Uploaded By: link_smitty42205
Hole #M9 (Taken 10/2010)
3 / 250ft. 3 / 250ft. 3 / -- 3 / --
Par / Distance:
Hole M9 Basket
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Reviews: 29
Avg. Rating:
Details
Avg. Rating:
Details
very fun short course!
1 
4/28/2012 
10/24/2012
Pros: Disclaimer -- I played this course during the Standing Rocks Open tournament, and I am not sure how different the regular layout is, but I had the impression the tourney layout has a handful of temporary holes. My review pertains to the tourney layout only.
There are two parts of the course, an older shorter course, and a longer course with a few newer holes. Both are built on very hilly, wooded, and rocky terrain that is well-suited to challenging disc golf. However, both courses are mostly par 3 golf.
On the older course, almost every hole is a deuce run. Still it is challenging because of the technical lines through the woods, on most holes there is a good chance you'll end up scrambling for par after a tree kick. Even though some players might end up throwing a lot of midranges off the teepad, there are a lot of different shots needed, because there's a good mix of uphill and downhill, left/right/straight fairways. But the max distance drivers won't get much use on this course. There is one big downhill throw about 600ft down a ski hill (I think this was a temp hole) and the day I was here Will Shusterick was throwing putters at it. I threw driver and didn't make it. :-|
The newer course is a tougher challenge, several of the holes required more thoughtful disc choice and line shaping. There were also a few holes that had wider fairways where you could let 'er rip, kind of nice after playing the shorter old part of the course.
I took advantage of the camping at Lake Emily campground which was a pretty large campground. I didn't see the whole thing but the part I camped in was built into a sweet pine grove, it was nice and I would recommend it.
The whole area is beautiful and would be fun to hike around in, even without throwing plastic, so if natural beauty is important in choosing your disc golf courses, this one gets a bonus for that.
There are two parts of the course, an older shorter course, and a longer course with a few newer holes. Both are built on very hilly, wooded, and rocky terrain that is well-suited to challenging disc golf. However, both courses are mostly par 3 golf.
On the older course, almost every hole is a deuce run. Still it is challenging because of the technical lines through the woods, on most holes there is a good chance you'll end up scrambling for par after a tree kick. Even though some players might end up throwing a lot of midranges off the teepad, there are a lot of different shots needed, because there's a good mix of uphill and downhill, left/right/straight fairways. But the max distance drivers won't get much use on this course. There is one big downhill throw about 600ft down a ski hill (I think this was a temp hole) and the day I was here Will Shusterick was throwing putters at it. I threw driver and didn't make it. :-|
The newer course is a tougher challenge, several of the holes required more thoughtful disc choice and line shaping. There were also a few holes that had wider fairways where you could let 'er rip, kind of nice after playing the shorter old part of the course.
I took advantage of the camping at Lake Emily campground which was a pretty large campground. I didn't see the whole thing but the part I camped in was built into a sweet pine grove, it was nice and I would recommend it.
The whole area is beautiful and would be fun to hike around in, even without throwing plastic, so if natural beauty is important in choosing your disc golf courses, this one gets a bonus for that.
Cons: The older part of the course seems to have been designed in a different era of disc technology, and needs an updated redesign to fully take advantage of the beautiful terrain. Even if it means the number of holes is fewer, I think the course could be improved by a complete redesign to include several legitimate par 4 and par 5 holes.
There are no water hazards, and OB looks like it would rarely be a factor. Penalties for going in the rough were not all that bad when I was there, but might be worse during mid-summer.
There are no water hazards, and OB looks like it would rarely be a factor. Penalties for going in the rough were not all that bad when I was there, but might be worse during mid-summer.
Other Thoughts: All in all, I would say this is a great course for a relaxing day of golf suitable for lots of different skill levels, and I would definitely stop there again and have fun. But is not the supreme challenge that would warrant giving it a 4 rating or higher.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Report this Review Beautiful, but Short
Pros: Lots of technical shots
Great signage
Lots of holes to make P2P worth it
Beautiful area
Great signage
Lots of holes to make P2P worth it
Beautiful area
Cons: Very few benches
A few signs are a bit "off"
Quite short. Only a few holes break the 400+ mark. It doesn't take a whole lot of arm to park most holes.
