Best Courses of 2009

[timg]

DGCR's Best Courses of 2009 is up. The list consists of the top rated courses on the site as of 12/31/2009.

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/topcourses_2009.php

Enjoy! :)

[kpc2004]

sweet!

[zud00]

Only 3 of the courses from 2008 top ten remained in the 2009 top ten. 1 (Flip) and 2 (Idlewild) kept their spots respectively and Milo McIver State Park dropped from 3 to 7.

[srm_520]

Looks a bit different from last year! :)

Thanks Tim.

I wonder what 2010 will look like? :)

[heelboycraig]

Tim,
Is there a way to see the top rated courses for reviews only done in 2009? It'd be interesting to compare that to the overall list, to see which courses got more/less love in '09 than they have prior years.

Great list. Looks like every part of the country has some great courses. I wonder which courses will get enough reviews in '10 to crack the top 10 list. I see a course like Hippodrome getting lots of love this year.

[timg]

I can try to put that together when I have some time since it isn't so cut and dry. Once I have the script though I can do it anytime which will be nice.

[srm_520]

I think its funny that Texas has 7 courses in the top 50 - most of any state. However, only one cracks the top 25 - Circle R barely at #24.

Meanwhile Oregon has 4 and Wisconsin only 3, but both have 2 courses in the top ten.

I guess sometimes it's quality over quantity? :)

[zenbot]

It's nice to see my home course on that list. Thanks everybody.

[RussMB]

I'm really surprised to see that Richmond Hill went from 5 in 2008 to 41 in 2009.

[Cgkdisc]

It might be interesting to try and predict which courses are lurking in the weeds and likely to crack the top 10, 25 or 50 by the end of 2010 in the same way some courses emerged in 2009 and others dropped. I'm thinking at least one more course at Highbridge might crack the top 50 in 2010 if either Granite (8) or Gold (7) finally get 10 reviews.

[harr0140]

Chuck have you been to Hidden Lake outside the twin cities, it had 2 reviews of 5 and 4.5 but now someone recently gave it a 3.5 rating. Those courses will likely have a high rating to start but when a bigger group of people start going it is more likely to come down slowly over time. Just curious if you think that one will sustain its inital high rating.

From everything I have read and seen, Hippodrome and Highbridge are very likely candidates.

[Cgkdisc]

Haven't gotten to Hidden Lake yet but I talked with the designer, Tim Mackey, last night and he hoped I could check it out this year. It will be interesting to see how the Hippodrome reviews go. It's going to be a matter of taste for many people and some may not like the structures used on the course to provide challenge.

Some new courses going in the ground this year may not get enough reviews before the end of 2010 to make the Top 50. There's a new pay-for-play complex called Castle Rock 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities with at least 63 holes opening in the next few months. It may be used in the Majestic NT event. I have a gold level course going in the ground in Oakdale (Twin Cities) later this spring. North Valley will be renamed The Valley since it will be getting four new holes on the South Valley side of the tunnel and a revamping of several holes on the North Valley side. Any of these courses have a chance to crack the top 50 in 2010 but maybe more likely in 2011.

[Countchunkula]

Great Stuff! I am totally unsurprised that my home state, Illinois, only has one course in the top 50. While we have some good discin' to offer, the generally flat terrain in the heavily populated areas makes top notch courses a real challenge to put in where anyone will actually play them. Our one entry is from the southern part of the state, far away from the Chicago area where I believe most Illinois players live.
Possible IL up and comers:

Highland Park Joliet, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3021
This is a great course which only has been in the ground for a little over a year, and should see its ratings increase once rough edges are smoothed.

Sinnisippi Park, Sterling, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1821
This course is a blast. It deserves a play based on hole 5 alone (downhill drive over a creek which can't be seen from the tee, onto an island green). The front nine is amazing with plenty of elevation change. I believe the back nine brings it down a bit because it is considerably flatter than the front.

There are probably other contenders in the southern part of the state. I have heard good things about:

McNaughton Park, Pekin, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=524

[chain-addicted]

I am wondering how Bracketts Bluff would have rated on this had it held out and not gotten "removed"....

