Cedar Park, TX

Brushy Creek Sports Park DGC

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3.265(based on 38 reviews)
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7 0
Breh
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.8 years 191 played 189 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 5, 2021 Played the course:once

Pros:

Ample parking in a sports complex
Has nice navigation getting you to the course with signs saying disc golf and kiosk board
This is a very difficult 9 hole course not your average 9 which is refreshing to see
Par 3s 4s and a par 5 make this a very unique 9 hole
Accuracy is very important here as it's a pretty wooded course with some very hard lines
Great mix of lines for righty and lefties
The holes that are good are very good
Nice looking disc catchers and tee signs
Most 9 holes don't offer much score separation not the case here
Loops back to parking lot well
Pretty shady can get out of the heat, and most likely not much player traffic

Cons:

Not a place for begginers even though it's only 9 holes. The rough can be punishing here, the par 5 hole 5 is super tight along with a few other holes. If you don't see the arrow getting from hole 5 to hole 6 can be confusing. Lots of ground brush, and foliage can make footing tricky.

Other Thoughts:

This isn't what I was expecting from a 9 hole course. Rounds can take a while here and isn't just a quick round. Great warmup though, and good to see a 9 hole that can challenge even the advanced and up players
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10 0
dgaficionado
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 33.8 years 279 played 37 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Exacting Course in Capacious Woods

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Dec 29, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Handy tee signs guide players through great nine-holer in woods.
+ challenging, short holes that demand a variety of shots
+ daring long hole designs
+ good balance of short/long holes
+ tee signs that include length and hole illustrations for current and next hole
+ welcome sign that includes course map
+ plenty of shade (something worth considering during hot, Texas summers)

Cons:

This course plays rough and isn't suitable for beginners.
- dirt tees (I prefer concrete for stability/durability)
- not beginner friendly
- roughs beyond fairways can be literally rough (containing brush, fallen branches, vines, etc.)

Other Thoughts:

INFO
Tucked into a corner behind a skate park, this course cuts paths through capacious woods in a secluded section of parkland bordering railroad tracks. A meandering creek helps to shape holes and provides an additional obstacle besides the limbs, branches and trunks of omni-present trees inhabiting the course everywhere save for the first hole's meadowy fairway and #5's lone green in an open field.

EVAL
This course explores interesting routes along cozy, forest trails that demand a variety of shaped shots while occasionally finding space to unwind big drives. Appropriately for a wooded course, most holes are short to compensate for being hemmed in by trees. Five of the nine holes throw under 225 feet from tee to basket. Remaining holes cover far greater spans, the longest stretching over 700 feet. While primarily serving to convey players to opposite ends of the course, these long holes showcase daring hole designs that work well to vary the tempo of play and afford aspirations for those skinnier discs in the other half of players' bags. This course presents plenty of enticing and risky shots to attempt while being cognizant of the perilous wooded obstacles all around. It's an appealing and exacting course that rewards controlled and skillful play.

The challenges on this course seem well suited for advanced or experienced players, especially considering the tight, wooded fairways or distance of long holes. I would not recommend this course for beginners, though recreational players may enjoy the increased difficulty of playing a course less open and manicured than a typical city park. Good tee signs illustrate each hole with a map that even includes a nice preview of the following hole. Large, red arrows nailed to trees between holes indicate directions to the next tee. (Do not confuse these arrows with mando markers, of which none exist for this course.)

My favorite hole is the last hole #9. It's over 500 feet in length and starts with a low ceiling fairway that expands to allow more breathing room at its midpoint upon crossing a high banked creek. The fairway then stairsteps down and branches out to multiple, narrower paths between trees that even includes a possible, risky route over the creek itself leading to a shaded green that lies close enough to the creek's bend to give pause before throwing one's approach. As with all the holes on this course, there are countless chances for shots to be redirected when discs unexpectedly hit trees. The length and design of this final hole increases those chances exponentially, making it feel more adventurous when that happens or else evoking a real sense of accomplishment when such mishaps are avoided by successfully throwing this hole cleanly.

