GT Bray Park reviews
4
0
mainer76
Experience:
22.9 years
16 played
2 reviews
gt 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 5, 2018
Played the course:once
Pros:
Beautiful trees.
Most holes have a fair fairway.
Very shaded except 6
Hard to lose a disc
Most holes have a fair fairway.
Very shaded except 6
Hard to lose a disc
Cons:
navigation sometimes required the map
Tees are awful and only threw down the middle of them half of the time
Signs were beaten down or missing
I personal don't like seeing several baskets from one spot/tee. From the middle you can probably see half the baskets
Tees are awful and only threw down the middle of them half of the time
Signs were beaten down or missing
I personal don't like seeing several baskets from one spot/tee. From the middle you can probably see half the baskets
Other Thoughts:
after always playing north watertower when in town it was nice to play somewhere new. this course is very beginner friendly and a great par 3 course. i have a noodle arm so it's nice to have a potential birdie on all holes.
It has some memorial holes like 11 but also many that blend together (8,9,10,1 area)
I will be back!
It has some memorial holes like 11 but also many that blend together (8,9,10,1 area)
I will be back!
6
0
Tdelano3
Experience:
37.9 years
41 played
22 reviews
GT Bray DGC 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Feb 18, 2018
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
-decent use of the land available to map out 18 holes
-relatively simple navigation, assuming one prints the map available on the DGCR site
-fair but challenging lines on most holes
-brand new baskets w/highly visible orange collars
-very low likelihood of losing a disc during a round
-relatively simple navigation, assuming one prints the map available on the DGCR site
-fair but challenging lines on most holes
-brand new baskets w/highly visible orange collars
-very low likelihood of losing a disc during a round
Cons:
-rubber tee pads are almost all in need of leveling; concrete would improve this issue
-holes are mostly on the short side (>300 feet), so little chance to really open up
-plastic tee signs have not fared well as this course is in a multi-use park...and they do not give any beta on the holes aside from distance
-there are a few holes where other park guests could be in play due to the layout of the course
-holes are mostly on the short side (>300 feet), so little chance to really open up
-plastic tee signs have not fared well as this course is in a multi-use park...and they do not give any beta on the holes aside from distance
-there are a few holes where other park guests could be in play due to the layout of the course
Other Thoughts:
In town visiting my snowbird mother, and I am stoked that there is finally a legit 18 hole course in Bradenton. Wasn't sure what to expect after reading the recent reviews, but I played there this weekend and there were quite a few groups moving through the course. I agree with the general consensus that concrete tees & improved signs would take this course much closer to a 4 rating; regardless, I have enjoyed getting to know this course and look forward to seeing it evolve!
6
0
DiscMan Walking
Experience:
33.1 years
124 played
9 reviews
Lots of Potential 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Feb 16, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
This is a gorgeous park with lots of land, trees, and bathrooms. The course plays big because it is big!
There are new baskets, lots and lots of trees, several discernible alleys that create a great mix of shots (including rollers - hammers might be a little tight, but still doable). A nice touch that means a lot, each basket has a small arrow underneath pointing you to the next hole - attention to detail with only one minor flaw - you can't find the next tee. I would like to note that the course designer(s) were cognizant of not playing towards shelter houses, play areas, or bathrooms - while this seems to be common sense, I have played courses where this was not the case. They do however have a basket too close to an amphitheater however. With some tweaking and re-numbering this can be a viable destination for beginners to intermediates - pro's may like more challenge. Still and all this course has the bones and the baskets to be a great course.
There are new baskets, lots and lots of trees, several discernible alleys that create a great mix of shots (including rollers - hammers might be a little tight, but still doable). A nice touch that means a lot, each basket has a small arrow underneath pointing you to the next hole - attention to detail with only one minor flaw - you can't find the next tee. I would like to note that the course designer(s) were cognizant of not playing towards shelter houses, play areas, or bathrooms - while this seems to be common sense, I have played courses where this was not the case. They do however have a basket too close to an amphitheater however. With some tweaking and re-numbering this can be a viable destination for beginners to intermediates - pro's may like more challenge. Still and all this course has the bones and the baskets to be a great course.
Cons:
Update - Many of my original complaints have been resolved. However, 5 years later, you still have 2 holes crossing an active driveway. When we played, we had 2 spotters telling you to "go ahead, throw!". Pad to pin was fine, it was just the cars I don't like.