[Three Putt]

Great Stuff! I am totally unsurprised that my home state, Illinois, only has one course in the top 50. While we have some good discin' to offer, the generally flat terrain in the heavily populated areas makes top notch courses a real challenge to put in where anyone will actually play them. Our one entry is from the southern part of the state, far away from the Chicago area where I believe most Illinois players live.
Possible IL up and comers:

Highland Park Joliet, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3021
This is a great course which only has been in the ground for a little over a year, and should see its ratings increase once rough edges are smoothed.

Sinnisippi Park, Sterling, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1821
This course is a blast. It deserves a play based on hole 5 alone (downhill drive over a creek which can't be seen from the tee, onto an island green). The front nine is amazing with plenty of elevation change. I believe the back nine brings it down a bit because it is considerably flatter than the front.

There are probably other contenders in the southern part of the state. I have heard good things about:

McNaughton Park, Pekin, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=524McNaughton is a good example of a course that would have been a top 50 course in 1995. It got a lot of attention for the long Hole #18 at the time. I think the long hole #18 at Fairfield is a good example of somebody copying that idea. Both MCNaughton and Sinnissippi are going to have a hard time developing a "buzz" at this point, as they are both older courses rated at around a 4. The line for the top 50 list moved up to a 4.31, and as new championship courses open that line likely will move up. It will be very hard for a mid-90's course to keep up.

[solomon.trenton]

I am wondering how Bracketts Bluff would have rated on this had it held out and not gotten "removed"....

i missed it what happened to it? I know its RIP now but why?

[Three Putt]

i missed it what happened to it? I know its RIP now but why?The answer you seek lies within.

http://www.dgcoursereview.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9627&highlight=brackets+bluff

[DiscJunkie]

Thanks Tim.
Glad to see The Castle at #46.

[tallpaul]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Countchunkula View Post
Great Stuff! I am totally unsurprised that my home state, Illinois, only has one course in the top 50. While we have some good discin' to offer, the generally flat terrain in the heavily populated areas makes top notch courses a real challenge to put in where anyone will actually play them. Our one entry is from the southern part of the state, far away from the Chicago area where I believe most Illinois players live.
Possible IL up and comers:

Highland Park Joliet, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3021
This is a great course which only has been in the ground for a little over a year, and should see its ratings increase once rough edges are smoothed.

Sinnisippi Park, Sterling, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1821
This course is a blast. It deserves a play based on hole 5 alone (downhill drive over a creek which can't be seen from the tee, onto an island green). The front nine is amazing with plenty of elevation change. I believe the back nine brings it down a bit because it is considerably flatter than the front.

There are probably other contenders in the southern part of the state. I have heard good things about:

McNaughton Park, Pekin, IL http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=524
McNaughton is a good example of a course that would have been a top 50 course in 1995. It got a lot of attention for the long Hole #18 at the time. I think the long hole #18 at Fairfield is a good example of somebody copying that idea. Both MCNaughton and Sinnissippi are going to have a hard time developing a "buzz" at this point, as they are both older courses rated at around a 4. The line for the top 50 list moved up to a 4.31, and as new championship courses open that line likely will move up. It will be very hard for a mid-90's course to keep up.

Highland is a very nice course; but will/and should; not be that high. I agree with both of you regarding Sinnissippi, and McNaughton (Sinnissippi especially, I've played quite a few times over the years and think it holds up very well....but is a little "old school" at this point).

Camden 2 is a must play that deserves very high marks http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3425; unfortunately, right now; there is someone who got his butt kicked; and was extremely bothered by new course navigation issues; bringing that one down. I have played all of the courses that the Illinois state coordinator lists as his top ten (except for the new one in Springfield); plus Sinnissippi and Rockford; which I, personally think may belong in there (Illinois state coord. has not played Camden 2 yet); and I would putt Camden 2 just behind Foundation in Centrailia; http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1284; as number two in the state. With that said, top 50 is a tough nut to crack these days...

[tallpaul]

Oh....and I am very excited to hear about all the new, great stuff near the Twin Cities....amazement in that area; every time I go. sweeeet!!!

