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West Bank Park reviews
1
0
tough but fun 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 18, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
This 9 hole course is in a fairly narrow park along the Missouri River across from downtown Great Falls. It is a fairly long course for a park 9 hole, and while fairly open the regular moderate wind and proximity to the river add a good level of challenge. There are planted trees that will add challenge as they grow.
Only 3 holes are very close to the water, pin 1 and 9 are close to river and 2 throws across a creek. The wind carried my driver into the Missouri on hole 1, but since it was blizzard plastic and river isn't deep I was able to wade and get it. The course is not by the main channel, but a small(comparatively) side channel. Water is murky, if your disc doesn't float you won't find it.
Hole 7 and 8 play on and over a hill that has been hydroseeded, will be very nice when grass grows in.
There are bathrooms and water fountains close that are new.
Hole signs are well made east to follow.
Only 3 holes are very close to the water, pin 1 and 9 are close to river and 2 throws across a creek. The wind carried my driver into the Missouri on hole 1, but since it was blizzard plastic and river isn't deep I was able to wade and get it. The course is not by the main channel, but a small(comparatively) side channel. Water is murky, if your disc doesn't float you won't find it.
Hole 7 and 8 play on and over a hill that has been hydroseeded, will be very nice when grass grows in.
There are bathrooms and water fountains close that are new.
Hole signs are well made east to follow.
Cons:
Only a few, the biggest one being that, like the other course in town, the tee pads are almost uselessly short for the length of the holes. 4' tee pads and 400'+ holes are a TERRIBLE combo. Course hasn't seen much play so you can start a step before pad, but as course wears in will have to throw beside pads, very annoying.
Other big one is that this park has a trail that seems popular, could be hard to throw this course at some times of the day. We were there around 9am on a Sunday, had the park mostly to ourselves. What walkers that were out were very polite.
If the park is busier there are a couple parking areas that may be in danger of an errant shot.
Other big one is that this park has a trail that seems popular, could be hard to throw this course at some times of the day. We were there around 9am on a Sunday, had the park mostly to ourselves. What walkers that were out were very polite.
If the park is busier there are a couple parking areas that may be in danger of an errant shot.
Other Thoughts:
This is a cool course that uses the space well, and the park has some interesting historical info and neat statues(see media tab). It is deceptively difficult. If you come out expecting a park pitch-and-putt, especially on a windy day, you probably won't enjoy it. However, if you accept it as the challenge it is it is a very enjoyable course. Probably not a good one for beginners.
2
1
Folfer1234
Experience:
3 played
3 reviews
Poor Course Design and Location 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 6, 2015
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Good view of the Missouri River
Cons:
This course is very frustrating to play as there are lots of obstacles to avoid. Coupled with the very narrow playing field, this is an issue.
For one, the course runs right along the river, so an overthrown disc or a shank will have you fishing for your disc. Some holes are literally less than 10 feet away from water. There are also some swamps as well where you run into the same problem.
Right next to the river is also a walking path, so you have to be very careful not to hit any pedestrians. This is hard to do, however, because the trail is very popular. There are also park benches and grills in the fairways, making the problem worse.
On the right side of the course there is parking. One pin is also 20ft next to the parking lot, so good luck trying to avoid hitting parked cars as well.
So with all these obstacles and narrow playing field, this requires a lot of finesse throws. This would be okay for a short course, but that is definitely not the case. 8/9 of the holes are par 3s that are 400ft+. This requires long drives to even par these holes. With no clear lines for driving due to the obstacle mentioned, this is nearly impossible to do.
And lastly, the 9 holes are linear, so you face a long walk back to the beginning of the course when you are done.
Overall, this course is frustrating to play and definitely not worth the risks you encounter either losing a disc or causing damage with an errant throw.
For one, the course runs right along the river, so an overthrown disc or a shank will have you fishing for your disc. Some holes are literally less than 10 feet away from water. There are also some swamps as well where you run into the same problem.
Right next to the river is also a walking path, so you have to be very careful not to hit any pedestrians. This is hard to do, however, because the trail is very popular. There are also park benches and grills in the fairways, making the problem worse.
On the right side of the course there is parking. One pin is also 20ft next to the parking lot, so good luck trying to avoid hitting parked cars as well.
So with all these obstacles and narrow playing field, this requires a lot of finesse throws. This would be okay for a short course, but that is definitely not the case. 8/9 of the holes are par 3s that are 400ft+. This requires long drives to even par these holes. With no clear lines for driving due to the obstacle mentioned, this is nearly impossible to do.
And lastly, the 9 holes are linear, so you face a long walk back to the beginning of the course when you are done.
Overall, this course is frustrating to play and definitely not worth the risks you encounter either losing a disc or causing damage with an errant throw.
