Arvada, CO

Johnny Roberts DGC - Old Layout

3.355(based on 87 reviews)
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2 3
Dreeley
Experience: 18.4 years 25 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

J. Roberts DGC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 22, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

FUN! This course has many different shots to explore your bag. Some open up, others can be pretty tight and short for putters. Most all of the holes require great accuracy.

Cons:

BUSY! lots of traffic here. Popular communal park behind the cop shop in Arvada. Shorter holes. No long shots here.
Did I mention it's always busy??

Other Thoughts:

Although it is busy, I love playing here. Just bring a couple friends with. It'll make the traffic less noticeable.
Hole variety is awesome, plus multiple pin placements!
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2 2
SensationProductions
Experience: 21.3 years 68 played 7 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 6, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Short technical holes. Slotting channels and keeping your disc in the right place is necessary to avoid the water, but makes it fun. Great for building your short game up and cooling off with a dip to chase your disc in the summer.

Cons:

Super crowded with a small amount of overlapping holes. We were the only ones I heard all day who called fore due to a bad shot. Keep your head on a swivel if you want to avoid a dome shot. As mentioned before, lacks any distance holes that requires a real arm.

Other Thoughts:

There was a guy selling used discs on the course for a good deal, mostly unmarked......
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2 3
Nate
Experience: 2 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 29, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very nice atmosphere. Green grass, trees, etc. The holes provide a great challenge for accuracy. Parking is very close to the first hole, and although there is a stream, its so shallow that discs wont get lost easily.

Cons:

Most of the holes are fairly short, so don't bring your Surge or Katana. The water can get frustrating because a good portion of the holes are right along the stream.

Other Thoughts:

One of the better courses I have played at
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2 6
Big Gun
Experience: 17.4 years 10 played 7 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Shady Denver 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 14, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good tight game. It's a fun coarse. Good shade. Every thing can be birdied or bogeyed

Cons:

It's on a decent sized stream. You won't loose discs so much as you'll spend a chunk of time fishing them out. You can get through with out hitting the water, but to birdie you'll have to get pretty close
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8 1
Freakyjazer
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A favorite 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 23, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Challenging throws on most holes. Great scenary and phenominal atmosphere. The creek is in play on every shot but 1 and 18 but is shallow and slow moving enough to retrieve wet discs (also very clean water compared to other city courses). Can be played in shorts and flip flops (recommended due to the creek). Usually people by the first hole selling discs if you need a replacement for a previously lost or damaged disc.

Cons:

Very crowded. Don't plan on running through the course. Could use a small bridge across the creek halfway down so you don't have to walk to either end of the course to get to the other side.

Other Thoughts:

My favorite city course in the Denver Metro area right now. Good people, good atmosphere. Really works the short game and allows you to experiment with multiple shots/discs.
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6 0
Wise Fool
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.7 years 125 played 118 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Revenge of the Crowds 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 4, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Many of the holes play near the river and several force you to throw over the river (and discs are pretty easy to retrieve from the river
-Many holes require accuracy
-Well-marked, easy to read signs and good course flow
-Nice clean park

Cons:

-Many of the holes play back on each (For example Hole Number 2 throws pretty much directly over the basket of number 1), which can be dangerous and cause congestion waiting for other players to throw
-Hole number 8 basket has been pulled and is gone until further notice
-This park is extremely crowded both with disc golfers and non disc golfers. Course plays right near a skate park and basketball course which can lead to safety issues. Both of these make the park really crowded. ( I swear every middle schooler within 20 miles was hanging out near the skate park
-Many holes cross over sidewalks which with the amount of pedestrian traffic in the park makes some holes frustrating to throw on.
-Most of the holes are relatively short

Other Thoughts:

I enjoy playing this course and every time I play it I have a great time, but it is definitely starting to show its age
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2 2
snwbrdr301
Experience: 14.5 years 19 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great Scenery 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 3, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very nice park, the trees and stream are beautiful. You have to have decent accuracy, a lot of the pins are put in challenging spots. The maps are helpful since a lot of the pins are hidden. A lot of the holes require you to cross the stream which makes for fun and difficult shots. Locals are super friendly, went by myself and joined up with another local.

Cons:

Very crowded. The park was filled with kids playing in the playground and pedestrians around the walkway. A few of the tees are so close to the previous hole's pin that you have to wait for players to drive, or hope you don't hit them.