[Cgkdisc]

Camden 2 might not be tops quite yet but only because it is new. But I believe designer, Chris Sprague, will attempt to get it to number one within a year if the course amenities can be added/enhanced. I was honored to be an advisor on that course when passing thru town as an advance person for the PDGA to check out the course prep for the Women Nationals there.

[Olorin]

I'd like to suggest that the title of this list be changed from "Best Courses" to "Favorite Courses".

Has every course in the world even received a DGCR Rating?
If not, how many courses are there with 0 reviews? (It looks like somewhere around 250.) Without a review how do we know that the Flying Bee Country Club (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1270) in KS isn't the best course ever?

[tallpaul]

Cause the distance is only 5000. Although I suppose the holes could all be mando shaped like a rose petal that you must pollinate with your awesomesauce score. In which case, it would probably be the schizel....

[scarpfish]

Without a review how do we know that the Flying Bee Country Club (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1270) in KS isn't the best course ever?
I'll assure you it isn't. ;)

[Guurn]

I've played it a few times but have resisted reviewing it because I felt it needed more time to wear in a bit and because I disagree with the current reviews strongly. I am sure it will be one of those courses that has some vocal proponents. My favorite new course of 2009 was Mont Du Lac but its layout changed quite a bit the last time I played it so I don't consider it done. Great course so far though.

Chuck have you been to Hidden Lake outside the twin cities, it had 2 reviews of 5 and 4.5 but now someone recently gave it a 3.5 rating. Those courses will likely have a high rating to start but when a bigger group of people start going it is more likely to come down slowly over time. Just curious if you think that one will sustain its inital high rating.

[prerube]

I'd like to suggest that the title of this list be changed from "Best Courses" to "Favorite Courses".

Has every course in the world even received a DGCR Rating?
If not, how many courses are there with 0 reviews? (It looks like somewhere around 250.) Without a review how do we know that the Flying Bee Country Club (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1270) in KS isn't the best course ever?

I stick with best because many of our favorite courses are 3.5 star courses.
Baker Farm is the top rated Rochester course, but not in my top 3 in Rochester.

[jblough]

I can certainly vouch for The Woodshed's #4 position. It's unfortunate that there are so few reviews compared to its companions on the list. It is, after all, one of those courses that isn't on the way to anywhere.

[harr0140]

Oh....and I am very excited to hear about all the new, great stuff near the Twin Cities....amazement in that area; every time I go. sweeeet!!!

Agreed, especially considering that is my second home where I usually spend 2-3 weekends a year up there visiting old college friends, and now playing disc golf.

I would have to say "the road" is my second home with Twin Cities being my third.

After this trip to Florida (this is going to be an epic trip after all is said and done (I have to say how much I love my wife for going along with me, but she absolutely loves her new SLR digital camera and can take pictues all day while I play the courses) I am having,

[harr0140]

I've played it a few times but have resisted reviewing it because I felt it needed more time to wear in a bit and because I disagree with the current reviews strongly. I am sure it will be one of those courses that has some vocal proponents. My favorite new course of 2009 was Mont Du Lac but its layout changed quite a bit the last time I played it so I don't consider it done. Great course so far though.

I am feeling the same thing about WIldapple in Osseo. It is a fun challenging course, but I think there might need to be some more maintenance and the course is always changing (albeit slowly (quoted directly from the designer/owner). I want to review the course now, and give it an honest score, but I dont want my review to keep someone from going, I just think with a little maintenance and some break in time. I havent made a decision on that one quite yet.

[grodney]

The most obvious Bubbling Under courses would be those with high scores but under 10 reviews. Here are all the courses with reviews > 5 and rating > 4.50:

Horning's Hideout, North Plains, OR - 7 reviews 4.79
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3578

Giant's Ridge, Biwabik, MN - 6 reviews 4.75
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1308

Whippin' Post, Paw Paw, WV - 8 reviews 4.63
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=1910

Toboggan, Milford, MI - 9 reviews 4.61
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=2601

Pickard, Indianola, IA - 8 reviews 4.56
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=67

[Hippy007]

The most obvious Bubbling Under courses would be those with high scores but under 10 reviews. Here are all the courses with reviews > 5 and rating > 4.50:

Horning's Hideout, North Plains, OR - 7 reviews 4.79
http://www.dgcoursereview.com/course.php?id=3578

This is the Meadow Ridge Course you got here.

