Alton, IL

Gordon Moore Park

Permanent course
1.885(based on 12 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Gordon Moore Park reviews

Filter
12 0
Tyler V
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16.8 years 147 played 98 reviews
1.50 star(s)

An Eagle Scout Project That Is A Great Option For Beginner Players

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 31, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

MAY 2022 UPDATE - Gordon Moore is soon to be expanded into an 18 hole course, with design being done by Dave McCormack at Gateway. The new design will be using the same land as the original design with some original holes being lengthened or enhanced, with new holes both on the other side of the parking lot as well as into the land past the baseball fields. I will be sure to check this new design out upon completion.

Gordon Moore Park's disc golf course is a short 9-hole course that is the result of an Eagle Scout project in 2010. This short course is ideal for new players and families, and also has some surprisingly fun shots and ace runs for more seasoned disc golfers.

Location of Gordon Moore is very convenient on routes 111 and 140, which connect to IL-255 just down the road. In the opposite direction is Alton, along with plenty of gas and food options just minutes from the park. If you're looking for a full day of disc golf, this area will keep you busy. Between Grafton and Edwardsville, there are 7 courses, anchored by debatably the best course in the region in La Vista. Add Sioux Passage Park to that mix, and you have an abundance of options.

Park Amenities are plentiful across Gordon Moore's 700+ acres: 8 tennis courts, 10 ball diamonds, 27 holes of golf, 19 soccer/football fields, 6 picnic areas, 6 playgrounds, a nature trail, garden
, and a fishing lake all reside here. There are also restrooms on site, as well a concession when other events are taking place. There is also plenty of parking available by the disc golf course, so parking shouldn't be an issue for anyone coming here.

Course Equipment includes 9 DISCatcher baskets looked to still be in great shape, as well as bricks in the ground that give hole numbers, distance in yards, and pars. There's also a sign next to the parking lot near the tee for hole 1.

Course Design at Gordon Moore comprises of a small loop around a basin and sporadic trees. The average distance is only 22 feet, making this course accessible to folks who can't throw very far yet. While the course is very straight forward, there is still some fun aspect to this course for more seasoned players as well.

Elevation actually comes into play a bit on this course. Hole 2 plays over a shallow valley, while hole 4 is a short downhill ace run with a fast circle 1 area if you give your disc a hard throw. Hole 6 also provides a more uphill shot, challenging newer players to give a strong throw for a decent look at a 2.

Shot shaping is something that was appreciated on a couple holes as well. Hole 2 is nicely framed within some trees, requiring an at least somewhat accurate straighter throw. Hole 7 gives some options for creative hyzers, anhyzers, or forehands around a tree for right handed players. Hole 9 is one of the longer holes on the course and favors either a strong forehand or gentle anhyzer from righties as well.

Difficulty is definitely geared towards newer players. Between the openness of the course, the shorter holes, and generous pars, this course clearly has newer players in mind. I would say this course is definitely successful in catering to that demographic.

Cons:

Course Equipment could be improved in multiple ways. The tee areas comprise of now uneven bricks and can be found easily by looking for the dirt divots near the previous hole. A more permanent tee pad option would help with both erosion and keeping the tee pads from becoming worn divots in the ground. Realistically, given the course design, the bricks with the hole number and distance are all the information you need to play a round here. That being said, ate signs would give a more polished look to the course. Given the beginner nature of the course, a more informative rules sign at the parking lot would also be a nice touch.

Course Design also has some factors that could be improved. Most of the tee pads are within circle 1 of the previous hole. While I don't imagine this course gets crowded, some more space between tees and baskets would be ideal, even if this course likely gets minimal traffic. In addition, while this isn't the most dynamic plot of land in the world, there are enough trees and elevation changes that this course could have done more with natural obstacles and elevation while still catering to newer players. While the examples of variety in the pros section of this review are nice, that's really where the unique features among the different holes end. Most shots off the tees here are under 250 feet, are straight, and don't challenge you to avoid any real obstacles.

Other Thoughts:

When I played a round at Gordon Moore, the only other folks on the course were a family with a kid around 7 or 8. This course is designed with that kind of demographic in mind, and not a seasoned intermediate/advanced player like myself. This course will likely feel boring for many experienced players, but courses like this are just as important to have available to the public as courses like La Vista down the road. Anyone not new to disc golf will not be challenged here, but hey, I'll never complain about a generous course par that gives me a -13 for my mediocre round.

