Lexington, KY

Shillito Park

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3.165(based on 40 reviews)
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4 0
williams363
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 9.8 years 79 played 37 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A little TLC could help 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 30, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good long throws and short throw variation.

Really good parking spaces.

Lays mostly flat, you'll not be hiking or rolling a lot.

There wasn't any thick brush to deal with; maybe an issue during the other times of the year, but seemed pretty kept in shape.

Cons:

Could use some permanent/concrete teepads and some signs would help too. I referenced the map online and still got mixed up in the front 9 holes. ( I only played 9 since it was really windy that day) 6-8 was fine to figure out. But the signs weren't so great and the baskets could use so hole numbers on them to help the confusion.

Other Thoughts:

Other than the confusion and the wind(not the courses fault) I thoroughly enjoyed the way the front 9 played. I'm eager to go back and play the entire 18 and I expect to have a better time.

I feel a little TLC (signs, basket numbers, and teepads) could go a long way in making this course compete with the others in the Lexington Area.
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0 1
TXDiscDude
Experience: 16.6 years 113 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice course this time of year 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 22, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice and sunny wide open course
Easy enough for a 1st timer to navigate alone
Concrete pads are in good shape

Cons:

No distance markers at the tee pads
No benches at the tee pads
Crowded in the afternoon
Grass was a little tall, had to look for disc a few extra mins on hole 7

Other Thoughts:

Very beautiful green park.
Bring your mosquito spray.
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0 1
NothingButChain
Experience: 14.5 years 10 played 8 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Okay Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 12, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Located in a good area and well marked off
-Convenient location
-Not an aggressive course, which allows for more relaxed play

Cons:

-Not very challenging
-Have to worry about park traffic on some holes

Other Thoughts:

Had been to this park many times in the past, but happened to notice that it had a disc golf course the last time I was there. I decided to play a round with some of the free time I had and was somewhat underwhelmed. The course is VERY easy. Could have played most of it with a mid-range disc. If I was looking to practice my short game, it would be a nice course to visit, but it just doesn't provide the type of challenge to bring me back. I would venture that this is a good course for beginners though.
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0 3
Eagle2015
Experience: 6 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 11, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great course for players of all experience levels. Dont worry bout lossing your disc the inside of the woods are very clear and make for playing out of them fun. If you struggle on your putt game but have good driving skills this is the course for you.
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11 0
sisyphus
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.6 years 397 played 383 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Play for control w/o losing a disc 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 23, 2013 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Shillito Park DGC is an easy access (just behind one of the largest mall areas in Lexington, KY) course in a sprawling, suburban park. It boasts very large concrete tee pads, excellent 24 chain DGA baskets, and interesting use of the minimal rolling elevation and large park trees. The course has good signage, plus multiple pin positions for 13 of the holes. There are trash cans near #1, 6 (shelter), & 18 (see cons). There are benches near #5, 12, and again, see cons on 18. They've done a really good job of keeping the course separate from most of the other park activities (with the exception of the joggin path, in a couple of places.

The course poses a realistic challenge to the Recreational to Intermediate disc golfer, because it is designed at a level that begins to challenge the combination of control and distance at those skill levels.

Cons:

Shillito Park is relatively open, so the wind can become a factor. There are not enough trash baskets, but the course is generally pretty well kept. The oddest thing I think is that there is a bench and a trash barrel right at the bend in the fairway on hole 18. Some of the creek holes are very tight to some potentially really muddy spots, but without a true water feature, I personally just think the creek seems more a nuisance than a potential for cool OB choices.

Other Thoughts:

Hole by hole: With a first tee that starts just to the right of the swim complex (there is a practice basket near the shelter to the left of the ample parking lot), the course teases you with a simplistic 170 footer on hole 1, then uses three branching trees to guard the approach to the very next basket. Stretching out to the course's average hole distance between 270 & 300', you hyzer (rhbh) # 3, and angle back to the woodline for #4, and back out for #5. Then look to your left to the #6 tee just to the right of the shelter across the drive and shoot out through a tree gap to an open field (or hook finish) basket.

