Beloit, WI [Archive] - Disc Golf Course Review

Dave242

09-24-2009, 11:20 AM

Dr George Williard is Beloit is probably the one you are thinking of. They did a good job designing it with not much to work with. It's an OK course just to get out and throw a little and stretch the legs and get some fresh air, but is not really a good DG course on it own merit.

Like mentioned above, Lustig in Janesville is pretty cool and much better than Williard. Your best bet for a a really good course however, is to head just a little south and play the Anna Page courses in Rockford. West is better than East in my (and pretty much everyone else's) opinion. Rockford is much closer to Beloit than Madison.

Do NOT bother with Woodlands in Rockland (unless you just like exploring)!

suprnva

09-24-2009, 11:27 AM

waynewf

09-24-2009, 11:59 AM

Beloit is the midwestern headquarters of the KKK...considering it's proximity to the Illinois border, watch out for those Illinois Nazis...I hate Illinois Nazis...

Countchunkula

09-24-2009, 12:14 PM

Beloit is the midwestern headquarters of the KKK...considering it's proximity to the Illinois border, watch out for those Illinois Nazis...I hate Illinois Nazis...

You learn something new everyday.
I as well hate Illinois Nazis.

the_lung

10-30-2009, 02:43 PM

I may be in Milton, WI in a few weeks. Milton is on the other side of Janesville, on the Madison side. It looks like the local Janesville course, Lustig Park, is closed according to the MADC site.

Are there any other must-play courses nearby? Or am I pretty much looking at driving to Madison, Milwaukee, or Rockford, IL to play a good course?

harr0140

10-30-2009, 03:34 PM

Saturday morning I am hoping to play the anna page courses in rockford and a couple other courses between rockford and beloit, but since I also heard lustig park is closed in janesville already (also saw it on the MADC site), I am saving that course and stoughton for another trip to the area. SO I am focussing on the rockford/beloit area.

I dont mean to sound like a douche, but when you guys ask for must play courses . . . . why dont you just look through the area courses and see what they are rated. That should tell you the caliber of course. I understand asking for peoples opinions, but for the most part looking at the ratings and reviews is gonna get you the same thing. Just a thought!

the_lung

10-30-2009, 04:16 PM

I dont mean to sound like a douche, but when you guys ask for must play courses . . . . why dont you just look through the area courses and see what they are rated. That should tell you the caliber of course. I understand asking for peoples opinions, but for the most part looking at the ratings and reviews is gonna get you the same thing. Just a thought!

See other threads about the rating system here.

While it generally serves it purpose, it caters almost exclusively to the massive amount of casual/non-competitive disc golf fanatics out there than tournament and seasoned disc golfers who have higher skills, prefer pro par four and pro par five holes, know the intricacies of good course design, etc.

To wit, a course which is almost exclusively pitch-n-putt

but with nice teepads
is equisitely manicured with absolutely no rough off the fairway
doesn't need spotters
you can see most baskets from the tee
is mostly straight holes or righty hyzers
is conveniently located within a mile or two of the highway exit

is going to rate far higher than:

a par 66 8500' course with many pro par 4 and pro 5 holes and:
natural teepads
heavy rough off the sides of the fairways where lost discs are a real possibility
many blind shots
some holes with severe doglegs left or right
etc.

Those that know me know that I vastly prefer the latter over the former, and if I can get people to weigh in with their recent thoughts, that would be cool. Some of the reviews may be outdated, the courses may have changed, and in fact, one of the courses I'll be near may even be closed. :confused: The purpose of this forum is to generate a dialogue so I don't understand what's the big deal and why you wouldn't just ignore it if you didn't care for it. I really don't know why you would want to stifle conversation and think it's prudent to tell people to just look at the ratings and reviews. That is likely going to get you labeled the term you used in your first sentence. :p

harr0140

10-30-2009, 05:52 PM

Ah yes, I was trying to "stifle" or censor (tin hat fox news watching society) other peoples conversation. Notice I did contribute to the conversation saying I inteded to play the anna page courses and that Lustig is closed.

I have asked the same question before on here and gotten the typical local who says oh you gotta play here, or you gotta play here, but I do take enjoyment out of reading the reviews prior to help decide if the course is my style or not (yeah like I have a style . . . I will play any course out there if I am nearby) Just asking if it is a must play is like saying is it a 4 rated course or better?

