Elmdale, KS

Clover Cliff Ranch

4.785(based on 9 reviews)
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18 0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.4 years 316 played 304 reviews
5.00 star(s)

"Hole Unplayable Due To Bison"

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 12, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

Basics:
- high quality Dynamic Discs baskets, a Kansas staple
- excellent full color tee signs with maps
- long concrete tees, a little narrow
- beautifully maintained property with incredible scenery

Amenities/Extras:
- really cool cable bridges to cross creeks/ravines
- ample parking
- flags on top of baskets

Course Design/General Thoughts:
- good incorporation of elevation change
- leans more open but also has a few good wooded fairways
- good incorporation of creek as water hazard
- rocky hills make for challenging shots and strenuous terrain
- good variety of hole distances on the longer side
- breathtaking views of Flint Hills region away from civilization
- good incorporation of some low tree ceilings to add variety
- logical flow with variety of shot types necessary

Difficulty/Uniqueness:
- one of the most unique courses I have ever played
- bison are a huge highlight as is the rocky terrain of Flint Hills
- on the longer side with a lot of accurate distance needed
- feeling of this experience is incomparable to any other course
- multiple instances of baskets perched on the edge of dropoffs

Cons:

- bison pies! (I found this endearing but maybe I'm just a weirdo)
- interacting with bison has some obvious safety hazards
- may be too challenging for some players, with only a few holes under 300 ft.
- fairly fixed course with no multiple tees or pin positions
- no practice basket, no garbage cans, benches on the course
- could be extremely tricky on a windy day

Other Thoughts:

THIS is the experience I came to Kansas for. I believe every state has something to offer, and once thought Kansas was one of the most boring, flat states it was possible to visit. I looked for something that spoke to me, and found Clover Cliff Ranch. Flat this course is not. This was one of the highlights of my trip and maybe my 2nd favorite course ever, with over 250 played.

I should mention I love animals so I just about died of delight when I saw bison roaming ON the course. If you don't like animals this may not be the place for you. The bison have tons of land to roam so I felt very fortunate they were in the middle of the course when I arrived a bit before sunrise. This spawned a new experience for me, "hole unplayable due to bison." On hole 3, the herd was blocking the entire fairway. When it became clear the bison were not going to yield the ground to me, I moved off to play hole 13 through the end and came back to hole 3, by which time the herd had moved off.

As others have said, the initial views here are breathtaking, and I strongly encourage arriving right at sunrise for great views and a course to yourself. Note, as this is private and pay to play, it is closed many weekends for weddings, etc. Check in advance before driving out into the middle of nowhere. That said, I can't imagine this course getting very busy given where it is. Despite what I expect is low revenue, the land is very well maintained, and appeared to have recently gone through a controlled burn which made for a cool mix of rocky outcroppings, charred black grass, and fresh green grass. You can't see this just anywhere. Views of the surrounding Flint Hills are amazing and give a true taste of eastern Kansas.

The course itself is so unique, with wobbly bridges over all the creeks/ravines, gates you open and close yourself to keep the bison in, and a ton of good terrain change. The course isn't as steep and hilly as others I played on the trip, but it is deceiving and you will be huffing and puffing a bit on some of the rocky uphill holes. There are trees on several of the holes that give light to moderately wooded shots, plus the water hazard of the creek. The course is challenging but not punishing... on a calm day. I'm glad I wasn't here a day earlier when Kansas had 20 mph winds or this could have been a very frustrating experience.

The equipment here is all top notch. Not much in the way of special amenities, but this course is so unique and such an incredible experience I felt it warranted a perfect 5. Most of my cons are very minor. There ARE bison pies literally everywhere. They probably have 100 of the things and, well, they poop a lot. Do watch where you're stepping as a fresh one of these would envelop your entire foot. Mostly the bison seem to want to mind their own business but obviously keep your distance, disc golfer vs. bison = you lose.

I loved climbing up and down the rocks here and making the high risk throws to baskets perched on the edges of rock outcroppings. You go from feeling like you're in a wooded area to the great plains to rocky mountain foothills all in the matter of a few holes.

While there is no practice basket, I expect most people use hole 18's basket for warmup which is easy enough if the course isn't busy. I felt the course flowed pretty well and was mostly intuitive, though I did consult my map a few times. The addition of some navigation aids wouldn't hurt.

The holes here are longer, with most 300 ft plus, and a few very long. You will need some distance to your game and several holes require multiple drives and are beyond par 3. Some of the par 3s are very challenging as well. You'll need some uphill and downhill control as well as the ability to shape shots around obstacles. In addition, you'll have to contend with dropoffs and rollaway hazards. There are more difficult courses out there but this one does require a fairly complete game.

