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Reviews: 14
Avg. Rating:
Details
Avg. Rating:
Details
Great Play, Bring a Boat
Pros: Course has a great layout with a variety of short holes and long holes. The course is very well maintained and has large concrete tee pads and almost brand new catchers. There are both short and long catchers on every hole, and most holes are able to be played by beginners.
Cons: While the holes outside the trees are grass, those under the canopy are mostly weeds and can be a little buggy. There are holes on this course with water in play so bring a floater and a long pole for retrieval.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Report this Review Round Barn DGC
Pros: -Good mix of shots here, Some short but technical shots and some wide open holes.
-Concrete pads, Some of which are circular which is unique.
-A couple risk/reward shots which are not usually found on other courses in the area.
-Lots of big oak trees, and plenty of other smaller trees to add obstacles.
-The double basket on hole 9 is awesome. Both times I've played here I hit the basket but missed the ace, I like the idea of having two baskets on top of each other, increasing the odds of an ace.
-Signs are now up and look very nice, despite the fact that someone has already broken the display off of their respective posts on two holes.
-Multiple baskets, These are great if you are an experienced player and will be bringing someone who is not as experienced.
-Nice quiet setting, If you come here and there are only a few other disc golfers out it can be very peaceful.
-Excellent place to work on shot shaping
-Proximity to other good disc golf courses
-Concrete pads, Some of which are circular which is unique.
-A couple risk/reward shots which are not usually found on other courses in the area.
-Lots of big oak trees, and plenty of other smaller trees to add obstacles.
-The double basket on hole 9 is awesome. Both times I've played here I hit the basket but missed the ace, I like the idea of having two baskets on top of each other, increasing the odds of an ace.
-Signs are now up and look very nice, despite the fact that someone has already broken the display off of their respective posts on two holes.
-Multiple baskets, These are great if you are an experienced player and will be bringing someone who is not as experienced.
-Nice quiet setting, If you come here and there are only a few other disc golfers out it can be very peaceful.
-Excellent place to work on shot shaping
-Proximity to other good disc golf courses
Cons: -Its always windy here it seems. That can get old but it is what it is.
-Some of the holes seem repetitive.
-Fairways do get close together here and that could be an issue as this course gains popularity and traffic.
-Needs a couple more garbage cans throughout the course and maybe a port-o-potty near the back of the course near the 11 teepad.
-Some of the holes seem repetitive.
-Fairways do get close together here and that could be an issue as this course gains popularity and traffic.
-Needs a couple more garbage cans throughout the course and maybe a port-o-potty near the back of the course near the 11 teepad.
Other Thoughts: I played this course for the second time today and I enjoyed it much more than my first time here. Now that there are signs and I knew how to navigate the course I was a lot more at ease. The lack of signage the first time here really bothered me.
I really would like to hit this one up as my first play of the day when I am fresh, because then I believe I would have a better time here. Both times I've been here I had already played 18+ holes at some of the other nearby courses and I tire out after the first handful of holes when I get here. That being said, trinity links and highland are both nearby, if your coming down to the the J town to make a day of disc'n then make sure you hit this one up too.
I really would like to hit this one up as my first play of the day when I am fresh, because then I believe I would have a better time here. Both times I've been here I had already played 18+ holes at some of the other nearby courses and I tire out after the first handful of holes when I get here. That being said, trinity links and highland are both nearby, if your coming down to the the J town to make a day of disc'n then make sure you hit this one up too.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.
round barn
1 
10/1/2012 
10/1/2012
Review By: booradly Played: 56 Reviewed: 20 Exp: 1 Years
This review was updated on 10/14/2012
Pros: - very nice park
-some tee pads are nice big round and concrete that are very nice for me because i have a very big stride
-the shots by the pond are fun you can risk a shot over the pond if u want but don't have to
-many holes under huge oak trees make for nice hard shots
-each hole has two baskets silver ones that are easier and red tees for more skilled players
-hole 9 is awesome with 2 baskets stacked on top of each other that is possible to ace with a perfect shot
-has one or two holes that really test your arm
-some tee pads are nice big round and concrete that are very nice for me because i have a very big stride
-the shots by the pond are fun you can risk a shot over the pond if u want but don't have to
-many holes under huge oak trees make for nice hard shots
-each hole has two baskets silver ones that are easier and red tees for more skilled players
-hole 9 is awesome with 2 baskets stacked on top of each other that is possible to ace with a perfect shot
-has one or two holes that really test your arm
Cons: -no directions to baskets / next hole as of yet but there is a map in the parking lot i would recommend taking a picture of the course map on your phone to help u find your way
-if you throw into the heavy underbrush / heavy woods on the back side there are thrones F*@%ing everyplace you step
-if you throw into the heavy underbrush / heavy woods on the back side there are thrones F*@%ing everyplace you step
Other Thoughts: me and my friend played here for the first time today and my buddy was getting frustrated by the lack of signs until we met up with a local who had played it many times who helped show us the way
- i was told that they have put in signs at the tee pads but have not been there yet to see for myself
- i was told that they have put in signs at the tee pads but have not been there yet to see for myself
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.