If you're looking for a challenging round of disc golf in the Alton area, I'd recommend going to La Vista or Rock Spring, or crossing the river to go to Sioux Passage instead of Gordon Moore. That being said, if you are looking for a course for beginner players that has plenty of land to practice shot shaping and putts, this is a great option in the area. Gordon Moore may not be exceptional, but it serves its purpose well. As someone who was introduced to disc golf on a similar course, I'm glad that this course exists and is available to folks in Alton and the metro east area.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
mrbro855
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.5 years 363 played 105 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Typical City Park course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 24, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

Typical City Park course that is woven through a park with plenty of mature trees.

This one used the elevation well.

Holes were marked with plates in the ground, usually fairly close to last basket. This made navigation easy.

Several ace run holes (#4 and #8) and plenty of deuce possibilities (all these holes should be par threes.)

Cons:

Tee pads were worn grass spots, some which have seen better days.

Other Thoughts:

Course 1 of a five course road trip through Alton and then south in Illinois. While not a "wow" course, was one of the better ones on this day.

No real memorable holes, but definitely no clunkers either.

Would make this a part of my regular rotation if it were closer to home.

Concrete pads would move this to a "3", and 18 holes would make it a 3.5.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
OldGolfer
Experience: 19 played 19 reviews
2.50 star(s)

A Decent Enough Course drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 26, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The course has now been updated to 18 holes. Flow is not all that bad, but hopefully signage will improve. Currently (Oct 2022) signage is missing. I couldn't find #11 basket. That's on me, I suppose, but I looked for some time and still couldn't find it.

Cons:

Long holes - 600+ feet - are par 4. Tough par 4 for me. Younger players should do better.

Other Thoughts:

I really like the course, even with the additional 18 holes. Signage will REALLY help. I hope signage shows up.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.00 star(s)

What A Perfect Course To Introduce A New Player To Disc Golf On! 2+ years

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

Pros:

The disc golf course at Gordon Moore Park was designed and built as an Eagle Scout project by Stephen Turner in 2010. The course is clearly designed for youth and beginners in mind. The holes are short, open and not difficult.

The course sits in an nice little bowl area of this lovely park which seems to be mostly left alone by other park users. The park's terrain has a nice roll to it and some scattered trees. The course is easy to find, just park the bell tower and the rose gardens. The first tee, not so easy. There is no course sign. I eventually found the # 1 tee marking faintly painted on the far upper corner of the parking lot, up near the bell tower. The other tee markers are little metals plaques flush to the ground which give the hole #, distance (In yards) and a Par (in elementary school difficulty). These are usually within about five feet from the previous basket. The baskets are new and come in three patriotic colors, red, white and blue, three of each. Okay, that's a little strange.

The distances are short with three holes playing under 200' and just two playing over 300'. With few obstacles and no underbrush, this makes for a great little course to bring that beginner or young player to. This course shouldn't frustrate anyone.

Another bonus here is the bell tower plays a lovely song on every half an hour. It has a very melodious sound, very soothing. Makes you forget that you missed that last putt for an Eagle!

Cons:

The distances are short. The difficulty level is minimal. The pars listed are for elementary age kids. The tee pads are natural and sometimes difficult to find.

Does anyone really think that this course will ever attract enough players that the design/safety flaws will become an issue? I think if you come out here and play, you'll almost always have this course to yourself.

Other Thoughts:

I believe Eagle Scout, Stephen Turner, did a commendable job on this course. I've played a number of these Eagle Scout courses and this one is probably the best of them. Would it have been nice if he had sought out advice from someone in the Disc Golf community? Well yes, but instead of complaining about the course's flaws and trying to make it into something it isn't, I say embrace it for what it is. That is, a great beginner/teaching course. A course where younger, more inexperienced golfers can come and learn to play without experiencing the frustration of hunting for discs in thick underbrush or holes that are way too long and difficult for them. The course is fine the way it is. I suspect it gets a fair amount of play.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 2
Martin Dewgarita
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.4 years 1587 played 93 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Crying Over Toppled Rainbows 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 14, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

A pure beginners course, short with little variety and decent elevation on some shots.

Amenities. Large city park with shelters, playground, bathrooms, and ball fields nearby.