All said, I can't think of a single negative thought I had during my round here. This course is spectacular and way, way underappreciated due to its location. I drove an extra 3 hours out and back off my main route for this and it was absolutely the right decision. Play this course if at all possible; I haven't found anything in the continental US that compares to it.
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14 0
PastorofMuppets
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 5.4 years 203 played 131 reviews
5.00 star(s)

God's Country

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 25, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

1) Initial impressions are breathtaking. You wouldn't expect a course in the middle of flat nowhere Kansas to be this magnificent. Endless miles of Bison ranch, rock features and outcroppings, meandering creeks, rolling hills and sharp cliffs... I think I took more pictures my first time here than I threw shots. And that was probably before I even got to tee #1.

2) The views of the Flint Hills landscape are not to be understated. So much so I will mention them again. There are multiple tee pads on several of the hills and ridge lines that you will be more than happy to take a break and admire your surroundings. Expect a long round and give yourself plenty of time to truly take in what this course has to offer, it's definitely worth it.

3) In Dynamic Discs backyard so everything you would expect from amenities are on point, large 5' x 12' textured concrete tee pads, large full color tee signs with maps, OB information and intended shot line, new great condition Red White and Blue Veteran baskets.

4) The property has a massive gravel parking lot, port o potties, and water available outside. The site has a massive Ranch style home that can be rented as well. Huge patio area right near Hole #1 tee pad. You feel like you are checking in to a luxury private club.

5) Gorgeous suspension bridges span all of the creeks found throughout the course (limit 1 person on at a time). Go slow, they tend to bob and sway a little if you aren't prepared.

6) Gravel pathways throughout help make course navigation intuitive and easy. Also makes utilizing a cart a little easier through this terrain.

7) Very challenging yet fair mix of distance challenging holes, wonderful use of elevation, the multitude of creeks, and even a moderately wooded section though most of the back nine. Every hole presents a slightly different unique problem than the last and you don't ever feel like you are playing the same hole twice.

8) Too many great holes to pick a true signature hole. Most people will go with Hole #1. The view from atop the world is staggering. This massive downhill Par 3 to an elevated basket on a concrete platform is a hole you'd love to empty your bag on. Protected by a deep and winding creek on the front and left, a beautiful suspension bridge on the right, and two massive trees on the bank of the creek in front of the basket, this hole is as intimidating as it is gorgeous.

9) The Kansas wind changes the difficulty level of this course, and at times, makes it feel like a completely different course. You can play this course one day with 3-5 mph wind and shoot 6 or 7 under as an intermediate player pretty easily, and you could go get lunch and come back and play it in 25 mph wind and shoot +10. The combination of distance, massive elevation changes, and tricky greens is done to perfection here.

10) This is the course I come home and tell my friends about in Emporia, Not Country Club, Not any of the Jones courses, this one. And this is the course I use to try and convince my friends to come to Kansas with me every year before I go.

Cons:

1) It is a massive stretch to find cons, but to be fair, I must. This course is Private and Pay to Play ($10) but well worth it for the experience and views alone.

2) Clover Cliff Ranch is a 30 minute drive from Emporia. There is a wonderful camp ground up on the Marion Reservoir for RV and primitive camping that will put you about 15 minutes from Clover Cliff and 40 minutes from Emporia that we used.

3) Bison Ranch, you may see Bison or "traces" that they were present. Remember, the PDGA doesn't provide casual relief from uhh "relief".

4) Course has tremendous amounts of elevation changes and if you have a hard time navigating hills for 18 holes this course might be a real challenge for you.

Other Thoughts:

Absolute destination course for the beauty and the experience over the challenge. Though McCabe designed this course for the common man and not to be a pro tour course, it gives the feel of walking onto a pro tour course (and being able to play well). There are so many good courses and places to stay in the area as well, it just makes this even more of destination location. When in Emporia, do yourself a favor and visit this course. I don't hardly ever give 5's out when reviewing, because there can always be improvements. And yes this course can be improved, but it's on the same level as Idlewild with less notoriety in my opinion.
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10 0
Breh
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.5 years 193 played 191 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 15, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clover cliff is located on a beautiful bed and breakfast about 35 min outside of emporia...looks worth every penny to stay at. The people were very accommodating. The course itself starts on other side of the bed and breakfast near a gigantic course map and kiosk board. Hole 1 is an amazing downhill shot right out the gate. Throwing over the creek and previewing this great course. McCabe did an amazing job using the land there to craft as beautiful holes as possible. When arriving looks just like wide open field shots but this was not the case. Every hole is great and well placed. Tee signs and veteran baskets are in great shape... as well as the tee pads. Worth the drive from emporia and is a destination course. Scenery here is incredible from wildlife to the creeks and everything between

Cons:

Navigation can be a bit tricky. I got turned around a few times next tee arrows would be great on a few holes out here. Primarily after the hole 7 uphill shot. Few areas were we had to go through gates or over them cause we couldn't find an access trail. The wind can be a huge factor. The bridges are sketchy here 1 person at a time here but thankful for them.

