North Port Charlotte, FL

The Preserve DGC

Permanent course
3.485(based on 25 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

The Preserve DGC reviews

Filter
8 0
adlacro
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18.4 years 152 played 127 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fair and Fun

Reviewed: Played on:May 25, 2024 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

18 holes with two tees, concrete, in good condition. Course had Mach 3 baskets that were also in good condition. Course plays mostly wooded to start with a couple of tight fairways, then the fairways open up. Backhand/forehand mix necessary to score well. Back half offers some more open shots for a few holes, as well as some added distance and OB. The last couple of holes are back in the woods. Navigation was not too hard, there are arrows below the baskets and signs on some of the surrounding trees.

Cons:

You will have a long walk one way or the other. Hole 1 is by the baseball fields, so you will have to walk back from 18. Most opt to start on 16 and take the long walk from 18 to 1. A lot of good holes with no real signature "must play" hole (not the biggest con; just something of note).

Other Thoughts:

The course played several strokes harder in years past, but recent hurricane hits have taken out a number of trees, opening up what was some extremely tight lines. Overall, this is still a fun course with a good enough amount of shade that makes it palatable in the brutal heat of SW Florida during the summer. It's worth your time if you're in the Port Charlotte area.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 9
frognuts69
Experience: 9 played 8 reviews
4.50 star(s)

LOVE IT! drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 9, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Challenging shots. Great layout with consideration for player and pedestrian safety. WILL PLAY AGAIN OFTEN!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 0
jamespenn
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 4.7 years 43 played 44 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Challenging par-3 course, and shady! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 1, 2021 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Almost entirely in the shade. There are 4 holes in a more open area on the back 9 but you aren't in the sun for long No prolonged stretches of the sun beating down on you. The local players keep doing little things to fix it up and make it fun, like trimming back limbs and putting brooms on the tee pads to sweep off sand.

Sandy terrain makes it relatively easy to find disc if you get off fairway.

While a lot of the holes are challenging shots in the woods there is a clear path to the hole and it's not crazy long

Multiple tee pads makes it pretty reasonable to find the right challenge.

#16 is a very fun "cape" type water hole which does have two baskets. There's one across the pond you can see, and then another one more in the woods to the right which takes most of the water out of play.

Most of the tee pads have a broom!

Cons:

#1 tee is hard to find without the Udisc app
#18 green is nowhere near #1.
Apparently it's common for people to start on #16 since you can park nearby and #15 green is right there. So you can be rolling along and then hit traffic at #16 and you aren't playing through. Perhaps they should just re-route the course. That way you'd start off on the signature hole, and end on a very fun little ace-run and have an easy walk to the car The way the course is now, you start on the hard to find #1 and end on a hole that definitely the worst hole on the course, a totally blind right-to-left shot, then you have a long walk to or from your car. Might as well just stick the long walk in the middle of the course, get the only bad hole out of the way early, and then have fun!

It's all par 3 holes,although perhaps #5 could be a short par 4 While there are a lot of different shots, having 18 par 3s is slightly monotonous.

Other Thoughts:

I like this course a lot. If you're throwing it well and staying on your lines, it's pretty friendly. But if you're hitting trees early, there are a lot of bogeys coming your way. The course is mostly sand and the undergrowth isn't particularly dense. There are some water hazards but they're pretty shallow, you should be able to retrieve a disc. Other than maybe #16, that looked pretty deep so throw it far. People clearly do take care of this place, removing limbs and dead stuff. It's a nice place, and best of all, shady!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 4
Pretzelb
Experience: 9.5 years 4 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Not bad 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 30, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Decent Tees-Decent Baskets

Cons:

Too many stupid trees in the middle of the "fairways"- No decent signage

Other Thoughts:

This course is a challenge. It does have some really well thought out holes, but then turns into another "roll the dice" fairway scenario even if you can shoot it right down the middle. I dont like that ! If its the fairway..Leave the damn trees and scrub out of it. Not too much fun to have drives hit trees all the time when you make a respectable throw down the middle so to speak... You can air out a drive on a couple of holes here. Would be nice to chop some of the Palmetto down on the outskirts of the fairways.. Overall not a bad place to play. A few holes could get crowded as you have opposing fairways in close quarters.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 1
Mell
Experience: 15.4 years 9 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice course for most players 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 11, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice mix of tight shaded & more open fairways.

