Mishawaka, IN

George Wilson Park

3.25(based on 37 reviews)
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13 0
Central Scrutinizer
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 34.8 years 166 played 17 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Vastly Improved from the Old Days! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2021 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Wilson Park's calling card is, and always has been, its fantastic elevation. There are two "on top of the world" type holes for your gripping and ripping enjoyment, plus it comes into play in bundles around the layout. You will get a good workout, and the effort is worth the throws you get to make. It's such a fun place to play.

New alternate holes in the woods are terrific and make the course a 24-hole layout now! They add technical balance to what had been a too-open course for decades. They're tricky and tight but fair and creative. I adore them, and now the course feels more complete because of them. Bravo, bravo, bravo.

A few of the old dud filler holes have been replaced by better holes, and in one case toward the back where it used to be all in the open running alongside the woods line, a second wooded half of the hole has been added. You are rewarded with a much better look at getting up and down for a 3 if you place your drive as closely as possible to the entrance. Fantastic job here.

New baskets have replaced the venerable 1990 Mach 3's. Most are either Mach 7's or Mach 5's, I believe. I also love it when a classic course keeps one old basket for practice, and sure enough, Hole #1's old Mach 3 from 1990 is in the practice area.

The tees have also been vastly improved, sometimes even right next to the old ones that look archeological in nature. I love the wisp of history you feel seeing those old tees, including #10 where Scott Stokely aced in the 1996 worlds. Who doesn't want to stand where Ken Climo did during his run of consecutive titles?

In many places I remember the tees being treacherous in the old days, like on #7, but they've leveled that out and added a safety buffer afterwards so it's not like it used to be when it felt like you would fall off a cliff when teeing off. Great job.

You've got a hanging basket, speaking of #7. Nice touch there.

Lots of the original holes that remain have been extended and improved. I like what they've done to #1, for example, making it feel like a par 4. It's about 100' longer or maybe more than it used to be. The fence is still there to punish errant drives on #1/#9.

There are tons of holes with alternate basket placements now. Sometimes you'll have to walk up ahead and see where they are, but what it adds for diversity makes that more than worth it.

There are at least three practice baskets and lots of room to warm up. So many courses don't have a decent place to loosen up. That's not the case at all here.

There are good public restrooms and the place is kept well.

Some of the finest and largest benches I've seen yet on a Disc Golf course can be found scattered throughout the course. They're awesome.

New signs are great and informative, even showing you where possible alternate pin placements could be. I never got lost in the new area because some arrows pointing the way helped.

Cons:

There are still 3 wide open filler holes on the back nine, but that's better than the high number they used to have where it felt like most of the round was out in the open. I can live with them now.

If you crave water hazards, there isn't one. There is O.B. on some holes, though, like the fence between #1/#9.

Other Thoughts:

This is the second course I ever played all the way back in 1990. I don't live super close by but close enough to make a few trips per year and savor them, and I used to love coming even with all the limitations of the old layout. Now I consider George Wilson to be "excellent" and one of my regional favorites. There's excellent shot variety now with more of a wooded factor added for a nice balance in the whole 24-hole layout, plus all the savory open hilly holes are still there, some of them with improvements to boot.

Hats off to all of you who put in the work to make this place excellent. It is, and I will be back with my son to play lots more!!
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6 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
3.00 star(s)

You'll Get A Workout And A Chance To Throw Some Air! 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 6, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

George Wilson park is a ???? I don't know exactly what this wonderful hill is used for? Is it for tubing? Can't be skiing, can it? I think it's a pretty awesome chunk of land for a disc golf course. There is a $2 entrance fee but if the booth is closed, it's free. Today was a free day. I played Faurette Baugh DGC about five miles from here earlier today and it was $4 to play a flat course in the trees. That's makes old George Wilson a pretty fair deal, in my book.

There is a disc golf code of ethics sign at the start. Of course, I memorized it. There's a practice basket and a sign warning about flying discs. I parked right where everyone says not to and when I got ready to tee off on # 9 with the wind gusting, I could see why parking here isn't the best idea.