Other Thoughts:

It can get hot bring water. Really cool big longhorn cow when you enter the place shows off what this course is like. Donate your 10 dollars in the donation box and enjoy this great course. One of the best Kansas has had to offer great use of terrain and elevation
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10 0
Bryan.kelly1
Experience: 14.6 years 44 played 9 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Rocky, Hilly, Windy, Scenic, Creative 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 5, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Stunning views of the Flint Hills landscape
-Dynamic Discs Veteran baskets with flags for easy visibility off the tee
-Good use of the land/elevation and creative course design
-Awesome suspension bridges
-Large concrete tees
-Helpful tee signs
-Hanging basket
-Gravel pathways
-Course map near hole 1
-Navigation was never a problem
-Somewhat cart-friendly
-Perfect mix of mostly open, distance-challenging holes and a few wooded holes in the back nine
-Huge parking lot

Cons:

-Pay to play (although very worth the 10 dollars for the experience)
-Heavy winds can come into play but help you to improve your wind game
-30 minute drive from Emporia but definitely worth the commute

Other Thoughts:

Clover Cliff Ranch DGC was a very enjoyable disc golf experience. I played the course in March and it was in great condition. I would imagine the course to be in perfect condition during the fall and winter as well. During my round, I played through some heavy 20 mph winds. However, it helped me to learn how to use wind to my advantage. I traveled an hour and a half to play and I would do it again for this amazing disc golf experience. Huge shout-out to those who made this course possible and continue to maintain this beautiful piece of property.
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12 1
AequitasVeritas
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.9 years 70 played 20 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Dynamically Drastic Disc Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 24, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-DD Veteran Baskets
-Ample Tee pads
-Bridges are awesome
-The views. My goodness.
-Course will challenge your game
-Incredible use of the elevation
-Private

Cons:

-I mean, there's not really anything I can find. Maybe that you have to drive 30 minutes from Emporia? But, it's beyond worth it. Maybe walking up and down hills? lol

Other Thoughts:

I had heard at the 2018 GBO that this was the course to play. I didn't get a chance to then, but it was my first stop in 2019. I instantly regretted not playing it in 2018.

This course is beyond gorgeous. I could sit on hole 1's pad for a while just enjoying the landscape. Then you realize that there's an amazing disc golf course down there. And up there. And over there.

The holes play challenging. You can't really relax on any of the shots as they will all force you out of your comfort zone to score well. I threw about every shot possible on this course, including some I don't throw often. I don't think my smile ever left my face on this course.

If you are ever in the Emporia/Marion area, you simply must play a round here. The owners are so so nice and are loving having the disc golfers there. The minimal $10 is so much less than what the value the course gives you.
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6 6
rjb4392
Experience: 15.8 years 30 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Stunning 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 21, 2019 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

#1 aesthetically pleasing course I have ever played.
Very challenging in the wind. Will make you learn your discs if you don't already know them.
The bones on the baskets is such a simple addition but it makes the course so unique.
The bridges are so cool. The elevation is very unique.

Cons:

Carts are do-able, bag is preferred. With the course being very open on many holes, wind will beat you up.

Other Thoughts:

I wish I lived closer so I could play this course every day.
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24 0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.5 years 562 played 429 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Clover Cliff Comes Correct 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

Clover Cliff Ranch is a terrific course. The setting in the Flint Hills is incredible, and the course installation was really well thought out. The equipment is top notch, with large concrete tees and great signs on all of them. Dynamic Veteran baskets topped with white flags stand out. The bridges and gravel paths are pretty amazing.

This is the 46th course I've played in Kansas, and only a handful have the kind of massive elevation changes you will find here. I would put this in my top 3 courses in the state, along with Longview and Big Hill Lake. Clover Cliff is pretty wide open, but it does have a few wooded holes. I typically prefer wooded courses, but with the giant hills and great layout, this course is still a masterpiece. There is strategy of par 4's and 5's on the longer holes, good birdie opportunities with some short holes, and fair but demanding fairways hole after hole.

I loved the outcropping of the rocks on the ridges. They are at the top of the uphill holes like 3, 7, 9 and 10. My drive on 10 was under a giant boulder. I was able to retrieve it and save par.

I also liked the play over water in front of or behind the baskets on downhill holes like 1, 8 and 11. I was a bit nervous stepping too near to the edge of some of the creekside cutaways, but it was a very cool disc golf landscape.