It was only a recommendation, I was not trying to inhibit the conversation at all. By all means discuss which wourses these contributors like, I will evaluate the reviews myself and if I still cant make up my mind I might ask which is better to people who have played multiple courses for comparison.

And by the way I did say I didnt want to sound like a douche, because I knew it might bother someone for saying it.

No offense intended here or in my first post, if this is the way you choose to find out about courses so be it . . I just have found it to be rather innefective in comparison to just reading the reviews of the area courses. I just thought I would recommend something else as an option.

Dave242

10-30-2009, 09:09 PM

Those that know me know that I vastly prefer the latter over the former, and if I can get people to weigh in with their recent thoughts, that would be cool.

You and people like you are exactly why I have rated (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/profile.php?id=142#) all my courses played and have given rationale, albeit boilerplate for many.

You can read previews galore of the courses and look at the pictures and course details on the course's main page to get an idea of the aesthetics...... but usually not the competitive design highlights. I did not feel like spending man weeks of my time duplicating what others already do well. Instead, I have chosen to cater to people like you who want to get the perspective you articulated - with my entire list of courses played.

Given the number of thumbs down I have gotten (I am inching ever closer to 1000) many here probably think I am a DB. But my hope is my rated list of courses (and rationale) is appreciated by people like you (and me).

I have played almost all of the courses in that region (except for a couple private doinkers in campgrounds), so my list should be helpful. If you travel, play Anna Page (West is MUCH better than East) in Rockford and Heistand and Elver in Madison. Vallarta-Ast should be third....only if you have time.

the_lung

10-31-2009, 11:50 AM

I have played almost all of the courses in that region (except for a couple private doinkers in campgrounds), so my list should be helpful. If you travel, play Anna Page (West is MUCH better than East) in Rockford and Heistand and Elver in Madison. Vallarta-Ast should be third....only if you have time.

Thanks Dave242, you rawk!!! You'll get nothing but thumbs-up from me!!! http://www.dgcoursereview.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif http://www.dgcoursereview.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

tomjulio

10-31-2009, 12:50 PM

Anna Page in Rockford definitely.

Play both courses...BUT I have to disagree with "most". East is the better course. Better groomed, better signage, and better everything. West is a work in progress and has HORRIBLE signage and one of the most obnoxious flows of any course I have played. You will pull your hair out if you 1) don't play with a local 2) have a map 3)run into the course designer...which we luckily did.

harr0140

10-31-2009, 04:04 PM

I didnt end up going today because I slept in and it was so dang windy. I do think I might hit up Anna Page tomorrow. I will let you guys know what I think either here or in my review!

tallpaul

10-31-2009, 04:30 PM

I too think East Anna is as good as West. West a little longer; east; more blind pins (which is what some raters dislike and is a bit tough to figure for next shot). I also would vote for Elver and especially Hiestand over Token. If you play Token, play from longs. Pins are currently in short position. There is also a nine that is good in Watertown; east of Madison. West of Madison, Baraboo is a good technical 18 designed by same designer as Elver and Hiestand.

tallpaul

10-31-2009, 04:32 PM

Go to Rockford club site and mail bearmax; he'll give you the tour and is a good master's age player.

tallpaul

10-31-2009, 04:34 PM

Sinnissippi is a bit of a hike south of Rockford; but an "old school" course that is still a 4. Played it recently, and still as good as ever. Also, a cute 18 hole ace run every shot course very near Sterling/Sinnissippi.

thenamesben

10-31-2009, 05:36 PM

tomjulio

10-31-2009, 05:50 PM

I usually take all of the reviews/ratings on here with a grain of salt because it's all subjective. Winter Park in Kewaunee was in the Top 10 courses for a while. Why? I have no idea, I'd rate it a 3 at best. My buddy played Flip City and was extremely let down because the course didn't live up to the hype this site gives it. If you want to play a course, play it; if you don't, you don't. Don't let this site (even though it's the most awesome site ever) be your deciding factor.

everyone will be let down by something in their life. everyone will have a different opinion. and it's only hype if you let it be.

..as for your buddy being let down at Flip, well, there's no hope for him...cause there ain't a whole lot better. He might want to switch to ping pong.

thenamesben

10-31-2009, 05:56 PM

and it's only hype if you let it be.