After hole 6, you cut through the little grove and drive for #7 across the lowland to the ridge at the back of the park. Then double back to your left to find the #8 tee near the bend in the pedestrian path. The #8 basket positions are just into the grove of trees. Cross the access road to a shorter hyzer (or low straight shot, keeping below the branches) #9, then cross in front of the swim complex to the far side of the little bamboo grove (that I Gar-On-TEE is sometimes used as an extra port-o-let), where #10 angles through the gap across the drainage creek (the only stretch on the course that seems to stay muddy most of the time). You do NOT want to get in the thick on 10, 11, 13, 16, or 18.

Hole #11 is a tight, low anny drive that has to be closer to 260' than the stated 327. There must be a long pin position that corresponds, but the sign -only- lists the long. Go through the woods to the right, and across the little bridge to the #12 tee, where you shoot over the rise to a pin position either just in front of or just behind the bush (and it always seems longer than 200'). #13 IS longer, and fades a little to the left into the edge of the woods, and across the little muddy creek bed...but be careful because the jogging path bends right where your (again rhbh) disc begins to fade in.

Cross the really nice bridge and shoot #14 through or around a grove of trees. #15 again drives right over the winding path, where a swiftly moving bicyclist might come rolling down the hill just AFTER you release the perfect uphiller (you won't be able to see them because of the screen wall around the dumpster). #16 is downhill to the hedge line, and 17 has to go back out through one of several gaps in the tree line. You finish with the long, right-bending #18, that finishes either just past or well beyond the creek line, through a tricky gap. Shorter arms will want to look ahead and determine the best landing zone for the winning layup, to get a 3 (and beat their more ambitious peers who try to go for it).

Finally, I just looked on here at the pictures and see they are in desperate need of expanding and updating (example: there is only one bush remaining on 12...). I had my camera with me & didn't realize it :(
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0 1
mancide
Experience: 2 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Easy front, more challenging back 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 4, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Front 9 has some easy holes, perfect length for a beginner like me. The back 9 has some more challenging holes. Nothing was super long, and I felt the par ratings were perfect for beginners.

Cons:

The tees are a bit close to pins, and when the course got really crowded we had to wait a few times to throw just to be safe.
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2 0
Oldmanplayin
Experience: 34.8 years 18 played 9 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great course to learn on 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 16, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great beginner course, nice clean lines, some shots you can take a different line to the pin. Mosly open but a few holes have to accuratly be placed for a good up or birdie shot. Good course to work on nice clean shots either hyzer or anhyzer. Clean except for the wooded areas.

Cons:

Some navigation issues as mentioned. Tons of broken glass in wooded areas. Very crowded, seems like I had to be in a hurry to clear the fairway, but I did go on a Sat afternoon.

Other Thoughts:

Fun for a quick 9 holer (9 ends close to parking). 10 is on opposite side of pool than 1 so you could play front 9 or back 9 for a quickie. Will play this course again just for the quick and fun factor.
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4 0
Justin L
Experience: 21.2 years 50 played 15 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Great Beginner Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 10, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This course is a fantastic beginner course. The well manicured fairways and limited trouble allow a newer player to experiment with their game without having to fear untamed rough. The park itself is extremely clean and well cared for. An active player base makes this a great social course as well.

Cons:

Advanced and Pro players may find the course too short. There are some course navigation issues, particularly around 11, 12, & 13. This could be easily resolved with a few directional signs. Hole 14 feels like a throw away hole with no discernible fairway.