LAYOUT
(Walk behind right side of skate park to #1's tee.)
The first hole follows a long, wide and open fairway that gradually narrows and veers left to a peninsula-like green atop high creek banks. Then the course enters the woods to zig zag back and forth a bit. Hole #2 throws a much shorter distance past scattered trees, crossing a ditch and creek to a generous, shaded green. Hole #3 splits leaning trees with a throw that follows the curve of the creek along a menacing dogleg left fairway to a rocky green above the creek where trees with their roots exposed stubbornly cling to the banks for survival. Hole #4 is another short throw that passes an early, tight gap and continues over a grassy, tree-lined fairway to a green with looming trees off to one side. Then hole #5, the longest hole by far, rises slightly to start and then follows a well-defined fairway beneath tall trees that gradually doglegs to the right twice before exiting to an open field where the green lies at the far edge.

The course turns around at hole #6 with a short throw that must clear two sets of trees, one set positioned just past the tee and the other set guarding the basket. Hole #7 continues across a crescent-shaped ridge beneath cavernous crowns of trees to a grassy green outside the woods near an adjacent parking lot. Hole #8 doubles back opposite and parallel to hole #7 through tight gaps between trees to a worn, dirt green atop the far ridge. Final hole #9 tunnels through woods until the fairway reaches a creek bed and then drops down to tighter lanes of trees forming multiple alleys to reach a now visible, low green beside a bend in the creek.
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2 1
amateurmike
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A Technician's Paradise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 19, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Mostly shaded for those hot summers. Maps accurate. Varying terrain. Hardly crowded. A great test for those who want to up their game. Rough is not overgrown. Course is in great shape.

Cons:

Not newbie friendly. Recommend downloading course map so that you don't accidentally wander into someone's shot path.

Other Thoughts:

There are a couple birdie opportunities (hole 1, hole 7-8; I missed them all). Hole 5 is tough on the front part and then it opens up. Similar to previous reviews, if you play this course patiently you will get a decent score. Me? I shot 45 (hole 5 was my bust). I'll be back.
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6 1
azplaya25
Experience: 14.5 years 6 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Beautiful 9 hole gem 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 2, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

I've lived less than 10 minutes away from this course for the best couple of years and for some reason today is my first time playing it. What a gem this is! Only ventured over here because cat hollow is closed due to Covid and I'm glad I did.


Pros
Beautiful - this one of the prettiest courses I've ever played. Kind of reminded me of playing in Portland a few years ago. With the creek and a beautiful mowed fairways, I was just in awe my entire round.
Low traffic - for some reason this course doesn't get used as much as others in the area. I played early in a Saturday morning and didn't see a single person out there.
Variety - I mostly play Cat Hollow, which is almost all tight 230 foot tunnel shots. This course has everything. Long holes, short holes, multiple lines, risk reward on every shot and every decision. I legit had a smile on my face the entire round, even as I was playing plinko off trees on most of my shots.
Navigation... was easy? I think they may have updated signage since some the earlier reviews, there's red arrows on the trees showing the way to the next tee.

Cons:

These are minor, but...
Didn't see any trash cans, just one overflowing trash bag. No benches or anything either.
Baskets have seen better days but still catch the disc just fine.

Other Thoughts:

I think you would be hard pressed to find a better 9 hole course anywhere. This place is an absolute gem.
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10 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.1 years 652 played 629 reviews
2.50 star(s)

A Monster Nine Holer, If There Is Such A Thing 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 8, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