There are also some really excellent wooded holes and tunnel shots. 6 is a good one down the middle of two clusters of trees, and I was able to get it under the pin for a birdie. The approach on 14 is a really tricky tight line through a bit of a depression with many trees. 16 is a great tunnel fairway. 17 is a tightly wooded drive up a steep hill. Look out for the bee hive on the tree to the right side.

Cons:

There is a herd of cows on the course, maybe 30-40 head. They were courteous enough to step out of the way on hole 4 as I stepped into the tee. By the time I made it to hole 13, they were loitering to the right of that fairway near the first basket. I guess they thought they were in the clear, but I grip locked on the drive and pulled my Orc right into the center of the herd. I hit one of them. It died. Just kidding, it skipped off the back, and no cows were injured or killed during this round.

Cattle means cow pies. No BS. It was on two of the tee pads, but mostly dried. It may wind up on your shoes, your discs, maybe even your scorecard. There was less than I would have thought really.

Several holes are open with no trees, and no shade. They have enough elevation change to still be fun and challenging, but wear sunscreen if there is no cloud cover.

Fee is $10, a fair price if you ask me. There is a pay box at the first tee. I looked around to check in before playing, but I don't think it is necessary. Just park at the top of the hill next to the Pavillion. You will see the sign with the course map and first tee in back.

There is water on a few holes, and tall grass in many places. Keep a close eye when spotting that landing. Throwing second and third shots will be tempting, but I lost a disc that way on the first hole. I nearly lost a disc on hole 11 also, when I turned over an extra drive and it sailed way right. I was stomping around the rough in a grid pattern like I was searching for the lost Malaysian Airline Flight 370. My dog got tired of waiting and pointed it out under a bush after 20 minutes or so.

Other Thoughts:

There are some limitations to the layout, with solo tees and pin locations. This doesn't even bother me, since the spots chosen make for a perfect layout. Hole 18 is a bit of a yawner for the finishing hole, but it takes you back to the parking lot, and there is not a lot of other choice.

I shot a 61, 2 shots over par. I should have done better, but fell apart on the back 9. I was -3 through 11 holes, and took bogeys on 5 of the last 7. It was my third course of the day in 90 degree heat, so I am not going to beat my self up. Definitely the best new course that I was able to visit on Memorial Day. So glad I decided not to drive past it on the way home after playing the two courses in Hutchinson.

If you are anywhere close to here you should think about checking this one out. It was in great shape at the end of May. Dry and the grass was not too tall. Pick a day without too much wind, and overcast skies would be a nice bonus. For the area, it is among the best of the best, and features more fun than difficulty. Walking across the bouncing suspension bridges is almost worth the price of admission on its own.
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7 1
bobmcnelly
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 13.6 years 356 played 203 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 28, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- beautiful location and scenery
- great variety of distances ranging from 200 feet to 600 feet
- great new baskets, tee pads and tee signs
- navigation of this course is easy, never really had to think about where the next tee was
- lots of challenging risk/reward style shots
- great variety of shot types
- tons of elevation change for a Kansas course

Cons:

-very muddy when wet
- pretty rugged for a Kansas course, definitely not cart friendly

Other Thoughts:

This is my favorite course in all of the Emporia area. It reminds me of a Colorado mountain course. It is obvious the owners put a ton of money into this course and it clearly shows.
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12 0
snoho
Experience: 8.5 years 40 played 18 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A must-play while in Emporia 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 29, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

* Stunning location
* Great tee signs
* Long tee pads
* Top quality baskets
* Lots of hole variety
* Manageable for noobs

Cons:

* Some greens can be tough to access
* Not Zuca cart friendly
* Hole 18 is a dull way to end the round
* Bridges can be quite slippery

Other Thoughts:

We played this after GBO was over, based on all the rave reviews we saw in the GBO app and overheard at various GBO events. It did not disappoint.

This is a lovely course set in rolling hills about 30 minutes outside of Emporia. It is absolutely worth the drive. We've played many hilly courses that consist of a downhill hole (fun!) followed by an uphill hole (not fun!) and this course avoids that problem. Yes there are some uphill shots but they never felt insurmountable, even as rec players, and there are only a few that really felt *uphill*.

The tees are all marked and while there are no "next tee" signs the paths are clear enough you don't really need them.

There's enough water around the property to make things interesting. As long as you control your distances and don't totally shank your shot you can play a round without losing any. Of course I shanked a shot and lost one. Doh :)

There are some spots where green access is only available by scrambling down an embankment. Some rock stairs would be useful. Also there are enough "off road" climbs to get to baskets that a Zuca cart will have trouble. This is probably a course to leave the cart in the car.

Definitely recommended. If you're in Emporia to play disc golf this course is easily worth the drive and the $10 fee.
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