Other Thoughts:

Even though Advanced and Pro players may find the distances short, everyone can have fun at this course. A solid mix of ace runs and a few tricky approaches will test a wide range of shots.
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3 1
goosefraba1
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.2 years 82 played 40 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun, but crowded 2+ years

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

Pros:

Over the passed 6 months, I have become well-acquainted with Shillito DGC. The local club (Bluegrass Disc Golf Association) normally offers Tuesday night singles league during the spring.... and doubles on Thursday nights throughout the year. This course has nice, grippy, long tee pads on most of the holes. This is a great beginner course with a nice mix of short and medium length holes (190feet to about 350... depending on pin placement). There are multiple pin locations for most of the holes.
This is relatively flat course, but the elevation on the land is used. For the most part, this is a very clean park. The grass is cut weekly at the very least. Very few places to lose a disc.
The front 9 and back 9 are split.... easy to play just one or the other if you have only short amount of time.
You can play the whole course in 45 minutes to an hour easily.

There is a water fountain beside the shelter close to hole 10. Also, when the pool is open, they will let you in to fill your water bottle or use their restrooms.

Cons:

There are no long holes on this course for the bombers.

There are a couple of places where it can be easy to get hit erant throws. Specifically, Chuckers can and will throw near you when teeing on hole 3 on to 2's fairway. From hole 4s tee to 5s fairway. 16s tee to 17s tee.

Hole 3 can be dangerous for cars passing by.

Cars will park in the grass beside hole 5s tee. Have seen multiple cars hit because of this (not exactly the throwers fault).

Other Thoughts:

THis course is great for beginners.... great place to learn to play.
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4 0
tamahawk
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.6 years 50 played 50 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 21, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Shillito disc golf course is located in a nice, multi-purpose city park with minimal elevations. The course has single-position concrete tee pads on each hole, Mach baskets that are all in good shape, and small tee signs that indicate the length only on each hole. There are multiple pin positions on all holes except 2, 3, 9, and 10 (according to course map). With the variation in pin placement, the course will play between 4800ft-5400ft with an estimated avg of 280ft/hole.

The front nine is mostly open with some trees but very little technical aspect. Most of the trees are located near the baskets, not the tee pads, so there is plenty of room to work the disc which allows many options off the tee. The back nine is slightly longer, and overall, a little more technical than the front, but still plenty of birdie ops for any experienced player.

The course was in great shape and the park in general was very clean and well-maintained. Navigation was pretty straight-forward except for a couple of potentially tricky places. I played through the first time and had a slightly faster group ahead of me to follow for most of the front nine, so we only had to look for a couple of tees (#10/#12) once they got farther ahead. The map in the links tab is very good, so if you can print this out, you won't have any navigational issues.

Cons:

-Multiple Safety Issues on the Course:
1) Hole #3 throws parallel to the main park road, could easily throw into the traffic.
2) Small parking lot to the left side of tee for #5. Experienced players will not come near the lot, but beginners (especially RHBH) could very easily throw into parked cars or pedestrians in/near the parking lot.
3) Walking trail near several fairways.

-Mostly open w/low technical aspect.
-The course is pretty busy and can be crowded at times.

Other Thoughts:

Shillito is a beginner friendly course that is well maintained and plays quick (when not crowded). Lexington has some nice courses and mostly within just a few miles of each other. This course is a great place to start a day of disc golf in the Lexington area. With the more open and simple nature of the course, it makes for a great warm-up before hitting the more technical courses in the area. If you are in the area, and have time, this isn't a bad stop, check it out.
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1 5
wildcat5415
Experience: 12.6 years 26 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

very nice course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 13, 2011 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

well laid out, concrete tees, ample parking, very nice park course is located in, benches and/or pic-nic tables located in several spots on course.

Cons:

little wet and muddy in areas, (especially in and around the back 9 wooded areas), near road on 2 front 9 holes, one hole must throw past small parking lot so dont vear your shot towards the left. would be nice to have scorecards and a course map available at hole 1, but i havent really seen many courses that do.

Other Thoughts:

other than a few minor things i thoroughly enjoyed playing this course. i would think persons of any skill level would have fun here.
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2 7
jdjohannides
Experience: 20.9 years 13 played 3 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good Solid Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 13, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Excellent long cement tee pads, good variety of holes, good overall distance

Cons:

A couple baskets on back nine can easily be missed or mistaken for front nine holes.