(2.638 Rating) A very challenging heavily wooded Houck designed course. This is not a beginners course.
- UNIQUENESS - Whoa. I've played 80 nine holes courses as of this review and I would put Brushy Creek Sports Complex course at my #1 for the most hole type variety among 9ers. Multiple par 4s and a par 5. Doglegs in both directions. Pockets, tunnels, tree gaps and windows need to be hit. Shallow creeks, gouging creeks and some rock faces. Elevation is less than 20 feet on every hole but it makes an impact on just about every play. Typically when I think of sports complex courses this is not what I imagine.
- CHALLENGING - I first played here as a beginner in 2014 and never played here again in the remaining 2 years I living in Austin. I decided to give it a shot again on a revisit to the area in April 2018. The course very much beat me up in 2014 and although I improved a lot since then, I still couldn't crack par as an intermediate level player. Houck courses are extremely demanding. Missing a shot along his intended designed line can be quite punishing. Hole (1) is the perfect example where the basket is located on a peninsula with 10 foot down slopes on three sides. Being aggressive around this basket can result in 3 putts or more. Hole (3) is an insane tree gap play threw a cedar tree 75 feet down fairway. Hole (9) is probably the most difficult sub 550 foot par 4 I've ever played. 64 recorded rounds on DGCR as of this review and the hole score average is sitting at 5.45 throws.
- RAW BEAUTY - The course feel starts off fairly average with somewhat of a park style tee shot. Luckily for me the line featured the recent bloom of bluebonnets which happens every April. Then the course dives into a fully wooded and completely secluded back drop. Several shots I would define as "WTF... well at least it's beautiful" As mentioned above, this was my second appearance here, yet I still snapped a few tee photos which something that almost never happens to me on 9 hole courses.
- SHOT SHAPING - Skilled players that are magicians in the woods will love this place.
- CHAINS - DISCatchers, the perfect basket for a heavily wooded challenging course.
- DESIGN - Classic Houck design where shot placement and accuracy is key to score low. I constantly changed my disc selection at the tee. I properly executed his designed line only once, but when I did on (6), it was exhilarating.

Cons:

Yes, Brushy Creek delivers challenge and beauty, but I need more than that to love a course.
- FORGIVENESS - Like most wooded courses, Brushy Creek will generally not be to kind to misguided shots. I think I hit a tree on every hole. Being a accurate mid range thrower, to scramble for par, will be key to shoot low.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Way too difficult for beginners and probably also novice level players. I'd be willing to bet that many local players play this course once and then stick with the other brushy creek, aka Cat hollow.
- POISON IVY - Poison had exploded in several locations on my April 2018 visit.
- TEES - Mulch tees or dirt with no defined line.
- CHARACTER - In addition to poor tees, the amenities and comfort items are pretty bleak for the Austin area. Its basically baskets and poor tees and poor signage.
- MAINTENANCE - So so. I could tell that people are not coming here routinely. When you have to clear vegetative growth well into the tee area you know that something is up. A few of the fairways had some higher grass. Overgrowth on the fringes was encroaching on a few lines.
- TERRAIN - If you have bad knees or ankles stay clear of this course. Lots of roots to stub a toe or twist an ankle on. Probably also not the best course for the disc golf bag stroller but doable with the hardier models.
- TIME PLAY - I don't think I've ever played a 9 hole course that has taken as long as this one. Almost an hour for me solo. Only 2900 feet, but players will be making 50 foot tee shots into early trees and doing a fair amount of searching for discs. So don't expect some quickie round like every other 9 hole course.

Other Thoughts:

I have a serious love hate relationship with course. Yes its beautiful, challenging and loaded with variety. However, with the one set of tees throwing up advanced level lines, only the better players may have fun out here. It's kind of where the course fails. Most better players I know don't play challenging 9 hole courses with bad tees. The other Brushy Creek DGC down the road, aka Cat Hollow, draws 50 times more players than this layout. that course has concrete tees with multiple ace runs and is also a well designed Houck course. Sometimes fun and amenities trumps beauty, challenge and variety.
- NAVIGATION - Adequate. There's a course map posting near (1) showing the "you are here" and its fairly detailed and scaled correctly. The tee signage is pretty dreadful. They are just simple red signs showing a line, hole # and par info. The pathways between holes were typically mulched on my appearance and yet that still didn't stop me from picking the wrong path once and I had to pull up my photo of the map to get back on track. A few baskets had a tapped spoke.
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4 0
dreadlock86
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.9 years 382 played 296 reviews
3.50 star(s)

not your typical 9 holes 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 23, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

-challenging holes with a variety of distances and required shots
-typical Houck design: tight fairways, par 4 & 5 holes, interesting lines, good course management required to score well
-lots of minor elevation changes with a creek/creek bed running through most of the course
-once you get to hole 1 the navigation is pretty easy except the walk from basket 5 to tee 6

Cons:

-the natural pads are well worn
-playing after a rain must be challenging and dangerous
-the creek was dry when i played but it would totally change the experience of the course if it was full of water (not really a con, just a warning)

Other Thoughts:

I wish this was my local course! It has almost everything you want in just 9 holes. It provides a real challenge and requires all kinds of shots and a solid mental game. I am a fan of Houck designs and this one is typical and the course is well executed with the exception of the natural pads. Definitely not a beginner course or for those who aren't into the Houck style but as denny ritner said below, playing here often will make you a better player.

