Lakewood Hills reviews
11
0
Thomashasfun
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
22.8 years
496 played
494 reviews
Very solid public park course
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 12, 2024
Played the course:once
Pros:
Course Infrastructure:
- Way finding/navigating is fairly easy, a few next tee signs in spots where it is tricky. Only looked at the phone a few times the entire round
- The baskets are a mix of older DGA and Prodigy baskets with the big band on top and though they are older they are still in decent shape. One thing to note though is that that are hard to see from the tee pad, especially on the wooded holes
- Two sets of concrete tee pads per hole which are large enough to do the job and didn't feel slick though not textured
- Tee signs give you adequate information and show a few different routes to the holes
Section by section:
- Hole one is the only water carry with a foot bridge traversing the fairway. In the middle of summer though this is dry like when I played here. Tough way to kick off the course but I dig it
- Most of the front up until hole 8 or 9 are more open with rolling hills as elevation with some danger off the fairway
- Holes 9 through 16 is where you get the tight woods and many right to left, left to right shaping fairways with small gaps to hit
- Hole 18 throws off of the top of a large hill to the basket in the grass below, a nice finish to the course
What I enjoyed about this course:
I really like the variety of different throws you need here to score well from tight gaps to longer drivers needing to avoid bunker trees and bushes pushing for the good landing zones to score well. A few par 4 holes out here, a really good more open one and a really punishing tight gap hitting, uphill par 4 that requires precise disc control through the entire shot, not just the first 1/2 or 3/4 or whatever. I found myself throwing discs, lines, and BH/FH/tomahawks, etc. to get out of trouble and also reach greens.
Who is this course for?
I think it challenges lower level amateurs to mid level amateur players. Those above a 950 rating may very well find this course too easy with those below that finding that it challenges their game quite well. I think it's right in line with the majority of disc golfers skill level (we aren't all Paul McBeth sadly) and being in a public park I this the designers nailed that aspect of it and it's worth noting.
- Way finding/navigating is fairly easy, a few next tee signs in spots where it is tricky. Only looked at the phone a few times the entire round
- The baskets are a mix of older DGA and Prodigy baskets with the big band on top and though they are older they are still in decent shape. One thing to note though is that that are hard to see from the tee pad, especially on the wooded holes
- Two sets of concrete tee pads per hole which are large enough to do the job and didn't feel slick though not textured
- Tee signs give you adequate information and show a few different routes to the holes
Section by section:
- Hole one is the only water carry with a foot bridge traversing the fairway. In the middle of summer though this is dry like when I played here. Tough way to kick off the course but I dig it
- Most of the front up until hole 8 or 9 are more open with rolling hills as elevation with some danger off the fairway
- Holes 9 through 16 is where you get the tight woods and many right to left, left to right shaping fairways with small gaps to hit
- Hole 18 throws off of the top of a large hill to the basket in the grass below, a nice finish to the course
What I enjoyed about this course:
I really like the variety of different throws you need here to score well from tight gaps to longer drivers needing to avoid bunker trees and bushes pushing for the good landing zones to score well. A few par 4 holes out here, a really good more open one and a really punishing tight gap hitting, uphill par 4 that requires precise disc control through the entire shot, not just the first 1/2 or 3/4 or whatever. I found myself throwing discs, lines, and BH/FH/tomahawks, etc. to get out of trouble and also reach greens.
Who is this course for?
I think it challenges lower level amateurs to mid level amateur players. Those above a 950 rating may very well find this course too easy with those below that finding that it challenges their game quite well. I think it's right in line with the majority of disc golfers skill level (we aren't all Paul McBeth sadly) and being in a public park I this the designers nailed that aspect of it and it's worth noting.
Cons:
Vandalism:
There is a lot of graffiti and vandalism, trash, etc. here. The wooded holes especially have spray paint on trees which is always an eye sore to me. There are benches near tee pads which all have some sort of crude writing on them. A few spots I was a bit off the fairway and had to tip toe around broken glass, old tires, etc. which is really sad. Not all of it is from disc golfers but some of it is which raises a question I ask a lot and that is why can't we take better care of these courses we have been gifted?
Challenge:
Although there are some longer holes out here that are par 4 holes, none of them are super challenging for very good players. Like I said those rated over 950 may find it too easy and even those in the 900+ category who play here many times may get to the point that they figure out each hole too well. There also isn't any really big bomber holes for those who have big arms.
There is a lot of graffiti and vandalism, trash, etc. here. The wooded holes especially have spray paint on trees which is always an eye sore to me. There are benches near tee pads which all have some sort of crude writing on them. A few spots I was a bit off the fairway and had to tip toe around broken glass, old tires, etc. which is really sad. Not all of it is from disc golfers but some of it is which raises a question I ask a lot and that is why can't we take better care of these courses we have been gifted?
Challenge:
Although there are some longer holes out here that are par 4 holes, none of them are super challenging for very good players. Like I said those rated over 950 may find it too easy and even those in the 900+ category who play here many times may get to the point that they figure out each hole too well. There also isn't any really big bomber holes for those who have big arms.
Other Thoughts:
I hadn't done any research on this course before I showed up, we are just looking for courses to bag and were in the area when we saw this one had decent scores and went to play it. Judging it from the parking lot I didn't think I would get this solid of course. Glad I played this one, was a really fun one for my skill level and I always enjoy trying to hit small gaps and interesting landing zones. If you want to play something solid with elevation and trees, good variety, this is a good one.