Other Thoughts:

This is a good solid course. Not too easy or too hard. Pros will find the course easy, but for the rest of us it is a good course. Trees play a part in almost all the holes (especially now that they planted some on the front nine), but the holes are not in a forest. Good varied terrain. Some of the baskets are older and showing wear, but are still well maintained. The park itself is also maintained very well. Chance of lost discs is minimal (one area of trees on back nine has eaten a few, but that's about it).
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7 0
weeman
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20 years 634 played 60 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun course for all players 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 22, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

First off, Shillito has good tee pads and quality baskets that catch well. New tee signs have been installed that only indicate the distances but have no visual representation of the holes unless its on one of the holes from the original layout. The new layout uses the subtle elevation changes well and the slight uphills seemingly always play a lot longer than you'd think. The course plays in and around large old growth trees and forces lots of hyzers and straight shots as well as several anhyzer drives off the tee. Most of the front nine plays with minimal undergrowth in the rough whereas the back nine has lots of punishing rough that can and will cost you strokes. The new holes provide for a some more distance on relatively wide open holes. The alternative pin placements are nice in that you won't play exactly the same course everytime out.

Cons:

There are some navigational issues on the new layout. The new signs aren't large enough to really be seen near the previous basket so you really have to know where you are going especially to the new holes and where the layout deviates from the previous course. I suggest playing with a local or allotting more time to play here for first timers. The walking trail that runs adjacent and parallel to several of the holes is also a safety concern. Be careful of non-golfers out there as this trail is pretty popular. Several of the alternate pin placements are very close to each other and don't force you to throw any different shot between the two. Only maybe a little bit farther or shorter depending on the layout.

Other Thoughts:

This course is a fun warm up if you are preparing to go to Veterans or further south to Riney B. Shillito plays quickly and can be gone through multiple times in a short amount of time. Course can be fairly busy during nice weather and is very friendly towards less skilled players. Shillito doesn't favor one style player over another as the holes for the most part have multiple routes to the baskets. For more advanced players, hitting your putts here will be the difference between a good round and a bad round.
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8 0
bjreagh
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.6 years 350 played 317 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Fun, Popular, but Crowded 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 17, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course is set in a nice city park. As others have said, it is a good course for players of many different levels. Newer players will enjoy the shorter holes and losing a disc is unlikely. Experienced players will still enjoy the challenges and will have many birdie opportunities. There is a decent amount of variety here from hole to hole, each hole was relatively unique from one to the next, little repetition in appearance off the tee. This course is designed to be fun and enjoyable.

Cons:

This course was extremely crowded when I played. We had to wait in line on Tee #1. It was pretty congested for the first few holes, but it opened more after that as the course spreads out and the holes get a little longer. From the other reviews it seems this course is popular and usually busy. It would not too long to play 18 if the course was empty, but plan on having to wait on a few tees. The first few holes are close to each other, almost seem to cross each other (but I think some people were playing to the wrong basket, which is understandable), so be on the lookout for errant throws.

Other Thoughts:

Shillito is not a bad course, and is perfect for locals who are newer to disc golf and are learning to take their game to the next level. There are many pro level courses in KY to choose from, so skip this one if that is what you are seeking. It does provide for a nice contrast, however, and has its place as part of the group of courses in the Lexington area.
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0 5
jrmorin9
Experience: 15.6 years 17 played 9 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Quick fun but crowded with family picnics 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 5, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Quick fun and some nice obstacle shots. The coarse outweights the family crowd and street. Threes are in perfect position and a good mix of obstacle free shots

Cons:

Too many families around and a parking lot/ road is too close. Need some slightly netter signage
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2 5
Damoser
Experience: 13.8 years 5 played 2 reviews
4.00 star(s)

favorite local course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 23, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

At the first hole on the bulletin board are pages explaining RHBH, RHFH, and the X step. A good map is shown and rules are listed. First time was played with friends but would have still been able to find all the holes alone with the exception of moving from the front 9 to the back and #12. Just make sure you check out the map if it's your first time through.
The front nine is great for warming up and practicing straight shots.
The back nine is a great challenge for beginners. Where most holes are not within sight of the tee box.