There are lots of really tight fairways and the creek bed winding through most holes adds frequent, minor elevation changes. While the premium is on accuracy, distance is a big factor with three par 4's and one par 5. The basket placements are diabolical, with drop offs very close on more holes than not. The rough can be really rough in some places, especially the right side of hole 5.

This is one of my all time favorite 9 hole courses and with concrete pads it would probably get a 4.0 from me. That said, it's been awhile since I played here and while I don't recall having any navigation problems aside from hole 6, I can't remember the exact condition of the tees. I can't wait to get back out here (and hopefully get some revenge on hole 5).


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5 0
Majarashi
Experience: 15 years 19 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Shorty 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 15, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Traffic is mostly light on this course. Underbrush is thin enough most poorly thrown discs are easy to find. The length of this course make it easy to get in a quick 9 after work.
I agree with a previous review about playing when this course has water running though it. Small waterfall on hole 2 makes for a sweet approach shot.

Cons:

Some park users don't seem to understand that the disc golf course is a course and not their personal playground/picnic/picture taking spot. I've not ever found this to be an issue at other courses.
Typical Houck Design. Tiny slits through groupings of trees. Is there a fairway anywhere? I kid, but only slightly.
Natural tee pads. They are getting pretty worn. It can be an issue after a fresh rain.

Other Thoughts:

I hear they may add an additional 9 holes. I hope that's true.
Once you find hole 1 this course isn't that hard to follow. Hole 1 tees from behind the skatepark. Just walk down the trail going left from the basket at hole 5 to get to 6
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2 2
MrDarkHorse
Experience: 11.3 years 55 played 13 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Tough course, but well designed 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 15, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very well thought out course and a nice park setting. Definitely not a pitch and putt course as many public park courses tend to be. Absolutely no crowds. Every hole is interesting and challenging and this course will force you to use a lot of different kinds of shots.

Cons:

Beginners beware, this is not an easy course! Navigation is a little challenging, and the teepads are all natural, so that's a bummer. I have also seen a couple of big rat snakes near the water, so watch your feet. Also watch out for prickly pear cactus, especially on hole 1.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very good, beautifully scenic course. (by central Texas standards)

Intermediate and Advanced players will enjoy the challenge of the finesse game. It's the opposite of Old Settler's Park, which is a windy, big guns course. If you can conquer both OSP and Brushy Creek Sports Park, you're ready for big time.
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0 3
naz54
Experience: 3 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

good intermediate 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

beautiful little coarse. good intermediate coarse. lots of trees and wooded and following the creek beds a lot. it forces you to be more accurate.

Cons:

can be muddy and slippery after it rains

Other Thoughts:

hole one starts on the right of or the north side of the skate park. behind it about a 100 feet. the tees have standing wooden markers.
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0 3
string74
Experience: 27.1 years 18 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice Course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 5, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Trees force you to play with accuracy. All holes marked well and worn paths were easy to follow.

Cons:

A bit muddy when I played, but deep water is not an issue. Parking lot is crowded with cars for soccer practice.

Other Thoughts:

Nice to finally play this one. Its the closest course to my house.
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6 0
tkmcdougal
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.1 years 196 played 96 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 13, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a really challenging 9 holer. I thought it was a lot of fun but didn't get frustrating. I really liked the shot on hole 2; however, a huge tree has recently fall by the basket taking away a good line from the right hand side. Hole 9 was an awesome long hole that has the basket placed feet away from the water. The teesigns were nice but navigation can still be a bit tricky. I really liked the difficult of the course because water comes into play on quite a few holes including holes 2,6( may just be from a recent rain), 7,8,9. Even though, 8 and 9 play over a small creek it still comes into play and you have to cross it.

Cons:

Hole 1 starts behind the skate park. Going from hole 2- 3 the rocks are a little challenging to cross with ease. Also, hole 6 was in a unique location down the path but there wasn't a tee sign that I saw. A local told me where it where. This course could become frustrating if you aren't having a good day. I didn't find it frustrating because I was playing pretty well.