A few signs are a bit "off"
Quite short. Only a few holes break the 400+ mark. It doesn't take a whole lot of arm to park most holes.
Other Thoughts: I would have preferred less holes for more distance, but overall this course was well worth the trip.
1 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Pros: The course is beautiful. The tee boxes are all have a natural look to them with gravel/rubber pad boxes lined with smaller rocks on the outer edges. the designers did a great job of making the holes seem natural with the terrain. Most of the fairways don't look like they had to be clear cut or bulldozed, and some of the baskets placements look as natural as the trees that surround them. It's heavily wooded, and the trees provide great protection against the elements. Most of the holes have at least some elevation change.
Cons: No length. There is only one hole here with the current layout over 300ft. Hole #12 is an extremly short (maybe 150ft) left dogleg down a 25ft incline. Behind the basket there is a steep ledge that slopes all the way (another 300 ft or so) down to a small lake. To protect against discs rolling down that hazard, there is a small rock ledge built up behind the basket (with the amount of trees, the disc would typically only roll away another 25ft or so). I know some people would see that as an pro, but it was the only thing remotely challenging about a 150ft hole. This holes illustrates my feelings that there is a lack of challenging holes with the current layout. Also there are a few navigational issues. After hole 4, you have to walk up a slight incline and cross the driveway to the shelter. I'm not certain how someone who hasn't played would even guess how to find #5's teebox (there are signs for the cross country ski trails pointing to a path in the wrong direction). Also, after hole #7 you cross directly in front of the box for #15. The tee signs will not help you here either. Most of the hole numbers are out of place. After #16 you have to walk back across the driveway to the shelter to #17. The two sets of tees are too close together, and the amateur boxes are far to short even for beginners.
Other Thoughts: As a season pass holder, I am excited to hear that there are plans for additional holes at Standing Rocks that will add some length to the course. This should help in clearing up some of the previously mentioned navigational issues as well. Overall, Standing Rocks creates a nice identity with a minimalistic and natural feel in a beautifully wooded county park.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.
central wisconsin strong 
Pros: 1. Reading through the reviews will give you the overall impression....more than anything else.....that just about everyone that plays here; enjoys their time spent. I believe this will sum up your overall experience. (you can now go to the cons section; if you want to see what will be lacking in the big picture; then, come back here for good point summation.)
2. You will use all of your shots. These holes are designed to allow even opportunity for rhbh and lhbh (or forehand opposites). I throw a few overhand here as well. There are some shots that will forces all but 980+ players to have a long straight glide; with a finish, left or right, on the end. This is even more present on the "newer" set of holes.
3. There are often more than 18 holes in the ground here. Soon; two 12 hole and one nine hole loop will be present full time. (go to cons...4)
4. Rock formations built around baskets and tees in a beautiful fashion. This feature is one of those "this is about as good as it gets" for this style of design. (It's not quite all that; compared to the very best; these days; but not far from the best that anyone is doing in this area.) The formations, fit with the landscape in a remarkable manner; and you may barely notice that they've been constructed; and were not always there. The "crew" has done an extraordinary job in this department. This feature also makes quite a few tees very nice, when they would otherwise, more than likely, have serious issues.
5. A number of fall-a-way greens. Some of the shortest shots require a solid landing....disc landing angle is an important aspect of scoring here...or you're rolling places you don't want to be!!!
6. Which leads to the simple fact that this course has very nice elevation; and yet, somehow, does not kill you. You are led around; up and down; rarely saying "that hill was brutal".... As has already been noted; all factors of design were well thought out here. (The biggest exception I can think of...and I get to give a shout out to a fellow FREAK here, though the sign was gone last time I was there; is that he came up with the name for; "stairway to eleven." This is a bit of a harsh breather hill and staircase.)
7. The "original" course does not have a major "lose your disc" aspect. Undergrowth not bad. There are holes on other layouts, that are quite a bit scarier. Some tourney holes; and these may be in the newer layouts, offer great risk/reward opportunities as to whether you're in the middle of the blackberry patch; or over it to the bucket; or, do you play it safe and require and upshot?... Berries are very nice tasting in season!