Front 9 mostly shaded which is good in this part of the US. Especially in the warmer months.
Back 9 more open with a few water hazards in wet season (was pretty much dry today).

Most holes under 300'. A few are between 300' & 400' which is good for casual and beginner players.

Nice concrete tee pads.

Picnic tables for resting every 4 or 5 holes throughout course, trash cans also.

Good parking in a well maintained Town park.

Restrooms






Cons:

Needs better signage with hole pars posted (tee signs).

Some holes confusing with two targets and/or alternate tee locations.

Poison ivy

Adding a kiosk with a better course map than what is there now would be nice & score cards are always a welcome luxury.

Targets are OK but could be better.




Other Thoughts:

This is a good course for families & couples.
It's also a good course for Parents to teach their children DG.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
11 1
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 46.4 years 1562 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Tight But Fair! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 21, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Preserve DGC sits in the very large North Charlotte Regional Park which houses a bunch of baseball fields. The DGC seems to play through an heavily forested area. There is a lake that could come into play on the later holes. There is also a large ditch which was dry as a bone in January. I was told by my local guide, Clint, that this ditch often is four feet deep during the summer months.

Preserve DGC is a little bit different because there really seems to be distinct starting points. Hole # 1 starts over by the ball fields but I don't believe many of the locals actually start there. Instead, I was told by locals that they mostly all begin their rounds at 16. The Sunday morning league all used # 16 as their starting position. There is a kiosk and picnic benches here at # 16. The course map is by hole # 1. Take a picture of this map before you start your solo round.

The tee signs were basic but very functional. The concrete pads were also very functional. The baskets are Mach II's. There were a few garbage cans around and I saw a couple of next tee signs. Because I was guided by Clint, I'm not sure about navigation issues. The navigation seemed pretty instinctive.

The course has one basket on most holes but then a few holes have two holes. I found this to be a little confusing.

I don't think of this course as technical. I consider it to be tight. I don't know? What's the difference between tight and technical? I guess to me, technical holes are shorter holes with narrow and sometimes unfairly tight windows. I think The Preserves DGC is very fair. Although we played from the shorter tees, there was always a fair line to the basket. Often there was a tree or two or three standing tall right in the middle of your route. You just had to dodge them. My host/guide threw predominantly forehand flicks and he and I agreed that were quite a few holes that were just made for forehands.

Cons:

I don't like having one basket on some holes and two on others. Makes it confusing.

Navigation is strange, especially when starting at # 16. Getting from # 18 to # 1 would be downright confusing.

Equipment here is just OK.

It's Florida flat.

Ditch was dry her in January. My local guide said it could be 4 ' deep in summer. I'm confused? Isn't summer supposed to be the dry time? Are things upside down here in Floridaville? At least, two or three holes would play much less dangerously when that ditch is dry and non-threatening.

Other Thoughts:

I liked this course. Being able to keep your disc straight for 250' to 300' is your main concern. The rough is thick but usually not so bad that you can't save par. The locals seemed to be friendly and helpful even as I was bagging their course right in the middle of their Sunday morning league. I'm also thankful that I was fortunate enough to play here in dry January and instead of the wet season. That ditch with 4 feet of ugly, murky water probably would be pretty intimidating.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
9 0
mrclc
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 11.2 years 785 played 47 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Tunnel in the Jungle 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 31, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The Preserve DGC is a notably technical challenge that successfully walks the line between fun and frustration. The claustrophobic, predominantly RHBH-friendly front 9 is a rigorous test of midrange and putter control, as each hole features ultra-tight lines and/or punishingly thick rough. This may seem like a criticism, but it's actually The Preserve's biggest strength: only once (on Hole 2; see below) does the design feel unfair. Think of it like a classic arcade game: playing can be frustratingly difficult at times, but the course provides enough reward to keep the player coming back for more. The Preserve opens up a bit after Hole 10 and allows rec-level players like myself a shot at even par, a welcome relief.