Other Thoughts:

This was the toughest 9 holer that I have ever played, but it was still a lot of fun. I imagine during the summer this would be a nice course to play because of the shade from all of the trees, but in contrast, The course hold water from the rain pretty good.
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3 2
jonnypATX
Experience: 27.2 years 23 played 3 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Pro's Perspective 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 3, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Fantastic terrain for a course. A creek runs throughout and is a typical Houck design. You may find yourself taking a midrange off the tee, then driver on your approach. A good combination of peaceful property and a technical layout.

Cons:

I always subtract a star for lack of concrete boxes. As I understand, there are future plans to put another 9 towards the entrance of the park but until then, a nine hole course with only one set of boxes (with the exception of #1) means another star is removed. Not a course for Ams - it will fustrate you beyond belief.

Other Thoughts:

Tons of potential but if you're in the area, Wilco and Cat Hollow are better choices at this point in time.
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7 1
denny ritner
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.9 years 170 played 113 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Hello Cleveland! Don't play without a guide 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 31, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course has potential to be one of the best in the area. There are several beautifully framed shots and the challenge is complete.

Strategy, accuracy, and shot shaping are very important. Playing this course on a regular basis will make you a better player.

The holes have a nice, secluded feeling and the course provides a nice walk through the woods.

Some highlights include:

Hole 1 is a nice start as a short par 4. A well-thrown drive sets up a touch putter shot to the basket perched on a peninsula with drop-off's on three sides. The hole feels like a "should get" 3, but 5 is still possible.

Hole 2 is a nice, short par 3 with three distinct, tight routes. Pick your poison.

Hole 3 is a tough par 3 / short par 4. The tee shot is very tight and the left side of the fairway is jail. A very well thrown drive can leave a 50 footer for deuce, but the basket has a drop-off behind it.

Hole 5 is a fantastic, short par 5. At 720, you would think that it's 3-able on paper, but it's really three short, controlled shots to play for a well-earned birdie 4. There's nothing excessively difficult about this hole as long as your strategy is sound, but blindly chucking fast drivers here can result in a VERY big number.

Hole 7 is a short, uphill par 3 that is gloriously framed.

Hole 9 is a diabolical par 4 finishing hole. It might not sound like much at 528 ft. on paper, but this hole will absolutely eat your lunch, if you let it. A three is certainly possible, but four is a VERY good score here. Even getting a five isn't that bad, just avoid getting a six or worse.

Cons:

OK, there is A LOT that I like about this course. Why did I only give it a 2.0?

First, absolutely make sure that you print a map if you're playing the course for the first time. Preferably, get a guide for your first round here. Navigation is frustrating without a map.

The course only vaguely resembles the pictures on this site. All the mulch has been washed away. Only three tee signs remain (although some holes have the smashed up bits of the old ones laying around).

The tees are just spots on the dirt, marked by rocks, some of which are tough to find.

The longer holes are tough to play without a map on a tee sign and require walking up a long way to figure out.

Hole 4's tee is very tight on hole 3.

Holes 5 and 9 crowd each other.

Hole 9 ends pretty far from the parking area and hole 1's tee.

There are no trash cans or benches on the course.

The course will be very difficult to play (possibly unplayable) following heavy rains. There will be many points that are difficult/dangerous to traverse and lost discs will be common.

Other Thoughts:

NOTE: Again, print the map before playing and note that the first hole starts behind the skatepark.

I would absolutely love to see this course upgraded as it has a very unique character and provides a solid challenge. I could see it getting all the way up to a 4.0, given sufficient TLC. (I do deduct .5 for 9 hole courses.)

Happy discin'! Please help to keep the course clean!

To learn about my review philosophy, check out the other info section on my profile.

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8 0
pablo.diablo
Experience: 14.1 years 66 played 11 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Technical players dream 9 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 1, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Along with Rivery Park in Georgetown, this is perhaps the best technical course in the Austin area. Or I should say it's the MOST technical one.

Lots and lots of really good players get quite frustrated out here and hate playing it.

