
There was a guy there when I got there, and a guy arriving as I was finishing. I can't speak to actual crowds bc I was there at 1030 on. Thursday. Maybe crowds on the weekend?

If it was crowded, I can see a couple spots where interference could occur. The compactness in a couple spots. Not really a con, but more of just a possibility.

It's still just 9 holes. I saw mention in other reviews that it would be expanding. As of 4/1/16, it hasn't. It's a straight 9. I played twice around to make it 18.
There's an easement running along the fairway before #9. It's pretty squishy. That likely dries out in the summer, but for now my socks got wet thru my shoes. Of course, it was my fault for a terrible drive that put me there.

I think the biggest drawback is the drive out there from DeKalb. It's not a bad drive, but just a tad far for a small (even though cool) park.

I think the good folks of DeKalb and Ogle Counties are lucky to have this neat little park there. I don't have a basis for comparing yet, but hope to get to Pioneer in Kirkland or Jericho in Aurora to get some better ideas. Skare is miles ahead of Prairie Park in DeKalb. I loved throwing the 513 foot dogleg left on 7, and throwing down the hill and over the little creek to 9.

It's a great park for newer players, and fun and fast for the more experienced.

I have very few negative things to say about this hidden gem in rural Northern Illinois.

The use of the small space this course is located on is nothing short of genius.

*Tee signs were great and had casual and competitive par #s
*Well groomed fairways and wooded holes.
*Baskets are in good shape and the chains catch fine
*Holes 1,2,and 9 are awesome in my opinion and you can really open up your touch shots
*Gorgeous park, well maintained, and the pavilion even has a lost disc return slot in the building.
*Nice bathroom facilities
*This park is so quiet due to its location, I love it.
*Great flow to the course and very difficult to get lost
*concrete tees on every hole

*bathrooms could use a cleaning
*wooded holes need a bit of weed thinning, but brush isn't too thick
*watch out for people on the nature trails that flow with the course

I'm extremely impressed by this place hidden in the country outside of Rochelle.

Very well maintained place with no trash and well groomed grounds.

Best 9 holer in the Rockford area in my opinion

Skare Woods is a well-designed, well equipped 9 hole course. The terrain is predominantly wooded, with a few holes in more open areas. The course has good signage, concrete tees and newer DGA baskets. Most tees have nice benches. There is no chance of getting lost, as the way to go is obvious.

There is a good variety of distances and shot types required to score well. The variety exhibited by just 9 holes is impressive. 513' Par 4 hole 7 is mostly open off of the tee, with a late left dogleg into a more wooded area. This helps break up the otherwise par 3 layout. Elevation is well used, when available; as is a small creek that comes into play on a few holes.

No serious cons here. Only 9 holes and northern Illinois terrain are the main things holding it back.

On the wooded holes, the fairways have been recently carved leading to a few small stumps that need to be cut and an overall rough appearance. This will certainly change as the course breaks in over time.

I pass through Rochelle once or twice a year when visiting my wife's family. We will be stopping at Skare Woods each time, if at all possible. It's a really fun course that's not too far off of I-88.

This course will be expanding to 18 holes in the next year or so.

Wide variet of holes on little available space. Good use of elevation and woods on a few holes. Mostly short, technical holes but some 350-500+ that allows you to grip and rip. Also, long concrete tee pads and very well-maintained fairways. Professional tee signs as well on every hole.

I wanted to keep going after 9 holes. This would be a very desirable course to travel to if there was a full 18. I finished a solo round in under 45 minutes.

-This course is on an absolutely beautiful piece of land. Well manicured and not too many crazy thick areas too lose your disc in.
-Baskets are top quality and all in great shape
-Very nice concrete tees.
-Very nice tee signs that I felt were accurate.
-Very nice benches (about 4-5)
-Nice variety of holes, challenging but not hard
-Space dedicated to disc golf. (no walkways or other sports fields in the vicinity).

-9 holes. This course gets a 5/5 if the next nine are as amazing as the first.

We had a blast playing this course and will definitely be bringing other people to play out here. Great job!

Great flow with a nice mixture of holes. Holes 2, 5, and 9 are nice ACE runs, shorter yet still a challenge if you shank too far off the fairway. Holes 4, 6, and 8 offer longer technical holes with great use of the wooded area as well as the prairie and elevation changes. Hole 7 lets you open up your arm over the prairie and back into the woods, but don't stray to far off the fairway the prairie is thick on the left side. Holes 1 and 3 offer their own uniqueness to the course.

Benches on holes 2, 5, 7, and 9 with a picnic table by hole 6. Trash and recycle bins on holes 2, 5, 7, and by the parking lot. Running water and a working bathroom. Definitely worth the drive to play.

Great mix of L-R (1,4,5), R-L (6,8) and straighter holes
Punishing(!) everywhere if you shank throws I.E. too high, too wide of anhyzer/hyzer
Control is more important than power here
Brush is becoming easier to navigate
not crowded at all

Carpet pads are ok but not great
*edit* ^now concrete!
One hole with room for big power
not forgiving

My home course. Another 9 holes are coming/in the pipes.

Benches near 5,7,9 are great.