11
0
Not my cup of tea, but undeniably good drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 2, 2024
Played the course:once
Pros:
--Technically demanding
--Rewards but doesn't demand bomber distance
--Good mixture of tight tunnels and more open holes with elevation challenges.
--Rewards but doesn't demand bomber distance
--Good mixture of tight tunnels and more open holes with elevation challenges.
Cons:
I found the layout a little wonky. There is a long walk from 3 to 4, and a somewhat confusing one from 8 to 9. There's an extra basket out near 10, and I think we probably didn't end up the hole as intended.
Other Thoughts:
Without a doubt this is a good course, but I don't think I caught it at its best.
The long pond/swamp cross on #1 crosses a completely dry valley at this point. I would like to see this hole as intended, but more frequent droughts may portend that this is a new normal. There are still plenty of trees to tangle with near tee and green, but the water causeway now rises about 3 ft over a field of of grass. The next seven holes wind through somewhat open/somewhat wooded field in parallel fashion. It's easy to get knocked down by the trees on each of these, so a well crafted shot is in order, but you do have options on routes.
9 through 16 are much more in the woods, and tend to reward gap hitting and longer, very straight shots. #10 is a longer version of the others with a massive tree forcing you to throw your tee shot anywhere but straight down the middle. Someone has spray-painted "651" on the trunk in large red letters, an homage either to the area code, or more likely the number of times that tree gets hit in an average day. I half-expected a counter to somehow roll to "652" after my tee shot sent my fairway driver whimpering back to its slot in my bag.
To me, the epic woods hole is #16, where the key to success is throwing across a ravine, puncturing a line of trees and landing on the flat on the other side, hoping for a very possible rolling finish down a hill to the right. It's tough in the leafless spring, and I imagine brutal in the summer.
The course finishes with an uphill/sidehill #17, and a "throw down the mountain" type short 18th--the sort you'll easily par with almost any tee shot, but birdie is an accomplishment.
Though well within range from my house, I don't see myself returning here very often. In the same general area and slightly closer for me, I prefer Bethel University and Acorn Park--two very different courses. This is probably a matter of taste, and I can easily imagine someone else seeing it otherwise. The hypothetical course bagger wanting to play 10 courses in the Twin Cities area might want to know if Lakewood Hills should be on that list. Maybe? I don't know. I personally would put it somewhere in the top 11-20.
The long pond/swamp cross on #1 crosses a completely dry valley at this point. I would like to see this hole as intended, but more frequent droughts may portend that this is a new normal. There are still plenty of trees to tangle with near tee and green, but the water causeway now rises about 3 ft over a field of of grass. The next seven holes wind through somewhat open/somewhat wooded field in parallel fashion. It's easy to get knocked down by the trees on each of these, so a well crafted shot is in order, but you do have options on routes.
9 through 16 are much more in the woods, and tend to reward gap hitting and longer, very straight shots. #10 is a longer version of the others with a massive tree forcing you to throw your tee shot anywhere but straight down the middle. Someone has spray-painted "651" on the trunk in large red letters, an homage either to the area code, or more likely the number of times that tree gets hit in an average day. I half-expected a counter to somehow roll to "652" after my tee shot sent my fairway driver whimpering back to its slot in my bag.
To me, the epic woods hole is #16, where the key to success is throwing across a ravine, puncturing a line of trees and landing on the flat on the other side, hoping for a very possible rolling finish down a hill to the right. It's tough in the leafless spring, and I imagine brutal in the summer.
The course finishes with an uphill/sidehill #17, and a "throw down the mountain" type short 18th--the sort you'll easily par with almost any tee shot, but birdie is an accomplishment.
Though well within range from my house, I don't see myself returning here very often. In the same general area and slightly closer for me, I prefer Bethel University and Acorn Park--two very different courses. This is probably a matter of taste, and I can easily imagine someone else seeing it otherwise. The hypothetical course bagger wanting to play 10 courses in the Twin Cities area might want to know if Lakewood Hills should be on that list. Maybe? I don't know. I personally would put it somewhere in the top 11-20.
16
0
Wow 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 8, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
There is no real "low point" of this course. It could be hole 11, but even that is a semi-tough tee shot. You've got thick woods, you've got elevation change, you've got right-to-left, left-to-right, ace runs, very legit two-shot holes... just amazing.
Navigation is excellent! The ones that are harder to find have "next tee" signs behind the basket. and where the paths to 6 and 9 cross the signs note which one is which way.
2-8 and 17-18 are amazing with their elevation (17 and 18 are absolutely iconic holes you'll never forget playing).
9-10 and 12-16 are incredible wooded holes. Not a ton of chance at losing a disc but still tend toward the tough side.
Most holes have multiple tees, opening up this course to more players.
Navigation is excellent! The ones that are harder to find have "next tee" signs behind the basket. and where the paths to 6 and 9 cross the signs note which one is which way.
2-8 and 17-18 are amazing with their elevation (17 and 18 are absolutely iconic holes you'll never forget playing).
9-10 and 12-16 are incredible wooded holes. Not a ton of chance at losing a disc but still tend toward the tough side.
Most holes have multiple tees, opening up this course to more players.
Cons:
The distance variance isn't very much... except for the three 600'+ holes. It is good to have those holes, and the green on 10 is superb. However, when everything else is under 400' these monster two-shot holes feel out of place. I know you could play the short pads on these holes but... come on, really?
Hole 1 is a water bomber that you have to nail or finish left on, otherwise your disc is with the fish. I was lucky to finish left but if your disc flips up and you don't have the power to hit 275' yet, say goodbye. But apart from 1 the water is inoffensive.