This is actually my favorite place to play in Austin even though there are higher rated courses all over the place. If you play here when the creeks are full, then you are in for a special treat.

. . . . . . . . .

#1 is Par 4 that starts behind the skatepark with a new extended tee back behind a huge dirt pile. Drive into the open, throw a thumber or glidey approach shot up the gut to get close, and if you are lucky you will have a shot at the birdie. The basket is on a sort of raised "peninsula" with long steep dropoffs on all sides. Major risk-reward putt/approach.

#2 is a short-range hole with a ton of trees and a creek bottom between the tee and basket that offers a hyzer line on the RH side, a much tighter anny line on the left, and a super duper tight shot right up the middle. If you make it up the middle route, then you are almost automatically on an ace run.

#3 is a true Par 4 that basically plays in a semi-circle around some thick forest. The ideal strategy is to punch something overstable but not too fast (Spider/Gator) thru the first gap and have it hug the LH treeline, then skip left at the end. From this lie, the 2nd shot will usually have a myriad of possible lines and it seems like none of them are ever easy as the basket is surrounded by trees. If you get a 3 for Birdie then you played it perfectly (only once for me), but I would still be *very* happy with a 4 for Par. I've taken many, many 6's on this one! The drive is CRUCIAL, you must hit the window. This is usually where players begin to find their frustration.

#4 is a short lefty hole, but righties can throw a midrange turnover shot (Cobra, Buzzz) or try a slightly tougher flick. Again, it's got good risk-reward on the putt as the basket sits atop a small dropoff towards the creek. It's a tough birdie, but usually an easy par even if you miss your drive.

#5 is a true Par 5, which is quite rare especially for a 9-hole course. Do not try and crush a drive off the tee! The smartest or most experienced players out here will throw a deceptively short flick or turnover shot with a mid/putter right past the big tree in the middle of the fairway to setup for a long straight second drive (the *much* more important shot). If you end up too far left off the tee, you will be down in a recessed basin area with a very tough uphill second shot, so you do not want to be anywhere LEFT off the tee. Too far right though and you are in thick nasty rough. If you play it correctly and get your 2nd shot down the fairway past the small watery gorge, then you will get to choose your fate with a third drive along the RHS, or a flick/turnover along the LHS opening. With perfect execution, your 3rd shot should end up in the wide open area where the basket resides, where there happens to be a lot more wind than anywhere else on the course to mess with your putt. If you hit a 4 for birdie, you are the freakin' MAN! Getting a 5 for Par is most excellent as well, as most players definitely take a 6+ on this one.

#6 is a medium range hyzer skip shot (Firebird/PD/Whippet/Monster) with yet another tight window to hit off the tee. If you can skip it off the bike trail then you have a good chance to get it to the basket, which also has small creek around it. There is another tougher line to the left of the first major tree obstacle that I see people flick, but it's a pretty ballsy shot as you are throwing directly over the creek for a stretch and there is tall rough to get past after that. You should birdie this one as well if you are gonna break Even in your overall score.

#7 is a medium-range straight shot across a big recessed area. The tee and basket are roughly the same elevation but the little ravine section drops about 15-20 feet. Try a fairway driver (OLF, Teebird, River, Banshee) or you can put some mustard on a Buzzz. The low canopy hurts your chances on this one, in addition to a large tree at the end of the ravine area. Watch out for people practicing putts here, as it's right next to the parking lot.

#8 is yet another super tight tunnel shot along the RHS, or there is a secret window to the left, you have to be either damn good or lucky either route you choose. The basket sits on a steep incline so rolloffs are a big factor. It's a fairly easy Par and a tough birdie for anybody.

#9 is a very difficult and beautiful final hole, not sure if it's Par 4 or Par 5. I think you could call it either way. It is imperative that you get the drive past the first small window and into the opening on the LEFT if you want to have a decent lie for your 2nd shot. From there, it's tempting to throw from the cliff directly over the creek and try to get it all the way to the basket. This is probably the riskiest shot on the course (very low %), but also with the highest payoff. If you miss then your disc may go in the murky mosquito water. So most players will throw along the RHS of the creek where there is a more distinct and safer path to the basket. For your 3rd shot, you can try a safe thumber if available, or play the natural fairway with an approach disc. Finishing the hole in 4 feels like a true Birdie to me personally.