Other Thoughts:

Great scenery! Tight course makes for some difficult shots but very fun. You have to appreciate the course history. Stream is great for hot days and not too fast so you can easily get a disc out of it. Bring flip flops and shorts for sure.
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3 1
AtomicCEO
Experience: 9 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Nice course in cramped space 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 22, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good layout, fun holes, friendly folks

Cons:

Crowded, missing hole 8 this year for some reason.

Other Thoughts:

This course is kinda short, no really long holes, but great challenge in and around the stream. Wear sandals or flip flops so you can hop in the river to get discs... it will happen. But the river is so nice I don't mind at all.

It's always crowded, groups on top of groups, but I've never met anyone there who was unpleasant so no problems unless you're in a big hurry.

Lots of pedestrians can get in the way, again... don't be in a hurry.

For some reason, hole 8 is closed until further notice. No idea why.

Update: June '11, hole #2 is fenced off for some reason as well, so it's only 16 holes now.
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2 5
Drew Heintz
Experience: 7 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Tha River 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 26, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This is one of my favorite "Non-Rugged" courses. (Rugged being Conifer, HP, Birds Nest). Its got everything from long drive shots, to tight bends around the river. The river is especially nice in the summer when you get too hot, just hop in for a minute. Also with all the trees it make this the prime course for some cool summer discin'. There are a lot of people there but if you like to smoke and drink (like most normal disc golfers do) then it gives you time to relax. This is one of the best courses that Denver has.

Cons:

1. Between the skate park, the basketball court, the walking trail and the park patrons, there are way too many people there.
2. Right by a cop station. They don't care about the drinking so much but you may want to be indiscreet while "medicating".

Other Thoughts:

Everyone said this course was not real long. Really? You can overdrive 5? How about 17? Doubt it. And if you do, you are not an average player. This course definatley uses all the discs.
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2 1
tbush
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Sick course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 19, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Me and my friends went on a three day Colorado tour and colectively we felt this course was the most fun out of about 200 holes. As far as challenging city park courses go this has to be one of the best in Colorado.
- River/stream that runs through the course adds some difficulty, but isn't a disc eater like many of the lakes on other courses.
- Great course for shorts or even flip flops, no need to worry about tall weeds.
- Definitely a technical course that offers lots of variety.
- Overall just a blast, we had a great time and played three times in two days before moving on to other courses.

Cons:

- Can get crowded with lost of players and pedestrians, but if you get there earlier you should be fine. We played during the week and even at night we didn't feel too rushed. My friend did hit another player so beware.
- Short course, few opportunities to really bomb it

Other Thoughts:

Definitely a must play course in colorado. Johnny Roberts, Epic, and Camenisch/Blair Witch are all great park courses!
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7 0
denny ritner
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 26.5 years 170 played 115 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Fun, but dangerous 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 7, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Most of the holes on this short course feature enough danger that even the big dogs are likely to make at least one 4. There are quite a few shots that will make you pucker up with the creek and OB sidewalks.

There is a good variety to the ideal shot shapes and you'll certainly be challenged to pay attention to how you land the disc with many baskets in close proximity to the creek.

The locals I encountered were very friendly.

Good cement to throw from and Mach III's all in good shape.

I'd agree that the course is best described a white level course, but more advanced players can still get a good short game workout here. It definitely will develop shot shaping, distance control and "touch".

Cons:

This is one of the most dangerous courses in existence concerning player and pedestrian safety. The space is way too small to accommodate 18 holes of disc golf and other park users safely. The course gets a lot of play and the park sidewalk has a lot of traffic. It's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt with a disc.

Some of the tee shots require a throw that passes very close to another basket. One or two of the holes put a road very much into play. A house along the 17th fairway has had many boards in its wooden fence replaced due to disc damage. Two of the holes put a basketball court very much into play.

Luck can come into play frequently around the baskets with some good lay-up shots bouncing and/or hitting a root or a rock and then standing up and rolling into the creek.

Other Thoughts:

I very much enjoyed my round at this course, but the dangerous layout detracts greatly from the course rating. There's absolutely no way that I would sign off on a design like that.

Remember: Don't be a dirty disc golfer. If you pack it in, pack it out!
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2 3
bobbeno
Experience: 15.8 years 12 played 12 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 22, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

My second stop on my Denver tour; well-maintained, nice creek running throughout the course, excellent signage, baskets in good shape, beautiful little tight course. Could see myself playing that course daily, being so close my sis's house.