Hole 18 does have a walking path behind the basket, and it's close enough that you could wipe someone out with a gliding mid-range shot.
Hole 1 is a water bomber that you have to nail or finish left on, otherwise your disc is with the fish. I was lucky to finish left but if your disc flips up and you don't have the power to hit 275' yet, say goodbye. But apart from 1 the water is inoffensive.
Hole 18 does have a walking path behind the basket, and it's close enough that you could wipe someone out with a gliding mid-range shot.
Other Thoughts:
Lakewood Hills had my number on my visit, but on a good day par isn't out of the question. There are several birdie opportunities, and some tough pars (8, 10, 16). The wooded holes present some holes with choices and some where you've got to nail your line. Combine this with some iconic open holes and you have one of the best free-to-play courses in the twin cities!
13
0
Park Disc Golf at its Best 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 27, 2020
Played the course:once
Pros:
- This course has everything: Forehand/backhand mix, true wooded technical holes, open holes, elevation changes, water hazards, shorter holes, longer holes, mandos... it's pretty much got it all.
- Approachable for all levels but definitely will challenge you. There's a few true par 4s on this course and the birdies won't come easy but it will be fun.
- Nice concrete teepads and mulched circles at every basket which I really like.
- Navigation was flawless, signage pointing you to the next hole
- Teesigns were good, show basket locations and distance.
- Multiple teepads at every hole helps appeal to all levels, especially if you don't want to risk a disc on hole 1 for example, or can't quite bomb it 550 ft through the woods like on hole 10.
- The layout/use of space is phenomenal - you'll think this is a disc only park for the fist 16 holes or so, but it isn't. That's how little it interferes with the rest of the park.
- It's free
- Approachable for all levels but definitely will challenge you. There's a few true par 4s on this course and the birdies won't come easy but it will be fun.
- Nice concrete teepads and mulched circles at every basket which I really like.
- Navigation was flawless, signage pointing you to the next hole
- Teesigns were good, show basket locations and distance.
- Multiple teepads at every hole helps appeal to all levels, especially if you don't want to risk a disc on hole 1 for example, or can't quite bomb it 550 ft through the woods like on hole 10.
- The layout/use of space is phenomenal - you'll think this is a disc only park for the fist 16 holes or so, but it isn't. That's how little it interferes with the rest of the park.
- It's free
Cons:
The cons are comparatively minor but:
- I noticed some trash on the course despite there being a decent amount of trashcans on the course.
- Graffiti on the teesigns and benches
- A few nasty spots to lose a disc - the water hazards are really more nasty swamp water that I would not wade into over a disc. This is mitigated by the short teepads which usually allow you to avoid the risk if you wish.
- Can be buggy on the woods holes in the summer but hard to fault the course for that.
- Can be crowded and may include instances of white dudes blaring Post Malone on a portable speaker
- I noticed some trash on the course despite there being a decent amount of trashcans on the course.
- Graffiti on the teesigns and benches
- A few nasty spots to lose a disc - the water hazards are really more nasty swamp water that I would not wade into over a disc. This is mitigated by the short teepads which usually allow you to avoid the risk if you wish.
- Can be buggy on the woods holes in the summer but hard to fault the course for that.
- Can be crowded and may include instances of white dudes blaring Post Malone on a portable speaker
Other Thoughts:
Someone who's played many courses throughout the country told me prior to my playing this course that it was, in his opinion, one of the best mixed use public park disc golf courses in the country. In my more limited experience, it's hard to disagree with that assessment. It's kind of insane that this is a free course and honestly I would be willing to pay to ensure it stays maintained and clean up the few (minor) cons listed above. It would be a real shame if this course was ever allowed to slip into disrepair. It truly had a mix of everything you would want on a disc golf course. Hole 1 starts out with a bang and it never slows down. Some absolutely gorgeous holes mixed in, but none that felt gimmicky. I listed several cons, but honestly they are pretty minor. I pondered a 4.0 grade based on the number of cons I listed, but honestly the fun factor made me stay at 4.5. Basically anything better and you're looking at destination courses and dedicated disc golf complexes. The fact that this is a free, mixed use public park is pretty amazing. I will absolutely be back.
9
0
2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 25, 2019
Played the course:once
Pros:
Amazing free course that offers a lot of cool shots. Hole 1 is a 300 foot around 275 iconic shot over the water with a nice bridge taking you through the water fairway. Long and short tee pads on almost every hole. Great tee signs showing you distance and the basket placement. Nice baskets and bark chip greens wish every course had nice landing areas by basket. Good mix of forehand/backhand shots. Good elevation change hole 18 is a great downhill shot after playing uphill on 17. Overall fun course for all with begginers using the short pads they can still have a good time
Cons:
Bugs our pretty bad but I feel that's almost any course you play in the summertime in Minnesota. Chance at losing disc in the lake or woods is a high possibility if not paying close attention
Other Thoughts:
I actually really enjoyed this course and found it better than most pay to plays in Minnesota. It's pretty well upkept and worth the play
2
9
mmcfly101
Experience:
17 played
16 reviews
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:May 24, 2018
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
Beautiful course located in the woods around a park. Cement tees, well kept, landscaped.
The course layout is excellent with a wide variety of shots.
The course layout is excellent with a wide variety of shots.
Cons:
I really can't think of anything I didn't like about this course. It was very busy one of the times I played, probably because the course rocks!
Other Thoughts:
My new favorite course in the Twin cities area.