Cons:

Teepads are natural and usually not very level due to erosion.

Signs are basically worthless other than telling you the Hole # and Par (no map). Navigation is tough for first-timers.

Due to it's supreme technical nature, this is probably the most frustrating course for the majority of players in this region, with a true Par 32/33 on nine holes (64/66 for 18), which for myself makes the fun factor 5-stars!

Do not go out here expecting to break even or you will be sorely disappointed. You gotta go into it with a mindset that you wanna make a great throw here and there, and be happy with great recovery shots out of trouble. Anticipate having some problem holes and you'll be fine.

If you start hitting trees off every tee you need to consider throwing midranges instead of drivers to get your form and release point working again. Every tee shot out here is about precisely executing your release point, that is all.

Other Thoughts:

I throw about 350-380' max and prefer technical wooded courses that even the playing field for me against the big bombers. This course is perfect in that regard.

It is VERY difficult to break Par on 9 holes, and even tougher when playing 18 holes. Usually the first time thru I blow it up around (+5 to +7), then 2nd round I try to get revenge at around (Even to +2). I think I have only broken Par on 9 only a single time, and have never come close playing as 18.

With the tight tunnel shots and the creek in play, Brushy Nine has the highest risk/reward factor off the tee of just about any course you will ever play. If you don't hit your line you WILL be punished with strokes. A little luck never hurts out here.

If you are a beginner, you should really consider playing nearby at Brushy Creek MUD (Cat Hollow) instead. This is an advanced level course that can be highly frustrating to those who don't like uber-technical golf.

Which means this is a badass dubs course!

Feel free to shoot me a PM if you are visiting and need a course guide.
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2 2
oldaustingolfer
Experience: 37.8 years 3 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

The Field Leveler 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 8, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

One of the most exciting 9 hole courses I've played. Especially challenging on the rare occasions where there's enough water for the hazards. Lots of very narrow throwing tunnels for fairways. Only need long throws on a couple of holes; mainly very very technical, which can level the playing field amidst long arm heroes. Lots of finesse shots. This is my favorite 9 hole course.

Cons:

I really can't think of any cons. I wish it were a full 18, but it isn't. I also wish it rained more so the hazards were full of water, but it doesn't often.

Other Thoughts:

Makes great use of a tiny strip of land. Is right behind a skate-park; I've never had any trouble. If you miss some shots on the first round, you get a 2nd chance if you circle around and play another 9. Course is pretty well protected on windy days. Watch your step for small cut tree stumps. Especially convenient since the WILCO course is closed for the summer, and Cat Hollow can be crowded.
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4 0
Laf'n'Larry
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Painfully Tight 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 3, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I like this course, but find it frustrating too. It has narrow fairways that zigzag through the woods and juniper breaks under overhanging oaks. Throw too far right or left or too high and your in trouble. There is seasonal creek and juniper scrub that runs through the entire course to penalize the errant throw. This course challenges you to become a better player.
Add to that, it is never crowded and there is other recreation, basket ball, skateboard park, hike and bike trail, soccer, football and baseball, kiddos gym set, creek for paddling (if you have a boat). It's as well designed as this small acreage allows.

Cons:

The course lacks balance:
No open fairways, even on the longest holes - everything is about accuracy and control;
Three holes for predominantly right hand backhand players and six holes favor lefties;
The map and diagram are deceiving. Most of the holes have zigzag fairways that don't show on the map, so even a well controlled drive straight drive on a short hole may not land you in or even near the basket.
There is usually trash on the course. There are trash cans at the parking lot, but none on the course. Players often bag it and leave it at or near the tees, but it doesn't seem that the parks dept. collects it often enough.