Fun mix
Pros: The course plays through a grassy park with mature oak trees. A few holes bring a pond into play, offering some great risk/reward decisions. All offer safe shots that avoid the danger of ending up in the water but take away the birdie opportunities, to get deuces on these shots you have to take the riskier route over the pond. On each of these, the short basket is a much more beginner friendly option with less risk and more room on the greens between the basket and the shore.
The rest of the course offers multiple routes through mature trees. Having a good selection of different line shaping skills is valuable here, you can throw a hyzer on most holes but it's not always the best option. A few elevation changes come into play, and are used as well as possible. I liked the rollaway greens on the last couple holes, they keep things interesting through the end of the round. The stacked basket is a cool quirk, adding an elevated pin position while still offering the cool protected pin position to the shorter basket.
The tees are nice, many are large circular pads and the rest are standard rectangular pads, all are textured concrete. The baskets are new and catch great, and having the short beginner friendly silver baskets and the tougher red baskets is a great feature.
The rest of the course offers multiple routes through mature trees. Having a good selection of different line shaping skills is valuable here, you can throw a hyzer on most holes but it's not always the best option. A few elevation changes come into play, and are used as well as possible. I liked the rollaway greens on the last couple holes, they keep things interesting through the end of the round. The stacked basket is a cool quirk, adding an elevated pin position while still offering the cool protected pin position to the shorter basket.
The tees are nice, many are large circular pads and the rest are standard rectangular pads, all are textured concrete. The baskets are new and catch great, and having the short beginner friendly silver baskets and the tougher red baskets is a great feature.
Cons: There are a lot of holes in the trees that feel a bit similar, there's not a whole lot of space to stretch things out and the rough is very limited so the land doesn't offer much chance for variety. The lack of length keeps even the long layout from being all that challenging for better players. Some of the holes don't offer much difference between the long and short baskets which was a little disappointing. A few spots have fairways that are very close to one another, that definitely could be a safety issue as this course gets popular.
Other Thoughts: Beginners will find the silver baskets approachable, with reasonable lengths and less water danger. The red baskets offer some fun challenges, they're a little short to really test top players but it's a course that is enjoyable for most skill levels. I will definitely be playing this one again when I'm in the Joliet area, and I recommend a stop if you're passing through.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
Challenging, Well thought out Course
Pros: I love playing well thought out courses. I also really enjoy when a park district supports and implements the ideas of the course designer. Not many park districts would pull the trigger on circle teepads, and more than half of the holes have these. Dual Baskets on EVERY hole enables me to play the reds while my wife can play Silvers and give each other a great challenge. Very unique shots all throughout, and the pond shots are VERY tough.
Cons: Would have liked to see the more signature holes later on in the round, but you can't really do that and still be able to start/finish near the parking log. Hopefully the park district will let a couple of the holes for the red baskets near the end get pushed back a little deeper to add to the challenge.
Other Thoughts: In order to get to this course I drive by 3 other courses, including Channahon and West Park. I would definitely pass West Park to get to this one, and I'd enjoy continuing to play it as much as Channahon. I hope to continue to see nothing but improvements out there!
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
almost but not quite
Pros: This course is in a beautiful park with lots of great land for disc golf. I played the red baskets. #2 is a type of hole not seen much in this area. It requires an upshot. The upshot is a downhill shot to a well guarded basket. #3 peninsula hole is the epitome or risk/reward. #4 is an epic shot over water and requires a little more distance than it appears off of the pad with an excellent pin position. #5 is also a cool RHBH anny shot that requires putting it over the water and hitting a 30 foot wide gap on the right side of the fairway about 225' off the pad. after that gap theres another 200' feet give or take on a well guarded fairway to a nicely place basket position. #9 stacked baskets are something I have never seen before and on top of that its in the middle of jail which makes for interesting putts. #10 has a nice basket position on top of a small hill. #15 is a monster uphill shot then back down a little bit to the basket. up and down sloped holes are always cool. #16 im guessing will be an island type hole when it comes to leagues and tourneys with the path coming in play just before the basket. #17 basket position is stellar. death putts galore for that one. #18 is a great way to end the course with a nice elevated shot over 2 "valleys" with the basket placed on top of the 2nd hill. The circle tee pads are something new to this area and a great perk to this course.