How so? If I ask ten people about Course X and they all say "OMG THIS IS LIEK TEH BEST COURSE IN THE AREA" then of course I will have a high expectation of that course. When I go to play Course X and it turns out to be suck-ville, yes, I am let down, because ten different people told me this course was excellent.

harr0140

10-31-2009, 06:06 PM

I usually take all of the reviews/ratings on here with a grain of salt because it's all subjective. Winter Park in Kewaunee was in the Top 10 courses for a while. Why? I have no idea, I'd rate it a 3 at best. My buddy played Flip City and was extremely let down because the course didn't live up to the hype this site gives it. If you want to play a course, play it; if you don't, you don't. Don't let this site (even though it's the most awesome site ever) be your deciding factor.

I have played courses rated 1 or less so I don't let this site determine if I am going ot play it or not. I am simply a course whore!

tomjulio

10-31-2009, 06:10 PM

How so? If I ask ten people about Course X and they all say "OMG THIS IS LIEK TEH BEST COURSE IN THE AREA" then of course I will have a high expectation of that course. When I go to play Course X and it turns out to be suck-ville, yes, I am let down, because ten different people told me this course was excellent.

Well, in this specific case 60+ people say they loved the course. I highly doubt one dude who was let down reflects any type of suckyness towards aforementioned course. he hyped himself into believing what he wanted. Even the most beautiful woman in the world will never live up to that hype.

We each take on what we want to believe and it will only be ourselves who in the end will let us down.

...on second thought I suggest lawn jarts as his new sport.

Dave242

10-31-2009, 07:22 PM

I too think East Anna is as good as West. West a little longer; east; more blind pins (which is what some raters dislike and is a bit tough to figure for next shot).

It is not the blind pins per se at East. It is that fact that there are at least 5-6 holes that are J shaped. So, no matter what air shot you throw you can not reach them. A mediocre or great drive off the tee yield the same thing - a gimme upshot and tap-in 3.

Maybe there are certain roller shots that will get you on the dance floor (if the grass happens to be mowed short when you are there. But, I do not throw rollers and no-one of hundreds of players I have played with use rollers as their go-to shots.

tomjulio

10-31-2009, 09:28 PM

It is not the blind pins per se at East. It is that fact that there are at least 5-6 holes that are J shaped. So, no matter what air shot you throw you can not reach them. A mediocre or great drive off the tee yield the same thing - a gimme upshot and tap-in 3.

Maybe there are certain roller shots that will get you on the dance floor (if the grass happens to be mowed short when you are there. But, I do not throw rollers and no-one of hundreds of players I have played with use rollers as their go-to shots.

after having just played the East course there is an equal number of "lefty" and "righty" holes. Some extreme like hole 2, the infamous J hook. Yes, an incredible roller will get you there and set you up with a two, or a slow hyzer to give a long look at a two. This is part of the main reason why East is better than west. I was able to utilise almost every shot imaginable on this course. Many holes have multiple lines and I was able to think about my shot selection process quite a bit. loved it. Then again there are two courses across the street from each other, who is to complain? :)

mashnut

10-31-2009, 09:49 PM

It is not the blind pins per se at East. It is that fact that there are at least 5-6 holes that are J shaped. So, no matter what air shot you throw you can not reach them. A mediocre or great drive off the tee yield the same thing - a gimme upshot and tap-in 3.

Have to agree with you on that one, the East course just didn't seem designed by a disc golfer to me, especially the "candy cane holes" as my gf so aptly put it as we were playing them.

tallpaul

10-31-2009, 11:53 PM

The "candy cane holes" get lots of disrespect, for the reasons mentioned. I understand this, and appreciate that side of things. However, I find them to be very unique and rarely seen anywhere else. This course was designed in the early 90s and yes, especially then, you had to be very creative to find a shot to get there. Many of the j shaped holes ARE "threes;" but there is trouble for a four and the possibility of a deuce with a very inventive shot or a huge arm shot. Lots of the locals learn "huge arm" or roller game. Seems to be their "niche," and not a bad niche to have conquered. Sinnissippi a good roller course as well. I have lost some of my roller magic as I get older; but thought this area encouraged/forced rollers in ways that few courses (some east coast courses do this as well; Seneca in the Maryland, a few of the early ones in Pennsylvania, etc.) require. You will notice on video footage that most of the pros whip out the roller with good results on occasion....
Also need to clarify that the Watertown I mentioned, was meant to refer to Fireman's Park, Waterloo; which really is a good nine. The Watertown course; Rock River DGC, is also good; especially the new, back nine (couple gold level holes there). However, you need a guide to play it easily. Perhaps they have a map up now, for Rock River....