The course has been renumbered so what was #1 is now #4 - good change! At least you start at the parking lot. There is no indication where Hole 1 is, and I had to stop someone to find out. A bulletin board with a large map and area for postings would be helpful.
When they renumbered and rearranged the course you play through #11 and then either walk in front of or behind Pad 1 to get to #12. Not a smooth flow.
Also, after playing hole 4 you walk back up the fairway to get to 5. Again not very intuitive.
And then the finale, you finish #17 and you are kind of stuck? Where's #18? So by guess and by golly you happen upon it while stumbling around. And yes it is a good hole, anhyzer through a double mando, and it ends near the parking area, but was hard to find without help.
Old Review -
Okay - there are many. I will try to be gentle and some of my complaints are rooted in personal preference, some safety, and others common sense.
Lets do the Alpha and Omega thing first. Hole One starts about as far from parking and civilization as you could possibly begin. Right in the middle of the back side of the course. Hole 18 ends far from civilization and no where close to either parking or hole one. The best courses I have played Hole One is close to parking and Hole 18 ends close to parking (or hole One). This just makes sense - convenience is good, you get out and you want to get going, so of course you expect hole One to be right in front of you. This also has to do with a Disc Golf Board to post notices, lost and found and recent articles. Not to mention people wanting to embrace the sport but are reluctant will not be persuaded by hunting for the beginning hole.
Next, not all holes have flags marking the intended tee. I basically invoked the 5 minute rule and triangulation. I found the yellow arrow under the baskets and followed it to a spot where I could see the number plate on the next basket and stopped. I have no idea if this is where I was to throw from, but got tired of searching for the mowed up remains of Home Depot markers. Spray paint on the ground might be a better solution for tee boxes. So this course suffers from the usual start-up problems all new courses have - I just hope that they seek out some locals with that expertise and listen to them. Holes that throw across active (used) streets like Hole 12 should be avoided - I don't care if it is lightly used. The Description lists 15 - 18 on the other side of the bridge - not exactly, 14 - 18 are over there. The yellow arrow on 13 might say "over bridge", that would be helpful. 14 plays okay then 15. A long (probably 600 ft) shot along a very busy street (51st street). Nubes and intermediates might really crank on this and let loose a monster hyser while going for distance - a disc will probably go out into traffic - this is dangerous. Just angle the basket farther to the right than where it sits now. 16 has no tee. Then tee of 17 starts way down a path and over a hill - how would you know? Straight in front of 17 about 150 ft is a basket behind a tree - it's right there! So you throw it and lands two feet from the basket, viola, it's 18!!! Hole 17 is a dog leg right. You can see this when you get almost to your errant shot. Then 18 plays back atop a canal. The day I played it there were soccer goals between the tee and basket. Now I'm all for a challenge, but come on, so I moved it. Then walked clear back down 17 over the bridge and back to my car. My Fit Bit was working over time and I logged my 10k steps that day.
The course has been renumbered so what was #1 is now #4 - good change! At least you start at the parking lot. There is no indication where Hole 1 is, and I had to stop someone to find out. A bulletin board with a large map and area for postings would be helpful.
When they renumbered and rearranged the course you play through #11 and then either walk in front of or behind Pad 1 to get to #12. Not a smooth flow.
Also, after playing hole 4 you walk back up the fairway to get to 5. Again not very intuitive.
And then the finale, you finish #17 and you are kind of stuck? Where's #18? So by guess and by golly you happen upon it while stumbling around. And yes it is a good hole, anhyzer through a double mando, and it ends near the parking area, but was hard to find without help.
Old Review -
Okay - there are many. I will try to be gentle and some of my complaints are rooted in personal preference, some safety, and others common sense.
Lets do the Alpha and Omega thing first. Hole One starts about as far from parking and civilization as you could possibly begin. Right in the middle of the back side of the course. Hole 18 ends far from civilization and no where close to either parking or hole one. The best courses I have played Hole One is close to parking and Hole 18 ends close to parking (or hole One). This just makes sense - convenience is good, you get out and you want to get going, so of course you expect hole One to be right in front of you. This also has to do with a Disc Golf Board to post notices, lost and found and recent articles. Not to mention people wanting to embrace the sport but are reluctant will not be persuaded by hunting for the beginning hole.