Beginner Friendly. Impossible to lose a disc, would be an ok place to work on some basic short distance drives and upshots, if you're looking to practice distance or more technical lines, find somewhere else.

Ace runs. If you're looking for a course to load up on aces, or to play as many holes as you can in a day, this might be a good place to hang out.

Primarily disc golf. No other users seemed to come into play here.

Tees. Natural tees suit this course fine, anything else would be overkill. A small plate on the toeboard shows hole number and distance to the pin.

Baskets. Very nice red, white, and blue Disccatchers on each hole, no alternate pin placements or practice basket available.

Navigation. Very easy, every tee pad can be found feet from the previous basket.

Cons:

Short. Holes range from 50 to 250, great for players to work on approach shots, no big distance shots on this one.

Variety. There is no technical variety really, a couple small trees come into play and elevation keeps things slightly interesting.

No map or scorecard provided (Not that it would be necessary).

Other Thoughts:

Not worth the play unless you're looking for a very quick 9 hole course to bag.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
japetus
Experience: 6 played 6 reviews
2.00 star(s)

For the Beginners 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 20, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Set in Gordon Moore Park which is one of the most nicely maintained parks in the area. Course is at a part of the park that is rarely used. The grass is always very well maintained.

Cons:

Natural grass tee pads are literally 5 feet behind the previous basket. Hole 4 is far too short to actually be a disc golf hole. Basket placement could be more challenging.

Other Thoughts:

Much has been said about how short this course is but I have to say...there is potential here to do something on a bigger scale. There is lots of unused land, hills...I predict in the future this course is redesigned to be more challenging. For instance...

Hole 2: Basket could be moved to the left back further behind the tree for a more challenging shot, also moving it away from Hole 3 tee.

Hole 4: just put it down further in the field, off to the right. It's far too short of a shot.

Hole 6: Move it further back up the hill, at least by 40 feet.

Hole 9: Move the basket further to the right for a harder, low ceiling shot.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 1
joy4all
Experience: 15.1 years 82 played 13 reviews
3.50 star(s)

begginers paradise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 7, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The holes are easy to follow. Nice rolling hills to play on to learn altitude change shots. Very few tress stand in the way. Natural tees with bricks for marker lines. Under the care of the Alton Parks so its well maintained.

Cons:

This is a par 3 all the way so ignore the markers stating theyre higher par numbers. Park has not posted signs once entering that lead you to the disc course. so enter park go pass stop sign straight past rose garden and its midway through parking lot on left starts hole 1.

Other Thoughts:

stretch the course and play tee pad 1 to basket 2 and so on until you cycle a total of 9 holes. yes its easy to do this on this course which stretches the course 300-500 ft holes
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 1
ilmcgee
Experience: 54.2 years 17 played 3 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Beginner Friendly 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 3, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great beginner course or warm up round.

Cons:

Natural tees are washed out and nothing but dirt. Brick tee signs in need of repair.

Other Thoughts:

Great beginner course or warm up round.

Natural tees are washed out and nothing but dirt. Brick tee signs in need of repair.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 7
Sharkbite
Premium Member
Experience: 24.8 years 175 played 12 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Putter course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 10, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Only need a putter maybe a mid range if you want to ace run the longer holes (300 feet) . Good for families

Cons:

Tie pads go up and down hills instead of finding a flat area. Super short and ridiculous pars. Tee boxes for next hole are 3 feet from baskets LOL SOmeones going to get hit

Other Thoughts:

The course was set up by a kid to get his eagle badge. Which is great but he needed to get some input from someone about course design.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
mashnut
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.1 years 831 played 767 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Fun rec course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 6, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course plays through a small corner of a large multi-use park. The disc golf area doesn't conflict with any other park uses. The fairways are really nice grass with a few scattered mature trees, a couple holes have a low ceiling or enough of an obstacle to force something other than a simple hyzer. The elevation available is used well here. The red, white and blue baskets are in great shape, and the layout of the course is easy to follow. The grounds are impeccably maintained, with no trash or vandalism and some of the nicest grass I've seen on a course.

Cons:

This course is short and pretty open. More than half the holes are straight ahead with really minor obstacles in play. It doesn't force too man different shots, and doesn't have much length at all. The tees are natural and marked only at ground level. They're very close to the previous basket which helps find them, but also makes it a safety concern if multiple people are playing the course. Many of the tees are on slopes, making for awkward footing on your drives.