Cons: This course really disappointed me and the group I was playing with. For having 2 baskets on every hole I was really expecting more distance and variety for the long baskets. #1 was not the way I would want to start a course. A tee pad and a basket 250' away with nothing in between. #6 and #7 is where my bubble really bursted playing this course. Both of these holes are definitely "filler" holes. Holes 6-10 were all crammed together super tight in an area where some really great holes could have been made. Too much of this course (red baskets) were simple buzzz or putter shots with very little in the way to stop them from getting to where you want them to go. This was the most disappointing thing about this course. I was really hoping to be able to pull a driver out on more than maybe 5 holes.
Other Thoughts: The designers of this course know how to design courses and I can only expect to see changes to this in the future. Unfortunately from what I hear a lot of the land they wanted to use was not made available to them a last seconds notice which seems to me why there are these filler holes. I doubt I'll come back to this course until changes are made because the hour and a half drive isn't worth playing 7 or 8 good holes. I really hope the red baskets get a major make over to make this course a beast. The potential is there. My rating doesn't factor in the lack of signage and benches.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.
Date: 11/11/2012
Designer Response by: #19325
Tee signs have been installed.
Hole 1 will have an Island built around it in the future. The plan is for a similar green like USDGC 17.
I am trying to get #14 & 16 lengthened down the hill.
The plan was for a minimum of 4 par 4's but it didn't work out. Adding long par 4's through the Oaks would have been impossible. The open areas to the East and South are off limits.
There were a lot of restrictions and areas we needed to avoid. We could not use the creek area in front or wooded area near the creek. Those pavilions really take away a ton of room for buffer zones. If you look at the area the course is on it's really not that much land.
Hole 1 will have an Island built around it in the future. The plan is for a similar green like USDGC 17.
I am trying to get #14 & 16 lengthened down the hill.
The plan was for a minimum of 4 par 4's but it didn't work out. Adding long par 4's through the Oaks would have been impossible. The open areas to the East and South are off limits.
There were a lot of restrictions and areas we needed to avoid. We could not use the creek area in front or wooded area near the creek. Those pavilions really take away a ton of room for buffer zones. If you look at the area the course is on it's really not that much land.
Intermediate
Pros: - Course is set on the ground of an old farm, taken over by the park district. Doesn't seem like there would be any interference except for a walking path by #16 and #17. No problem.
- Roughly half the holes are set in a large section/grove of smaller trees that force/take away lines. Some are pretty tight, like the hallway on #7, and the low ceiling on #13. Others are more open but still require accuracy, like the uphill shots on #6 and #8. #11 plays out of the woods with a few trees right off the tee, and #12 plays back into the woods from an open meadow.
- Other holes are more open, like #1 which only has one large tree to worry about. #14 is almost wide open, a nice downhill shot with a little tree in the fairway. #17 plays around a large tree, with a basket on top of a smallish hill, and #18 is a long shot over rolling terrain. #2 is a bomber shot with lots of length, and trees to snag approach shots by the basket. Most of these holes also have elevation changes to keep things interesting.
- Three of the holes have major water hazards here. #3 has a water carry with the basket on a peninsula. Water left, behind, front the basket, with a large tree on the right. #4 is a much, much longer water carry that has a huge bush forcing a wide hyzer shot if you aren't going over the water. The silver pin isn't too tough to get to, but the red is far across the water with another large bush blocking the lay-up option. #5 is the big boy, the red pin is tucked way back in the woods to the right. Getting to the window involves a high RHBH anny over the lake or a very skinny shot straight between the water and the woods. Tough hole.
- Tricky basket positions add to the challenge in many spots. #3's is close to the water, #17's is on top of a hill that slopes on both sides, #9's baskets are within a tight cluster of trees, and one is elevated (on top of the other, no less). #11's baskets are right next to each other... don't end up on the wrong side I suppose.
- Great teepads; some circular for different lines and others rectangular for the same line. Good baskets. Tee sign pending, but the navigation isn't too terrible, even without them.
- Roughly half the holes are set in a large section/grove of smaller trees that force/take away lines. Some are pretty tight, like the hallway on #7, and the low ceiling on #13. Others are more open but still require accuracy, like the uphill shots on #6 and #8. #11 plays out of the woods with a few trees right off the tee, and #12 plays back into the woods from an open meadow.