3
4
Flanakookn
Experience:
8.3 years
17 played
11 reviews
Why do you vex me so? 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 16, 2017
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
Multi-tee per hole (most). Tee boxes and pins in good condition.
Some very fun shots
Technical holes plus some grip and rip holes.
Some very fun shots
Technical holes plus some grip and rip holes.
Cons:
Deep woods on half the course.
If you're off the fairway you're going to spend some time looking for your disc in the long grass and big trees.
I personally have lost more discs here that any other course.
Watch out for the unlabeled bog/pond at the bottom of the hill of to the left on hole #12
If you're off the fairway you're going to spend some time looking for your disc in the long grass and big trees.
I personally have lost more discs here that any other course.
Watch out for the unlabeled bog/pond at the bottom of the hill of to the left on hole #12
Other Thoughts:
Definitely not a course for newbies, some holes are a bit long. I personally have never "pared" this course...not that I'm a great player, it's just a more difficult course (at least for me)
3
3
dohmenator
Experience:
14.6 years
23 played
7 reviews
Incredible for a Free-18 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 20, 2017
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Free 18 holes, need I say more?
- TONS of variety shots (Luxury of having 18)
- Very well kept
- Concrete tee pads
- Quite a bit of elevation play
- TONS of variety shots (Luxury of having 18)
- Very well kept
- Concrete tee pads
- Quite a bit of elevation play
Cons:
- Quite busy
- Pretty buggy
- Pretty buggy
Other Thoughts:
Really nothing that bad about this course. Super well done. I will absolutely be coming back regularly.
3
3
Bitter Mouse
Experience:
29.4 years
92 played
14 reviews
Fun free course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Aug 19, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
One of the best free courses I have played. A good variety of holes, elevation and a bit of water, combined with long, short and medium holes.
Some challenging holes and a few ace opportunities.
Some challenging holes and a few ace opportunities.
Cons:
The course is not super compact and doesn't flow quite as well as great courses do, with a couple holes requiring a fair walk to go from basket to the next pad.
2
1
C.M.L.J.
Experience:
5 played
3 reviews
Very Fun Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 21, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
-This Course has a great design and it's very fun to play at.
-Great Wooded area and Open field tees it also has a uphill tee that are at 17 and 18.
- Benchs and garbage cans around almost every tee.
- 3 Par fours
- well maintained course
-Great Wooded area and Open field tees it also has a uphill tee that are at 17 and 18.
- Benchs and garbage cans around almost every tee.
- 3 Par fours
- well maintained course
Cons:
- Can get crowded in the summer.
- High school track team run on the course some times.
- Can get very muddy.
- hole 1 can be a pretty bad water hazard after rainfall.
- High school track team run on the course some times.
- Can get very muddy.
- hole 1 can be a pretty bad water hazard after rainfall.
Other Thoughts:
It's a great free course I would put it on the top 10 in Minnesota.
2
2
mjz22
Experience:
19.4 years
9 played
9 reviews
Championship Course!! 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Apr 6, 2016
Played the course:once
Pros:
FUN!! Challenging with great variety of different approaches, distances, obstacles, and elevations. Excellent course design!!
Cons:
crowded (what else can you expect from an awesome course that's FREE), quite a few golfers on this course could learn some golfing etiquette (taking 3 mulligans at the tee when you have two groups standing right behind you waiting)
Other Thoughts:
I would sure love to try this course again - hopefully it won't be as crowded.
6
0
Hazard
Experience:
11.6 years
37 played
12 reviews
Great Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Mar 15, 2016
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
1. The course area is quite large with a wide variety of holes, from open field holes, to holes in the woods along with different levels of elevation.
2. Long concrete tee pads. Long and short available on most holes.
3. Baskets are in good shape.
4. Relatively easy to find your way from hole to hole.
5. Course is maintained well.
6. Lots of parking.
7. Tee signs that show you the lay out of the hole are pretty accurate.
8. Trash cans and benches at most holes.
9. Close to the Twin Cities.
2. Long concrete tee pads. Long and short available on most holes.
3. Baskets are in good shape.
4. Relatively easy to find your way from hole to hole.
5. Course is maintained well.
6. Lots of parking.
7. Tee signs that show you the lay out of the hole are pretty accurate.
8. Trash cans and benches at most holes.
9. Close to the Twin Cities.
Cons:
1. Course is usually busy on nice days.
2. During the summer they have lots of baseball games there, so parking on those days might be difficult.
3. During the summer and fall there is a lot of foliage off the fair way, so it may be hard to find your disks if you have a bad throw.
2. During the summer they have lots of baseball games there, so parking on those days might be difficult.
3. During the summer and fall there is a lot of foliage off the fair way, so it may be hard to find your disks if you have a bad throw.
Other Thoughts:
Overall this is a great course for Intermediary players. The mixture of open fairways, the woods and changes in elevation makes you have to think about the throws you make. If you are in the twin cities and are looking for a course to play, this wouldn't be a bad one to hit. Hole #18 has you throwing from atop a large hill to a basket down below, which is a great way to end such a great course.
8
0
Stardoggy
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience:
13.3 years
1038 played
214 reviews
Extremely fun and challenging course 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Sep 12, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
18 hole course in a multi use park in St. Paul.
Discraft Chainstar baskets, all in good repair, and caught well. No issues here. One pin position per hole.
Concrete tee pads on every hole. Two tees per hole (on most holes). Some were showing some wear, but they were generally long and grippy, and played well.
Lots of up and down here. Not severe elevation, but enough to make you change up shots. Ends with a really nice ski hill type Top Of The World shot.