Trees on 3,4,6 provide split fairways/shot options

2,5,9 aceable

Will rate 5* if concrete pads are put in and the second nine ends up being as great

*edit*
Concrete pads are awesome & long!
4's pad was moved 6ft left so both fairways are more in play.

This course definitely took my by surprise and clearly earns the title of "Best 9 hole course in Illinois".

The design is flawless. The course absolutely perfectly utilizes the given land, the flow is excellent, and the holes are simultaneously fun, memorable, and challenging.

The course equipment is fantastic as well. The tees are carpet and work well. The tee signs are excellent and the new 2013 baskets look great and catch great.

It's fantastic that the city of Rochelle installed a course in this park. It really does provide a fantastic setting for a course.

I only rate 9 hole courses out of 4, and this gets a 3.5 out of 4.

The only reason it's not a perfect four in my eyes is that, at the end of the day, this course is still set in Illinois which has pretty boring terrain.

I guess another slight con would be that I could see leaves being annoying in terms of finding a disc. That's it though.

I played here with my family and it's totally worth going off of the I-39 as a break. It's about 10 or so minutes of the highway. I'd probably even say go out of your way to play this course.

At first, when pulling into the parking lot, it doesn't seem like much. But I assure you, it's a ton of fun, no holes repeat themselves, and you'll find yourself having a great time.

A big two-thumbs up to the designer of this course. I had a blast and will be coming back!

Good variety of shots and distances.

Some elevation changes

Not too many trees

only a couple blind shots

needs upgraded teepads (though they aren't terrible for just being carpet)

It's not closer to my house or else I'd be here all the time.

I went to pick up my sister from her friend's wedding out in Oregon, IL and she didn't mind if we stopped to play a quick round on the way back. It was easy to get around and since it was fairly new at the time there wasn't anyone else there so I got to enjoy the course that much more. I really liked the holes within the woods where there are a medium amount of trees that were pretty tall so you were just avoiding trunks really, which is something I haven't seen at any of my local course. It was really a nice change of scenery and plan on making a few road trips out there for a few round for summers to come.

+ Set in a very nice wooded park with mature trees and gently rolling terrain.
+ Good variety of distances.
+ Nice job clearing out fairways, and some holes have a choice of fairways.
+ Although it was dry at the time I played, there is a drainage ditch / small creek that could offer a water hazard on a couple of holes, but you probably wouldn't lost your disc in it.
+ Carpet is an OK temporary tee ... better than just dirt
+ Excellent tee signs
+ Some cool settings for "greens" (especially #7).

- Off the beaten path (some may like that)
- Single tees and pin placements
- Some uneven and bumpy tees

None of these are big cons, especially if the tees are upgraded as mentioned in a designer response to another review. There seemed to be room to add tees and pin placements, so hopefully that is something they will consider.

Although I only happened to have three 150g beginner discs in my car, I'm glad I veered off I-39 to check out the course. I'm a big fan of technical courses, as opposed to more open bombers. It's obvious they have put work into this course. No wide open holes, but there are some legitimate ace runs, as well as a couple of opportunities to rip it, although you still need control. I look forward to going back with at least some of my regular discs.

Nice new baskets.
Beautiful woods.
Not too many people.
Nicely designed holes.
Plenty of garbage cans and recycling bins.

There's always a learning curve on a brand new course.
Brush can be long and hard to find a disc in. (This will get better as brush is pushed down)

This course is really sweet. Plenty of shade for a hot day. All the holes are pretty cool. Many in the woods. Volunteers such as Mike Burke have done a lot to improve this disc golf course whether it's building benches or removing stumps. All in all it's a really awesome disc golf course. The holes are challenging yet simple at the same time. I highly recommend playing here frequently.

Once you find the first tee, it's easy to navigate with great signage.
I think the locals are taking some pride in this course.
Had it all to myself.

I enjoyed this course even though as a new player it intimidated me a bit. So my shorts were straight, short and safe. But I did enjoy the walk through the woodsy course as I played. Which is one of the reasons that this sport appeals to me. Insect repellent might be a good idea.

Its fun! It's new and its close to Rockford! I enjoyed the course, its challenging, yet not too challenging, nice mix of holes and not all set up for RH, BH throwers

It's new and still needs work, signage needs work,

I was there on a Sunday afternoon and steady traffic coming and going, its going to get more popular as time goes on.

This course is brand new and they were able to clear a lot of trees to make nice fairways that run thru the woods. There a wide variety of shots which include different lengths and different elevation. It is scored fairly and it should not be crowded because it is new. Nice new chains and it was pretty easy to find discs in the rough.

Since it is new there are only mats instead of concrete tee-pads. There are a few signs missing but it is easy to navigate. This course is not close to anything. There is room for more than 9 holes.

I definitely enjoyed my round here and ended up playing thru it two times. Nothing beats brand new chains and the it was easy to find your disc in the rough considering it is a new course. This is a fun course but has a remote location. I will up my rating when they get concrete tee-pads.

good risk reward shots.
most shots had a safe play for 3 and a risky shot to 2.
flowed smoothly easy to find your way around even without signage

9 hole hopefully gets expanded
carpet and earth pads

thought the course did a good job of making you shape the line is you were going for the birdie.
quick fun course