- Other holes are more open, like #1 which only has one large tree to worry about. #14 is almost wide open, a nice downhill shot with a little tree in the fairway. #17 plays around a large tree, with a basket on top of a smallish hill, and #18 is a long shot over rolling terrain. #2 is a bomber shot with lots of length, and trees to snag approach shots by the basket. Most of these holes also have elevation changes to keep things interesting.
- Three of the holes have major water hazards here. #3 has a water carry with the basket on a peninsula. Water left, behind, front the basket, with a large tree on the right. #4 is a much, much longer water carry that has a huge bush forcing a wide hyzer shot if you aren't going over the water. The silver pin isn't too tough to get to, but the red is far across the water with another large bush blocking the lay-up option. #5 is the big boy, the red pin is tucked way back in the woods to the right. Getting to the window involves a high RHBH anny over the lake or a very skinny shot straight between the water and the woods. Tough hole.
- Tricky basket positions add to the challenge in many spots. #3's is close to the water, #17's is on top of a hill that slopes on both sides, #9's baskets are within a tight cluster of trees, and one is elevated (on top of the other, no less). #11's baskets are right next to each other... don't end up on the wrong side I suppose.
- Great teepads; some circular for different lines and others rectangular for the same line. Good baskets. Tee sign pending, but the navigation isn't too terrible, even without them.
Cons: - Holes amongst the smaller trees are a little crammed in, there are some close fairways, and some close baskets/teepads. I could foresee some errant shots ending up in other people's business.
- Course is kind of split between holes that are pretty darn tough, and others that are pretty easy. At times it seems way too hard for beginners, at other times a little too straightforward for anyone else.
- Course is kind of split between holes that are pretty darn tough, and others that are pretty easy. At times it seems way too hard for beginners, at other times a little too straightforward for anyone else.
Other Thoughts: - Overall, a fun course that has lots of birdie opportunities, and also some double, triple, or worse bogey opportunities. The silver pins are well suited to beginner players who know how to avoid water; the red pins are much tougher for the more experienced players.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Round Da Round
Pros: Round t-pads are pretty neat! Nice variety, good challenge.
Cons: Need signs at the t-pads. Can see as this course becomes more popular, there are going to be some congestion issues. Few holes placed too close together. Can see a couple people getting hit by people's drives on the hole previously played. A few times the group behind us came close to hitting us while we were playing.
Other Thoughts: Would like to see a path cut out threw the trees on hole #5.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.
Round Barn
Pros: - 3 shots over water, each with a "safe" route.
- Round tee pads
- Two baskets for every hole
- 2 true par 4 holes
Nice mix of long open, and short technical holes. Not all the short holes were technical, nor all the long holes open, but that was the general feel.
Silver baskets are great for casual players, and the Red baskets are a good challenge for tournament, or more advanced players.
- Round tee pads
- Two baskets for every hole
- 2 true par 4 holes
Nice mix of long open, and short technical holes. Not all the short holes were technical, nor all the long holes open, but that was the general feel.
Silver baskets are great for casual players, and the Red baskets are a good challenge for tournament, or more advanced players.
Cons: - No tee signs yet
Other Thoughts: I love the fact that the course designer was the only one to give this course a (lowly) 3.5 so far. Every one else who has reviewed it has given it a 4.
You may lose a disc in the water at this course, so I recommend bringing a few water discs that you are comfortable losing. (Why risk losing your favorite disc?)
Round Barn Farm makes a very unique and welcome addition to the courses in the area. A big thanks to Manhattan Park District for putting in the course!
You may lose a disc in the water at this course, so I recommend bringing a few water discs that you are comfortable losing. (Why risk losing your favorite disc?)
Round Barn Farm makes a very unique and welcome addition to the courses in the area. A big thanks to Manhattan Park District for putting in the course!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Someone finally gets it
Pros: -Dual Baskets
-Secluded from other activities
-Cement Tees
-Signature type holes
-Mixed Shots
This is an outstanding designed course just a few miles south of I-80. This course has unique features that you do not generally get to find on most courses, especially in the Chicagoland area.
First, all holes had two sets of baskets, silver for shorts, red for longs. Majority of the baskets were strategically placed. Sometimes when courses have dual baskets they are generally the same hole just a little longer. A good portion of the holes had baskets uniquely placed, especially where the land counted. Holes 3, 4, 5, and 18 definitely come to mind on making the holes different. Cement Tees are definitely nice (and almost a must), but added round tees were definitely a great experience. It gives an opportunity for some great safari holes for leagues or tourneys, as well as an early morning when you have the course to yourself.
The course played throughout the fields not mixing in to other activities. Not once did I think I could throw into the playground, or hit someone while they were having a picnic. Although there are times where you come across a picnic bench or a gazebo, however the holes were designed properly with safety for all park goers in mind.