8. Knowing many course designers in this state; and others; and having participated in both design and especially maintenance, of many courses as well; I can tell you that Randy is among the "most hard working men is disc golf." The fool was out there hand planting schroom spores on tree stumps two years ago. No....not the "real special kind".....but a very unique feature all the same. This is the type of attention to detail you will find in all aspects of Standing Rocks.... (he he he....except for tee signs with correct information and arrows pointing you to the next tee!!!)
2. You will use all of your shots. These holes are designed to allow even opportunity for rhbh and lhbh (or forehand opposites). I throw a few overhand here as well. There are some shots that will forces all but 980+ players to have a long straight glide; with a finish, left or right, on the end. This is even more present on the "newer" set of holes.
3. There are often more than 18 holes in the ground here. Soon; two 12 hole and one nine hole loop will be present full time. (go to cons...4)
4. Rock formations built around baskets and tees in a beautiful fashion. This feature is one of those "this is about as good as it gets" for this style of design. (It's not quite all that; compared to the very best; these days; but not far from the best that anyone is doing in this area.) The formations, fit with the landscape in a remarkable manner; and you may barely notice that they've been constructed; and were not always there. The "crew" has done an extraordinary job in this department. This feature also makes quite a few tees very nice, when they would otherwise, more than likely, have serious issues.
5. A number of fall-a-way greens. Some of the shortest shots require a solid landing....disc landing angle is an important aspect of scoring here...or you're rolling places you don't want to be!!!
6. Which leads to the simple fact that this course has very nice elevation; and yet, somehow, does not kill you. You are led around; up and down; rarely saying "that hill was brutal".... As has already been noted; all factors of design were well thought out here. (The biggest exception I can think of...and I get to give a shout out to a fellow FREAK here, though the sign was gone last time I was there; is that he came up with the name for; "stairway to eleven." This is a bit of a harsh breather hill and staircase.)
7. The "original" course does not have a major "lose your disc" aspect. Undergrowth not bad. There are holes on other layouts, that are quite a bit scarier. Some tourney holes; and these may be in the newer layouts, offer great risk/reward opportunities as to whether you're in the middle of the blackberry patch; or over it to the bucket; or, do you play it safe and require and upshot?... Berries are very nice tasting in season!
8. Knowing many course designers in this state; and others; and having participated in both design and especially maintenance, of many courses as well; I can tell you that Randy is among the "most hard working men is disc golf." The fool was out there hand planting schroom spores on tree stumps two years ago. No....not the "real special kind".....but a very unique feature all the same. This is the type of attention to detail you will find in all aspects of Standing Rocks.... (he he he....except for tee signs with correct information and arrows pointing you to the next tee!!!)
Cons: 1. Course is short.
At this point, I wanted to say something to the effect; "in a competitive situation, there will be low scores." In other words....you will need to be making birdies; because they are there. (Now, go back to pros...2)
2. This course is difficult to navigate. It always has been. Randy (course designer) Schukar, was one of the earliest proponents of course alteration. I am speaking of full 18 hole course alteration. Nine hole groupings have been altered and/or moved fairly often.
3. Course movement has made tee signs nearly useless. First of all, many current tees have no sign. Of those that do, many are numbered incorrectly. Correct yardage?....ya gotta be kidding me! (now go to other thoughts....1)
4. Until signs are updated (announced for 2010 or early 2011); you may need all your navigational skills to play here. Don't worry, if you wander in any direction from lot, you will shortly find a pin. Play that one....and the next....and so on. What is supposed to be #1 in the current layout, is labeled as #15 and is found off the right edge, as you park, of the lot, and in; @150 ft. You may find another pin first; depending which of the many path options you choose. This is all part of the fun here....he he he he....