Cons:

White tee lines were slightly fade on some holes; hole 1 was out-of-service due to park improvements. Disc golf courtesy needed with walkers and joggers close by most of the time.

Other Thoughts:

Go early, not crowded; met a nice local that recommended and met me at the Badlands/Blairwitch- see my review on that beast of a course.
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3 7
Blonde Thunder
Experience: 15.4 years 65 played 12 reviews
2.00 star(s)

short and risky 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 25, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

There are decent tee pads
Good baskets
Very nice signs, thanks to the Mile High Disc Golf club, an awesome local disc club.

Cons:

Very short
Didn't like the layout: criss-crossing a river/creek with steep banks. Very easy to ended up in the water even on a good shot. Most holes are placed within feet of a steep dirt slope leading to a river. Discs easily skip and rll down the bank.

Other Thoughts:

I am not sure why so many holes are placed so close to a steep bank leading to a river. The entire course just makes you lay-up over and over. But, to be fair, the course was quite busy so my opinion is probably the minority opinion.
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5 1
drgnslyr221
Experience: 20.7 years 26 played 19 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun little course but watch out for crossing holes. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 30, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Tees.Only one set of tees but they are of very high quality.The current tees make this course of amateur length.An added set of pro tees would be welcome as there were only a few holes that I didn't feel I could reach with a good drive.

Layout.You have to be aware of the other groups with the crossing holes.Other than that this is a very good use of the land at hand.

Signs.Great signs topped only by Beaver ranch out of the courses I've played in Colorado since I moved here a month ago.

fav holes.
1.Great way to start a round that gives you a chance to shake the rust of your throw without much risk.But beware of the creek behind the hole.

5.Fun little hyzer hole or if you dare to throw it between the trees off the tee.

9.Great example of a short hole executed to perfection.Plenty of obstructions of the tee and a creek on three sides of the pin.

15.200 ft carry over a bend in the creek with plenty of trees looking to knock your disc back in the creek.A true risk/reward hole.

Cons:

Not a whole lot of amenities avaible.Very few benches and trash cans.

You have a higher than average chance of getting beaned by a disc here.Namely the 4th,7th,8th,10th,11th,12th and 17.But just keep an eye out and you should be ok.

Very crowded.This is a very popular course and it's best to hit it up early if you can.

The parking lot is a little close to 18.

Other Thoughts:

Fun little course that is more than worth the drive.It is also a great course to take someone just learning with length not being a big factor.
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4 1
lburns13
Experience: 20.4 years 5 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

beautiful sceneries come with a price 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 3, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Park is beautiful. Big trees, a river, green grass. The fall time looks amazing here. Good moderately difficult holes. Not too long. Open fairways.

Cons:

The course is great but the people it attracts arent the greatest. If you want to smoke, get drunk drinking beer, and get hit in the head with a disc then this is a place for you. Mostly it attracts groups who all have beer in their hands. The holes are so close that if you dont know where your going then you are most likely in the line of someone elses shot. Dont expect to stay behind the same group the entire round. people would all of a sudden be putting at the same hole when i was putting. Maybe they just had too much to drink at 3 00 in the afternoon.

Other Thoughts:

The creek is a good but annoying hazard. If your not use to water hazards then be careful. I had my disc role into the river and almost be swept away in the current. And another time it landed in the middle of the river and got stuck. i had some cold wet feet for a time. i would advise playing this course when its really cold out. maybe thatll lose some crowds so the course is better appreciative.
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12 1
Olorin
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 45.5 years 1002 played 118 reviews
3.00 star(s)

A stream runs through it 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 19, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Design
*A nice stream comes into play on 9 holes. To me, this creek is the most outstanding feature of the course.
*Multiple basket placements allow for lots of variety. The layout I played was a mixture of A & B positions.

Basics
*The tee signs are first class. They have a picture, excellent maps the various layouts, and location of the next tees.
*The concrete tees are in good shape.
*Navigation- the course flows well, and there are only a couple of spots where it's not clear where to find the next tee.

Amenities
*There's a very clear map available on DGCR and the Mile High Disc club. Go to http://www.mhdgc.org/courses.php?courseMap=1
*There were lots of benches and trash cans.

*The course is very popular.

Cons:

Terrain
-Many of the holes have only a few scattered trees and were a bit too open for my taste.
-There aren't many elevation changes. In the mixed layout I played 12 were flat, and the greatest elevation change was +5 ft.

