So The Katana Kid's review is followed by the Valkyrie Kid's review. Next up can be The Wiz, The Wraith or The Tee Rex! Owner Mark purchased this 13 acre plot in 2014 with the idea of having his own personal course and he surely has accomplished that. Although it seems a million miles away from civilization, the course is only about 20 miles from Escondido. Bordering on the Hellhole Canyon Preserve (Hence the course's name) the rugged property is covered with large boulders, Sages, Manzanita and Lilac bushes with seldom a level piece of ground to be found.

The course has nine or more patio block tee pads and the signs are simple metal ones with just a large number cut out. The baskets consist of several different DGA Mach III's. There is a practice basket near the house. There are alternative baskets for each hole which play anywhere from 10' longer to upwards of 250' and sometimes play like an entirely different hole. There is a nice combination of downhills, uphills, Ace runs and longer bombs on the Alt baskets. I especially liked the two island holes and the baskets set in the large boulders. My favorite hole? I liked # 1 which is a 275/300' downhill toss to baskets set in an old corral with the corral playing like an island. With my weenie arm, I'm seldom a fan of uphill holes but # 9, which is 220' but steeply uphill, and thus plays more like 350' has such a cool basket placement in these large boulders that you gotta love it. It will probably break your heart putting up at it though.

Finding cons here will be tough. I guess that it's a con that it's only open on weekends. You can call Mark and he'll probably join you for a round. Mark is a big Disc Golfer and supporter and has been for years. He hosts two tournaments a year here and serves as a tournament director at several others.

The course if well off the beaten track and can be a little tricky to find. Google maps seem to be lost up in these hills.

Players wanting to really air it out won't have many chances here. The course has recreational distances but hills, OBs, wind and underbrush notch up the challenge.

The July tourney sounds interesting. It's 100 holes in mid-summer which can be quite warm and Gates of Hell is nothing but up and down so be prepared for the physical challenge. Lunch and dinner is provided as well as great prizes and a special prize for anyone that beats Mark. I would have to settle for the eats.

Remember, this is a privately financed course so donations are appreciated and smoking is only permitted on the drive way designated spot.