This was a fun course to put in we got all the baskets in the ground on Sept. 25th and the grand opening was Nov. 29th. this is the 3rd course out there at the Horning's. It has been a lot of fun to help them get this all in the ground. This being the most advanced course out there.

Hippy007

[grodney]

Funny how opinions differ. I was talking to a friend of mine about this list. He has played a lot of courses, including a bunch on the list. (He probably views things more from a "best" perspective, not from a "favorite" perspective.) Here is what he had to say about some of the courses on the list:

"Blueberry Hill sucks and Blue Ribbon Pines is the most overrated course since
Blueberry Hill. Kaposia is better than BRP, but it doesn't have as much
landscaping around the tee boxes."

[Cgkdisc]

Based on the quality of those remarks with no reasons given, the experience of that reviewer is suspect. Perhaps you heard why he had those opinions? I could cite why some of those courses should not be top 10s but at least have reasons.

[blaw]

Home Courses: Idlewild#2, and Lincoln Ridge aka Bancklick #22. Right across the river Mt airy not in top 50 but must be very close.

[grodney]

Based on the quality of those remarks with no reasons given, the experience of that reviewer is suspect. Perhaps you heard why he had those opinions? I could cite why some of those courses should not be top 10s but at least have reasons.

It was a short conversation -- I didn't get any details. But I trust this person's opinion. His "experience" certainly isn't suspect.

I know he understands the difference between a good course and a popular course. I don't think he's denying they (BH and BRP) are popular and a lot of people love them.

[Cgkdisc]

If the player is gold level, Blueberry Hill will be frustrating because it's specifically designed for blue level players. If he played it at Worlds, I could understand why it might not be his favorite but certainly not sucking.

[Cgkdisc]

Doesn't really matter since, as you pointed out, we're only talking about opinions, not applying more objective standards, to the extent that can be done.

[Smelvis]

WOW, the east half of the US has the most best courses. That makes two reasons to leave Calif. Taxes way too high and not enough quality disc golfin.

[humchris85]

WOW, the east half of the US has the most best courses. That makes two reasons to leave Calif. Taxes way too high and not enough quality disc golfin.

Your just not looking in the right places.

[BENFTS]

Your just not looking in the right places.

HumChris played the Pescadero temp course with me and I'm sure that he will back me, its the most impressive disc golf experience right now. 27 holes set in a wild area logged over 100 years ago. The first hole is longer and meaner than top of the world at De La. The difficulty and beauty of this course is unrivaled as far as I have ever seen.

[humchris85]

HumChris played the Pescadero temp course with me and I'm sure that he will back me, its the most impressive disc golf experience right now. 27 holes set in a wild area logged over 100 years ago. The first hole is longer and meaner than top of the world at De La. The difficulty and beauty of this course is unrivaled as far as I have ever seen.

It is top notch. I just wish it could be a perminant course.

[McLeod]

I'm surprised there's no TX courses in the top 10. Our courses are just as good, we just don't have as many reviewers. Cedar Hill and Lake Lewisville are both amazingly scenic and incredibly challenging.

[heelboycraig]

Tim,
Is there anyway to see what the top 10/full list of courses marked "favorite" - either the most actual votes, and/or highest percentage of "favorites to course played?" It'd be a good compliment/comparison to the best courses list. It'd also be a good feature on the main page - next to rated, played, reviewed - or on the course directory page.

[timg]

I can probably squeeze favorited in there. I'll see what I can do.

[heelboycraig]

http://www.xsltblog.com/archives/24805BP~The-Simpsons-Mr-Burns-Excellent.jpg

[timg]

Favorited is in.

[prerube]

Hi tim, sorry to bring this thread back, any way to find out what the top 10 were in 2009

[timg]

Scroll to the bottom of the current best courses list.

[prerube]

Thanks, I knew it was somewhere.