Other Thoughts:

The pictures were taken when the course was new and the wood chip path was fresh. Since then there has been a major flood which washed away most of the wood chips and the chips that remain have degraded. It is now pretty easy to lose your way.
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4 0
bogeymanjr
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 12.6 years 35 played 24 reviews
4.00 star(s)

In The Brush 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 19, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Is there such a thing as a John Houck masterpiece? I believe there could possibly be. This is one of the best technical courses I have ever played. This course starts out tough and never lets up. I will have to say it is easy to forget that this is just a 9 hole course once you get into playing it. Hole 1 starts out with an open fairway then narrows down on a dogleg left to a basket out on a piece of hill that stands by it self. One wrong toss and you find yourself looking up at the basket. I ended up double bogey on that hole. Hole 2 is a short shot through the forest to a pin on the opposite bank of the creek. A very tough par 3. Hole 3 continues in the same vein running similar to hole 2 but just a little bit longer. Hole 4 is a 190 foot throw over the creek through trees to the basket. These last three holes might be par 3's but they are super tough. Well placed shots and a little luck is what is called for. Hole 5 runs 720 feet through the woods to a basket in the wide open. If a golfer can make that clearing in 4 shots, par can possibly be achieved. But there are trees in the fairway and missing them can be a tall order even for the best golfer. Reminds me of the 14th hole on the Gold course at Ingleside, Tx. Holes 6 through 8 are short par three holes. Hole 6 being the most open. Holes 7 and 8 throw over the creek and through trees and are very tough to par. Hole 9 is similar to hole 5 but is 200 feet shorter and ends in the woods. A tough par 4. Overall, this is the toughest nine holes I think I have ever played on this type of course. So, another John Houck masterpiece? You betcha!

Cons:

Only dirt tees. Navigation is somewhat difficult in places, but nothing a map won't cure. Some signage missing but the majority of them still there. Needs more trash cans, saw lots of garbage on the course.

Other Thoughts:

This was one of my most enjoyable courses to play. A lot of it reminded me of East Metro in Manor. This course alone would be worth the trip to North Austin to play. Plus the park itself offers a lot of other things too. I shot some baskets on the court after I finished throwing just to loosen up. Come on out to this one. I think you will enjoy it.
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0 5
coachhart25
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Holy Cow, not for beginners! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 18, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

-not much, but I guess it is very technical. Before playing the course we threw some warm ups and practiced at the soccer fields which were close by...that was very beneficial and nice to do.

Cons:

Unfortunately for my wife and me, this had a ton of drawbacks. We are new to disc golf, so maybe this is just the way it is, but here we go:

Right when we got there, we had the hardest time just finding the first hole. No sign or layout board or anything!
After we did find it (past the skate park) the sign for the first tee box was backward, meaning that the sign was facing the wrong way. This was quickly realized, but weird nonetheless. Hole 1 was on a landing where 10 feet in any direction and the disc slid 15-20 feet down a crevasse.hole 2 my wife threw a bogey, which a great accomplishment, but I don't want to play pinball like that! The hole was roughly placed between 50 oaks and scrub oaks...OMG!!! The roughest thing though for us was the lack of walkways or to show you where the next hole is... once we were going to hole three, we ended up back to one because we followed the trail...

I don't mind the rough terrain, but come on, tell me where to go!!!

Other Thoughts:

I don't want to sound totally negative, and I know we will play it again to see if we have gotten better...but you might as well just bring your putterand maybe your roc or shark and play with that, lol
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0 1
Steamrohler
Experience: 13.5 years 56 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

One time 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-lots of different distances
-good baskets
-different shot selection (not all hyzers)
-good use of elevation that is available

Cons:

-poor signage (difficult to find next tee)

Other Thoughts:

Was in town for a short time so did not get to play with locals, would have probably been a better experience if someone was there to play with.
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1 0
Turner512
Experience: 13.6 years 44 played 15 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Technical Fun! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 10, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great technicality with decent range in distance and heavily wooded to slightly hilly terrain. I really enjoy technical courses and this was definitely one of those. Hole one is probably the most open but still requires accurate shooting. You can get double bogies on holes with a smile. Decent changes in distance and the 720 will throw you for a loop. Most of the tee signs are correct and display good info. Great for a nine hole!

Cons:

Some tee's are hard to find. Hole one is definitely difficult to find. Look out for a barely rock separated tee. Mulch is loosening and is no longer a great judge in direction. I give this course a 3 because I don't think its for everyone. Beginners and open accustomed player probably wouldn't enjoy it as much as I did.

Other Thoughts:

For pros and people who want to work on tight accuracy, this is a great course. If you're starting out, this might not be your favorite course.
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