The baskets are mostly older models except for the brand new Mach III on # 3, I think. The concrete pads are fine and the new signs are great showing the route and everything else. The tee pad on # 5 is the most heavy duty pad I've ever seen. You could park a tank on it.

The course starts on the parking lot side of the fence and play up the hill with the fence on your right. There were some fun throws on the front 9. I liked # 5 throwing from he woods out to an open basket just 250' away. # 7, at 335', was a cool down and then up the other steep hillside. The basket is set at the top of this hill with 15 wooden steps leading the way. Then # 9 gives you a chance to air it out, with he basket down behind some trees 485' way down here. And try not throw into the parking lot.

I liked the back 9 more. # 12 was a cool, slightly downhill, 252' to a basket tucked in beside a big tree. # 13 should challenge most players. It's 345' and slightly uphill but then the fairway cuts tightly into the woods with the basket back there about 125'. You need arm strength, accuracy and some luck to score well on this hole. 15-18 were all great holes, IMO. # 15 is a slightly downhill toss with a sloping hillside on your left. Then # 16 is a big downhill with the basket tucked in by some trees 430' away.

# 17 is a nice change of pace. It's 200' straight across to a barely visible basket set on a steep hillside. Over shoot this hole and you'll have to walk down a ways and play back up. And by this time, most players will be fairly gassed. And then # 18 is the classics "Top of the World" hole. It's 590' to a basket set out in he open. No place to get into trouble here but I'm betting you can't just throw one!

Cons:

The course does have this slightly neglected run-down vibe to it with older baskets, a missing sign on 14 and some evidence of trash around. There's nothing fresh here excepting that single new basket and the nice signs.

The wind was a big factor today and I suspect that is the norm here.

Is $2 to play really a con? Really, the price of a Coke?

There are erosion and compacted soil issues.

The stairs on # 7 could use some work.

Course is quite a workout. You should be a little tired by 18.

Other Thoughts:

I think this course has a wealth of really enjoyable holes, mostly downhills, but also some of the more level ones like # 11 and # 17, as well as some uphills. There is a really nice mix of hole types and then you end with the epic # 18. Because it's open with no chance of losing your disc here, it's a perfect hole to throw the entire contents of your bag. How far can you fire your can of sunscreen? Your mini marking disc? My towel didn't carry much at all.

I don't quite understand the lack of love this course gets. I'm a fan.


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4 2
Spike Hyzer 23
Experience: 30.6 years 92 played 87 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Not Worth the Cost 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 14, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The elevation and the views are spectacular. There are some very nice holes in the woods (3-7) after the first few flat holes, and the 16th hole is a really cool hole with slope and elevation to a great protected green.

Cons:

It was free when I first played it so many years ago and is no longer free and not worth paying for.
Power lines and infrastructure run throughout the course and the course is not very well kept at all.

The course is largely open and boring, taking little advantage of the woods nearby or the slope and elevation on most occasions.

Holes #10-12 are flat, straight and exactly the same distance (245). The long holes are simply outrageously so and don't offer much of a chance to reach, even when they are downhill (more often you are going from crest to crest or along side slopes, which would make them marginally interesting if they were of a reachable length).

There are several holes (4, 6, 13, and 14) that require long shots and 90 degree turns after completing a lay up drive. I've seen holes like this before and they are ludicrous. I sort of liked holes 4 and 6 because they are wooded and a challenge to get par, but 13 and 14 are basically the same hole with a slight variation in distance (and the hole sucks).

The #7 tee sign is to the front left of the tee pad, and I nearly hit it with my lefty backhand follow through, and it is a huge liability hazard and very idiotic placement. I could have easily broken my hand if I had been throwing harder or taking a bigger run up.
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3 0
comeonbro73
Experience: 5 played 4 reviews
2.00 star(s)

My experience with GW 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 14, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

There are some really good things about this course. The holes with elevation change are really cool and fun to play and there's a decent mixture of wooded and open holes, especially on the front nine. I also appreciate how there are variations in how long the holes are because that's unusual for most courses in my experience. You get to bomb on some holes and there are some that only require 225' on a hyzer.