Other Thoughts:

This course is clearly intended for beginners, and to that end it's a great course. The lengths are shorter but varied, and a few holes will push new players to try some different shots. More experienced players won't find much challenge or variety here, though there are awesome safari options with the baskets basically in a big oval and all visible from most places on the course. Don't go out of your way for this one, but it's a nice warm up for Rockspring.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
iPlay
Experience: 22.8 years 31 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Good Beginner Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 20, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course was obviously designed with beginners in mind. It is in a nice open field with very few obstructions.
There is virtually no way to lose a disc with the current layout
It is in the back end of the park, so the area, including parking and the pavilion to the right of the 1st tee, are only utilized by disc golfers and those walking the wooded nature trail.
All tees are very close to the previous hole, so it makes for a quick 9 if you don't have a lot of time.

Cons:

No trash cans or benches anywhere on the course to rest or discard trash.
The tee boxes are only marked by small plaques in the ground, and there is no sign directing you to the first tee (it's right by the basket for 9)
Not challenging at all for the experienced player, due to the high par scores. Dumb down each par by 1 to make it fairly challenging. It seems the pars are more related to the distances than any other factor.

Other Thoughts:

Something I am doing in all of my reviews is a description of each particular hole. Here is Gordon Moore park as of 8/20/2010:

Hole 1: 75 yards, open field with one tree to the left of the basket (par 4)

Hole 2: 80 yards, across a short valley with no obstructions (par 4)

Hole 3: 77 yards, pin between two trees about 10 yards from the basket (par 4)

Hole 4: 40 yards, slightly downhill with no obstructions (par 3)

Hole 5: 110 yards, open field with 1 tree just to the left of the pin (par 5)

Hole 6: 65 yards, uphill with 2 trees to the right of the pin at the top of the hill (par 4)

Hole 7: 68 yards, 1 tree to go around directly between the tee and pin (par 4)

Hole 8: 50 yards, 1 tree halfway between tee and pin directly in the path (par 3)

Hole 9: 100 yards, par 5, straight shot with 2 trees on the left border of the path (par 5)
Was this review helpful? Yes No
7 0
REDARMY
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.8 years 53 played 34 reviews
1.50 star(s)

LOTS of Potential 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 15, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful park setting. Between the rolling hills, freshly mowed grass, nicely trimmed trees, and the lake around the backside (which doesn't come into play, yet), this park has the potential to become EPIC.

Brand-spankin' new Innova Discatchers.

Bathrooms/water available behind the first tee.

Plenty of parking.

Pin locations make very good use of the available obstacles and hills, and the layout flows very well.

Moderate to strong winds can seriously fubar your shots, even though the holes are so short. (222' average)

Park is relatively out of the way, and all of the other typical park activities are all in other areas, so traffic is non-existent.

Cons:

...Which is a good thing because this park contains one SERIOUS design flaw: all of the tees are 15-20 feet behind or to the side of the previous pin. It makes them easy to find sure, but should the place start generating even modest traffic, queues will build at pins, and/or lots of noses will be busted by throwers from the previous pin being impatient. A horrendous design flaw that i'm sure the city will fix very quickly once they realize the potential dangers/liability concerns.

None of the expected DG perks (trashcans, benches, kiosk with scorecards, etc.), but then again, the course is only 2 weeks old.

No tee posts (pads w/hole info are marked off by stones in the ground) which isn't a problem for holes 2-9 since the pads are so close to the previous pin, but something in the park signage to point you towards 1's pad would be nice.

Pars were determined with kids in mind (as the course was designed by and built for cub/boy scouts), so anyone above novice should ignore the par markings and just play it as par 3.

Other Thoughts:

The local who showed myself and my friend around (thank you Lane) told us that the tees in the current layout will be moved farther away from the pins to remove the danger noted above.

More promising though, is that the park has a TON of unused space south of the current layout, and it is rumored the city is considering putting a full 18 in back there.

If that 18 looks anything like the current 9, it'll be a place to travel to for sure.

For now, it's just a place to bring the kids to or a way for anyone above novice to finish out a day of golfing at Rockspring/Roxana/Woodland Chains.
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Latest posts

Top