Design
-The hole variety is a bit below average, with too many straight shots. The layout I played had 12 Straight/ 4 Left/ 3 Right.

Amenities
-With multiple basket positions it would help if they would put in a way to mark which layout the basket is in.

Other Thoughts:

Course Level = White (most suited for Intermediate players rated 875-925)
The hole lengths were on the short side, but shorter throwers (like me) might not mind that too much. The layout when I played had 5 of 145-199/ 9 of 200-299/ 4 of 300-340.

My favorite hole: 15. A short but challenging tee shot over the creek with plenty of risk vs. reward.

Because the course is so popular so there were tons of people playing on the Sunday I was there.
The course is set in a neighborhood and several of the holes have houses very close by, so it has a "city park" feel. Combine that with all of the players on the course, plus lots of other park users, and you don't really feel like you're out in nature and away from it all.
There were a few safety issues, so be careful in places. (Crossing fairways on 7 & 8, blind drive on 17.)

Overall, my enjoyment factor was above average. The course didn't "Wow" me, but it was a pretty fun round, especially the holes where the stream was in play.

NOTE: Look in the "Links/Files" section for my files with Hole-by-hole evaluations, and a more detailed Overall review. You can also read more of my reviews and rating notes at the Yahoo Group, DG Course Reviews
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1 7
fullturn
Experience: 17.8 years 2 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

short 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 16, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Jonny Roberts granite head stone by tree, say world champion.... nice park. well maintained. Great signs and t pads, well marked. plays through a small creek. ob almost on every hole make it challanging. has a practice basket to put.

Cons:

nothing real long, and lots of people playing always waiting on a group of people.practice basket not straight up and down

Other Thoughts:

was there 4 days and bird every hole but my best was 9 down
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6 0
DUrich
Experience: 17.3 years 8 played 8 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A True Memorial 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 3, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Get out your sandals, cause you might get wet. When I first moved to Denver I remember playing from the steam and loving every minute of it. Now I stay in the fairways. I'd say you really have to have a game where you have to throw both directions. Wether its anheizer or forehand - who cares. You really have to navigate the trees. That's what gets me coming back for more and more....It's got the technical difficulty of a Mt. course in the middle of Denver. If you really want to bomb a drive, there are a couple of holes that might fit your taste, but you better be able to navigate a little. Do some history research on disc sports and you'll find out that Johnny Roberts was a class act back in the hay day when this sport took off. Its a true tribute to him and an inspiration to play his Memorial course every time.

Cons:

Its a short course for the current PDGA standards, but again you've gotta know how to throw around objects. The traffic is an issue, but timing is key in that regard. Give me a Super Class disc any day on this course and I'll have a fun time......I've even seen a few Ultimate players bringin' out their discs for an afternoon of fun.

Other Thoughts:

A top notch course, Mile High Disc Golf does a great job working with the community in all respects with this course. Its no walk in the park, but if you wanna make it that way ..... "no worries" its that as well - just go out and have fun. No T-times, just a little patience and you are in.
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2 0
ibgollie
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.3 years 62 played 31 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Just like olde times 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 27, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Oldest course in CO
-Really fun shots, but it is a birdie course
-Playing through the trees and along the creek requires precision
-Great course to work on your short game

Cons:

-LOTS of ppl play here and it's pretty crowded most of the time. Along with other park users it can be kind of stressful.
-Lots of short holes, but it was designed back when discs only flew as far as modern putters and mid ranges.

Other Thoughts:

I learned to play on this course and then moved to CA 5.5yrs ago. I came back and really wanted to play it to see if it was as fun as I remembered. The good news is that it is still a really fun course. The redesign took away some of my favorite holes, but it was probably necessary due to safety and playability issues. I recommend playing it to anyone going to play in the Denver area, only bring your putter and a midrange and enjoy the course as it was intended to be played.
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1 3
russkins
Experience: 23.4 years 13 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 21, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

If you want to play a course and have a lot of good shots and have FUN then this is your place. Everyhole is a possible ace run. The creek that flows through it is not deep (6-8 in ) so any water shot you can retrieve easily. Sign are very well informed. I stoped in to check it out and ended up playing 3 round in less that 5 hrs.

Cons:

Cop shop right across the street is intimidating for a golfer like me who likes to drink some "aiming fluid", but all is good oncwe you get familiar with the area.
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