Cons:

First, it's one of the weaker pay to play courses I've been to. I feel like there should be better tee signs and such if it costs money to get in ($2). Second, the back nine is pretty weak. Whereas the front nine is pretty well designed, the back nine is nothing special and doesn't require much. Third, the par is ridiculous. I've shot double digits under par here without doing anything right. There are some holes marked as par 5's that should be 3's. I've gotten a couple of deuces on hole 16 which is supposed to be a 5. I am not nearly good enough at disc golf to be getting an albatross on a regular basis. If you play that every hole here is a par 3, you have a much more realistic view of how you're doing.

Other Thoughts:

This course is a nice change of pace. It's not going to be the best course you ever play, but I like it because it has a nice mix of holes and it's pretty close to me. It could really nice if someone with some vision redid it and used the terrain to its full potential.
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2 3
Kylecoplen
Experience: 20.9 years 20 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Big Hills, exciting and disastrous shots 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 14, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice mix of long and medium drives. Throwing from giant hills is awesome but can be frustrating on a windy day. Fee is reasonable. League cash doubles on Wednesday nights. Great group of guys. Lots of benches. Was gonna give it a 3.5, but as I write this I'm reconsidering. 4.0. Will likely be updating as Ricky and crew continue to improve the course.

Cons:

Definitely not for fat fatties. Huge hills. Some shots challenge you to be dumb.

Other Thoughts:

Don't park too close toward the basket on 1. You may get a hyzer flip from the hill in your window.
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5 0
Tony Koch
Experience: 10.9 years 55 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Solid, but...Rum Village is better. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 19, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Variety in tee shots (front 9). Distances vary and has a decent mix of left and right turning shots.
-2 big let er rip holes (9 and 18) that produce a scenic view.
-Part of the course, mainly the front 9, feeds through the woods for some tricky anhyzer shots (RHBH)
-Trash cans near quite a few holes.
-Many benches to sit on or set your bag on.
-Mini pro shop at the gate that sells some Innova discs as well as Gatorade/water.
-Challenging woods shots with tight lines on the front 9.
-New tee/pin placement on hole 13 is awesome. Huge hyzer shot that goes into the woods far. Tough but really fun.
-3 par ratings. Basically newbie, novice, and pro/advanced where everything is a 3 par.
-Cool pavillion up near holes 17 and 18.
-Baskets are in fair shape, although hole 6 in the woods is tilted sideways quite a bit.

Cons:

-$2 bucks to play, while neighboring Rum Village is free.
-Speaking of which, if you're in the area and only have time to play 1 course, play Rum. More challenging/fun at least in my opinion.
-You have to walk backwards rather than forward to hole 6 after finishing hole 5 which is a bit odd. However, it appears as if hole 5 will be getting a new pin placement to counteract this.
-While Wilson is no doubt a good course, the back 9 becomes very repetitive and easy. Hence why playing Rum may be a better idea, much more variety.
-Fair warning: especially in the summer you will find that Wilson is a pot smoker haven, especially on hole 7 where "bros" tend to herd at a bench and play hacky sack.
-Not the cleanest course. Despite numerous trash cans, there is constantly bottles everywhere. On hole 17's original tee pad there seems to be a bottle gathering in a bush.

Other Thoughts:

-Be sure to park way up near the practice basket as many errant tee shots tend to go flying right off the hill on hole 9 into the parking lot. Especially on windy days.
-It seems as if Wilson is getting an upgrade as far as new tees/pin placements go. I have updated the distances according to the scorecard from the front gate.
-Overall Wilson is a solid place to play. To me the front 9 is way more fun and challenging. A lot more variety in terms of pin placements. The back 9 isn't awful, but a few holes are eerily similar.
-Nice to see the park mixing up the tees/pin placements, interested to see what else they do!
-It is a must play in the South Bend area for sure, but like I mentioned Rum Village is a much better course that provides trickier tee shots and boasts more variety overall.
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3 1
Gizmotronx
Experience: 12 years 23 played 14 reviews
1.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 1, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Setting - Close to the city, playground and restrooms on site.

Terrain - 9 and 18 are awesome fun to throw.
You will get in shape if you play here a lot.