Lots of nice signage, and tons of "Next Tee" type signs made navigation here extremely easy.
Wonderful diversity of shots here. I don't often use the phrase in reviews, but you definitely have the opportunity to "use every disc in your bag" here. From short, technical 200' holes, up to long 500' legit par 4's...and everything in between. Even the open holes tended to have some sort of challenge. An excellent job was done to avoid repetitive holes, as well.
Free to play! With so many great P2P courses in the area, it's a bit surprising this is free, at least for now. Plenty of parking, as well...and brick and mortar bathrooms to boot.
Discraft Chainstar baskets, all in good repair, and caught well. No issues here. One pin position per hole.
Concrete tee pads on every hole. Two tees per hole (on most holes). Some were showing some wear, but they were generally long and grippy, and played well.
Lots of up and down here. Not severe elevation, but enough to make you change up shots. Ends with a really nice ski hill type Top Of The World shot.
Lots of nice signage, and tons of "Next Tee" type signs made navigation here extremely easy.
Wonderful diversity of shots here. I don't often use the phrase in reviews, but you definitely have the opportunity to "use every disc in your bag" here. From short, technical 200' holes, up to long 500' legit par 4's...and everything in between. Even the open holes tended to have some sort of challenge. An excellent job was done to avoid repetitive holes, as well.
Free to play! With so many great P2P courses in the area, it's a bit surprising this is free, at least for now. Plenty of parking, as well...and brick and mortar bathrooms to boot.
Cons:
No water. Not a biggie, IMO, but worth mentioning.
Only one pin position per hole isn't great, and there seemed to be options, for at least a large amount of the holes.
As mentioned above, some of the tee pads could use some cleanup.
Only one pin position per hole isn't great, and there seemed to be options, for at least a large amount of the holes.
As mentioned above, some of the tee pads could use some cleanup.
Other Thoughts:
Based on some of the standalone features, this course would usually rate a 4.0 by my standards...but sometimes you walk away from a course with a giant smile on your face, and it just feels good. Lakewood was that sort of place for me. As an Int player that throws around 350-370', I had an absolute blast here. From what we were told, they've done a ton of work here (see: long wooden bridge on hole 1), and it shows.
This was definitely the biggest surprise of our weekend in the Twin Cities, and if I get back, I'm definitely playing it again. Don't let the current rating fool you...this is a gem.
This was definitely the biggest surprise of our weekend in the Twin Cities, and if I get back, I'm definitely playing it again. Don't let the current rating fool you...this is a gem.
2
2
Freshbread
Experience:
13.4 years
33 played
5 reviews
Excellent course. 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 27, 2015
Played the course:once
Pros:
Consistent teepads. My first time playing the course was met with excellent signage for hole information and where the next tee box is located.
The difference from the front 9 to the back 9 is amazing. Open shots on the front and tree punishment on the back 9.
Elevation changes were nice to see compared to flat courses.
The difference from the front 9 to the back 9 is amazing. Open shots on the front and tree punishment on the back 9.
Elevation changes were nice to see compared to flat courses.
Cons:
Trash in some areas, but typical of a free to play course.
Other Thoughts:
A lot of people playing today, which is nice to see.
11
0
joelwpg
Experience:
15.6 years
92 played
21 reviews
Winter Review 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Nov 17, 2014
Played the course:2-4 times
Pros:
-This review was based on 2 winter rounds so the first pro i will list is shoveled tees! I play a lot in the winter and have huge respect for those who shovel tees at their local courses!
-Very easy to find with just a quick read of the directions on this site.
-Great course map, both on site and online.
-Long and short tees on every hole.
-Nice tee pads, great baskets.
-Beautiful course design! One of the best "balanced" courses i have ever played. *It does not favor Lefty's or Righty's. I found myself using forehand and backhand equally. .*Great pin placements meant even most approaches seem to have both options. *About half the holes were more open and half more technical through the woods.*A good mix of longer and shorter holes, and excellent use of elevation.
-Even under a layer of snow it was easy to see the level of landscaping that had gone into this course. Very impressive for a non pay-to-play.
-Very easy to find with just a quick read of the directions on this site.
-Great course map, both on site and online.
-Long and short tees on every hole.
-Nice tee pads, great baskets.
-Beautiful course design! One of the best "balanced" courses i have ever played. *It does not favor Lefty's or Righty's. I found myself using forehand and backhand equally. .*Great pin placements meant even most approaches seem to have both options. *About half the holes were more open and half more technical through the woods.*A good mix of longer and shorter holes, and excellent use of elevation.
-Even under a layer of snow it was easy to see the level of landscaping that had gone into this course. Very impressive for a non pay-to-play.
Cons:
-Not much in the con department from what i saw.
-I had come map in hand due to previous reviews mentioning this course could be hard to follow. I can say that those reviews must be a little old or i was just lucky to come play after they had installed a great network of "Next Tee" signs. Navigation was easy.
-Hole 17 could be a challenge in the winter, it being a nicely polished toboggan hill. Besides potential tobogganing traffic...just hope your drive or approach shots don't flip upside down and slowly slide ALL the way down the hill. (like mine did)
-I had come map in hand due to previous reviews mentioning this course could be hard to follow. I can say that those reviews must be a little old or i was just lucky to come play after they had installed a great network of "Next Tee" signs. Navigation was easy.