Cons:

Holes 3 & 5 do run close to one road and a small parking lot.
- 6 is a straight shot hole but with the picnic area right there it can be a problem if your not used to spectators.
- 12 The only hole where you may get lost. To get from 11 to 12 you must travel through the path in the woods next to the catcher for 11. Aside from no sign it's a nice retreat from the sun with a place to sit down.

Other Thoughts:

Going from 13 to 14 just go over the bridge.

Going to Lexington for the day to practice I have no problem going through this course 3 or 4 times. I feel there's enough difference between the holes to let me practice on different types throws.

Also with Meijer across the road, getting something to drink or eat isn't a problem.
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5 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
2.50 star(s)

A little cramped 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 10, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through a pretty city park around a pool area, though other park uses seem to be separate enough from the course to prevent interference. There are some nice holes on the back nine bringing some brush and woods into play to punish errant drives, and to force some different lines. There is some distance variety, with several ace run holes and a couple that require a little more of a throw. There are concrete tee pads and basic signage, including an info board with a course map.

Cons:

The course feels a little crammed in, especially considering how much space there is around the large park. A few holes are too close to the road leading to some possible waiting and safety issues. There are lots of mostly open, and not very long holes that don't offer too much variety or challenge, especially on the front nine. Several fairways play near enough to one another that a busy day might mean lots of ducking. The signage is inconsistent and not always correct, and there are some odd spots for navigation, make sure you check out the course map.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course for newer players, with enough risk and variety to push them to improve, but not enough to scare them off. More experienced players will find it a bit of a birdie fest, with no real elevation and not much challenge to keep it interesting. This isn't a bad course, just not one worth driving too far out of your way for.
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2 12
otter420
Experience: 17.2 years 16 played 5 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Home Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 13, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is the course i learned how to play disc golf on...the old layout that is...but i'm loving the new design. New hole seven is by far the best one, wish there was still water around it, made it a juggernaut in the face of newbies. great open holes, though the wind would make anyone shudder

Cons:

the old tee signs are still up, could be confusing to newbies and out-of-towners
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3 0
richardmmill
Experience: 21.8 years 48 played 17 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Shillito 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 17, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Nice set up. The grounds are well kept. There is a good variety of types of holes on this course. Very playable by varied abilities levels. Good use of elevation changes through out the whole course. With the new lay out there is very little chance of cars being hit/in danger. Since the park is large and there is plenty of other space there is not much interference from non-disc golfers. Tee pads are in good condition since plenty of new ones were poured.

Cons:

Navigation is a little difficult but nothing that isn't too hard if you look at the lay out on the board at the first tee. With the pool closed there is no options for a restroom close. Can be crowded. Signs are not up to date with the change.

Other Thoughts:

Other options for non-discgolf. Right now the course has been redone and areas are recouping from pouring concrete and being dug up.
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5 5
upfromtheashes
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.6 years 42 played 38 reviews
1.50 star(s)

A course I'd bring my kids to 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 10, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The grass was nicely mowed. Most of the holes are aesthetically pleasing.

Most holes are short and open, making this a good course for kids and/or beginners.

Cons:

There's just not much challenge here. Most holes are short and have maybe 1 tree to worry about. That's not enough to create interesting holes. We got bored very quickly. The land available is not very large and a number of holes were scrunched on top of one another. The flow from hole to hole was bad in several places.

The course was overcrowded, and the baskets were showing their age. Signs and teepads were below average.

Other Thoughts:

If I lived in Lexington, I'd bring my kids to play this course. However, I don't live in Lexington, and I'm not sure it's worth driving to.
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