I've played this course many times, over many years, and I can say, as a "local" (1.25 hours away); that I'm often searching for that first pin. But.... just for a few moments. Once you find one; the course flows for the most part. If you run into a little lost time; just settle down and concentrate on how much you're loving the atmosphere of the course and the hole design, etc. Beauty is all around at S. Rocks...don't let a little tough navigation get you down. I do want to make a point of this in the cons section, because it's been a tough course to navigate almost since it's inception. Even for semi-locals; due to the amount of change that occurs here for tournaments as well as, "regular play" course(s); it's tough to ever zero in on exactly what is in the ground at any given time. If you can get in touch with a local or grab one at the parking lot; do so. I will also keep on Randy to get a map or a contact, or something up on here for info. This is one of those courses, that they are so busy upgrading an already good experience; that they can't keep up with a lot of the stuff that first timers would like to see in place. These kinds of courses are really some of the best around IMHO. As I've already noted; the atmosphere here is to be enjoyed. Don't let any navigational issues stress you. Find a pin, play it. Find the next tee; play it....once you get going, the flow is pretty intuitive.
At this point, I wanted to say something to the effect; "in a competitive situation, there will be low scores." In other words....you will need to be making birdies; because they are there. (Now, go back to pros...2)
2. This course is difficult to navigate. It always has been. Randy (course designer) Schukar, was one of the earliest proponents of course alteration. I am speaking of full 18 hole course alteration. Nine hole groupings have been altered and/or moved fairly often.
3. Course movement has made tee signs nearly useless. First of all, many current tees have no sign. Of those that do, many are numbered incorrectly. Correct yardage?....ya gotta be kidding me! (now go to other thoughts....1)
4. Until signs are updated (announced for 2010 or early 2011); you may need all your navigational skills to play here. Don't worry, if you wander in any direction from lot, you will shortly find a pin. Play that one....and the next....and so on. What is supposed to be #1 in the current layout, is labeled as #15 and is found off the right edge, as you park, of the lot, and in; @150 ft. You may find another pin first; depending which of the many path options you choose. This is all part of the fun here....he he he he....
I've played this course many times, over many years, and I can say, as a "local" (1.25 hours away); that I'm often searching for that first pin. But.... just for a few moments. Once you find one; the course flows for the most part. If you run into a little lost time; just settle down and concentrate on how much you're loving the atmosphere of the course and the hole design, etc. Beauty is all around at S. Rocks...don't let a little tough navigation get you down. I do want to make a point of this in the cons section, because it's been a tough course to navigate almost since it's inception. Even for semi-locals; due to the amount of change that occurs here for tournaments as well as, "regular play" course(s); it's tough to ever zero in on exactly what is in the ground at any given time. If you can get in touch with a local or grab one at the parking lot; do so. I will also keep on Randy to get a map or a contact, or something up on here for info. This is one of those courses, that they are so busy upgrading an already good experience; that they can't keep up with a lot of the stuff that first timers would like to see in place. These kinds of courses are really some of the best around IMHO. As I've already noted; the atmosphere here is to be enjoyed. Don't let any navigational issues stress you. Find a pin, play it. Find the next tee; play it....once you get going, the flow is pretty intuitive.
Other Thoughts: 1. Distances from all tees, to all pins, for at least 33 holes have been measured and noted; for tee signs in 2010/2011 (hopefully 2010). It is very likely that this part of Standing Rocks legacy will finally be ended in an awesome fashion.
2. I need to point out, as a number of other reviewers have; that tournament layouts are in the 4 to 4+ range at Standing Rocks. Pros attend the Standings Rocks Open, from fairly large distances; due to strength of course, payout, long standing, excellent tourney atmosphere, and the fact that it usually is one of the first two "big" tournies of each year, on the state tour. (In Wisconsin, the spring is always a time for happiness!! Especially getting to a wonderful course to throw plastic again.) This event long ago split into separate days for pros and ams; and ams enjoy themselves just as much as the pros. Also, somewhat in relation to this; and relating to the mentioned shortness of the "original" course, versus some other possible layouts you may find here; Troy Campbell held the record for a number of years, for the longest tourney ace, @570 ft.....at Standing Rocks. There are some nice, big, down hill shots in certain configurations....
The annual chilli cook off and tourney in the late fall, is also a full event; and well loved.