The course is also high on aesthetic beauty, offering a true jungle setting that's much prettier than a first-timer might expect. My favorite locations are the greens of Holes 11 & 12, which put the player in small clearings surrounded by towering tropical foliage.

Many holes have alt tees and pins which add an additional layer of difficulty. Hole 16 features an alt pad that turns an aceable straight shot into a daunting but playable water carry whose challenge varies with the season.

Navigation within the routing is fairly intuitive and occasionally features directional signs to the next tee.

Cons:

Navigation to and from the routing is a significant challenge, as Hole 1 is tucked between two baseball fields at one end of the park and Hole 18 finishes near a walking path at the opposite end. Turn right into the parking lot at your earliest opportunity and follow the northbound path to Hole 1. After the round, exit the woods and follow the road back to your vehicle.

Hole 2 is tight to the point of being unfair, with no readily perceptible line to the basket. Some clearing could redeem it with ease.

Tee signs are nothing more than a post with hole number & distance, and there are times when a diagram would be extremely helpful.

The Preserve is Florida flat, but the challenge of hitting your lines will make you forget all about the lack of elevation.

Other Thoughts:

The Preserve DGC plays like North Water Tower Park in nearby Sarasota on a smaller (and tighter) scale, so players who've played one should know what to expect at the other.

Navigation to the park itself can be as difficult as getting to the disc golf course, as the park seems to be surrounded by a failed or abandoned housing development. GPS directions cannot always be trusted, as they may attempt to lead you down abandoned, overgrown streets (check Google Street View to see what I mean). Access the park only via O'Donnell Blvd from Tamiami Trl. Taking any other route runs the risk of getting lost or stuck back in the abandoned streets.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
11 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 10.8 years 694 played 680 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A Tropical Paradise 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 14, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

(3.690 Rating) A unique combination of challenge and beauty.
- CHALLENGING - One of the more challenging layouts I've played and that was with playing the front tees. Lots of tight, but fair drives to hit, which the exception of hole (2), which is a long poke and hope shot in need of a few more palms removed. Your average advanced player should be at course par from the front tees or perhaps a few down and they should struggle to reach par from the backs. Right hand players will need a precise backhand shot perfected or be severely handicapped on this course.
- RAW BEAUTY - Best way to describe this course in two words is "Tropical Paradise" My personal favorite hole for beauty is hole (4) which plays along a lengthy limestone outcrop. A few holes also bring wonderful water views into play and the vegetation on my visit was vivid and vibrant. The course ranks right up there with the most beautiful courses in my backyard, Taylor Park an Picnic Island. The raw beauty definitely makes the round here that much more enjoyable to play.
- CHARACTER - Well above average. The concrete tee pads are above average in size and are generally shaded. There is a bunch of seating and there are trash cans located at appropriate spots. There is a good course map that will aid in navigation as well. As for the lacking items, unsatisfactory hole signage (see cons), no practice area, no bag hangers and no nearby parking (see cons)
- EXTRA BASKETS - Adding onto course character, I specifically need to call attention to the number of added baskets down fairway. I think there are at least 9 or 10 alternate baskets along the layout that with lengthen a hole. Great for the upper advanced or even pro player to hone in their skills.
- CHILL AREAS - There are lots of secluded nooks with seating to take a break at. Great decision to locate a picnic table by (14) tee.
- NAVIGATION - Other than finding tee (1) navigation should be fairly easy with a picture of the course map. There are a bunch of directional arrows along the layout to guide you to the next hole as well.
- SPACING - Well spaced out holes with no chance of running one into another fairway. The walk to the next hole is generally not too far with the exceptions of Parking to (1) and also (18) to the parking.
- UNIQUENESS - Variety is above average in general, although when I compare it to other courses I've rated this high, it falls below average among those courses. First I'll point out that there's a number of 300 foot plus technical plays with fairways pocketing both ways and also those that dog-leg left. Fairway widths vary from poke and hope shots, hole (2) as noted above, to narrow, to moderate, to wide open, such as hole (14). The majority are narrow to moderate. There is water in play on a few holes, most notable is hole (16). However the number of water holes will vary depending on the season, with winter generally being the driest. As for the missing hole variety items, there is no elevation (see cons) no par 4's or 5's, no dog leg right and no forced overtop plays. I'll also tack on that this course vary much favors RHBH players.