Dave242

11-01-2009, 10:09 AM

I find them to be very unique and rarely seen anywhere else. This course was designed in the early 90s and yes, especially then, you had to be very creative to find a shot to get there. Many of the j shaped holes ARE "threes;" but there is trouble for a four and the possibility of a deuce with a very inventive shot or a huge arm shot. Lots of the locals learn "huge arm" or roller game. Seems to be their "niche," and not a bad niche to have conquered.

Good and valid points. You & TomJulio really got me thinking and re-evaluating how I evaluate. Just because I do not have certain throws in my bag (rollers and well developed overhand shots), should I mark down a course???? What compounds things much more is that if a player does have those shots, these holes become more rewarding (as in you can get birdies, not just boring 3's) AND it adds to the risk/reward since you do not just play it safe/boring.

I think I would need to spend a day and watch a tournament with a decent number of good Pro's there to validate the deucibility of the holes and see those shots.

In general, I love to see 1-2 creative holes per course that force a player to use a specialty shot (low ceiling for roller, up-n-over for overhand, huge carry over water/OB to reward bombers) to be able to score well on. Just because I am not great at any of those, I usually do not mark the course down. But If there are too many......

IMO, Anna Page East has too many - I looked at the Map (http://grabmdiscgolf.com/image/MAP.jpg) and count 8-10 (depending on set-up. I rated East 3-discs with a grade of 80 (lowest end of B- courses) and West 4 discs with a grade of 90 (lowest end of A- courses). Was I too harsh? Would I find a lot of intrigue in trying to master getting birdies at East?

harr0140

11-01-2009, 04:10 PM

Well I played both courses this morning along with three others in the area. I found the east course to be a lot more enjoyable. The J shaped holes just force you to throw different shots to get towardsw th ebasket. I cannot throw a roller nor have I really tried because it can be so inconsistant, but I can see how knowing where a roller would go could be helpful. I also can see how having forehand and backhand could be helpful. I am primarily a backhand thrower (I really only use forehand to get out of trouble), but I can throw a really good long anhyzer shot which acts like a forehand. I did not think any of these holes were too extremely J shaped except #2. That is more of a 180 degree turn. I stll had a birdie putt from about 70' and made my 3, so it wasnt horribly hard, but having different shots could be useful.

I havent been playng disc golf long but the east course is that open feel park course but it has the benefit of all those little pockets of wooded areas where they can tuck baskets. I really enjoyed most of those pin placements. The west course has about 75% of the course amongst massive mature sprawling oaks which are awesome holes but those middle holes of 10, 12, 13 just simply arent that great to me. Sure they might be fun for the bombers but I only have a 275' max drive usually so I felt like I wore my arm out on just those 3 holes. That took away from the west course in my opinion.

I havent decided on my final disc ratings yet, but I am thinking about 3.5-4 for the west and 4 for the east. I need to think more about this but that is where I was leanign initially. The east course is the type of course I just havent played before, where they have the little pockets of woods all over the place and basket tucked to those edges.

Just my feelings. I liked both courses, but the big arm holes really wore out my feeling about the west course. Being the first time I played either, I can't stand how tough it was to find my way around. Too many baskets are visible from any area of the course. I cant downgrade the course because of this because it is truly only bad the first time you play! Both courses had good holes, and nether course had a throwaway hole in my opinion. I just wish I didnt have to wear my arm out on 10, 12, 13.

Dave242

11-01-2009, 06:56 PM

Well I played both courses this morning along with three others in the area. I found the east course to be a lot more enjoyable. The J shaped holes just force you to throw different shots to get towards the basket. ..... I did not think any of these holes were too extremely J shaped except #2. That is more of a 180 degree turn. I stll had a birdie putt from about 70' and made my 3, so it wasnt horribly hard, but having different shots could be useful.

I havent been playng disc golf long but the east course is that open feel park course but it has the benefit of all those little pockets of wooded areas where they can tuck baskets. I really enjoyed most of those pin placements.