Holes - Distance is varied

Tees - Nice long concrete tees

Cons:

Setting - Not very attractive, bare in a lot of areas, power lines over head, trash all over.

Terrain - It is in a valley, and a pain in the butt to walk around.

Trees - 2-7 have some woods, but mostly just cut fairways out of young growth forest. No trees on the back 9 except 16 and 17.

Holes - A few holes have a 90 degree turn in them, never seen that before and not fun.
1-8 are just a trek to get to the downhill bomber that is 9 (with the exception of 7) and 10-15 a trek to get to the last holes.

Tees - If there is a sign, it is illegible. Had no idea of distances. Course is hard to navigate. Tees are not pointed at baskets.

Other Thoughts:

If you are visiting the area, play Rum Village instead
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7 0
ajbova
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 18 years 112 played 94 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Solid up and down course! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 13, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a great intermediate level course that may be too hard for beginners. Advanced players will still enjoy the course. It is challenging in it's own way but can be easy to save par.

Baskets - 17 very grippy Mach 3 baskets and 1 Innova Discatcher (hole 3). Baskets catch great. There is also a practice basket before hole 1 that is a Discatcher.

Tees - 1 long and narrow concrete tee per hole. I believe they were 3 or 4 by 10 feet long. Always pointed somewhat towards the basket.

Signs - When there were signs, they included distance, par, and picture (map) of the hole. (See cons). There are signs listing areas that are out of bounds, a sign telling the rules of disc golf, and a sign pointing you towards the front 9. A course map is available at the front office (where you pay) that is a part of the score card. I would recommend it.

Variety - Distances varied from 200 to 600 feet. Holes 3-7 are wooded holes with tight fairways. The wooded holes all had elevation changes. Course has major elevation changes (see below). There were many blind shots due to either woods or elevation (holes 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13). Holes in the open had elevation as the main obstacle or a few mature trees.

Elevation - There are holes going slightly uphill, greatly uphill, running along sides of hills, rolling hills, valleys, and downhill bombs. No hole is completely flat. Hills galore! Holes 10 and 11 are the flattest holes and there are a few mature trees as obstacles. The elevation provides a nice view of the area. You could see the golden some at Notre Dame from tee for hole 9.

Very easy to navigate (especially if you have the course map). Tees are near basket or path taking you there (see cons).

Trash cans near tees for holes 1, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, and 18 (see cons).

Benches near tees for holes 1, 5, 7, 10, and 17. Hole 17 had an awesome structure at the top of the hill that had benches and tables. Nice view too!

Restrooms, a playground, and a pro shop on site.

Wind is a major factor at this course. It adds to the challenge.

Holes 1 & 9 border eaxh other with a fence in between. There is a gate midway down in case you throw it over fence. Definitely a plus.

Threw through a power lines tower on hole 8.

The park is primarily a disc golf park. Some benches and a playground but you won't have to wait due to other park users.

Cons:

Signs need replaced. Holes 14, 15, and 18 do not have tee signs (but you can see the basket). Half of the signs that are remaining are faded or unreadable due to writing on them with sharpies. New signs would greatly improve the look of this course.

This course needs more trash cans. If the hole did not have a trash can, there was a ton of trash near the tees for the holes. Some holes had trash in the fairway.

Only 1 tee per hole. If this course wants to take it to the next level, it needs alternate concrete tees for each hole. It would make it more playable for different levels of players. Tees could be same difficulty with a different angle, longer, or shorter (depending on hole).

Poison ivy in the rough for several holes. Holes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14, 15, and 16 had poison ivy. Be careful and bring sanitizer! I noticed it while walking.

Some tees had sand on them which was luck and could be dangerous.

Some tees were close to the precious basket; tee 3 basket 2, tee 4 & 9 basket 8. Tee 18 basket 17. Could be dangerous if busy.

Other Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this course. It was $2 to play. By the time I was done I forgot that I played. It was worth it. I'm from Indianapolis so this course is a journey for me. I was not disappointed. More elevation than any Indy area course.

It appears the course has changed it's layout. There were crumbles tees near holes 5, 15, and 16 pointing in a different direction than that hole.