Cons:

The cons I've listed are generally minor to non factors in my course rating equation, with the exception of layout and hole signage. I will say however, with a fix of these two items, the Preserve could possibly bump up to 4 stars.
- LAYOUT - The first thing one will notice is that the location of hole (1) is nowhere near the parking area. In addition, hole (18) is also located a ways from both the parking and hole (1) as well. Word is, is that many players start on hole (16) which is adjacent to some parking. If you attempt this strategy on first play however, you'll either need a guide or good map and direction sense to get back to (1) from (18).
- HOLE SIGNAGE - Adequate for a smaller or open course, but definitely sub-par for this type of course and also for the region it's in. Currently just a # on a post with hole distance. If you took a picture of the course map on (1), it really won't help to read into how the details of a hole plays.
- ELEVATION - Sorry, you won't find it here or at really any of the surrounding courses either. On the Preserve, it's probably even below average for a Florida course. There are a couple holes here and there that bring in a 5 foot high mound or so, but that's about it. I did like the use of a flood control mound on (13) which defines the center of the fairway.
- FORGIVENESS - I was fortunate to play this course in the Winter when much of the overgrowth was either dead or trimmed up. There are a bunch of palmetto fields in play and if you were to find one of these during the summer, you can expect some extended time searching for your disc. In addition, when the rainy season hits, figure more water will come into play.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - This is really not a beginners course. The course requires the skills of an accurate shot possessed by seasoned players.
- TIME PLAY - Don't come here figuring you can get in a quick round being that its only a par 54 at 5000 feet in length. My group of 3 spent over two and a half hours here. Figure a single, on an open course, will take at least 90 minutes.

Other Thoughts:

I had the pleasure of playing the Preserve my first time with two DGCR members, Thrembo and R2sandman. Be sure and reach out to these gentleman if you're visiting from outside the area and if you want to enjoy a laid back round with a couple dudes that you'll think you've known forever.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
Klingmeyer
Experience: 8.3 years 23 played 18 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Variable hole course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 29, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has a good variance of hole arrangements and distances. The course is flat like most Florida courses. It has a good mix of open holes and holes through the Florida landscape. I enjoyed this course. No holes were too difficult to score well. The concrete tee pads are in good shape. There are distances posted on the tee box posts. There are directional signs to the next tee also. The course layout is well thought out except for the start and finish.

Cons:

I would have liked to see a hole layout at each tee box, not just the distance/s. Some holes have two tee pads and two baskets. It would have been nice to see where the further basket was located in order to choose the right disc. Its a very long walk from the back parking lot to the first hole.

Other Thoughts:

The course seemed to play shorter than the distances posted. Not really a con, just an observation. Not much chance of losing a disc on this course unless you're in the water. In December that wasn't an issue. This is a nice course. I'd like to play again next time I visit. I'd actually rate this course closer to a 3.25. Very nice scenery.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
14 0
reposado
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.3 years 278 played 276 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 8, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Unique aesthetic on a tight course through a palm forest. I found the fairways to be very fair and where the lines were constricting, there was rarely any obstacles to disrupt a shot on the right line. Very important on a course where the underbrush off the fairway can get thick. And the lines are nice, a variety of finishes to each direction and a handful of holes with double bends. I think it is one of those course that would be enjoyed more by successive plays. But the aesthetic, which may be common in the area, was new to me. I haven't seen palms so dense before so that they would line the fairways the same way pines would on a course farther to the north. It's definitely the most memorable feature of the course.
While a few open shots, and one long water carry, provide additional variety, the course is mostly these technical holes that can really punish bad throws and, more often than not, reward caution. Lots of places where there is a safe shot that you now you can leave in the fairway but will leave you settling for par at best. A more aggressive shot might give a chance at birdie but also a chance of not hitting a tight line and being buried in shule. Good stuff.
Baskets are good and occasionally holes have two. Tees are good. Navigation from basket to tee is easy. For a player of some experience, there is not much to dislike here. There may not have been a single hole that blew me away, but the overall consistency and quality of the course is quite high.