3. Excellent beverages at the Central Waters Brewery nearby.
4. You can see, with all I have written; that it is difficult to give you a general overview of Standing Rocks. Conditions change here... For the time being, you are never really sure what you will encounter. However,every layout here is worth play. The "original", which is the mainly discussed version, in reviews so far, is perhaps the weakest overall design; and the average rating for this course; as I write, is 4.5. Due to the navigation issues primarily, and course yardage secondarily, I have not rated as high as most. Non-tourney design does not have a 5 "Wow" factor. However, I agree with everyone here, that this is a second tier, destination spot. Plan to take extra time to play. Plan to play it twice; once you know we're you're going; second round will move right along.
As mentioned in other reviews; another Schuhkar designed course, Yulga, is fairly nearby; make a day of it. That course is a very fine example of 3 sets of tees usage. No elevation at Yulga, but straight driving is at a premium.
After all the cheers I've given to S. Rocks, and Yulga; I will none-the-less, point out, that; IMHO, Big Eau Pleine County Park is the best in the area.
This trio, in Central Wisconsin, won't leave you disappointed; unless you're looking for 4.5 to 5 courses. These are all 3.5's, up to possible 4 for Big Eau Pleine. Also, keep in mind, that 33 full time holes are very possible for 2010 and beyond.
2. I need to point out, as a number of other reviewers have; that tournament layouts are in the 4 to 4+ range at Standing Rocks. Pros attend the Standings Rocks Open, from fairly large distances; due to strength of course, payout, long standing, excellent tourney atmosphere, and the fact that it usually is one of the first two "big" tournies of each year, on the state tour. (In Wisconsin, the spring is always a time for happiness!! Especially getting to a wonderful course to throw plastic again.) This event long ago split into separate days for pros and ams; and ams enjoy themselves just as much as the pros. Also, somewhat in relation to this; and relating to the mentioned shortness of the "original" course, versus some other possible layouts you may find here; Troy Campbell held the record for a number of years, for the longest tourney ace, @570 ft.....at Standing Rocks. There are some nice, big, down hill shots in certain configurations....
The annual chilli cook off and tourney in the late fall, is also a full event; and well loved.
3. Excellent beverages at the Central Waters Brewery nearby.
4. You can see, with all I have written; that it is difficult to give you a general overview of Standing Rocks. Conditions change here... For the time being, you are never really sure what you will encounter. However,every layout here is worth play. The "original", which is the mainly discussed version, in reviews so far, is perhaps the weakest overall design; and the average rating for this course; as I write, is 4.5. Due to the navigation issues primarily, and course yardage secondarily, I have not rated as high as most. Non-tourney design does not have a 5 "Wow" factor. However, I agree with everyone here, that this is a second tier, destination spot. Plan to take extra time to play. Plan to play it twice; once you know we're you're going; second round will move right along.
As mentioned in other reviews; another Schuhkar designed course, Yulga, is fairly nearby; make a day of it. That course is a very fine example of 3 sets of tees usage. No elevation at Yulga, but straight driving is at a premium.
After all the cheers I've given to S. Rocks, and Yulga; I will none-the-less, point out, that; IMHO, Big Eau Pleine County Park is the best in the area.
This trio, in Central Wisconsin, won't leave you disappointed; unless you're looking for 4.5 to 5 courses. These are all 3.5's, up to possible 4 for Big Eau Pleine. Also, keep in mind, that 33 full time holes are very possible for 2010 and beyond.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.
A must play destination
Pros: Had a blast! The locals are great. Squirrels are black, which is something I have never seen before. Gorgeous fairways laid out with nature appreciation in mind. Elevation changes like crazy. Super cozy atmosphere.
Cons: Not many long holes.
Other Thoughts: Good warm up before, or cool down after, playing Nordic hill ski area.
1 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Standing Rocks Rocks!
Pros: Real technical and personal..Great drastic elevation changes..Good mountain biking..$3 fee weeds out the scrubs..Great course maintenance..Cool rock formations..Real tranquil and secluded..
Cons: Pin was stolen recently! Bugs are bad in Summer..Some of the trees are old and rotted..One of them fell on my buddys disc! Rubber tee pads dont do this lovely course justice..
Other Thoughts: If you like the woods and chucking off some big hills youll enjoy yourself..Play your putter whenever you can..Wont need to break out the big stick until 18..
1 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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