I wanted to rate this course a 4. Trash and lack of readable signs lost it points. If it had 2 concrete tees per hole, new signs, more trash cans, and a few more benches, this course would easily be a 4 out of 5, maybe even higher.

I will definitely be back if I'm in the area. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a challenge that includes wooded holes and major elevation change. It may be too frustrating for beginners but I feel like anyone would enjoy this course.
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1 2
Indiana574
Experience: 7 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 20, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Some real high elevated shots nice wooded area part of the course bathrooms

Cons:

Trash all over broken glass some bad erosion

Other Thoughts:

The first hole is kinda weird with the fence right next to you but you'll learn to love it haha
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1 0
donny vomit
Experience: 12.1 years 18 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 25, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice decent mix of woods , big hills and a few open shots. Soaring downhill shots on 9 and 18, very fun watching a disc go that far downhill. I liked 4 and 7.

Cons:

Not many , the tee pad on 7 to me is very dangerous . It slopes down and drops off at the end couple feet. Level would be good . I like elevated tees . 10 to 14 pretty boring but it is what it is.

Other Thoughts:

Played the course with my brother on Xmas day so I avoided paying to park and play. Had a good time . This is a sledding hill in the winter so 10 thru 12 baskets were gone. Enjoyed nice scenic hills with a funny little chateu thing on top of hill by 18 tee. Want to play again when i come back in the spring .
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1 1
chainbang
Experience: 18.2 years 5 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Very Nice 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Lots of variaion in holes. Lots of terrain variation. Some pretty drastic elevation changes on a few holes.

Cons:

A couple of places to get really lost. Back 9 is a little bland.

Other Thoughts:

Can't wait to play here again!
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3 1
SooperBod
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
1.50 star(s)

George Wilson Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 17, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Lots of hills. Different styles (front nine in and along the woods, back nine in the open with lots of hills). Cheap only $2.

Cons:

Lots of empty bottles and other trash usually on the course. The #3 hole has been missing for a while. This whole was missing a year or two ago also. Damaged baskets at the bottom of holes.

Other Thoughts:

When the course is clean (not often) and all the holes are there I love playing this course.
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3 1
TorboniousD
Experience: 15.9 years 23 played 3 reviews
0.50 star(s)

RESPECT?!? You want RESPECT?!? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 15, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

$2 to play. Front 9 has interesting and challenging elevation use as well as risk/reward affected by vegetation and wind. Most other players and locals are agreeable and unobtrusive with a FEW EXCEPTIONS. Meager Pro shop with small variety of Innova discs. Vary rare back-ups depending on season, time of day and hole (SEE "CONS"). Bathrooms were clean and open, (also time of day/seasonally driven) and usually have toilet paper but no hand towels. Who washes their hands anyway?! Also color maps and scorecards AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Staff on hand is usually friendly but unable to answer most questions beyond pricing.

Cons:

Hole #3 has been stolen, AGAIN. (UPDATE 7-24-12: Basket has been replaced with NEW Innova Discatcher Pro. Which begs to question, "How long with this one last, hmm?") Holes #6 and #8 are broken badly with a Sanford & Son fix. #13 has been bent badly in an attempt to break, as if "IF I can't enjoy this, NO ONE WILL!!!" The tee signs are a great place to record "aces" and get tetanus. (They were wrong to begin with.) TRASH. EVERYWHERE. How can a place have so many trashcans everywhere and have SO MUCH TRASH?!? Beer cans and bottles in the baskets, REALLY?!? Broken glass around and ON THE PADS, REALLY?!? They have an inch of paint on everything and still the kids got something to say. The city took a budget of $0 and reduced it to a negative to support other city projects, as well as allowing AEP to clear all the schule on the back 9 around the electrical towers which took it from mediocre to scorched earth. Uninteresting and only challenging by length. (There are farm fields close by that offer the same thrill.) Also need to mention the barbeque happening at "Hooter Hill" (#7), NOT JOKING. Habachi, dogs off the leash and at least 15 individuals at varying degrees of intoxication. What the hell is going on here?! Couldn't you do this at your trailer?!