Cons:

The obvious issue is how far 18 leaves you from 1. I'm not sure if it's possible to add holes that play back to the lot but it is a long gap. Other than that, there were a few holes I was iffy about. There is nice flick shot that plays next to the outfield fence of a baseball field. Not a true hazard but at a course that was otherwise clear of interference with other park activities, I wonder if there was another way to do that. I also didn't really care for 10. The majority of the course plays through such natural terrain that it is jarring to play down a corridor that preexisted the course. Now, I tend to dislike this type of hole more than most, and there is only one of them, but is flow interrupting.
Additionally, better signage would help. The tees are easily identifiable but the posts note only the distance. At a wooded course with many baskets that aren't visible from the tee, (and some fairways have second curves) I would really like to see a picture of the hole shape.
North Charlotte is a course that would slot in a 3.75 for me if that was an option. Very good course but, similar to Magnolia, not one that will really stand out if one has played outside of Florida. There isn't really a signature hole. And there isn't really any elevation.

Other Thoughts:

There are separate tees on some holes. There are a few times where these are used well, such as 16. The long tee here is along carry over a pond that is home to a gator. Beautiful and challenging shot. The short tee is far enough to the right that it avoids forcing a player to carry any of it. There are other occasions where an additional tee makes a difficult hole easier for a new player. But there are a bunch of times where playing from the added tee ruins the flow of the hole and the original design is just superior.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 2
blazerico
Experience: 19.4 years 321 played 37 reviews
3.50 star(s)

great example of SW FL DG 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 5, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

dedicated land for dg is always a good thing. there is no reason for anyone else to be on the course, so you won't have to deal with walkers, bikers, etc.
tight and technical but mostly fair, no impossible fairways

Cons:

finding hole 1, even with a map was kinda a pain. even had a hard time finding #1 the second time I played, haha. I didn't detract from my rating because of the elusiveness of #1 though.

Other Thoughts:

i love how all FL courses have bathrooms with running water.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 7
adkponds
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Nice...BUT 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 4, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

A nice layout from what little we were able to find of this course.

Cons:

The cons greatly outweighed the pros from our perspective. Never found #1, actually never found the front nine. There was one sign from where we parked pointing you to the first tee but we never found it. Actually ran in to two others that were also playing here for the first time also. They asked us where #1 was, we answered you tell us and we'll both know. So we actually walked backwards from #18 trying to see if we could make any progress from there. Multiple tees with posts pointing you this way and that way. Unfortunately you never knew where the disc catchers were unless you walked part of the holes too see what direction you have to throw the disc. So we were only able to retrace our steps to #12. Have to say it was very disappointing as we expected much more from this complex.

Other Thoughts:

Please at least direct people to the start in a far more efficient and well marked signs. Layout of each hole at the tee box would be extremely helpful. Maybe a kiosk with detail would help people, seems from previous reviews a number of people couldn't find the start. Will be back again, just to challenge myself and see if I can find tee box #1
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
Jaysauls
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.3 years 129 played 71 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Beware the Rough! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 27, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The biggest pro - once you spend 30 minutes looking for the first tee - is that the course is a breeze to navigate. Stevie Wonder could find his way around without use of a cane.

The tee signs and distance were plentiful, though I wish it had pics of the holes. on the front 9, a lot of the holes you have no idea where the basket is. I had to walk up and back several times to find it.

And as my title mentions, get off into the palmettos and good luck. I spent lots of time digging through palmetto's trying to find plastic I'd advise throwing something bright - blue, pink, orange - but not green!

