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Freedom Hills DGC reviews
5
0
Let Freedom Ring 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jan 6, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
(1.562 Rating) A short technical 9 holer.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - For courses I've rated this low, the beauty at Freedom Hills is well above average. Holes (4) thru (9) are all heavily wooded fairways with several views of Bear Creek. On the flipside, holes (1) thru (3) are a bit less appealing with views of baseball fields and associated park buildings.
- CHAINS - Only the second time I've thrown at Patriot baskets. I like them. Wouldn't be my first choice of basket but they are better than many other models. They catch well and look appealing.
- NAVIGATION - Not too bad. There really isn't much in the way of navigational aids while out on the course, but the course map at (1) got me around the two times I questioned my next move. Baskets are clearly numbered as well.
- QUICK PLAY - Like most nine hole courses, this shorty is a quick play. Figure 25 minutes solo and 45 minutes for a group of four.
- NATURAL BEAUTY - For courses I've rated this low, the beauty at Freedom Hills is well above average. Holes (4) thru (9) are all heavily wooded fairways with several views of Bear Creek. On the flipside, holes (1) thru (3) are a bit less appealing with views of baseball fields and associated park buildings.
- CHAINS - Only the second time I've thrown at Patriot baskets. I like them. Wouldn't be my first choice of basket but they are better than many other models. They catch well and look appealing.
- NAVIGATION - Not too bad. There really isn't much in the way of navigational aids while out on the course, but the course map at (1) got me around the two times I questioned my next move. Baskets are clearly numbered as well.
- QUICK PLAY - Like most nine hole courses, this shorty is a quick play. Figure 25 minutes solo and 45 minutes for a group of four.
Cons:
No major flaws with Freedom Hill but there's a bunch of subpar attributes.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - Although six of nine shots play threw some tight woods, putting together a string of birdies will be a common occurrence for advanced players. Players rated around 950 should average around 4 or 5 down, while rec players at 850 should be 1 or 2 over on average.
- LOCATION - To most, this course is kind of located in the middle of nowhere and there are no other courses within a 20 minute drive. Great for the locals however, as it will introduce them to the sport.
- TEES - Crushed brick? That's a new one. It seemed alright to throw on. The issue here is the wood framing that surrounds the surface as it protrudes above the throwing plane.
- CHARACTER - In addition to poor tees, there really aren't any amenities here other than the course map. It appears that course signage is getting ready to be installed but currently it's just a number. There isn't any seating, multi tees, alternate basket placements or a practice basket like that's seen at established courses.
- UNIQUENESS - Not to be confused with shot shaping or shot options, but the hole variety at Freedom Hills is very much well below average. Elevation changes are negligible which begs the question why the course name has "Hills" in it, and no the park isn't this named Freedom Hills Park either. There are no dog legs, par 4s or par 5s. The most that any one hole veers is perhaps 15 degrees depending on which lane is played. The last six of the holes weave threw a heavily wooded canopy, while the first three are relatively open. Water is sort-of in play on several holes, but it would it almost have to be intentional for most players to drop one in with the exception of holes (1) and (2) with a RHBH grip lock.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Despite the short layout, this course is not the most beginner friendly. Way too many trees for arms not adjusted to throwing on a precise line. IMO the first course in a new area should be able to attract beginners but yet keep recreational players challenged, so I question why a few more trees weren't removed. Perhaps they weren't allowed to so.
- PARKING - A gravel parking lot.
- LACK OF CHALLENGE - Although six of nine shots play threw some tight woods, putting together a string of birdies will be a common occurrence for advanced players. Players rated around 950 should average around 4 or 5 down, while rec players at 850 should be 1 or 2 over on average.
- LOCATION - To most, this course is kind of located in the middle of nowhere and there are no other courses within a 20 minute drive. Great for the locals however, as it will introduce them to the sport.
- TEES - Crushed brick? That's a new one. It seemed alright to throw on. The issue here is the wood framing that surrounds the surface as it protrudes above the throwing plane.
- CHARACTER - In addition to poor tees, there really aren't any amenities here other than the course map. It appears that course signage is getting ready to be installed but currently it's just a number. There isn't any seating, multi tees, alternate basket placements or a practice basket like that's seen at established courses.
- UNIQUENESS - Not to be confused with shot shaping or shot options, but the hole variety at Freedom Hills is very much well below average. Elevation changes are negligible which begs the question why the course name has "Hills" in it, and no the park isn't this named Freedom Hills Park either. There are no dog legs, par 4s or par 5s. The most that any one hole veers is perhaps 15 degrees depending on which lane is played. The last six of the holes weave threw a heavily wooded canopy, while the first three are relatively open. Water is sort-of in play on several holes, but it would it almost have to be intentional for most players to drop one in with the exception of holes (1) and (2) with a RHBH grip lock.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - Despite the short layout, this course is not the most beginner friendly. Way too many trees for arms not adjusted to throwing on a precise line. IMO the first course in a new area should be able to attract beginners but yet keep recreational players challenged, so I question why a few more trees weren't removed. Perhaps they weren't allowed to so.
- PARKING - A gravel parking lot.
Other Thoughts:
It's great that the sport has been exposed to another area. There isn't really too much to work with in the small city park space, but the designer managed to squeeze nine holes into a small area that will begin produce new disc golf addicts. If I lived in town, I'd proudly make this course my home and help to continually improve it.
4
0
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Oct 9, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
Pretty setting, and good, new baskets. Tighter/more technical than I expected, at least on the back 6. I also admire the commitment to the minimalist/no-cut concept... but not so much the concept. Creek adds some hazard, I suppose, though only if you kick a tree and fall in.
Cons:
Lack of fairway definition left me scratching my head. Seriously, I believe I can count the trees cut on one hand, though there wasn't, in fairness, terribly thick growth, so maybe this represents an attempt to hold onto what challenge there was. Still, it felt overall like some baskets and tees had just kinda been placed in some thin woods next to the baseball fields - pretty unsatisfying set of holes, without any incentive to play your weaker shots, something fairways could offer.
The tees are not at all one of my favorite things - bad traction when wet, and I mean they're right next to the creek - how often can I expect them to be dry?
The tees are not at all one of my favorite things - bad traction when wet, and I mean they're right next to the creek - how often can I expect them to be dry?