-Hole 17 could be a challenge in the winter, it being a nicely polished toboggan hill. Besides potential tobogganing traffic...just hope your drive or approach shots don't flip upside down and slowly slide ALL the way down the hill. (like mine did
)Other Thoughts:
This course was very challenging yet still very inviting. It will challenge even the best of players, and with the short tee option, shouldn't intimidate newer or intermediate ones. It was such a beautiful course that i would happily spend entire days here if i lived in the area. Maybe the best non p-t-p course i have played but will reserve that judgement until i come back in the summer.
**For now i would say the locals here are lucky, and this is a great place to get your fix or keep up your skills during the winter!
**For now i would say the locals here are lucky, and this is a great place to get your fix or keep up your skills during the winter!
8
0
Blaaaake77
Experience:
13.6 years
47 played
15 reviews
2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jun 18, 2014
Played the course:once
Pros:
- A free 18 hole course what more can ya really ask for?
- This course is well maintained, grass in the rough is about knee high which made it a pain to find a few discs off some bad drives. (My fault obviously)
- Lots of elevation changes, some great landscaping all along the course was great to see.
- Wasn't very crowded today, a good amount of groups were both in front and behind me but I didn't have to wait very long to tee off when I caught up to the group in front of me, which was nice to get a quick 18 in after work.
- Some of the best tee pads I have seen for a free course, extra padding around the pads for your follow through.
- Some very challenging holes, at least for me on this course which made it fun to play on!
- Front 9 were on rolling hills and nice and open to soak up the sun before you head to the back 9 that run through the woods.
- A few nice ace runs throughout the back 9, came close to nailing 2 of them, but took a birdie instead!
- Huge skatepark at this park as well, for those of you who skate, it looked pretty flooded today, so I am not sure if they really manage the skatepark as much!
- Very easy to find right off 694 and White Bear Ave.
- This course is well maintained, grass in the rough is about knee high which made it a pain to find a few discs off some bad drives. (My fault obviously)
- Lots of elevation changes, some great landscaping all along the course was great to see.
- Wasn't very crowded today, a good amount of groups were both in front and behind me but I didn't have to wait very long to tee off when I caught up to the group in front of me, which was nice to get a quick 18 in after work.
- Some of the best tee pads I have seen for a free course, extra padding around the pads for your follow through.
- Some very challenging holes, at least for me on this course which made it fun to play on!
- Front 9 were on rolling hills and nice and open to soak up the sun before you head to the back 9 that run through the woods.
- A few nice ace runs throughout the back 9, came close to nailing 2 of them, but took a birdie instead!
- Huge skatepark at this park as well, for those of you who skate, it looked pretty flooded today, so I am not sure if they really manage the skatepark as much!
- Very easy to find right off 694 and White Bear Ave.
Cons:
- If your going to play this course, make sure you bring bug spray, once I hit hole 3 it started to get buggy and didn't let up whatsoever, once I got to the back 9 it was miserable, bugs all over the place, hard to focus on your shot when your ankles are getting bit up left and right
- Very confusing layout if it's your first time out, I got lost after hole 3 and couldn't find hole 4 till I ran into someone coming to play hole 2, needed to ask where the hell is hole 4?
- Was a little flooded on some holes that don't always have water, but we have had a good amount of rain the past few weeks.
- A lot of walking paths cut right through the fairways, which was a pain had a ton of walkers that I needed to wait on to get through so I could throw.
- Very confusing layout if it's your first time out, I got lost after hole 3 and couldn't find hole 4 till I ran into someone coming to play hole 2, needed to ask where the hell is hole 4?
- Was a little flooded on some holes that don't always have water, but we have had a good amount of rain the past few weeks.
- A lot of walking paths cut right through the fairways, which was a pain had a ton of walkers that I needed to wait on to get through so I could throw.
Other Thoughts:
- Some signage directing you to the next hole would be nice besides just on the tee pads of previous holes, quite confusing layout.
- Fairways were nicely cut at normal grass length, but edges were rough, maybe spend a little extra time and cut those down a bit, can be a pain looking for a disc in that, with all the blind holes!
- Other than that I couldn't complain to much, hopefully I will get back out there for the league they have every Sunday!
- I will defiantly play this course again and again, just a little bit of a drive for me.
- Fairways were nicely cut at normal grass length, but edges were rough, maybe spend a little extra time and cut those down a bit, can be a pain looking for a disc in that, with all the blind holes!
- Other than that I couldn't complain to much, hopefully I will get back out there for the league they have every Sunday!
- I will defiantly play this course again and again, just a little bit of a drive for me.
6
0
krupicmd
Experience:
5 played
5 reviews
A great city course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 20, 2013
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
I started playing this course when it was a 12 hole course. More holes were put in to make this a full 18 hole course and improvements are still continuing to be made on this course- very nice to see.
The course itself has a good mix of long, challenging holes, some shorter technical holes, and a couple ace runs- still tough to get- #12 and #14 (other holes can be aced, but these two are the easiest to). The course is mixed with about half of the holes tighter and in the woods, and the other half more open. There are 3 legit par 4s (#7, #8, #10)- even pros can't get in putting range from the 1st shot. Water comes into play on holes #1 and #12 and (pending the amount of recent precipitation) #10.
The course does not favor a forehand thrower or backhand thrower- if you have both shots, you will use them equally. A few holes have varying relief- mainly #18 and #17.
There are a couple bomber holes on this course- 400+ ft holes that are fairly open, but placement is still important for your approach shot. The course is unique, and there are still holes I haven't figured out after playing the course 20+ times.
Signature Hole- #18 -big downhill shot from atop a mound- 325 ft- perfect finishing hole
Tee pads- nice big tee pads, with padding off the tee pad for your follow through- I haven't seen this on any other course. It's nice.