On the front 9, it seemed to be a majorly lefty friendly course. 3-9 all seemed to finish left.

The back 9 was my favorite. More open. You could grip-and-rip on several holes - if you have an average arm. Long arms would over throw the holes.

Being a tight course, you don't need many discs. I essentially played with a buzz, sidewinder and one stable fore-hand disc. Could easily play with just a buzz and putter.

Cons:

The worst - and this is huge - is finding the first tee.I came from out of town with limited time to play and it took me over 30 minutes to find it. I found what I thought was the parking lot - had a sign mentioning the course - but was by hole 16. Later I found a sign pointing to hole 1...a quarter mile away! You either park at the first tee and walk a quarter mile to your car when done. Or park by 18 and walk a quarter mile to start.

But after looking at an aerial view, it would be tough to finish back at 1

I also found 1-2 being ridiculously tight, basically a hope and pray hole. No direct line to the basket. 3-9 were the same basic shot over and over. Not much to brag about.

Other Thoughts:

Definitely worth playing, I'm sure locals have found all the limited lines to hit on the front 9. But the repetitious shots on the front 9 lowered my rating.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 4
amcnutt
Experience: 8 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good as it could be 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 28, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Well placed. Challenging. Well maintained. Most have alternate tees or pins. Well marked. You can't go wrong. Picnic tables. Trash cans every other hole. Plenty of parking.

Cons:

No long holes. No elevation change, but how could there be in Florida.

Other Thoughts:

Bring a towel. The dew last long. The pin at 10 is closest to restroom with water.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
forehandfranz
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 32.4 years 226 played 128 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Twin of N Watertower course! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 16, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Located in a beautiful park that is primarily for baseball, this course has a section all to itself. You will play through palm trees and palmettos on a medium scale (lengthwise), but on a slightly advanced scale tecnique-wise. The course starts with a few very thickly wooded and tight holes, then progress to fairways that are narrow, but with trees lining the edges of the fairways. Eventually, you will break out into grassy fairways - a few which are bordered by watery canals (they were dry in the winter).

The design was well balanced and fair. Good throws are rewarded, bad ones can be brutal to recover from. The use of multiple pins (in the ground, not ones that rotate) and multiple tee pads on some of the holes add variety. I like that the additional tee pads don't necessarily add length - they change the shot altogether.

Good vibes - the course is quite well-maintained - even to the point that somebody spray painted remaining tree stumps so that nobody trips over them. Also, the people on the course were very friendly - everyone I ran into was welcoming.

Navigation was pretty easy (once you find the first hole) - "Next tee" signs everywhere.

Cons:

I would have not found the first tee if it hadn't been for these reviews here. Soooo - I will repeat - enter the park at the north entrance and go down the paved path between the first 2 baseball fields - you will find the first tee down to your left. Somebody please put a kiosk here!

Blind pins - this isn't a huge issue, but it is frustrating for a first timer to have to walk up on so many holes - signs would alleviate this.

Other Thoughts:

Although there are no real "Wow factor" holes here, I certainly thought this place was solid and I will certainly try to play here if I return.

A WTF moment - the benches were graffiti'd but I noticed that the name of the club that was playing that very day had wrote their name on a bench - don't disrespect your own course guys!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 2
jselleh
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 8, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Tight technical course,makes you really think about your shot before you commit,nice cement T pads,pretty well marked.

Cons:

None that I can think of except you may need a machete if you end up in the jungle.Watch for fire ants and if near the water the occasional gator.

