Course improvement feedback

[KniceZ]

I'm trying to find ways to improve the NSWC Course in Dahlgren VA but there's not much to work with since it's an old ball gold course - very open with nothing but huge mature trees and very little terrain. Note: I realize this will never be a highly rated course but it would be nice to get rid of some of the wide open holes.

Options :
- move some of the baskets to at least put one of these big trees between the pad and pin to force some line shaping.
- in a few cases, move the basket closer to or between a group of big trees (sort of a protected basket)
- adjusting the length of completely open holes to create more score variability. Open 280-300' holes are pretty easy par 3s but tough 2s for lower intermediate players.

Thoughts on these options?

In some cases moving the basket to bring obstacles into play will cause the pads to be off angle (maybe 10-15 degs). Would that be a reason not to move the basket?

[Karl]

Your options seem reasonable (as stated). Also think a bit of these:
Using the prevailing wind (usually W to E, unless really near the ocean) to affect shots / blow into OB or tough areas.
Definately use the "one big trunk / tree" right in the way (near the tee) to super-alter the shot path. I've seen a 200' hole where good players would have to throw HUGE hyzers / anhyzers to even GET the disc to the pin because the shot HAD to start off at almost 45-degree angles from the tee to basket line!
Obstacles in front of baskets are always harder than those behind baskets.
Off-angled tees while not great are not forbidden.
Tuck a tee REALLY close to a tree. The player will wonder what / how to throw! But not if they have a roller! They don't? - they need to learn how!

[KniceZ]

Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to mod the tee locations - concrete, no money to change, and too much red tape to get approval to mod on military base even if I paid for it myself. They just moved on pin due to a new parking lot and the pad is now 90 deg off - and they don't plan to fix it.

Think on the positive - saving taxpayer money!!

[KniceZ]

Come on all you course designers - help me out here!!

[biscoe]

if i had ideas other than what you've stated i'd let you have them. as karl said- it's easier to make a profound impact on the route if the tree is near the tee.

[jrawk]

Roger... elevate a basket or two. cement the basket in a bucket and Build a box around the bucket to to raise the basket. We are planning this on hole 6 at hot shots, since the park department decided to cut down all the trees.

IIRC mando's can be used on a few holes. And also artificial OB can be done with some ground stakes. Turn one of those wide open 250ft shots into an island hole.

Just don't over-do it.

[jrawk]

are there any thick, low branches that you'd be able to hang a basket from? That would be fun with the wind there.

[biscoe]

arrrggghhh!!!! how about some little windmills too???

how 'bout if i come look at it?

[jrawk]

haha.... i knew john would love those suggestions.

[New013]

is planting trees not an option? plan for the future...

research fast growing trees that would be good for the area. i know willows and river birches grow fast and i believe certain types of cypress grow fast and those are good disc stoppers.