Next, not all holes have flags marking the intended tee. I basically invoked the 5 minute rule and triangulation. I found the yellow arrow under the baskets and followed it to a spot where I could see the number plate on the next basket and stopped. I have no idea if this is where I was to throw from, but got tired of searching for the mowed up remains of Home Depot markers. Spray paint on the ground might be a better solution for tee boxes. So this course suffers from the usual start-up problems all new courses have - I just hope that they seek out some locals with that expertise and listen to them. Holes that throw across active (used) streets like Hole 12 should be avoided - I don't care if it is lightly used. The Description lists 15 - 18 on the other side of the bridge - not exactly, 14 - 18 are over there. The yellow arrow on 13 might say "over bridge", that would be helpful. 14 plays okay then 15. A long (probably 600 ft) shot along a very busy street (51st street). Nubes and intermediates might really crank on this and let loose a monster hyser while going for distance - a disc will probably go out into traffic - this is dangerous. Just angle the basket farther to the right than where it sits now. 16 has no tee. Then tee of 17 starts way down a path and over a hill - how would you know? Straight in front of 17 about 150 ft is a basket behind a tree - it's right there! So you throw it and lands two feet from the basket, viola, it's 18!!! Hole 17 is a dog leg right. You can see this when you get almost to your errant shot. Then 18 plays back atop a canal. The day I played it there were soccer goals between the tee and basket. Now I'm all for a challenge, but come on, so I moved it. Then walked clear back down 17 over the bridge and back to my car. My Fit Bit was working over time and I logged my 10k steps that day.
Other Thoughts:
New thoughts:
I would get an aerial view map and mark the course out and look at the flow. Right now it is choppy and unintuitive. Directional Signage would help, but an overall smoothing would be a huge improvement. The two holes over the active driveway wouldn't be allowed in a tournament or condoned by the PDGA.
The course has come a long way in 5 years, but needs some tweaking to make it a really good course. It is a gorgeous park and has a ton of potential.
The course manager/pro should work with the park to get signage made to more easily locate the Disc Golf area once you find the park.
I spent so much time walking around looking for the tee that people were stopping me and asking me if I was playing Pokeman? "No, I'm looking for the tee that is supposed to be there".
There are no mando's- this course could be shaped and made more interesting with a couple of mando's. Crossing active streets and walking paths should be strictly avoided at all costs! Playing alongside a very busy street isn't an if a disc goes into traffic, but a when a disc goes into traffic - it will happen, so it is best to avoid it from the get-go. Disc golf should be an urban friendly sport - all people need to see is the baskets, not discs flying at them on roadways!
Great courses have alternate pin settings and alternate tees - even if they aren't there now, there should be a plan for options and expansion. Hole 11 leaves no options - it crowds tee 12 and starts at a walking path - it should be rethought and redesigned.
The course could easily be renumbered with One starting near parking. Me personally, I would crowd two more holes into the rest of the course some where and get rid of 17 - 18.If 16 became 18 you are right there at the walking bridge heading for your car. There is plenty of space for two more holes. I see this course optimistically - they have a chance right now to effect those changes that will make it a really great course from a so-so course. Actually I loved Hole 10 - signature hole!
I would get an aerial view map and mark the course out and look at the flow. Right now it is choppy and unintuitive. Directional Signage would help, but an overall smoothing would be a huge improvement. The two holes over the active driveway wouldn't be allowed in a tournament or condoned by the PDGA.
The course has come a long way in 5 years, but needs some tweaking to make it a really good course. It is a gorgeous park and has a ton of potential.
The course manager/pro should work with the park to get signage made to more easily locate the Disc Golf area once you find the park.
I spent so much time walking around looking for the tee that people were stopping me and asking me if I was playing Pokeman? "No, I'm looking for the tee that is supposed to be there".
There are no mando's- this course could be shaped and made more interesting with a couple of mando's. Crossing active streets and walking paths should be strictly avoided at all costs! Playing alongside a very busy street isn't an if a disc goes into traffic, but a when a disc goes into traffic - it will happen, so it is best to avoid it from the get-go. Disc golf should be an urban friendly sport - all people need to see is the baskets, not discs flying at them on roadways!
Great courses have alternate pin settings and alternate tees - even if they aren't there now, there should be a plan for options and expansion. Hole 11 leaves no options - it crowds tee 12 and starts at a walking path - it should be rethought and redesigned.
The course could easily be renumbered with One starting near parking. Me personally, I would crowd two more holes into the rest of the course some where and get rid of 17 - 18.If 16 became 18 you are right there at the walking bridge heading for your car. There is plenty of space for two more holes. I see this course optimistically - they have a chance right now to effect those changes that will make it a really great course from a so-so course. Actually I loved Hole 10 - signature hole!