Great maintenance and work put into the course- I wish all courses were similar in this regard. And this isn't even a pay-to-play course.
Landscaping- Rock landscaping around some of the pins and tee pads- woodchips on most greens with a 10 m circle cut around the pins on the holes- also a huge plus.
The course itself has a good mix of long, challenging holes, some shorter technical holes, and a couple ace runs- still tough to get- #12 and #14 (other holes can be aced, but these two are the easiest to). The course is mixed with about half of the holes tighter and in the woods, and the other half more open. There are 3 legit par 4s (#7, #8, #10)- even pros can't get in putting range from the 1st shot. Water comes into play on holes #1 and #12 and (pending the amount of recent precipitation) #10.
The course does not favor a forehand thrower or backhand thrower- if you have both shots, you will use them equally. A few holes have varying relief- mainly #18 and #17.
There are a couple bomber holes on this course- 400+ ft holes that are fairly open, but placement is still important for your approach shot. The course is unique, and there are still holes I haven't figured out after playing the course 20+ times.
Signature Hole- #18 -big downhill shot from atop a mound- 325 ft- perfect finishing hole
Tee pads- nice big tee pads, with padding off the tee pad for your follow through- I haven't seen this on any other course. It's nice.
Great maintenance and work put into the course- I wish all courses were similar in this regard. And this isn't even a pay-to-play course.
Landscaping- Rock landscaping around some of the pins and tee pads- woodchips on most greens with a 10 m circle cut around the pins on the holes- also a huge plus.
Cons:
Views aren't the best- looking onto baseball diamonds and parking lots- what do you expect from a city course though?
Crowds- The course can get crowded- its biggest Con.
Crowds- The course can get crowded- its biggest Con.
7
0
ajkuck
Experience:
17.4 years
55 played
31 reviews
Up and Coming Course 2+ years drive by
Reviewed:
Updated:
Played on:Jun 6, 2012
Played the course:5+ times
Pros:
This is one of my new favorite courses. Many of the tee pads are brand new and they are starting to put in erosion control and wood chips around the greens, which is nice to see. The front 9 offers a variety of relatively open holes, while the back 9 consists of mainly open holes in the woods. The back 9 is definitely more technical and requires some accurate drives. There is also water on several holes and constant elevation changes throughout the whole course, which add even more technicality to the course. There are plenty of birdie opportunities on this course as well.
Cons:
The course is quite busy and some of the holes are a little tight together, especially on the first several holes, which can lead to a log jam as people have to wait for others to throw on separate holes.
Other Thoughts:
I couldn't believe when I went back and played this course this summer. Considering that it is not pay to play, the course is in awesome condition and appears to be continually improving. I can't imagine how awesome this course would be if it was pay to play, it would also hopefully keep some of the crowd off of the course. Lakewood Hills is an awesome course with some cool features and a lot of variety when it comes to hole selection and layout. Overall, this makes for a very interesting, fun round and it's really not all that difficult, so you can definitely have some low scores while playing here.
10
0
Beginner/Intermediate 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 24, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
- Course is set in a pretty crowded city park, there is a pavilion at the start, a walking path by a few holes, some baseball fields, so there might be some spilloff onto the DG course. Shouldn't be major interference, but it's possible.
- Back half of the course is set in a wooded section of the park, which have some of the more interesting holes. The highlight is #10, a tight multi-shot hole with two hyzer routes off the tee, around trees on the left. It is important to finish left here, as the next shot has lots of trees on the right side to get around. Some water on the right halfway as well. Tough hole. A bunch of other holes need good accuracy, like a RHBH anny on #9, a RHFH flex line on #13, a hyzer around some water on #12, and some very straight shots on #14 and #15. #16 is another tougher hole, a valley shot through a gap that ends out of the woods.
- Most other holes are out in the open, with trees here and there to make things tough. The tricky holes also use dense rough to force lines, like a dogleg right on #6, and a much longer and tougher 557' dogleg right on #7. #8 is another bomber, a slight uphill hyzer off the tee, with a downhill valley finish around a huge tree. Some other cool shots like a blind hyzer on #2 and a blind anny on #4.
- Some healthy elevation changes on a few holes, like a downhill shot on #11 with a blocked RHBH hyzer line, a steep shot up a hill on #17, and the corresponding downhill bomber on #18. Good stuff. Some gentler ones are present in many other spots; like valley shots on #1, #5, #10 and #16. Downhill slopes on #2, #11, #12, #15, and uphill on #3, #6, #9, #13, and #14. A constant feature of the course, which definitely keeps it interesting.
- Decent amount of hazards here, with water present on #1, #10, and #12, that are all in play and definitely dangerous. Thick rough out in the open and some jail in the woods to get into, and also a few tricky basket placements like the pin on top of the hill on #17.
- Nice signs, good teepads, good baskets. Everything in good shape overall. Navigation can be a little tricky in spots, like #3 to #4, and #8 to #9. Nothing too bad, but the map helps out.
- Back half of the course is set in a wooded section of the park, which have some of the more interesting holes. The highlight is #10, a tight multi-shot hole with two hyzer routes off the tee, around trees on the left. It is important to finish left here, as the next shot has lots of trees on the right side to get around. Some water on the right halfway as well. Tough hole. A bunch of other holes need good accuracy, like a RHBH anny on #9, a RHFH flex line on #13, a hyzer around some water on #12, and some very straight shots on #14 and #15. #16 is another tougher hole, a valley shot through a gap that ends out of the woods.