There are some solid signature holes on this course. Some of the holes that make me want to go back and play this course again. Red 3, 4, 5, and 18 definitely come to mind. The "stacked basket" as well is definitely worth playing again.
I also like that there is a solid mix of challenges here. Some of the silver are beginner friendly enough and some of the red baskets are borderline brutal. It gives challenges for both newer players as well as more experienced players to enjoy. It is not set up to alienate new players yet does discourage experienced players to come out time and time again. I also like that there are multiple routes on most holes. Nothing really forces a particular shot, although there are some obvious better choices. You can walk up to most holes and debate what and how you throw.
-Secluded from other activities
-Cement Tees
-Signature type holes
-Mixed Shots
This is an outstanding designed course just a few miles south of I-80. This course has unique features that you do not generally get to find on most courses, especially in the Chicagoland area.
First, all holes had two sets of baskets, silver for shorts, red for longs. Majority of the baskets were strategically placed. Sometimes when courses have dual baskets they are generally the same hole just a little longer. A good portion of the holes had baskets uniquely placed, especially where the land counted. Holes 3, 4, 5, and 18 definitely come to mind on making the holes different. Cement Tees are definitely nice (and almost a must), but added round tees were definitely a great experience. It gives an opportunity for some great safari holes for leagues or tourneys, as well as an early morning when you have the course to yourself.
The course played throughout the fields not mixing in to other activities. Not once did I think I could throw into the playground, or hit someone while they were having a picnic. Although there are times where you come across a picnic bench or a gazebo, however the holes were designed properly with safety for all park goers in mind.
There are some solid signature holes on this course. Some of the holes that make me want to go back and play this course again. Red 3, 4, 5, and 18 definitely come to mind. The "stacked basket" as well is definitely worth playing again.
I also like that there is a solid mix of challenges here. Some of the silver are beginner friendly enough and some of the red baskets are borderline brutal. It gives challenges for both newer players as well as more experienced players to enjoy. It is not set up to alienate new players yet does discourage experienced players to come out time and time again. I also like that there are multiple routes on most holes. Nothing really forces a particular shot, although there are some obvious better choices. You can walk up to most holes and debate what and how you throw.
Cons: -Amenities
-Overall Challenge
This is all nitpicking. There are plenty of port-a-potties, but for "the misses" something a little nicer would be great. Not a big deal at all, but we've all been in port-a-potties.
There are some great holes on this course, however, some of the middle holes are pretty similar in challenge and vibe. The little bit of elevation changes helps a little bit, as well as some well thought out basket placements. They used what was there and stretch the land to the corners of the park. Nothing really could be done. The stacked baskets helps break up what can be seen as similar on 6 through 10. Nothing gets crazy long through there but it's just the lay of the land. But I think the awesomeness of holes 3 through 5 being early in the round, is what would leave a little to be desired.
-Overall Challenge
This is all nitpicking. There are plenty of port-a-potties, but for "the misses" something a little nicer would be great. Not a big deal at all, but we've all been in port-a-potties.
There are some great holes on this course, however, some of the middle holes are pretty similar in challenge and vibe. The little bit of elevation changes helps a little bit, as well as some well thought out basket placements. They used what was there and stretch the land to the corners of the park. Nothing really could be done. The stacked baskets helps break up what can be seen as similar on 6 through 10. Nothing gets crazy long through there but it's just the lay of the land. But I think the awesomeness of holes 3 through 5 being early in the round, is what would leave a little to be desired.
Other Thoughts: All things considered, I would give the course a 4.0 (Excellent). I am taking in for the fact that the tee signs are going to installed shortly, Hole 1 is being turned into an island hole, and both baskets are being moved on Hole 11. If they let a couple of the holes go into the wooded areas (which was not allowed), it could potentially be a 4.5 caliber course. This course holds it own against the best courses in the area.
I hope park district see the reviews on this course. Windy City Disc Golf installed a product that we are truly lacking in the Chicagoland area. This course is well executed, inviting to all player types, and safe for everyone in the park. If anyone ever ask me to "take them to a course to show them what disc golf is all about", this is where I would bring them. Well down Mathattan. I will be driving passed 11 courses just off the highway to frequent this course.
I hope park district see the reviews on this course. Windy City Disc Golf installed a product that we are truly lacking in the Chicagoland area. This course is well executed, inviting to all player types, and safe for everyone in the park. If anyone ever ask me to "take them to a course to show them what disc golf is all about", this is where I would bring them. Well down Mathattan. I will be driving passed 11 courses just off the highway to frequent this course.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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