The East course is set up in all the short pin locations as of a few days ago per their message board. See the map and you will see that there are no real candy cane holes when baskets are in the shorts. Also, I can see why you are saying what you are saying since you have 275' max D.

superberry

11-04-2009, 08:57 PM

I usually take all of the reviews/ratings on here with a grain of salt because it's all subjective. Winter Park in Kewaunee was in the Top 10 courses for a while. Why? I have no idea, I'd rate it a 3 at best.

Yeah, I noticed your round recorded notes - YOU PLAYED THE RED TEES!!!!!

At Winter Park you have to suck it up and accept the tree shanking goodness. When you get better come play the blue tees because that's what the course was designed for. The red tees were simply thrown in a closer spot which happened to be somewhat flat (or not in some cases). Red tees were "designed" fro those completely new to the sport like the majority of all the locals here. We did them simply because disc golf was so new to the community.

harr0140

11-04-2009, 09:00 PM

Yeah, I noticed your round recorded notes - YOU PLAYED THE RED TEES!!!!!

At Winter Park you have to suck it up and accept the tree shanking goodness. When you get better come play the blue tees because that's what the course was designed for. The red tees were simply thrown in a closer spot which happened to be somewhat flat (or not in some cases). Red tees were "designed" fro those completely new to the sport like the majority of all the locals here. We did them simply because disc golf was so new to the community.

Yeah Ben maybe when you get better you can step up to the mens tees!

He should not be playing the red tees, but I am pretty sure his girlfriend was along so he may have played them because of her.

Dave242

01-04-2010, 05:28 PM

I too think East Anna is as good as West. West a little longer; east; more blind pins (which is what some raters dislike and is a bit tough to figure for next shot).

In your review (http://www.dgcoursereview.com/reviews.php?id=3021&mode=rev#17990) of Highland Park you just wrote you said you liked West better (and did not even mention East). So which is it? :)

Truth be told, when I read your review I got your comments mixed up with TomJulio's where he thought East was BETTER than West. But still......I am holding you accountable as you are not allowed to change your tune midstream! :D

tallpaul

01-04-2010, 11:53 PM

In your review of Highland Park you just wrote you said you liked West better (and did not even mention East). So which is it?

Truth be told, when I read your review I got your comments mixed up with TomJulio's where he thought East was BETTER than West. But still......I am holding you accountable as you are not allowed to change your tune midstream!

I think I said that I liked East better than West. I also had played an older version of West last time I was there. I have since been there twice; and West is considered the better course by just about everyone; including the locals. In addition; I think the point I was making, was that we did not play long tees at Highland; and was pointing out that we did not play longs at Lemon Silver/Gold; or THE NEW LONG PINS at West.
I have also had the privilege of playing a few rounds later in 2009 with a few of the huger arms from the Rockford area. They score better on East; while West still tests their length to some degree...and, as I said, they have, since, added another set of long pins at West.
Earlier in this thread, I was defending East (which is a course that has always challenged me a great deal); primarily to throw some love to East. Others were somewhat bashing it. West also challenges me; but more from a chuckers point of view. The review was trying to relate to persons reading the review; not myself....and I think West is considered the better course by most; even though I would rather play East personally.
Actually, I always play both...

harr0140

01-05-2010, 12:14 AM

I rated east and west as 4's but I would prefer to play east over the west course. I just liked the uniqueness of the east layout with the pockets of trees and alleyways. Tough pins were also a factor. There just seemed to be more variety on the east. The west was mostly tight wooded oaks tree holes, plus the few wide open bombers. It sounds like most people like west better, but I liked east better, I just couldnt rate them differently. Either way if I had the choice I would play east, but I would still play the west course everytime too. I also think it was more a matter of preference and less about quality they each were unique to the other which is awesome.

815RocSolid

01-05-2010, 05:55 AM

im only about 45 minutes out from anna, and one day me and my buds decided to go play them. unfortunately there was highway construction (typical) and we got mixed up and wasted about an hour, which ended up cutting into our playing time. so we played east first, i really liked it, threw a -1 first time, which i was more than satisfied with considering 1.) id never played there and 2.) i threw some shots in the wrong direction because of a misunderstanding. when we went to play west, it was getting dark and had to stop after 6-7 holes. id like to go back tho next summer and play both at least once.