Other Thoughts:

No group, club, school, or organization openly claims this course. (Which is strange since they painted everything the local high school's colors...) I know, I know, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. I used to bring lawn debris bags out there every time I played, but it was like draining the ocean with a bucket. I grew up down the street and was there when this course hosted champions, and in the past 4+ years have watched it go from a 3.5-3.0 to a 0.5 and until the d.g. community as a whole takes a more aggressive approach to policing this course, because the city will certainly NOT, it will only become worse. If you're coming to the area just to play this course, save the gas money. If it's on a list, feel free to stop by and wipe your sphincter with it, I know the locals do. Embarrassing.
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2 1
b-mart
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.6 years 66 played 61 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Rolling hills and rolling discs 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 20, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

The biggest pro at George Wilson is the elevation change. Putting a course on a piece of property that also has a sledding hill is nothing short of brilliant in this very flat area of the country. This elevation is used creatively as well. Most shots that can be imagined are available here. You have your epic downhill bombs like 9 and 18, your narrow fairways with dangerous rollaway potential like 8 and 17, uphill shots like 13, and pins on slanted greens like 15. When you add in unpredictable wind conditions you get a course that will never play the same twice. I absolutely hate courses that largely play around open fields, but this is one that I will return to and would recommend because the open field here isn't flat. You only get three open/easy shots in the flat during your round.

The amenities available here are a plus as well. Although I didn't actually see the inside of the bathrooms, the very fact that they exist is a positive. Add in a picnic table and a practice basket, and you have a course that did it right.

The cement teepads are long and grippy, and the front nine had ample signage. I didn't see any guidance to the next pad, but George Wilson flows pretty well, so very little is needed.

There are a lot of interesting shots here, including some near obstacles like the electrical towers and the "teepee" that doubles as a sledding shelter. Most of the trees and brush in the back nine come into play as well, and the front nine plays into and around a wooded area that keeps things from getting repetetive.

The view! I grew up in Indiana, and I had no idea that it could have a view. Granted, I prefer to see lakes and mountains, but George Wilson is still a pretty course.

Cons:

The biggest con to me was probably the cost. I don't mind paying to play a course. It keeps the rabble out and allows us elite golfers in fancy pants and spiked shoes to drink mai tais and thumb our noses at the poor commoners who don't have $2 to spare. But to be charged an extra $1 just because you had to drive from a different county is asinine. They'll take you at your word if you say you live there, but still. I don't understand the need to penalize players for coming from farther away. Courses in this area are pretty spaced out and every one I've seen has plenty to offer, so if I'm willing to spend more on gas to get here I don't think I should also have to pay more to play. I also feel that any course that is pay to play should use the money wisely. The upkeep of the grounds was great, but a lot of the baskets had seen better days (hole eight being in the worst shape), and most of the back nine had no signage whatsoever. I'm guessing the lack of signage was due to the fact that the baskets back there are taken down for sledding season, but still. Signs are cheap, and people are giving you money to play. Use it for something more than just gas.

Biggest con number two: Par. Really? I know that I can play it at pro par, but I like to play courses at the par that they set. Course par should never be a gimme. The par on hole 15 was just stupid. Anyone who fails to eagle that hole had better be a righty throwing left handed, crippled, or throwing the wrong way on their initial drive. Holes 5, 9, and 16-18 are set pretty high as well. Every hole should be a par three. I'll give some grace and call holes 9 and 18 par 4s due to distance (even though they're downhill), but other than that? Come on. I noticed this problem on a few holes at Ox Bow too, and I'm really at a loss about it. Michigan is supposed to be a hotbed of disc golf, and it's just a few miles away. I hear that a lot of pros play in this area too. So why on earth are pro par and course par so drastically different?

Now that I'm done ranting about what really bothered me, I'll throw out a few less maddening cons:

The practice basket is hidden behind the bathrooms, so you won't see it until you finish hole nine.

Most of the holes with obstacles or defined fairways are lefty friendly. You can make up for it by throwing your preferred shots out in the field, but I at least have to point this out. All holes with brush or trees helping to shape your shot seem to recommend a right turning shot, with the exception of a few that offer options.

