Pros:
-Whistler's Bend Park is a large park along a bend of the North Umpqua River about 15 miles east of Roseburg, Oregon. The park features dozens of campsites, river access, and picnic areas. But the majority of the park is used for the incredible 27 hole disc golf course.
-Never before have I played on a course with such shot variety. The course starts with four shorter technical shots in the woods. Hole #5 is where the teeth of Whistler's start to show. It's a long, downhill, very tricky anhyzer shot with the basket perched 25 feet from the river's edge. Hole 7 is one of the signature holes. It is a gentle downhill slope, a similar cliffs-edge basket placement, and a great view. The next three holes play in and out of woods. At this point, you should be close to even par. But it's tough to stay that way. The next several holes wind their way to the top of an enormous hill. Rollaway opportunities abound. Holes 11 and 16 are especially grueling. But this stretch of holes are well worth it once you reach the panoramic view from the tee of Hole #17.
-Hole 17 puts the Top of the World hole at DeLa to shame. This hole measures at 660 feet, with twice the elevation drop. This hole is what you come for, and it is nothing less than an exhilarating experience to throw. Your disc will stay in the air for 15-20 seconds. If the north wind is up (the prevailing summer wind) this hole becomes quite a challenge. A three is hard earned on a windy day.
-The course does not let up after this. 5 of the last 10 holes play over 400 feet. Hole 18 is also a long downhill throw. Holes 19-21 are all long holes playing through the large field at the bottom of the park. Holes 22 and 23 are fun, technical shots, #23 a beautiful hole on the bluffs overlooking the river. Hole 25 is a longer hole, also on the river's edge. Without question you will use every disc in your bag, probably more than once.
-There are brand-new fantastic tee signs, large, in color, and displaying all of the hole locations as well as the elevation profile for the hole. This is a much needed addition to this course as very few holes are straight forward.
-Two practice baskets near the first tee in a grove of mature trees. It's a great place to practice your upshots and putting on a hot day.
-The tees are nice and large concrete pads, with the exception of hole #1, strangely.
-The natural beauty. I've mentioned it once, but it's worth mentioning again. The views from holes 5, 7, 15, 17, and 25, just to name a few, are absolutely spectacular.
Cons:
-Several of the walks between holes are very steep and treacherous. Hole 22 to 23 especially comes to mind. The walk down the Top of the World Hole is a dangerous, steep dirt path too. I couldn't imagine what it would be like after a rainstorm.
-There's considerable rough on the course. Watch for burrs and blackberries. Hole 25 especially needs some blackberries cleared in the fairway.
Other Thoughts:
-This is possibly the most exhausting course I have ever played. It is very long, very hilly, and very challenging. But it was completely worth it and a ton of fun.
-The new layout is coming in very nicely. It's much easier to find your way around now than when I first played the course 2 years ago.
-This area has experienced a drought over the past two years. Unfortunately, many small trees and parts of large trees have failed throughout the park. Watch out for piles of dead wood. Things look a bit better this year (still some green grass in late July) but let's hope for mild weather the rest of this year.
-I would not recommend this course if you are out of shape or cannot throw 300 feet. Or if you like to feel good about your game. I racked up bogeys at an alarming rate. But if you're looking for a beautiful, challenging course with all the shots, Whistler's Bend is hard to beat.