Sounds like it'll be a unique course, and yet another for me to wish-list!
From the Iron County Reporter:
Disc golf course will be 'no walk in the park' - Wednesday, October 14, 2009
IRON RIVER—As the day progressed, it became apparent to the surveyors and those helping with marking a planned 18-hole disc golf course along the Apple Blossom Trail, that the finished project would provide a challenging experience for its users.
This pleases Michigan State University Landscape Architect Warren Rauhe, who developed the course, with funding through a "Small Town Design Initiative" grant from MSU.
From the start of the project last November, Rauhe was intrigued by the terrain, the natural features and the way they have been shaped by the history of the area, and on Oct. 8, while accompanying surveyors Gary Pisoni and Richard Sloat, who volunteered to measure and mark the course, he was convinced "The Tailings," could be one of the most unique courses in the region, if not beyond.
For example: several holes are played on a thick, vegetation-covered ridge created by the iron ore "tailings," from the mines which were in operation in the area.
This landscape created the deep, cold mine pits, now filled with water, along which several more holes skirt. There are stands of pines and poplars, which golfers will have to navigate in their shots.
Two holes take players near immense stone arches which once held up the train tracks that served the mines. Now, looming up along the trail, they resemble architecture from some ancient culture.
And, of course, there are views of the Iron River, itself a picturesque and important part of local history.
The course will start east of the river, south of Genesee Street, with the first nine holes on the east side of Apple Blossom Trail. Golfers cross the walking trail to play several more holes, then cross near the railroad arches for two more holes, finishing up on the west side of the trail just south of the RV Park.
Rauhe designed the course with four Par 3 holes, four Par 5 holes and 10 Par 4 holes; and can be played as a nine-hole course or the full 18 holes.
The challenge of the game is in the obstacles and terrain. Farways will be 20- to 40-feet wide, with an average hole length of 200 to 240 feet. Rauhe's plan also plans for the option of tournament play.
the next step in developing the course will be clearing and constructing the tees. The disc golf committee, comprised of members of the Iron County Chamber of Commerce and the community, will also invite experienced golfers to add their input on site.
From the Iron County Reporter:
Disc golf course will be 'no walk in the park' - Wednesday, October 14, 2009
IRON RIVER—As the day progressed, it became apparent to the surveyors and those helping with marking a planned 18-hole disc golf course along the Apple Blossom Trail, that the finished project would provide a challenging experience for its users.
This pleases Michigan State University Landscape Architect Warren Rauhe, who developed the course, with funding through a "Small Town Design Initiative" grant from MSU.
From the start of the project last November, Rauhe was intrigued by the terrain, the natural features and the way they have been shaped by the history of the area, and on Oct. 8, while accompanying surveyors Gary Pisoni and Richard Sloat, who volunteered to measure and mark the course, he was convinced "The Tailings," could be one of the most unique courses in the region, if not beyond.
For example: several holes are played on a thick, vegetation-covered ridge created by the iron ore "tailings," from the mines which were in operation in the area.
This landscape created the deep, cold mine pits, now filled with water, along which several more holes skirt. There are stands of pines and poplars, which golfers will have to navigate in their shots.
Two holes take players near immense stone arches which once held up the train tracks that served the mines. Now, looming up along the trail, they resemble architecture from some ancient culture.
And, of course, there are views of the Iron River, itself a picturesque and important part of local history.
The course will start east of the river, south of Genesee Street, with the first nine holes on the east side of Apple Blossom Trail. Golfers cross the walking trail to play several more holes, then cross near the railroad arches for two more holes, finishing up on the west side of the trail just south of the RV Park.
Rauhe designed the course with four Par 3 holes, four Par 5 holes and 10 Par 4 holes; and can be played as a nine-hole course or the full 18 holes.
The challenge of the game is in the obstacles and terrain. Farways will be 20- to 40-feet wide, with an average hole length of 200 to 240 feet. Rauhe's plan also plans for the option of tournament play.
the next step in developing the course will be clearing and constructing the tees. The disc golf committee, comprised of members of the Iron County Chamber of Commerce and the community, will also invite experienced golfers to add their input on site.