As I previously stated, the course flows pretty well, but navigation would have still been confusing at some points if I hadn't been playing with course regulars. At least put some tape on the baskets.

Other Thoughts:

Despite the detailed list of cons I just threw out, I would still recommend this course to anyone passing through the area or living here. I'll leave it up to your conscience whether you lie about living nearby in order to save a dollar though. If you're just passing through I would say to play Rum Village first, but that's just a matter of personal preference because I like more technical courses. George Wilson is a really fun round though that will require you to be creative at times and will never play the same way twice. I will definitely be stopping in again the next time I'm in Indiana.
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4 1
cmchavis
Experience: 42.1 years 26 played 12 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Good DG, Trashy Park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 26, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Really like this park. They were charging to get in $2/player. A lot of families on the course and there were 2 groups of 10 playing, but the course didn't feel crowded. Only saw 3-4 people out of ~50-60 people carrying bags - mainly 1 disc throwers.

I believe they sell some discs in the 'pro shop'

Really like that you start out short. Hole 1 with the fence right along the fairway is a little unnerving, but slowly the course builds into the woods and back out till you get to the top of the hill and have a long hole to open up the open part of the course.

Hole 9 is back to the gate and is a 490' downhill slope.
Hole 18 is a 600' downhill that ends at the gate also. The best part is that there are picnic tables at the gate and restroom building that you can sit and watch people throw on the long holes.

First part of the course has variety with woods and open, second part of course is all open with longer holes interspersed with short holes.

Fun overall, probably best course in area. Not real challenging, better to use 54 as par rather than posted for a little more challenge.

Cons:

Trash everywhere, completely filthy park. Not the worse I have seen, but terrible. Wooded holes are showing bad signs of erosion.

Other Thoughts:

A lot of newbie people out when we went this last time. Been out there probably 10 times so far, always been trashy. Used to pick up trash and bag it, don't try anymore. First time I have been charged to play.

7 out of the 10 times I have gone we've been one of 2-4 groups on the course.
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2 2
Nico28
Experience: 13.6 years 5 played 5 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Best Course in South Bend/Mishwaka area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 16, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is probably the best course in the SB/Mish area, I have not yet played the one in Niles.
As of right now the course if free to play, I havent payed to get into this place in at least two years.
Good mix of wooded and open holes.
people here are nice and there is hardly ever a wait to play.

Cons:

Signs need to be replaced.
Park could be cleaned up a little.

Other Thoughts:

This park is much better than Rum Village, it is some what well kept and you don't have to worry about seeing two dudes having butt sex in their car like at Rum Village.
I have also heard talks of them moving some of the pins around too.
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1 2
jd.mackiewicz
Experience: 32.8 years 17 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great use of Hills Needs TLS 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 24, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great use of the hills, this is a rarity of the area. The park is mostly used for Disc Golf, and is fairly busy. A few wooded holes, and few long holes. I think this is the funnest course in the area.

Cons:

Park had a lot of trash in it, and the T signs are in bad shape.

Other Thoughts:

Great view of South Bend and Mishawaka
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1 2
stoltzjl77
Experience: 30 years 179 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun course in the summer 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 21, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Good use of terrain, fun throws and big downhill hucks.
Several dogleg rights to challenge RHBH throwers. Pin placement on the crests and sides of hills can make for adventurous landings (beware of throwing a disc that will stand up and roll because it will roll a long way!).
Deep rough can get you in trouble in a hurry.

Cons:

Too many filler holes on the back nine. Many holes removed during the winter including pretty much the entire back nine.
UPDATE: Back 9 is now back 15, the 6 holes through the woods really add variety to this course and the new layout for holes 2, 5, and 6 are great!

Other Thoughts:

This is a really fun course that I played regularly when I lived in the area (10+ years ago). It could use a facelift (new tees and signs) but the holes are still fun and challenging.
UPDATE: the local clubs have done a great job rebuilding this course. Tee area erosion has been fixed, new pads in many spots, new signage, and the course is cleaner than it has been in a while. Great job!