Other Thoughts:

Very different than the southwest courses I normally play.locals were very helpful especially getting my disc out of a palm tree,Thanks man did not get your name but appreciated the help.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
6 2
boursin
Experience: 12.8 years 13 played 13 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 26, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

TURN OFF US41 (TAMIAMI TRAIL) ONTO ODONNAL STREET. TAKE THE FOURTH TURN/STREET TO YOUR RIGHT-do not count the parking lot at the Chiropractors office-which is directly off US41.....-(WHERE YOU FIRST SEE THE BASEBALL FIELDS TO YOUR RIGHT). THERE IS A SIGN AT THE TURN THAT SAYS DISC GOLF HOLE ONE. PARK WHERE YOU LIKE. OK TO FIND HOLE #1- LOOK FOR THE BASEBALL FIELD WITH THE LARGEST BACKSTOP OF ALL OF THE FIELDS'-IT IS VERY LARGE- this is the first field to your right when you pull into the park. Walk towards the field GO DOWN THE THIRD BASE LINE WHERE THERE IS SIDEWALK THAT TURNS INTO A DIRT PATH.THAT IS WHERE HOLE #1 IS. I HOPE THIS HELPS The course is clean well maintained and pretty. Multiple tee pads and pins give a lot of variety to playing. Concrete tee pads are awesome. Easy to find your way around once you find hole #1. The friendliest players around and they are always willing to show you around or they will ask you to join them. Larger groups let you play through.Very tight on most hole with a few open holes. very pretty scenery,no houses or other impediments except on #11 where there is a ball field on the left side(only a really poor shot will have you landing in the ball field. there are mini statues and and little gnomes and frogs spread throughout the course just look around and you will see them. Do not take the gnomes it will bring you bad luck. Great league play as well.

Cons:

Need a sign for hole number one. And a course map for each hole would be nice for newer plaerys to find the baskets

Other Thoughts:

In the last year this course has become very busy and rightly so it is a great course even though it lacks elevation. It will test your course management. Precise throws are needed. Be careful when you throw into the palmettos your legs could get scratched up..."so throw strait" Come and enjoy one of the finest courses in all of Florida
Was this review helpful? Yes No
11 2
thrembo
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 49.5 years 245 played 198 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Solid SW Florida Course 2+ years

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

Pros:

+ Set in an area of the park dedicated to disc golf.

+ Most holes have multiple concrete tees and about half have two permanent baskets.

+ The course flows well and is very easy to navigate.

+ The course plays through the woods, comes out to go around a small lake, and then finishes back in the woods.

+ Restrooms located at the baseball area and the soccer area.

+ Friendly locals and a solid league.

+ Food available while baseball games are going on.

Cons:

- "The Walk" There is a long walk between hole 1 and hole 18 with a massive parking lot between them.

- Hole 1 hard to locate. Enter the park at the 1st entrance, follow the sidewalk that goes between the two baseball fields on the right until a wide dirt trail heads off to the woods.

- Two of the holes are a little too close to the baseball fields.

- The tee signs only list hole # and distance. 1st timers will have to walk some of the fairways to find the baskets.

- Alcohol banned at the park, but enforcement seems to be a low priority.

Other Thoughts:

Overall an improvement over the previous course layout. Multiple tees/pins make it possible to play the course several different ways.

The "locals", the league and the tournaments mostly meet and start at hole 16, located by the soccer fields.

This is a fun and challenging course! The positives far outweigh the negatives. Come and play it!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 1
prerube
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 17.4 years 275 played 236 reviews
3.50 star(s)

"The Preserve" 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 4, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Tight fairways force to to hold back on distance for accuracy or risk leaving the fairway for a few more feet.
several hole shad 2 tee pads, 2 baskets, or both. Hole 7 had 3 tee pads.
Hole 16 has 4 different ways to play over the water with various levels of risk.
Baskets in good shape with big visable number plates and bright pink tape to make them more visable.
Navigation was pretty easy with signs pointing to the next tee.

Cons:

Hole 1 needs a mando, unless they want half of the players to hoss the high hyser route instead of the intended path. No ob or mando marked. No sign to first tee and no signage guiding you back to the parking lot after hole 18
5 minute walk back to the car after the round.
Practice area has been removed, so there is no where to warm up or practice putting like there used to be.
Tee signs were just hole number and distance, no idea where the blind baskets were.
Course is too tight to be beginner friendly and the narrow shots get repetative.
Hole 11 has the baseball field on the left. Calling it a safety hazard is a little drastic since only a truely bad shot will go over the fence, but it is a possibility.