- Most other holes are out in the open, with trees here and there to make things tough. The tricky holes also use dense rough to force lines, like a dogleg right on #6, and a much longer and tougher 557' dogleg right on #7. #8 is another bomber, a slight uphill hyzer off the tee, with a downhill valley finish around a huge tree. Some other cool shots like a blind hyzer on #2 and a blind anny on #4.
- Some healthy elevation changes on a few holes, like a downhill shot on #11 with a blocked RHBH hyzer line, a steep shot up a hill on #17, and the corresponding downhill bomber on #18. Good stuff. Some gentler ones are present in many other spots; like valley shots on #1, #5, #10 and #16. Downhill slopes on #2, #11, #12, #15, and uphill on #3, #6, #9, #13, and #14. A constant feature of the course, which definitely keeps it interesting.
- Decent amount of hazards here, with water present on #1, #10, and #12, that are all in play and definitely dangerous. Thick rough out in the open and some jail in the woods to get into, and also a few tricky basket placements like the pin on top of the hill on #17.
- Nice signs, good teepads, good baskets. Everything in good shape overall. Navigation can be a little tricky in spots, like #3 to #4, and #8 to #9. Nothing too bad, but the map helps out.
Cons:
- One of the biggest cons is a crammed layout by some holes. #2 and #3 almost share a fairway; since #2 is downhill it is very easy to shank shots right, directly in the business of anyone on #3. #5 also feels a little busy, between #2 and #8.
- Half of the holes here are pretty wide open, with maybe one or two trees to worry about. The elevation changes help out a lot to keep things interesting, but they're still just grip and rip shots.
- Half of the holes here are pretty wide open, with maybe one or two trees to worry about. The elevation changes help out a lot to keep things interesting, but they're still just grip and rip shots.
Other Thoughts:
- All in all, a pretty fun course that has a nice balance of wooded and open shots. Constant elevation changes in and out of the woods, and both long and short holes in each as well. A pretty good variety of lines, righty and lefty, with some tough doglegs and multi-shot holes. Definitely plays on the easier side, even with some tougher holes mixed in, very well suited to beginners or intermediate players. Worth checking out at least once, for any skill level.
9
0
Very impressive! 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:May 14, 2012
Played the course:once
Pros:
-Very nice mix of open and wooded with a natural progression from open to wooded as the round goes on
-Nice, long concrete tee pads
-Garbage cans & benches at nearly every hole
-Dual tees on most holes
-Good signage that includes the shot shaping required, par, distance, and direction to next hole
-Fairly good erosion control throughout with wood chipping (some holes in the woods could probably use more though)
-Nice, long concrete tee pads
-Garbage cans & benches at nearly every hole
-Dual tees on most holes
-Good signage that includes the shot shaping required, par, distance, and direction to next hole
-Fairly good erosion control throughout with wood chipping (some holes in the woods could probably use more though)
Cons:
-No convenient bathrooms on the course
-Because it's good (and free) the course can be quite busy
-There are ponds on two holes, but it requires a pretty lousy shot for them to come into play, this is a little bit of a missed opportunity
-It's not too hard to find your way, but there is a little bit of a walk in between several of the holes
-Because it's good (and free) the course can be quite busy
-There are ponds on two holes, but it requires a pretty lousy shot for them to come into play, this is a little bit of a missed opportunity
-It's not too hard to find your way, but there is a little bit of a walk in between several of the holes
Other Thoughts:
First off, I was quite impressed with this course as a whole. It is a very well taken care of course. These are some of the best tee pads I've ever played on, Blue Ribbon Pines included. There is a decent amount of wood chipping for erosion control throughout. The course was surprisingly clean, as busy free courses tend to have a lot of riff-raff at them and consequently more litter... that was not the case here. There are garbage cans & benches at nearly every hole which I would assume help greatly with littering.
The course flows from mostly open field holes with a few obstacles to some rather tight wooded holes starting around hole 9. The course also ends with two more open holes. There is a nice variety of shot shaping required as well as a lot of elevation changes throughout. There are no extreme elevation changes here, but plenty of variety. There is also a decent mix of distance throughout the course as the shortest is somewhere around 165' and the longest is darn close to 600'.
The City of White Bear Lake has put a good amount of effort into this course and it shows. It is easily one of the best, if not the best, free course I have been to in the Metro area. I don't have a lot of courses left to visit in the area, so I'm comfortable in saying that this is one of my favorites in the area. This course is worth a visit and is a good destination course during a day of disc golfing. I didn't need a map the first time, but it may be beneficial to print one off if you don't have the chance to follow a group playing in front of you as I did. I will definitely come back to this course even though it is 30 miles away for me.
The course flows from mostly open field holes with a few obstacles to some rather tight wooded holes starting around hole 9. The course also ends with two more open holes. There is a nice variety of shot shaping required as well as a lot of elevation changes throughout. There are no extreme elevation changes here, but plenty of variety. There is also a decent mix of distance throughout the course as the shortest is somewhere around 165' and the longest is darn close to 600'.
The City of White Bear Lake has put a good amount of effort into this course and it shows. It is easily one of the best, if not the best, free course I have been to in the Metro area. I don't have a lot of courses left to visit in the area, so I'm comfortable in saying that this is one of my favorites in the area. This course is worth a visit and is a good destination course during a day of disc golfing. I didn't need a map the first time, but it may be beneficial to print one off if you don't have the chance to follow a group playing in front of you as I did. I will definitely come back to this course even though it is 30 miles away for me.