Pros:
-Good size concrete pads
-Baskets OK
-Great mix of open / technical, long / short
-Multiple tees / pins
-Beautiful Park, lots of elevation to work with
-Couple of cool water carries (#17 and #18)
Cons:
-Moderate elevation can wind the old, out of shape guy (*raises hand*)
-Road in play on several holes
-Could add a bench or trash can or two
-Transition from #14 to #15 needs a guide or a map
Other Thoughts:
Wildwood Park is host to the 3rd oldest Iowa DGC in the southwest part of Ottumwa, IA. A large park, the course takes up much of the western half of the park and keeps mostly to itself. The original course was designed as an object course in the 70s, upgraded to baskets around 1980, and re-done in 2020 with one of the original designers and others adding the additional tee pads and basket locations. I was lucky enough to enjoy my round with this designer (Bob Kramer) from both iterations. You could tell it meant a lot to him. He pointed out many of the nuances (other basket locations, tee pads, etc.). The course was a joy to play with a good mixture of open / technical (especially 17 and 18) and long / short with holes from 138' to 540'. #17 was a favorite with a carry over a stream (OB, especially for the longs with a drop tee) and a basket back by the stream tuck back and to the right a little. #18 was a wonderful finish with the back tee carrying the stream twice and the short tee once to a bit of a guarded basket. The course is really accessible for most skill levels. There are tournaments here (my guide won a state tourney on the 2nd playoff hole back when it was still an object course) yet the novice here would do fine. The park road comes into play on several holes (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5 Long, #7 Long, #8 Long, #14, #15, #16) The hills are a bit much at times for those out of shape, but a lovely piece of land and an excellent course. A couple of new foot bridges help the creek crossings on the last 4 holes. I really enjoyed my round here, especially with Bob. Will definitely play again when in the area.