Other Thoughts:

there are no longer any signs that a disc golf course is present. Softball players used to ask what the baskets were and it would get a conversation started, now the course is hidden.
The course has improved, but I guess I was hoping for more since they had a chance to learn from the past and get tons of feedback.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
harr0140
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 15.8 years 1512 played 480 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Much Improved North Charlotte 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 2, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

1) Tee posts have Hole and distances listed including all basket locations in the distances . . . no map is available of the hole but at least it helps as a directional.

2) Garbage cans available in a few places on the course as well as benches for sitting.

3) More diverse property from the original design on this property . . . water was brought into play, some more open grass holes were brought into play, and a variance in the foliage type as opposed to just tunnel type shots through palms and smaller trees, the new property takes you into a very mature portion of the woods on this course.

4) Tight wooded holes obviously mean a high level of challenge .. . and wooded is more fun than wide open. Beginners won't like it but I am no beginner anymore. I always would prefer being challenged over bored. I love this type of course because it absolutely puts a premium on placement. You can risk the driver up the middle attempting to park the hole . . .but a midrange 50' shorter might be the best play.

5) Excellent variety on this course . . . even moreso than the original design. There is tight woods, moderately wooded, and fairly open holes.

6) Excellent variety in shots needed on this course. While most holes are tight and challenging, there is a good variety of shots needed to score well here.

7) Distance variation was moderately acceptable. While there are only a couple of true placement holes that become par 4's . . .you do still need to plan on what disc you feel most comfortable with.

8) No shortage of challenge on this course. Bring you're a game and try to stay on the fairway or you will be punished. With 12 holes in the 200-300' range I would expect some birdie chances, but this round I didn't make any birdies. I putted pretty well so that means the drives are really challenging.

9) Nice concrete teepads are always welcome . . . they may get sandy from time to time but I'd rather that than throw from the dirt.

10) Water in play on a few holes (and a couple of areas that look like there would be water during the rainy period.

11) Baskets are in good condition and they have the number late in yellow which helps make them more visible.

12) Good directionals to help you get between holes. They are consistently made so it is easier to find and follow them.

13) This is an active park, baseball fields, sidewalks for a nice stroll, Veteran's Memorial, and bathrooms located somewhere on site. I didn't personally see them but others have listed them as available.

Cons:

1) Very long walk from #18 back to where you would park to walk to #1. Not a big deal but worth mentioning. I guess it gives you time to ponder lost shots.

2) This course is far from being beginner friendly because it is so tightly routed through the woods.

3) Very confusing course . . . some holes have multiple tees . . . and some have multiple baskets (and by multiple I mean multiple INSTALLED baskets). You could play any number of different holes on this course which is kindof out of the ordinary.

4) Lacking tee signs . . . which would really help the flow and the first time through the course. Distance and hole # are present but that doesn't help the shot execution.

5) I normally am not a fan of artificial mandos . . . but hole #1 needs one. I saw the gap out to the right of the trees but didn't feel it was fair for me to toss out a big hyzer and skip the dogleg in the fairway. I instead chose to try and thread the needle with an S curve as the hole seemed to be designed.

6) Relatively flat course but there are small undulations and mounds that come into play, but nothing that I would call elevation change, just simple grade changes.

7) This course still have that punishing Florida touch which can irritate me . . . I am not sure if it is because it is challenging and very punishing when you get off the fairway, but the tightness along with no way to escape some bad throws gets a little frustrating hole after hole.

8) Kiosk and First Tee sign is needed because there is no easy way to spot the beginning of the course. You are much more likely to see one of the later holes before #1 and it is so far removed from #1 you might get confused.

Other Thoughts:

I definitely feel like the re-design has improved this course overall . . .the variety improved and the challenge seemed to be more fair and consistent . I enjoyed this new course much more than the last design . . . but they both are/were solid designs. This course just simply has better design and variety. It's a shame this course is so far removed from other courses otherwise I would look to this area as a small disc golf destination. I know the pros to cons make this look like a bad course, but in my opinion the positives far outweigh the cons here. This is a solid course with constant challenge and I would be happy to play this course most days.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top