Update: I've moved back to the area and have started playing this course again, though not regularly. Ox Bow is more challenging and Ferettie Baugo is much more fun, not to mention Rum Village and Madeline Bertrand - ALL of which are in far better condition than GW. Reviewers who say GW is the nicest, must not play Maddie Bertrand or Baugo.
The back nine needs an update as multiple trees have been removed since it was originally laid out. The signs are trash and the course is in general disrepair, including many baskets. The great use of elevation changes is the only saving grace of this course - and if your playing style is grip it and rip it, I can understand why you would rate this course highest in the area since there are few penalties here for inaccuracy.

Last thought: it is absolutely unacceptable to be expected to pay to play a course that is in this poor of shape. Back in the '90's it was my favorite course to play, when my less-skilled self appreciated the wide open fairways. Now that I'm older, wiser, and have played a lot more courses around the country I can see this course for what it is - a nice addition to the Michiana area disc golf scene, but average at best and in serious need of some TLC.
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5 1
notapro
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.6 years 568 played 281 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Intermediate 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 30, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

- Course is set in a good sized park, which includes a small forest and a large amount of hills. Doesn't seem like there are many other activities to interfere with the discing, maybe some pedestrians.
- Six of the holes go around and through a moderately wooded area, in a lot of different ways. RHBH anhyzers include an easy one along the treeline, a sharp downhill shot, and a long mando around a bush and up into the woods. Otherwise a straight shot is the ticket, including over a small hill and up a valley.
- Great variety of shots out in the open area as well. Some easier uphill shots and downhill shots, and a straightforward 600' bomber. Some slanted fairways/greens to the left and the right, with serious rollaway potential. Good obstacles on others with some big pine trees, and a power tower (pro or con). Elevation changes throughout are above average.
- Good mix of hole lengths, with both longer and shorter ones in the woods and out in the open. While there is not much difficulty with some of the longer downhills, the length is there. Some real ace runs are present in the flat areas of the course too.
- Good baskets and teepads, but navigation is tough. Hard to tell which tee is next, and at times which basket, could be tricky the first time through. Practice basket.

Cons:

- Some of the holes here are not very interesting, particularly the very short flat ones in the open. Six in a row, the longest at 305', with random obstacles to force lines. Some teepads are pointed askew, seems like a retake on a simpler design. Takes away from the other twelve holes.
- Not too many obstacles in general outside of the forest, one per hole is standard fare. A fence on three holes adds some additional challenge, but it hurts that the OB threat is one of the biggest hazards.
- Heads up for stray discs, fairways and teepads are pretty close in some spots.

Other Thoughts:

- This course has three different sides to it, two of which are very enjoyable. The wooded holes have some interesting shots, like #4 and #6. The hilly open area has excellent features as well, with slanted fairways, fast greens, and downhill fun. The other six holes seem like ace runs with a wrinkle thrown in to add credibility. Beginners might find it a bit rough, and more experienced players might find it a little bland, great for people in the middle.
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5 0
Emoney
Experience: 27.9 years 90 played 16 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Needs a Facelift 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 26, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is a course near me that i have played for years. It gets mowed frequently and has huge rolling hills for this area. It also has restrooms right by the teepad of the first hole which also is near the basket of the 9th hole. This course is half in the woods and half in the open. There are some holes on the back nine that offer epic bombs off the top of huge hills, holes 9,16,18. Teepads are concrete which is nice.

Cons:

This course is a pay to play (2 for locals and 3 for everyone else) and hasnt been improved in a very long time.The signs are rough which makes navigation for newcomers tough. The back nine is wide open easy hyzers and the challenge of the course in general isnt worth the trip. In the summer there are huge groups of punk kids that have no etiquette u have to deal with. There is alot of broken glass on the ground and the kids seem to tear up whatever they can. The owners of the course dont seem to care and are just happy to get ur money.
Hole 2 and 5 on the front and 10,11,12 are jokes and need improved.

Other Thoughts:

The course needs a redesign considering the pay to play aspect. And better policed to clean it up a little. This is a good beginner course but needs alot of work to make it worthwhile. But i guess for the majority of golfers that just wanna have a good time at an easy course this is the one, but thats where it ends. This place has potential but they have yet to pursue it.
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